Namibia travel information
Getting There
Namibia’s international airport is in Windhoek. There are also domestic airports and airfields that connect major towns and safari destinations.
The national airline is Air Namibia. Depending on your arrival time, you may require a night in Windhoek.
Passports and Visas
No visa is required for Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
You need a current passport with six month’s validity from the date you return and two blank pages.
All children under the age of 18 are required to present an unabridged copy of their birth certificate when entering or leaving Namibia.
For more information, see Travelling to Africa with Children.
Weather and Climate
The climate in Namibia is typically semi-desert, with hot days and cool nights. Namibia averages about 300 days of sunshine annually.
In summer (October to April), the average temperatures range from 20 to 35 degrees celcius during the day and temperatures above 40 degrees are often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country. At the coast the temperature is generally much cooler, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees, and fog is common.
Winter runs May to September and temperatures range in the interior from 18 to 25 degrees during the day. Below freezing and frost are common at night.
Early rains may occur from October onwards and the main rainy season falls between January and April. During this time flash floods are common.
Getting Around
Namibia is accessible by light aircraft flights and road transfers. Private guided safaris, small group tours and self-drive safaris are the ideal way to experience the most of Namibia’s sweeping landscapes. Keep in mind the hotter temperatures and long distances between camps, as road conditions can slow you down. Flying in light aircrafts provides great scenic views and reduces the transfer time between camps.
Health
Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for measles, typhoid and hepatitis A & B, among others. Malaria is not overly prevalent in Namibia, however malaria prophylactics are recommended for safari travellers.
Currency
The local currency is the Namibia dollar which is fixed and equivalent to the South African rand. The Namibian dollar and South African rand are the only legal tender in Namibia.
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted.
Language
English is the official language in Namibia. German and Afrikaans are also widely used, as well as the various tribal languages and dialects belonging to the Bantu and Khoisan groups.