Things to Do in Namibia

About Namibia

Namibia unfolds like a fever dream painted in rust and gold, where ancient dunes meet star-drunk skies in perfect silence. This is Africa stripped to its elemental essence—a land where the Namib Desert has whispered secrets for 80 million years, and elephants navigate dry riverbeds like maritime ghosts following invisible currents. Here, the otherworldly clay pan of Sossusvlei cradles 900-year-old camel thorn trees in a tableau so surreal it defies earthbound logic. The skeleton coast stretches endlessly, littered with whale bones and shipwrecks, while inland, the Fish River Canyon yawns open like the planet's own meditation on time and erosion. Namibia doesn't merely showcase nature—it strips away everything unnecessary until only wonder remains. This is a country that teaches you to listen to silence, to find profound beauty in emptiness, and to understand that some of Earth's most powerful moments happen in the spaces between heartbeats.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a 4WD vehicle with GPS and satellite phone for remote areas. Carry extra fuel, water, and spare tires. Main roads are tarred, but accessing attractions like Sossusvlei requires gravel road navigation. Book car rentals 2-3 months ahead during peak season.

Money: Use Namibian Dollars (NAD) or South African Rand (accepted 1:1). Credit cards work in Windhoek and Swakopmund, but carry cash for rural lodges, fuel stations, and markets. ATMs are scarce outside major towns—withdraw maximum amounts when available.

Cultural Respect: Ask permission before photographing Himba or other indigenous people; expect to pay a small fee. Remove shoes when entering homes. Greet elders first in group settings. Avoid pointing with your index finger—use an open hand gesture instead.

Food Safety: Drink bottled or filtered water outside major cities. Try local specialties like biltong, potjiekos, and game meat at reputable restaurants. Avoid street food in remote areas. Pack snacks for long drives—rural areas have limited dining options between towns.

When to Visit

Namibia's dry season (May-October) offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and 5-15°C (41-59°F) at night. This peak season sees 30-50% higher accommodation prices but provides clear skies perfect for stargazing and wildlife viewing at waterholes. Rainfall is minimal, averaging under 10mm monthly. The wet season (November-April) brings afternoon thunderstorms, with December-March receiving 60-150mm of rain monthly. Temperatures soar to 35-40°C (95-104°F), but accommodation costs drop 25-40%. February-April offers dramatic desert blooms if rains are good. For photography, visit April-May when crowds thin but weather remains pleasant. Wildlife enthusiasts should choose August-October when animals concentrate around water sources. The Windhoek Carnival occurs in April, while the Oktoberfest celebration happens in October. Budget travelers benefit from November-March's lower prices, accepting heat and occasional storms. Photographers seeking dramatic storm clouds should visit January-February, though access to some dune areas may be limited. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October provide the perfect balance of good weather, moderate pricing, and fewer crowds.