About Namibia

Namibia backpacking tours are famous for the country's wide range of stunning natural attractions. Beaches, deserts, sand dunes and much more await the traveler seeking the ultimate desert adventure in Namibia.

Namibia Budget Travel

Below is a list of Namibia's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Etosha National Park, Himba Village, Luderitz, Skeleton Coast National Park, Sossusvlei, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Waterberg Plateau, Windhoek

Fast Facts

Currency
Namibian dollar (NAD)

Dialing Code
264

AIDS

Namibia HIV/AIDS is a major concern, with a prevalence rate of 15.3% in adults of 15 years and older. This comes to an estimated 180,000 people living with HIV or AIDS by the end of 2007, with a recorded 5,100 AIDS related deaths in 2007. There are approximately 14,000 children of 15 years or younger living with HIV or AIDS, and about 61% of women are affected.

Airports

Namibia airports include:
• Hosea Kutako Windhoek International Airport
• Walvis Bay Airport
• Luderitz Airport

Birdlife

Namibia birdlife varies from coastal birds to wetland species, with a diverse range of habitats ranging from desert to coastal regions as well as woodlands and forest to some extent. There are about 19 Important Bird Areas (IBA's) in Namibia, and an estimated 630 recorded species, with only one endemic species.

Conservation

Namibia conservation is fairly progressive, with a number of initiatives including eco-tourism and controlled hunting projects in the country. Some of the biggest conservation efforts lie in protecting key endangered species such as cheetah, wild dog and rhino, and the country also has some of Africa's top game reserves and national parks which preserve a wide range of animal and plant species.

Culture

Namibia culture influences include the following:
• Afrikaans, German and traditional African cultures provide a mixture of influences and cultural heritages
• Festivals are a popular aspect of current Namibian culture
• Sports are a popular pastime in the country
• Music and dance plays a key role in many local cultures
• Literature is important for ancient and current cultures

Customs

Namibia customs allow for free import of the following for travellers over 16 years:
• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco
• 2l of wine and 1l of spirits
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Gifts to the value of N$50,000

Health

Namibia health care is a lot more advanced than many African countries, and Windhoek has a number of fair medical facilities. Generally, health risks are fairly low and water is safe to drink in almost all areas. The country is mostly malaria-free, except for areas around Caprivi, and if travellers take basic health precautions during their travels there should be no cause for concern.

Innoculations

Namibia inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected zone)

Languages

Namibia languages include:
• English (official language)
• Oshiwambo
• Afrikaans
• German

Malaria

Namibia malaria information includes:
• Malaria medication is needed for Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and the Caprivi Strip
• Malaria medication includes Larium, Malarone, or doxycycline
• If you are coming from a malaria zone be sure to continue the course as prescribed
• Follow basic guidelines such as using mosquito repellent and mosquito netting
• Speak to your doctor about malaria medication you will need

Money

Namibia money and banking information includes:
• ATMs can be found in all major cities
• US Dollars and South African Rands are often accepted at major retailers
• Most large hotels, game parks and shops accept credit cards
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, airports or hotels
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 09h00-11h00

People

Namibia people include the following groups:
• Ovambo 50%
• Kavangos 9%
• Herero 7%
• Damara 7%
• Nama 5%
• Caprivian 4%
• Bushmen 3%
• Baster 2%
• Tswana 0.5%

Phrase

Namibia local phrases in Afrikaans include:
• Good morning - Goeimore
• How are you? - Hoe gaan dit?
• I'm fine - Goed
• Please - Asseblief
• Thank you - Dankie

Plants

Namibia plant life is varied and diverse, with a range of desert plants to be found including baobab and grasses, plus coastal and wetlands vegetation. There are about 200 endemic plant species in the country, and a total of 120 tree species. Vegetation regions include savannah which covers 64%, dry woodlands and forests which cover 20% while desert vegetation covers 16% of the country.

Population

A July 2005 UN estimate puts the population in Namibia at 1,820,916.

Religion

Namibia religion includes:
• Christian 80%
• Indigenous beliefs 20%

Safety Tips

Namibia safety tips include the following:
• Namibia is generally a safe and friendly travel destination
• Petty crime such as muggings, pick-pocketing and car break-ins are more common in the cities
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure, and carry a certified copy of your ID at all times
• Avoid travelling alone through the desert areas as it can be easy to get lost
• Be cautious in game reserves and do not leave the camp to wander alone as wildlife can be present at any time

Transport

Namibia local transport options include:
• Car
• Bus
• Train
• Taxi

Travel Books

Namibia recommended travel books include:
• Namibia: The Bradt Travel Guide by Chris McIntyre
• Namibia Footprint Handbooks by Lizzie Williams
• Namibia Insight Guide by Apa
• Namibia Globetrotter Travel Pack by Willie Olivier and Sandra Olivier
• Namibia Lonely Planet Travel Guide by Deanna Swaney

Visa Requirements

Namibia visa information is as follows:
• Most nationals do not require a visa for Namibian travel
• Check with your local embassy to ensure that your country does not require a visa before you travel to Namibia
• A valid passport of 6 months minimum is required
• Visas are generally valid for up to 3 months
• Visa requirements can change at any time, so be sure to contact your local embassy to stay up to date

What To Buy

What to buy for Namibia safaris:
• Namibia travel guide and local phrase book
• Binoculars for bird and game viewing
• Sturdy backpack plus a decent moneybag to keep valuables safe
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• First aid kit with a range of supplies and basic medicine

What To Pack

What to pack for Namibia safaris:
• Neutral coloured clothing in lightweight fabric
• Comfortable walking shoes as well as sandals
• Swimming costume and spare beach towels
• Camera, batteries plus spare film or memory cards
• Warm jacket for cooler weather

When To Go

When to go to Namibia:
• The best time to visit is between May and September in the cooler months
• The winter months from April to October are best for Caprivi game viewing
• December and January are the busiest times along coastal areas
• October to March is the best time to visit the Namib coast
• The heaviest rains fall from January to April

Wildlife

Namibia wildlife is diverse and fairly rich, with a wide range of species including large mammals, smaller mammals, desert-dwelling species plus coastal species. There are 8 species endemic to Namibia, and the country also has the largest cheetah population in Southern Africa among other large game ranging from lion to elephant. The country has a number of prime game parks where large concentrations of wildlife can be seen.