Will you soon be traveling through Namibia And are you looking for practical tips before departure? Then you're right here. Namibia is the country of diversities. One moment you are standing barefoot in the sandy Sossusvlei and the next you are spotting wild animals from your jeep in Etosha National Park. This makes Namibia not only diverse but also versatile, making it a destination for young and old alike. In three weeks time we have seen a lot of Namibia and collected a lot of tips. Herewith all practical information and necessary tips for your trip through Namibia!
Take a tour of Namibia
Do you want to take a trip through Namibia, but aren't quite sure how to go about it? And maybe you're not sure about the itinerary and destinations yet? We will help you get started. During a 1-on-1 video interview we will map your wishes and advise you on the most beautiful places that suit you. Would you rather leave it all up to us? No problem! We organize your trip completely customized. Ask for a travel proposal for your vacation to Namibia.
Rent a 4WD or 4×4 jeep with rooftop tent
Namibia is pre-eminently the country to drive through independently. You can determine your own route and also explore the country at your own pace. There are only a few main roads in Namibia that are paved. Therefore, do not be surprised that you will be driving largely unpaved. A rental car with a good 4WD is certainly important. Even if you will be staying in lodges. For the ultimate experience, tour Namibia in a 4×4 jeep with rooftop tent so you can camp under a clear starry sky at night.
The distances in Namibia are great
You will spend a lot of time in your rental car during your tour of Namibia. Namibia is a vast country and the distances are long. Because you drive a lot on unpaved roads, your maximum average speed will be 80/90 kilometers per hour and it will take you longer to reach your destination. You don't want to risk a flat tire in the middle of the desert. Provide reading books if you can read in the car, download movies on your phone and get your favorite Spotity list offline. Alternatively, enjoy the natural landscapes around you. These are constantly changing and are breathtakingly beautiful.
How expensive is traveling around Namibia?
Traveling around Namibia is not cheap, but to some extent you have an influence on how expensive your trip will be. If you opt for a camping vacation like us, your two biggest expenses are the plane ticket (about €900,- per person) and the rental of the jeep with rooftop tent (about €2,000,-). Cooking yourself and sleeping in a tent is cheaper than eating out every day and staying in lodges. Of course, we did do this from time to time. In over three weeks, we spent about €1,500 per person on activities, groceries, hotel stays, lunches and dinners.
Always have your debit card, credit card and cash in your pocket
You might not expect it right away, but you can pay with your debit and credit card in many places in Namibia (in restaurants, stores and hotels). It is therefore handy to carry these with you at all times. But be sure to have enough cash as well. Sometimes there is a power failure and you can only pay with cash. Or they prefer cash locally. In addition, in Namibia you sometimes drive past locals selling souvenirs or fruit, if you want to buy something here you will also need cash. We also regularly tipped the locals who helped us refuel.
Tip: big money is best exchanged at the supermarket.
Traveling in the winter? Then pack your suitcase smartly
In Namibia, the months of June and July are winter. These are the months when many European tourists travel to Namibia. Because you visit different destinations, you will also have to deal with variable weather conditions. Keep in mind that the coastal destinations of Lüderitz and Swakopmund can be chilly and inclement during these months. Whereas in the desert near Spitzkoppe, it can be incredibly hot can be. So a handy tip is to work with as many layers as possible. Extra important for when you go camping during your tour of Namibia!
Purchase a SIM card at the airport
During our trip through Namibia, we bought a SIM card upon arrival at the airport in Windhoek. It is very nice to be able to navigate via Google Maps during your trip and keep the home front informed. After all, you won't have access to a Wi-Fi network everywhere in Namibia. There are two providers in Namibia, but basically both have their advantages and disadvantages. We used a sim card from MTC. There are different bundles so check locally which one suits you best. Needless to say, we had no coverage deep in the Namibian desert, but otherwise we had good coverage everywhere.
NWR Campsites must be booked well in advance
Accommodations in the well-known national parks are managed by Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR). Because of the popularity of these locations, it is advisable to book the lodges and camping spots here ahead of time. You can do this online through NWR's website. Locations we are referring to are Sossusvlei, Naukluft and Etosha National Park.
The best travel time for Namibia
Namibia's weather is fairly constant throughout the year. On average, the temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. Of course, the nights in the winter months are cooler than in the summer months and you have to deal with varying temperatures in the higher elevations. In the summer months (January through April) it can rain in Namibia, but that is not a given. In short, you can travel to Namibia in any month of the year.
Safety in Namibia
We experienced Namibia as a safe destination and in no case felt unsafe. There is some writing online about muggings, but if you always lock your car and don't leave valuables lying around you won't be mugged easily. In cities such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, it is recommended that you be on your guard at night and do not stroll the streets alone. But even in these cities we felt safe while walking from the restaurant to the hotel. A practical tip is to always take the travel advice from The Netherlands Worldwide for Namibia to keep an eye on.
