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Summary
Neighboring Countries
Did you know?
World’s Oldest Desert – The Namib Desert is over 55 million years old, making it the oldest desert on Earth.
Overview
Months
04. April, 08. August, 12. December, 06. June, 07. July, 03. March, 05. May, 10. October, 11. November, 09. September
Vacation type
Safari, Beach, Couple, Family, Hiking, Nature, Mountains
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
20-25°C, 25-30°C, Over 30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Africa
Currency
Namibian dollar, South African rand
Languages
English, Afrikaans, German
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season from May to October. During these months, you can expect warm, sunny weather and low humidity, which is ideal for exploring the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
- May to October: Features clear skies, cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, and minimal rainfall. This period is excellent for wildlife viewing in national parks such as Etosha, as animals are more likely to gather around water sources.
- June to August: Offers the coolest temperatures and is popular for safaris and outdoor activities, though mornings and evenings can be quite cold.
The rainy season runs from November to April, with higher humidity and occasional thunderstorms. While this period can bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists, travel might be less comfortable due to the heat and potential flooding in some areas.
Climate Data
Peak Season (April to October)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 9 to 11 hours.
Rain Frequency: Rare, dry season with little to no rainfall.
Rainy Hours per Day: None.
Intensity: N/A.
Duration: N/A.
Off-Peak Season (November to March)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: Occasional, with rain mostly occurring in the summer months.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Light to moderate rain.
Duration: Rain tends to be brief but can be heavy in some areas, particularly in the north.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: May-October (Dry Season)
Budget Vacation ($40-80/day)
Accommodation: $20-40/night (budget guesthouses, hostels).
Food: $10-20/day (local food, street food).
Activities: $10-20/day (safaris, nature walks).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($100-250/day)
Accommodation: $40-100/night (mid-range hotels, safari lodges).
Food: $20-50/day (restaurants).
Activities: $30-50/day (guided tours, safaris).
Transportation: $10-20/day (car rentals, local taxis).
Other Costs: $10-20/day (shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($250+/day)
Accommodation: $100+/night (luxury safari lodges, resorts).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $50+/day (private safaris, luxury tours).
Transportation: $30+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $20+/day (luxury shopping).
Off-Peak Season: November-April (Wet Season)
Budget Vacation ($30-60/day)
Accommodation: $10-30/night (budget guesthouses).
Food: $5-10/day (local food).
Activities: $5-10/day (nature walks).
Transportation: $5-10/day (local transport).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-150/day)
Accommodation: $30-70/night (mid-range hotels, guesthouses).
Food: $10-25/day (cafes, local restaurants).
Activities: $10-30/day (safaris, nature hikes).
Transportation: $5-15/day (car rentals).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $60+/night (luxury lodges, resorts).
Food: $20+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $20+/day (private safaris, experiences).
Transportation: $10+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Windhoek
- The capital city, known for its blend of modern and colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and as a gateway to explore Namibia.
2. Swakopmund
- A coastal city famous for its well-preserved German colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and outdoor adventure activities like sandboarding and quad biking.
3. Walvis Bay
- Known for its bustling port, lagoon, and opportunities for bird-watching, especially for flamingos.
4. Ondangwa
- A town in northern Namibia with cultural significance and as a center for regional trade.
5. Lüderitz
- A coastal town with distinctive colonial architecture, known for its historical sites and proximity to the unique Sperrgebiet National Park.
Windhoek
Did you know?
Ghost Town in the Sand – Kolmanskop is a deserted German mining town that has been completely swallowed by the desert.
Islands
1. Sandwich Harbour
- Located in the Namib Desert, this area features a unique combination of sand dunes and a lagoon, offering striking landscapes and bird-watching opportunities.
2. Chamberlain's Island
- Situated in the Zambezi River, this island is known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
3. Römer Island
- Part of the Zambezi River system, it is a tranquil spot for nature enthusiasts and offers great views and wildlife experiences.
4. Pelican Point
- Located near Walvis Bay, known for its seal colony and stunning coastal views.
5. Shark Island
- A small island in the Namibian coastal waters, known for its beautiful vistas and proximity to marine life.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Explore the iconic red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, and visit the surreal Deadvlei, a white clay pan dotted with ancient, dead camel thorn trees.
2. Etosha National Park
- Experience one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves, where you can see large herds of elephants, lions, rhinos, and more around the vast salt pan that dominates the park.
2. Fish River Canyon
- Hike or take in the breathtaking views of the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world, offering dramatic landscapes and a challenging multi-day hiking trail.
4. Skeleton Coast
- Discover the eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast, where foggy shores are littered with shipwrecks and the landscape is marked by dunes, seal colonies, and abandoned diamond mines.
5. Damaraland
- Explore the rugged terrain of Damaraland, home to unique wildlife like desert-adapted elephants and rhinos, ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein, and striking geological formations like the Organ Pipes.
6. Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region)
- Visit this lush, water-rich area of Namibia, offering a stark contrast to the arid regions, where you can enjoy boat safaris, birdwatching, and encounters with hippos and crocodiles in its many rivers and wetlands.
Cultural Attractions
1. Swakopmund
- Experience the blend of German colonial architecture and African atmosphere in this coastal town, where you can enjoy activities like sandboarding, quad biking in the dunes, and exploring the town’s historical sites.
2. Kolmanskop
- Explore this ghost town near Lüderitz, once a thriving diamond mining community, now a hauntingly beautiful site where sand dunes have invaded the abandoned buildings.
3. Himba Villages
- Visit traditional Himba communities in the Kunene region, where you can learn about the unique culture, customs, and lifestyle of this semi-nomadic, pastoralist tribe.
4. Windhoek Craft Market
- Explore Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, and visit the craft markets where you can find traditional Namibian crafts, including wood carvings, jewelry, and textiles, while interacting with local artisans.
5. Brandberg Mountain
- Hike up Namibia’s highest mountain, known for its ancient rock art, including the famous “White Lady” painting, and its stunning, often sunburned, granite landscapes.
6. Namib-Naukluft National Park
- Explore one of Africa’s largest protected areas, featuring diverse landscapes including vast desert plains, rugged mountains, and unique wildlife like oryx and springbok, along with fascinating geological features like the Moon Landscape.
How to get around
1. Car Rentals
- Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes. It provides the flexibility to visit remote areas, such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and Skeleton Coast. Roads can be rough, so a 4x4 is ideal for navigating gravel and sand roads.
2. Domestic Flights
- Domestic flights are useful for covering long distances quickly and reaching remote areas. Air Namibia (though now defunct, check current options) and other regional airlines offer flights connecting major destinations like Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Etosha. FlyNamibia and Wings Over Africa are examples of current operators.
3. Buses and Shuttle Services
- Long-distance buses connect major cities and towns, with companies like Intercape and Africa Bus offering routes. For more tailored travel, shuttle services operated by tour companies can take you to popular tourist spots and accommodations.
4. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- In cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund, taxis are available for local transport. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt may operate in Windhoek, offering a convenient option for city travel.
5. Tours
- Guided tours are a popular way to explore Namibia, especially for visiting national parks and remote regions. Tour operators offer a range of options from day trips to multi-day safaris, providing transportation, guides, and sometimes accommodations.
6. Cycling
- Renting a bicycle can be an enjoyable way to explore smaller towns or specific areas like Swakopmund. For long-distance or off-road cycling, it’s important to be well-prepared and aware of the terrain.
7. Walking
- Walking is feasible in urban areas and specific tourist sites, such as Sossusvlei and Damaraland, where guided walking tours might be available. It’s best for exploring towns and specific attractions rather than covering long distances.
For the best experience, use a rental car with a 4x4 for exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes, domestic flights for long-distance travel, and guided tours for a comprehensive experience of national parks and remote areas. Taxis, shuttle services, and ride-hailing apps are useful for local transport in cities.
Did you know?
Wild Desert Elephants – Namibia is one of the few places where elephants have adapted to live in the harsh desert environment.
What to eat
1. Biltong
- Dried cured meat, often made from beef or game, a popular snack.
2. Potjiekos
- A slow-cooked stew made with meat and vegetables, cooked in a cast-iron pot.
3. Omajova Mushrooms
- Wild mushrooms cooked in various ways, often enjoyed as a delicacy.
4. Kapana
- Grilled meat skewers seasoned with spices, a popular street food.
5. Namibian Braai
- A traditional barbecue featuring a variety of meats, showcasing local flavors.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €500 to €800.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to January and summer months.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to January and summer months.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to January and summer months.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,000 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to January and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $500.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to January and summer months.
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa for short visits.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Namibian visa at a Namibian embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Typically issued for stays of up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from 3 to 10 business days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance if required.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders should refer to their specific visa for duration.
7. Health Requirements
- A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country. Travel insurance is also recommended.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types D and M (three rectangular pins) are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like MTC and Cell C.
6. Driving Side
- In Namibia, people drive on the left side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Himba Tribal Jewelry
- Intricately crafted jewelry made by the Himba people, often using beads, metal, and leather to create beautiful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
2. Namibian Gemstones
- Namibia is known for its semi-precious stones like tourmaline, amethyst, and garnet. These can be made into stunning jewelry or kept as natural specimens.
3. Wooden Carvings
- Hand-carved animals, figures, and masks crafted by local artisans, reflecting Namibia’s rich cultural heritage and wildlife.
Gemstones
Location
You already visited this country? Share your experiences with others! Tell us what’s worth seeing, what to skip, the things you wish you knew before your trip, what surprised you, what do you wish you knew earlier? Leave a review and help others plan smarter. Thanks in advance! :))
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