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Practical Information & Tips for Traveling to Namibia!

This page brings together practical information and key points to consider when traveling to Namibia. Think of it as a checklist you can go through before departure, based on our own experience.

Definitely check out our travel guide to Namibia!
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Power Plug & Electricity 🔌
  • Namibia uses Type D and M sockets (the same as in South Africa). In most lodges you will also find European sockets.
  • A universal travel adapter with a South African plug is therefore recommended.
  • Voltage: 220–240V (same as Belgium/The Netherlands)
  • In some lodges and camps electricity may be limited (for example only in the evening), so bringing a power bank can be useful.
  • The lodges mentioned in our blog had constant electricity.
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SIM Card & Internet 📱
  • Local SIM cards are available from providers such as MTC, which has the best coverage. Even so, you will often have no signal in remote nature areas.
  • SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in cities such as Windhoek and Swakopmund.
  • Internet access is limited outside cities; do not expect a constant connection.
  • Use offline GPS or offline maps (e.g. Maps.me, Gaia, Google Maps offline, or a separate GPS device in your vehicle).

Visa: required or not?
  • For tourist travel, Belgian and Dutch citizens require a visa from 1 April 2025. The cost is approximately €85 per person. Do you have a different nationality? Make sure to check with the Namibian immigration authorities.
  • Visa requirements may change, always check the official government website before departure.
  • Your passport usually needs to be valid for at least 6 months and contain multiple blank pages.

Costs & Payment Methods💰
  • Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), both are accepted in Namibia.
  • In cities you can often pay by card, but some petrol stations, small shops and remote lodges may require cash.
  • Cash can be withdrawn in cities, but often not in national parks or remote areas, plan accordingly.

Transport & Tips for Self-Driving in Namibia 🚐
  • Public transport in Namibia is very limited. To explore the country’s nature, you will almost certainly need your own vehicle, unless you join a group tour. Self-driving is the best way to discover Namibia and offers maximum freedom.
    • A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended due to the many gravel roads.
  • Refuel whenever possible, petrol stations are scarce outside cities and far apart. Always top up when you see a fuel station.
  • GPS & Navigation
    • Download offline maps before departure.
    • A paper map is not a luxury.
    • Check distances and driving times, journeys often take longer than expected.
    • Do not drive more than 300–400 km per day.
  • Try to not drive in the evening or at night!
    • Driving is on the left-hand side, it is an extra risk when you are tired.
    • High risk of animals crossing the road (oryx, cattle, donkeys).
    • Stones and debris are common on roads.
    • We ourselves drove briefly in the dark twice: once for an early excursion starting at 7:00 AM in Walvis Bay, and once to be at the Sossusvlei gate before sunrise.

  • Namibia is a true road trip paradise, but road conditions differ greatly from Europe. About 90% of the roads are unpaved.
    Road Classification:
    • A-roads: paved main roads between major cities.
    • B-roads: partly paved, generally reasonable to good quality.
    • C-roads: gravel roads, most common, 4×4 recommended.
    • D-roads: rough and poorly maintained, only suitable for 4×4.
 
  • ​Gravel roads require an adjusted speed, focus, and cautious driving behavior. The risk of flat tires is high!
    Many tourists experience at least one flat tire during their trip. Almost everyone we know has had at least one flat tire in Namibia (luckily, we had no bad luck ourselves!).
    • Always ask the rental company to show you how to change a flat tire. This often works differently in a 4x4 than in a regular car.
    • Bring at least one spare tire, two is even better.
    • Check tire pressure regularly.
    • Do not drive too fast on gravel roads and avoid driving over large or sharp stones. Drive carefully on winding or narrow roads and do not exceed 80 km/h.
    • Do you run into trouble anyway? Chances are high that people will stop to help you! However, it can sometimes take a long time before you see another vehicle. Therefore, try to cover your longest distances in the morning so that you reach your destination by midday. That way, you won’t have to drive in the late afternoon when it starts getting dark.
  • Renting a car or 4x4? For our trip to Namibia, we rented a 4x4 through DiscoverCars.  It was the best price we found, and we were very satisfied with the service. Be sure to take the all-inclusive insurance so you don’t have to worry on the spot.
    • Do you want to support us? Click on our DiscoverCars link. When you book a car, we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you!

Emergency numbers & safety
  • Police: 10111
  • Ambulance / Fire Department: 211 111
  • Also note the emergency number of your car rental company.
  • In many areas there is no mobile phone coverage, do not deviate unnecessarily from planned routes.
  • Maybe let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive, so people can track you in case of emergency. 

 Vaccinations and health 💉
  • Recommended vaccinations (depending on your itinerary): DTP, Hepatitis A (sometimes B).
  • Malaria mainly occurs in the north (Caprivi, Kavango region), the risk is seasonal, higher during the rainy season. During the dry season, malaria medication is often not required. Use mosquito repellent and follow the instructions given by your doctor. 
  • Avoid drinking tap water.
  • Protect yourself from sun and heat (sunscreen, hat, drink plenty of water).

 Wildlife & nature 🐘
  • Namibia is safe, but you are often in open wilderness.
  • Do not get out of your vehicle just anywhere, certainly not in national parks or in areas where dangerous animals are frequently found.
    • Other regions are mostly safe, like Sossusvlei.
  • Wild animals may seem calm but are unpredictable.
  • Always follow safety instructions given by lodges and camps.

Food & Drinks 🍽️
  • The cuisine is a mix of African and European influences.
  • Meat lovers are well catered for: beef local meat (oryx, springbok).
  • Hygiene standards in tourist lodges are generally very good. We never experienced stomach issues (or maybe just from eating too much 😉).
  • Restaurants are usually cheaper than in Western Europe, comparable to Southern Europe.

​Drones 🚁 
  • Drone use in Namibia is strictly regulated and often prohibited.
  • A paid permit is required from government authorities.
  • Drones are not allowed in national parks and reserves. Be careful when visiting Etosha national park. Not only is it forbidden to fly there, it is also forbidden to import your drone. In the past your drone was sealed, but now you have to leave drones at the gate.  This can be a problem if you are planning to enter and leave Etosha through another gate. Take this into account when planning your itinerary.
  • Fines or confiscation are possible, inform yourself well in advance.
  • More information is available on the official website of the NCAA.

 Best time to travel 🌦️
  • The best travel period for Namibia is May to October.
    • Dry season with more pleasant temperatures.
    • Best time for safaris, animals gather around waterholes.
    • Fewer mosquitoes and lower malaria risk.
  • From November to March, it is hotter and wetter, but also greener and quieter.

General safety
  • Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa, but basic precautions remain important.
  • Be alert in larger cities such as Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. There is a greater risk of scams and theft.
  • Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
  • Prefer guarded parking areas.
  • Always follow local advice.
  • In remote areas, carry sufficient water, fuel and food.
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 Extra tips
  • Tipping is customary but not mandatory, around 10% is standard.
  • Respect local communities and ask permission before taking photos.