Things to Do in Namibia

About Namibia

Namibia's Namib Desert has been around for 80 million years, making it the oldest desert on Earth. The country is mostly empty—rust-colored dunes, dry riverbeds, and skies so clear you can see thousands of stars. Elephants cross the desert following seasonal watercourses that only they seem to know about. Sossusvlei is a clay pan surrounded by orange dunes and dead camel thorn trees, some nearly 900 years old. The contrast works. The Skeleton Coast earned its name from whale bones and shipwrecks scattered along hundreds of miles of beach, and inland, Fish River Canyon cuts deep into the landscape as Africa's largest canyon. The country is quiet. Genuinely quiet. You won't find crowds here—Namibia has one of the lowest population densities on the planet. That emptiness is the point. Spend enough time in the desert and you'll notice things you normally miss: how light changes the dunes every hour, how silence has texture, how much space your thoughts need. This isn't a place that tries to entertain you. It just exists, and you either get it or you don't.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Car rental is essential for most tourists: 4WD vehicles cost 800-1,200 NAD ($45-67) daily from Avis or Budget at Windhoek airport. Intercape buses connect major towns for 200-600 NAD ($11-33) per journey. Windhoek city buses run 8-15 NAD ($0.45-0.85) per trip. Taxis don't use meters - agree on fares beforehand: airport to city center costs 150-200 NAD ($8.40-11). Air Namibia domestic flights to Swakopmund run 1,200-2,000 NAD ($67-112). Gravel roads require careful driving - fuel up frequently as stations are sparse.

Money: Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged to South African rand. Both currencies are accepted. First National Bank and Bank Windhoek ATMs dispense 1,500-3,000 NAD ($84-168) per transaction. Budget $40-60 daily excluding accommodation. Cards work at lodges and restaurants in Windhoek, Swakopmund. Cash essential for rural areas and national parks. Tipping 10-15% is expected. Bureau de change in Windhoek CBD offers competitive rates. Fuel costs 18-20 NAD ($1.00-1.12) per liter, significantly impacting road trip budgets.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Good morning' in English or local languages like Oshiwambo 'Wa lalapo'. Handshakes are standard across all ethnic groups. Remove shoes when entering traditional homesteads. Photography requires permission, especially of Himba people - expect to pay 50-100 NAD ($2.80-5.60). Dress modestly in rural communities. Never refuse offered food or drink as it's considered disrespectful. Ubuntu philosophy emphasizes community - individual achievements are celebrated as group success. German colonial architecture reflects complex history - approach discussions sensitively.

Food Safety: Braai (BBQ) at Safari Court Hotel costs 180-350 NAD ($10-20) per person. Biltong from Agra supermarket runs 80-150 NAD ($4.50-8.40) per 100g. Game meat like kudu at Joe's Beerhouse costs 120-220 NAD ($6.70-12.30) per portion. Windhoek Lager at bars costs 25-45 NAD ($1.40-2.50). Traditional oshifima (maize porridge) with meat at local shebeens runs 40-80 NAD ($2.25-4.50). Seafood at The Tug in Swakopmund costs 150-280 NAD ($8.40-15.70). Stick to bottled water outside cities.

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 ensoiasts 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.