Welcome to Namibia

First time to Africa? Try Namibia, known as “Africa for beginners.” The natural beauty of the country is staggering, including everything from the Namib – the world’s oldest desert – to the Sossusvlei valley to surreal sand dunes to the rugged Fish River Canyon to the Caprivi Strip wetlands to the Kalahari grasslands – all set off by a backbone of mountains.

Within this iconic African setting, you can search for lions and elephants in Etosha National Park, also home to the continent’s largest population of wild black rhinos. Learn the story of Namibia’s ancient roots and its traditional people through incredible museums and in far-flung settlements, like the HImba and the San. You’ll come home enlightened and enriched.

Unique Facts

• Not just home to free-ranging black rhinos, Namibia also hosts the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs.
• Namibia is the world’s second-least densely populated country, yet home to 13 different ethnic groups.
• Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is famous for its fog-induced shipwrecks. The Bushmen call it “The Land God Made in Anger,” while the Portuguese call is “The Gates of Hell.”
• The renowned Sossusvlei Dunes features Big Daddy at 1,066 feet tall and Dune 45, the most photographed dune in the world.
• You can see more than 2,500 cave paintings and carvings, some of which are almost 6,000 years old, at Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein.

Language

Namibia’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Namibia is June to October.

Airports

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes, planeside visa available for tourists up to 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Namibia: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types D and M. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Namibian Dollar

Getting Around

The road conditions in Namibia are generally satisfactory, though sand, salt and gravel roads can become slippery when wet and are more dangerous at night. Do not drive after dark outside of urban centers.

Public transportation is available in the capital city, but not widely available outside Windhoek. Within the capital, you can find taxi and city bus service. Use extreme caution if using taxi service as foreigh citizens have been robbed by drivers of taxis in Windhoek. Use car rentals or radioed taxis instead of hailing on the street.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Windhoek
14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz
Windhoek, Namibia
Telephone: +(264)(61) 295-8522
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(264)(85) 686-0853
Fax: +(264)(61) 295-8603
consularwindhoek@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Namibia Tourism & Information Centre
49 Stubel St.
Windhoek
Namibia City of Namibia
Tel: 061 276 600

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance, Fire: +264 (61) 211 111
Police: +264 (61) 10111

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Namibia. The most common crimes are pickpocketing, purse snatching, particularly on trains, buses and taxis, as well as ATM card skimming and automobile thefts and break-ins. Violent crime is increasing in Windhoek. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Assaults on taxi passengers are common.