Travel Essentials › Namibia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types D and M, 220 V. Emergency: Police 10111. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; tip guides, drivers and car guards a small amount. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in cities; bottled water recommended in rural areas.
Types D and M, 220 V
| Police | 10111 |
About 10% in restaurants; tip guides, drivers and car guards a small amount.
Greetings. Handshakes are standard and greetings are unhurried; taking time to ask about wellbeing before business is appreciated, especially in rural areas.
Respect for wildlife and land. Follow park rules strictly (stay in vehicles near wildlife, don't feed animals) and respect conservancy and communal land guidelines.
Photographing people. Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in traditional communities such as the Himba.
Namibia is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Africa for travelers; the greatest risks are self-drive hazards (potholes, wildlife on roads, long distances between fuel stops) rather than crime.
Overpriced 'guides' at tourist sites. Freelance guides may offer unsolicited tours at inflated prices in places like Windhoek or Etosha; agree on a price upfront or book through your lodge.
Fuel and distance miscalculation. Not a scam but a common pitfall: fuel stations are far apart on desert routes; always fill up and carry extra water and a spare tire.
Petty theft in cities. Opportunistic theft and pickpocketing occur in Windhoek and Swakopmund; don't leave valuables visible in parked cars.
Women travelers. Solo female travel is common and generally safe; standard precautions (avoiding empty parking areas at night, not flashing valuables) apply in towns like Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Legal · Use Caution
Namibia's High Court decriminalized male same-sex activity in June 2024, but same-sex marriage is explicitly not recognized under the Marriage Act of 2024, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people; travelers should be discreet outside liberal urban circles.
| Coffee (café) | NAD 35 | $2.00 |
| Local bus or metro ride | NAD 15-25 | $0.85-1.40 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | NAD 180-350 | $10-20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | NAD 100-350 | $6-20 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | NAD 550-1,750 | $30-100 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | NAD 1,250-3,800 | $71-214 |
2026-09
May to September (dry winter) is best, with mild days, clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather at waterholes; September is often cited as the ideal month, while shoulder months April, October and November offer mild weather with fewer crowds.