Practical Info A-Z

The good news: German citizens do not need a visa for Namibia!

Visa-Free Entry

• Stay: Up to 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes
• Stamp: Upon entry, you receive a stamp in your passport — check that the officer enters the correct number of days (sometimes only 30 days!)
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry and have two blank pages
• Return ticket: May be required upon entry

Customs

• Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250g
• Drones: NCAA approval required (apply beforehand!)
• No fresh food allowed

Namibia's currency is the Namibia Dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted equally in Namibia — so you can pay with Rand. Conversely, the Namibia Dollar is NOT accepted in South Africa.

Exchange rate: 1€ ≈ 19–21 NAD/ZAR (fluctuates).

Cash

• ATMs: Available in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and larger towns (FNB, Standard Bank, Bank Windhoek). In small towns and on farms: NO ATM!
• Cash is King: In rural areas, at gas stations, and markets, cash payment is often the only option. Always carry enough cash!
• Withdrawal: Maximum ATM withdrawal usually 2,000–5,000 NAD. Fees: about 30–50 NAD per withdrawal

Credit Cards

Accepted in hotels, lodges, and upscale restaurants (Visa most widely accepted, Mastercard too). At gas stations, small shops, and campsites: often cash only!

Tipping

Namibia is one of the most straightforward travel countries in southern Africa health-wise — but some precautions are important.

Vaccinations

🦟 Malaria — Only in the North!

Malaria risk in Namibia is only in the north — especially in the Caprivi Strip, Kavango, and northern Etosha area. The risk is highest during the rainy season (November–May).

• Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Fish River Canyon: Malaria-free — no prophylaxis needed
• Etosha, Damaraland: Low risk, mosquito protection usually sufficient
• Caprivi, Kavango, Ovamboland: Prophylaxis recommended (Malarone or Doxycycline)

Sun & Dehydration

The UV radiation in Namibia is extreme — SPF 50+ is mandatory, even on cloudy days. In the Namib Desert, you can easily lose 3–4 liters of water per day without noticing. Always carry at least 5 liters of water per person in the car!

Namibia is THE self-drive country of Africa — but conditions are different from Europe. This checklist saves you in an emergency:

Before Departure

• ☐ International Driver's License — not always checked, but recommended
• ☐ Vehicle Check: All tires (including 2 spare wheels!), jack, lug wrench
• ☐ Spare Canister: 20 liters of diesel for remote routes
• ☐ Water: At least 5 liters per person in the car — ALWAYS
• ☐ Navigation Device: Tracks4Africa app (offline) or Garmin — Google Maps does not work on pad roads
• ☐ Satellite Phone: Consider for Kaokoland and remote areas

On the Road

• ☐ Speed: Max. 80 km/h on gravel, 60–70 km/h recommended. Max. 120 km/h on tar
• ☐ Fuel: Fill up at EVERY gas station — never continue with less than half a tank
• ☐ Night Driving: NEVER drive at night — wildlife crossings (kudus, oryx) are extremely dangerous
• ☐ Tire Pressure: Deflate on sand (1.5 bar), refill on tar. Gas station attendants help
• ☐ Riverbed Crossings: In Kaokoland and after rain — get out and check first! If you can't see the bottom, don't drive through
• ☐ Police Checks: Friendly and routine. Driver's license, vehicle papers, passport

In Case of Breakdown

• Open the hood — signal for help
• Stay with the vehicle — do not wander into the desert
• Ration water
• Namibians are extremely helpful — the next farmer or tourist will stop

Camping in Namibia is not a budget option — it is the best way to travel. The campsites are excellent, nature is right outside your tent, and the starry sky above your rooftop tent is indescribable.

Types of Campsites

• NWR Campsites: In the national parks (Etosha, Sesriem, Waterberg). Solid infrastructure: toilets, showers, electricity, braai area. Book in advance at nwr.com.na — months ahead in peak season!
• Private Campsites: Often on guest farms — frequently better equipped than NWR. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, Wi-Fi. Examples: Rostock Ritz, Sossus Oasis, Spitzkoppe
• Community Campsites: Simple but authentic — run by local conservancies. No electricity, only pit toilets, but maximum wilderness

4×4 with Rooftop Tent — the Classic Option

Most Namibia rental companies offer fully equipped 4×4 with rooftop tent. Typical equipment includes:

• Rooftop tent for 2 people (set up in 2 minutes)
• Camping table and chairs
• Gas stove with pots and pans
• Fridge (12V, runs on car battery)
• Dishes, cutlery, cups
• Bedding and towels
• Water canister (20–40 liters)

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) manages the accommodations and campsites in Namibia's national parks — including Etosha, Sossusvlei/Sesriem, Waterberg, and Ai-Ais/Fish River Canyon. Booking is done via nwr.com.na.

Important to Know

• Book early: Etosha camps (especially Okaukuejo) and Sesriem Campsite are booked out 3–6 months in advance during peak season (July–October)
• Online system: The website is functional but not the fastest. Alternatively: book by phone or email
• Payment: Credit card for online booking, cash or card on site
• Check-in/out: Check-in from 2:00 PM, check-out by 10:00 AM. Campsites often more flexible
• Park fees: Paid IN ADDITION to accommodation — at the gate in cash or by card

Typical Park Fees

SADC Discount

Residents of SADC countries (southern Africa) pay significantly less. As a European tourist, you pay the international rate.

Namibia's mobile coverage is good along main roads and in cities, but non-existent in remote areas (Kaokoland, Skeleton Coast, deep Namib).

• MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Company): Namibia's largest provider with the best coverage. Buy SIM cards at the airport or in MTC shops (passport required). Prepaid data packages are cheap: 10 GB for about 100 NAD (€5)
• Wi-Fi: Available in most lodges and hotels, often slow and limited. No Wi-Fi in NWR camps (as of 2024). And that's a good thing
• Tracks4Africa: The indispensable navigation app for Namibia — works offline and knows every D-Pad side track. Be sure to download it beforehand!
• Emergency: Emergency numbers 10111 (police), 211111 (ambulance). In mobile network: 112 also works