Highlights

Sossusvlei

Climb the world’s tallest dunes at Sossusvlei and explore the eerie beauty of Deadvlei. This surreal desert landscape is a photographer’s dream and a must-see in Namibia. 

Etosha National Park

Etosha’s vast salt pan and water holes attract abundant wildlife. Enjoy classic safari drives and spot elephants, lions, rhinos and giraffes in their natural habitat.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is Namibia’s most popular seaside town. Explore the Moon Landscape, Swakopmund River Valley and Welwitschia Plains, revealing ancient geology, desert biodiversity and rare plant life. 

Damaraland

Home to desert-adapted elephants and ancient rock art, Damaraland is a rugged, cultural treasure. Visit Twyfelfontein and experience Namibia’s wild, untamed spirit. 

Skeleton Coast

Famous for shipwrecks and fog-shrouded shores, the Skeleton Coast is hauntingly beautiful. Discover windswept dunes, seal colonies and dramatic desert-meets-ocean views. 

Caprivi Strip

A lush contrast to Namibia’s deserts, the Caprivi Strip teems with rivers, wetlands and wildlife. Enjoy boat safaris, birdwatching, and water-based game viewing in remote parks.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Namibia: +264 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Namibia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Namibia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

Emergency Services: 112 Ambulance: 112 Fire: 112 Police: 112 

 

Australian Consulate, Windhoek 

56 Chalcedoon Street, PO Box 86491, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia 

Phone: (+264) 61 300 194 
Mobile: (+264) 81 283 4629 
Email: australian.consulate.namibia@gmail.com  

 

Australian High Commission, Pretoria 

292 Orient Street, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa 

Phone: (+27) 12 423 6000 
Fax: (+27) 12 342 8442 
Email: pretoria.info@dfat.gov.au  

 

New Zealand High Commission Pretoria, South Africa 

125 Middel Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, 0181 Pretoria, South Africa 

Phone: +27 12 435 9000 
Email: enquiries@nzhc.co.za  

Customs

Namibia has a blend of ethnic groups, including the Himba, Herero, San (Bushmen), Damara and Ovambo, each with their own traditions and ways of life. 

Respect for elders and community leaders is important in Namibian culture. Modest dress is best, especially in rural areas. While casual attire is acceptable in cities and tourist areas, covering shoulders and knees is expected when visiting villages or cultural sites. If you're visiting a Himba or San community, it’s best to go with a local guide who can facilitate respectful interactions and explain appropriate behaviour. 

Ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly in traditional communities. Some may expect a small tip or may prefer not to be photographed at all. 

Namibia places a strong emphasis on conservation and responsible tourism. Travellers are encouraged to respect wildlife, avoid littering, and support community-based tourism initiatives that benefit local people and protect natural resources.

Electricity

Electrical Socket type: Type D and Type M

Voltage: 220-240 volts, 50 Hz 

Health

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor.  
 

If you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you'll need a valid yellow fever certificate to enter Namibia. 

Malaria is common in northern Namibia. To protect yourself from disease, make sure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and consider taking medicine to prevent malaria. 

Cholera mainly occurs in rural areas. To protect yourself against cholera, avoid ice cubes, avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads and drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids. 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Namibia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Namibia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

Most international travellers arrive via Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located approximately 45 minutes from the capital, Windhoek. Major international airlines such as Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways service this airport. Regional flights also connect Namibia to neighbouring countries like South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. 

 

Once in Namibia, getting around is part of the adventure. The country is well-suited for self-drive travel, with a network of well-maintained gravel and tarred roads that make it easy to explore at your own pace. Renting a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially if you plan to visit remote areas like Damaraland, Kaokoland or the Skeleton Coast.  

 

Domestic flights are another efficient option, particularly for covering long distances between destinations such as Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund.  

 

In towns and cities, taxis and shuttle services are available, though public transport is limited and not typically used by tourists.

Holidays & Festivals

  • Independence Day (21 March): Celebrates Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990. 
  • Cassinga Day (4 May): Honours those who died in the 1978 Cassinga massacre during the liberation struggle. 
  • Africa Day (25 May): Marks the founding of the African Union, celebrating African unity and heritage. 
  • Heroes’ Day (26 August): Commemorates the start of Namibia’s armed resistance in 1966. 
  • Human Rights Day / Women’s Day (10 December): Recognises human rights achievements and the role of women in Namibian society. 

Language

English is the official language in Namibia. Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, and other Indigenous languages are also widely spoken. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

In Namibia, the official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 with the South African Rand (ZAR). Both are widely accepted. While credit and debit cards are widely used in cities, towns, and lodges, it’s advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in cities. 

Tipping is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is standard if service isn’t already included. For safari guides, US$10–$20 per day is typical, while lodge staff often receive pooled tips of US$5–$10 per day. Porters and drivers also appreciate small gratuities.  

Namibia offers a wide range of locally made crafts and artworks. Popular items include wood carvings, Oshiwambo baskets, Himba jewellery, San (Bushmen) art, semi-precious stones and handmade leather goods. The craft markets in Windhoek, Okahandja, and Swakopmund are wonderful places to find authentic souvenirs. Bargaining is common in markets but should be done respectfully. Always check that items made from animal products, such as ivory or certain skins, are legal and ethically sourced. 

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Australian and New Zealand passport holders need to apply for a visa on arrival in Namibia or submit an online application prior to travel. Visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. 

You will need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Namibia if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs. 

 

Travel via South Africa: If you're travelling through South Africa, you must meet South African entry and transit requirements: Travel advice for South Africa 

 
Official Travel advice visit:  

Namibia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Namibia | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)  

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