Travel tips Namibia

Yes, if you travel to Namibia with a Dutch passport, you will need a visa. You can get this visa upon arrival in Namibia, or apply online in advance via an e-Visa on the website of the Namibian government (note: this information is in English). In addition, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.

Are you traveling with children under the age of 18? Then they also need their own passport and visa. In addition, the Namibian government requires an (international) birth certificate for each child.

For the most up-to-date information on passports and visas, check out NederlandWereldwijd.nl.

The best time to visit Namibia depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do. Namibia's weather is fairly constant all year round, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Nights are cooler during the winter months than the summer months. The higher up you go, the more variable the temperatures are. During the summer months (January - April), it can rain in Namibia, but that is certainly not a given. In short, you can go to Namibia all year round just fine.

Summer and winter are opposite of the Dutch seasons. So keep this in mind when booking your trip. More useful tips can be found in our article full practical tips for traveling through Namibia.

Namibia has an incredible number of must-see sights. During our 3-week itinerary through Namibia, we visited the following highlights, and we can recommend each of them to you:

• Windhoek: spend part of a day in Namibia's capital city;
• Fish River Canyon: this is the second largest canyon in the world;
• Aus: the ideal destination for making beautiful walks;
• Lüderitz: a small and old fishing town with some interesting sights;
• Sossusvlei: the highlight of Namibia is undoubtedly the Sossusvlei national park;
• Naukluft NP: impressive mountain ranges where you can hike insanely;
• Swakopmund: the only bustling seaside resort in Namibia, you will find some delightful hotspots;
• Spitzkoppe: here you camp under breathtaking starry skies;
• Etosha NP: go on safari in one of the largest game reserves in Africa!

Yes, driving yourself in Namibia is not only doable, but also one of the most beautiful ways to discover the country. We have experienced this ourselves and even recommend it, especially with a 4×4 jeep with rooftop tent, the classic for a road trip through Namibia. It gives you ultimate freedom and takes you to places you would never get to otherwise.

Be aware that many roads are unpaved. Therefore, choose a modern and well-maintained car to reduce the chances of breakdowns such as a blowout. We recommend rent a car through Sunny Cars. Here everything is well insured and you won't face unexpected costs. You can easily select 4×4 and rooftop tent options on the website. 

In addition, always use common sense while driving in Namibia. Don't travel after dark, always lock the car, refuel on time and make sure you carry enough water and food.

The best place to spot wildlife in Namibia is without a doubt Etosha National Park. This vast nature reserve is known for its many game-rich waterholes where, with a little patience, you can see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and even rhinos. You can drive yourself or go on a guided safari here, both are unforgettable experiences.

You will also encounter animals outside Etosha: in Damaraland you have a chance of seeing desert elephants and rare black rhinos, and along the Zambezi region you will spot hippos, crocodiles and colorful birds.

Our tip? Plan several days in Etosha and choose a stay overlooking a waterhole. Then the wildlife just comes to you.

In Namibia you pay with the Namibian dollar (NAD), but in many places the South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted. Both currencies are often used interchangeably, so you don't have to worry about exchange rates within the country.

Large cities and tourist areas have plenty of ATMs, but once you drive into the more remote places or national parks, it's smart to always have plenty of cash on you. In fact, many smaller stores, markets and lodges do not accept debit card payments.

Tip: Make sure your debit card is suitable for international payments and check with your bank in advance to see if there are any fees. Also bring a credit card as a backup, especially for renting a car or booking tours. 

To avoid high fees, it is smart to use an international payment method that offers good exchange rates, such as the Wise payment card. This card gives you access to real market interest rates, which means you won't have to deal with unfavorable bank rates or high fees. Moreover, you can easily transfer money to different currencies without paying unnecessarily high fees.

Absolutely! Namibia is a fantastic destination for families looking for adventure together. Children will be enchanted by the impressive animals in Etosha National Park, the vast desert landscapes and the cool feeling of camping under the stars.

Many lodges and camps offer family-friendly facilities and activities, such as guided game drives that are also safe and fun for little ones. However, it is important to keep in mind the distances and climate: make sure to take plenty of rest breaks, plenty of water and protective clothing against the sun.

With proper preparation, your Namibia trip with children will be an unforgettable experience full of nature, culture and adventure! We gladly help you with personal travel advice for Namibia to put together your perfect safari, fully customized and with insider tips that will make your trip unforgettable.