Things To Do
in Namibia
Namibia, located in Southern Africa, is distinguished by its dramatic landscapes, including the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast and the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. It is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population, within vast national parks such as Etosha National Park.
Rich in culture and history, Namibia boasts a mix of African and German influences, visible in its cuisine, architecture, and languages, showcasing its colonial past alongside its vibrant indigenous heritage.
- "Ombinda yange" - My name is
- "Wa kachikile" - How are you?
- "Tangi ningi" - Thank you
- "Omaanda" - Goodbye
- "Omahenje" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early to watch the sunrise over the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. Climb Dune 45 for a stunning view over the desert.
After lunch, venture to the Dead Vlei, famous for its ancient, sun-bleached trees. Explore the eerie landscape and capture breathtaking photographs.
As the sun sets, drive back to your accommodation and relax. Enjoy a traditional Namibian dinner under the stars.
Arrive in Swakopmund and enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the coast. Spend the morning exploring the charming town and its German colonial architecture.
Try sandboarding or quad biking in the nearby dunes for an adrenaline rush. Alternatively, you can take a scenic boat tour to see marine wildlife.
Dine at one of Swakopmund's excellent seafood restaurants. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views as you unwind from an adventurous day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastlines.
- Rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife, including unique species like the desert-adapted elephants.
- Low population density, offering peace and tranquility.
- Strong cultural heritage with diverse tribes and communities.
- Developed tourism infrastructure, making it accessible for visitors.
- Stable political environment and a relatively low crime rate.
- Harsh climate, with extreme temperatures and limited rainfall in some areas.
- Limited access to healthcare in rural regions.
- High unemployment rates, with economic opportunities predominantly in urban areas.
- Challenges in transportation infrastructure, especially in remote locations.
- Water scarcity in certain regions, affecting agriculture and daily life.
- Dependence on tourism, making the economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Best Activities in Namibia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore one of the largest canyons in the world on a multi-day hiking trail, offering stunning landscapes and a challenging adventure.
Embark on a wildlife safari in one of Africa's premier game reserves, home to a vast array of animals including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
Experience the thrill of sliding down the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert on a sandboard, offering a unique and exhilarating outdoor activity.
Spend a night under the starry sky amidst the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, providing a memorable and immersive outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Namibia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Namibia
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its towering red sand dunes and stunning desert landscapes, providing amazing photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
One of the largest canyons in the world, offering breathtaking views and fantastic photography opportunities, particularly from the viewpoints along the rim.
Known for its abundant wildlife and expansive salt pans, providing great opportunities for capturing wildlife and beautiful African landscapes.
A surreal white clay pan dotted with ancient trees surrounded by massive red dunes, offering a unique and mesmerizing photo spot.
Food in Namibia
Namibia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Afrikaans barbecue featuring a variety of meats such as steak, sausage, and lamb chops, often accompanied by maize porridge and a tangy tomato and onion sauce. Best enjoyed at local open-air markets and social gatherings.
Must-Try!
A traditional dish of the Ovambo people, consisting of marinated and sun-dried beef or game meat, served with mahangu porridge. It provides a taste of authentic Namibian flavors and can be found in local eateries and traditional homesteads.
Originating from the Ovambo ethnic group, this grilled meat dish is a popular street food served with a spicy salsa made from onions, tomatoes, and chili. It is widely available at street stalls and informal markets in urban areas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Namibia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market offers a wide range of street food and local dishes, providing an opportunity to sample Namibian cuisine in a vibrant, cultural setting. It's a great place to experience the diverse culinary offerings of Namibia, including traditional snacks and indigenous food products.
Located in the coastal town of Swakopmund, this market is known for its array of street food vendors offering fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local delicacies. Visitors can savor traditional Namibian flavors while exploring the bustling market environment.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Namibia, it's important to greet people with a handshake, especially in rural areas. Use the appropriate greeting for the time of day, such as 'good morning' or 'good afternoon.'
Respect for elders is highly valued in Namibian culture. It's common to address older individuals with a title such as 'meme' (for women) or 'tate' (for men) as a sign of respect.
When visiting Namibia, especially in rural areas and traditional communities, it's important to dress modestly to show respect for the local culture. This means avoiding overly revealing clothing.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Namibia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Namibia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Namibia, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. It is common to tip around 10-15% at restaurants and to round up taxi fares. Some hotels and lodges may include a service charge in the bill, so it's advisable to check before tipping.
Cash is widely used in Namibia, especially in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and when traveling to more remote areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Namibia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time for wildlife viewing, clear skies, and cooler temperatures
Lush green landscapes, birdwatching, and opportunities to see newborn animals
Namibia at Night
Hiking in Namibia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the largest canyons in the world, Fish River Canyon offers breathtaking hikes along its rim and down into the canyon itself, with stunning views and unique geological formations.
Famous for its towering red dunes, Sossusvlei is a great hiking spot where visitors can climb the dunes or take scenic walks through the unique landscapes of the Namib Desert.
With its imposing sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna, the Waterberg Plateau offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes.
Home to the highest peak in Namibia, Brandberg Mountain features a range of hiking trails that offer views of ancient rock art and diverse wildlife in the surrounding area.
While mainly known for its game drives, certain areas of Etosha offer guided walks and trails where hikers can experience the park’s unique landscape and wildlife up close.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Namibia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Namibia by plane.
Located near Windhoek, this is the main international airport in Namibia.
The largest airport in Africa, located in South Africa, well-connected to Namibia.
A major international airport in South Africa, offering connections to various global destinations.
An international airport located in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Located in Livingstone, Zambia, this airport serves international travelers and is relatively close to Namibia.
An airport located near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, which attracts international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Namibia, primarily found in the northern regions.
A prominent group in the northeastern part of Namibia, along the Kavango River.
Known for their unique culture and history, primarily located in central Namibia.
An indigenous group in Namibia, historically known as the Damaraland region.
A group of South African Khoikhoi origin, primarily residing in the southern part of Namibia.
The indigenous people of southern Africa, known for their historical nomadic lifestyle.
A demographic group representing those of mixed European and indigenous descent.
Primarily of Dutch descent, this group includes settlers from South Africa.
A community descended from German settlers, primarily located in urban areas.
Includes various smaller ethnic communities and immigrants from different backgrounds.
The Soul of Namibia
Discover the essence of Namibia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Namibia, with a strong following and a national team that competes at the international level.
Football is widely played and watched in Namibia, with a vibrant league system and a national team representing the country in international competitions.
Cricket has gained popularity in Namibia, with a growing number of players and teams participating in both local and international matches.
Athletics is a popular sport in Namibia, with many athletes competing in track and field events at local, regional, and international levels.
Netball is played predominantly by women and has a significant following, with various leagues and competitions organized across the country.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Namibian cuisine prominently features meat, many restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Salads, grilled vegetables, and plant-based protein alternatives can be found on menus, catering to different dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary requirements can find suitable options in various eateries, especially those that serve international cuisine. Namibian dishes like grilled meats and fresh seafood often come with gluten-free accompaniments, and some places offer gluten-free bread and pasta.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Namibia with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Namibia.