Want to know what it’s like travelling in Namibia? Or where to find rhinos and amazing wildlife? ‘Namibia – Useful Information for Travellers’ is our personal experience exploring this country in 2024. Our adventure includes Windhoek, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park. We share our insights on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and things to see and do. ‘Namibia – Useful Information for Travellers’ reflects our travel style and aims to provide useful things to know before visiting this obscure destination.
Namibia, ‘land of the brave.’ With more than half the country covered by desert, it certainly takes brave people to live here. The second least densely populated country on the planet, life here isn’t easy. ‘Land of roaming wildlife’ would also be appropriate. With more animals than people, and the world’s largest rhino and cheetah population, there’s no shortage of adventure and wildlife spotting opportunities. With great infrastructure, proud and welcoming locals, and a growing tourism industry, Namibia is an amazing destination to explore.
Why go to Namibia?
With over two hundred species of mammals, Namibia is an obvious destination for animal lovers. Possibilities of self-drive or organised safaris are plentiful and affordable. Vast stretches of desert and coastline are waiting to be explored. Namibia is safe, with decent roads, a variety of accommodation options, and an interesting history and culture. Direct and regular flights from Europe and Africa make planning a trip here easy. Namibia is a destination for travellers of any age, and a perfect introduction to the African continent.
- Capital: Windhoek
- Best time to visit: May – October
- Budget/Mid-Range/Couple: AU$150 per day
- Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD12= AU$1)
- Language: English
- Visa: NO
- Difficulty: 1 (1-basic & 5-challenging)
Windhoek
Windhoek is a laid back and quiet city. Lacking any major attractions, most people only spend a night here or skip it all together. But cities are where the majority of the population lives, and time in them allows you to get an idea of daily life. Windhoek is no different. There’s a pleasant and easy central area to walk around, with loads of shops and malls to get supplies or souvenirs. There are trendy breweries and bars around town too, along with restaurants, a couple of parks, and some interesting markets. It’s the perfect place to prepare for your trip inland, or relax for a few days after you return from checking out the country.
Getting to Windhoek
The capital is a thirty-minute drive from the airport. There are no buses or public transport options. You will need to arrange a shuttle or pick-up. Taxis are plentiful. A ride into the city will set you back between NAD400-500.
Where to stay in Windhoek
Windhoek has every budget covered when it comes to places to stay, from five-star hotels to hostels. Anywhere around the main downtown area would be a good choice. We stayed out of the city centre, in Klein, a lovely neighbourhood over the hill. It was a forty-minute walk or quick taxi ride into town. Klein has everything you need from car hire to supermarkets and restaurants. It’s not as busy as the city centre, with no large hotels. Guesthouses and Airbnb’s are available in the area.
Where to eat and drink in Windhoek
Namibia is a meat-eating country. Vegetarian places are a little harder to find, but not impossible and becoming more popular. The Klein area has an abundance of quality places to eat, from cafes to wine bars, and fresh produce markets. Great supermarkets make self-catering easy and enjoyable.
- Get to the weekend Green Market (a beautiful biomarket with fresh produce, breads, and take away meals such as vegan indian. Nice locally made products too)
- Don’t miss Cassia Thai (lovely food and quick service)
- Check out Stellenbosch Wine Bar (cool outdoor beer garden)
Things to see and do in Windhoek
Namibia Craft Centre is the best selection of locally made arts and crafts in the country. There’s a nice café inside too.
Namibia Craft Market is on the main street in an old carpark. This is the best place to get carvings and masks.
Wernhill Mall is a large modern mall where you will find a good selection of western products.
Botanical Gardens is a pleasant spot on the hill for a stroll. The plants in Namibia are really unique.
Getting around Windhoek
Windhoek and Namibia don’t have a public transport system. The only way to get around is to hire a car, catch a taxi, or walk. If you stay in the downtown area, it’s easy to get around on foot.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is literally an oasis in the middle of the desert. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, desert surrounds the town. An ideal base to explore the Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert and nearby Walvis Bay. It’s a holiday spot not only for travellers, but for locals from Windhoek and nearby South Africa. Old German buildings decorate the town, and these are still used today as shops and accommodation. There’s a pleasant beach, loads of eating options, and numerous adventure opportunities only a short drive away. It is a relaxing town to spend time. The type of place where you plan on coming for a day, but stay for a week.
Getting to Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a four-hour drive, through mostly desert terrain, West of Windhoek. There is no public transport, but there is a private company who operate a once-a-day van. They will pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation. Bookings are required at least two weeks in advance. Call +264812631433. It is also possible to fly from Windhoek.
Where to stay in Swakopmund
There’s an abundance of options when it comes to places to stay, from flash hotels to camping. Staying in an old heritage building, or close to the beach are good choices. Guesthouse and Airbnb’s on the outskirts of town offer a chance to experience living in the desert.
Where to eat and drink in Swakopmund
All diets and eating preferences are covered, from vegan to meat eater. Fresh seafood is also on most restaurant menus. An easy place to find somewhere for a good coffee, delicious smoothie or healthy meal. A huge Food Lovers Market makes self-catering easy too.
- Get to Wild Rocket Cafe (busy spot, healthy meals and top smoothies)
- Get to Garnish Indian (tasty vegan options and friendly staff)
- Check out Farmganic (local produce store with fresh fruit and veg. Grab a coffee from Slowtown coffee roasters next door)
Things to see and do in Swakopmund
Cape Cross Seal Reserve is worth the drive and makes a cool half day trip. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the way.
Walvis Bay is another fishing village within easy reach.
Swakopmund Town has loads of interesting shops to keep you busy. Additionally, it offers nice cafes and a variety of restaurants.
Tours to various destinations to the North and South depart town regularly.
Adventure Activities such as quad biking and fishing are easy to arrange.
Getting around Swakopmund
You can walk all around town with ease. It’s very flat. Taxis are always looking for your service if you need to give your feet a break.
Etosha National Park
Namibia’s number one attraction, Etosha is a must visit if you are in the country. Covering a vast area, around a salt pan, there’s wildlife galore, from lions to aardvarks. Accessed by four different gates, seeing the whole park in one visit would be almost impossible. The roads are in a woeful state, and it takes time to cover short distances. Resources in the park are limited, it is truly a wild place. It’s not to be missed. The number and variety of animals on offer here is extraordinary. This is one of our favourite National Parks for viewing wildlife.
Getting to Etosha National Park
The easiest way to access the park is from the Anderson Gate in the South, which is around four hours drive from Windhoek. Additionally, there are gates to the North, West and East of the park. Flying from Windhoek is possible, but expensive. There’s loads of tour companies who will pick you up from your hotel in the capital, or even the airport, and bring you to the park. There is no public transport to the park. Hiring a car is the most popular choice when it comes to getting to and visiting the park. Prices start from around NAD1200 per day.
Where to stay in Etosha National Park
A handful of government run lodges are located at various points in the park. These are expensive, and generally poorly run. Although the locations are amazing, accommodation and food is poor. The benefit of staying inside the park is that you can go on a night safari offered by your lodge. This is not possible from outside the park after closing at 6pm. Staying outside the park in a privately run lodge or guesthouse is a much better experience. There’s no shortage of these to choose from. We stayed at Tarentaal Guest Farm. Its about twenty-five minutes from the Anderson Gate. The lodges also have camping areas for those with the necessary equipment.
Where to eat and drink in Etosha National Park
There’s no restaurants or eating options inside Etosha National Park. Resources consist of a basic shop with a few soft drinks and packets of crisps. If you are staying inside the park in a lodge, all meals are usually included. Most guesthouses outside the park will provide you with meals too. This could be inclusive or extra. Check before you book. The closet grocery store is in Outjo, an hour’s drive from the park entrance. Self-catering is popular at the camping areas, but you will need to bring all your own supplies with you.
Things to see and do in Etosha National Park
Looking for Wildlife Exploring the many roads whilst keeping your eyes peeled for animals is what visiting the park is all about. The waterholes are usually the best areas to spot wildlife, as they all get thirsty. The roads are in terrible condition, and driving is slow, so allow plenty of time. Early morning and in the evening are good times to see wildlife, but there’s so much wildlife in Etosha, that you will see loads of different things at any time of the day.
Getting around Etosha National Park
Having your own transport is the best way to explore the park. This is what we did. It allows you to go at you your own pace, drive where you want, and stop where you want. If you are staying at a lodge, safari jeeps will be an option. There is no public transport in the park. Visiting independently and organising to join a lodge safari is possible, but not straight forward.
Getting to Namibia
Namibia has direct flights from Germany and neighbouring African countries. Crossing by land from South Africa, Botswana and Zambia is also a common practice. We flew in from neighbouring Angola.
Useful things to know before visiting Namibia
South African rand is legal tender in Namibia and has the same value.
Paying by card is common.
Wise card works everywhere and can be loaded with South African rand.
E-sim coverage is reasonable.
There are animals everywhere.
The airport is thirty minutes out of town.
There’s no public transport system.
It’s very safe, and people are friendly.
The city centre has hungry and homeless people who may approach you for food.
It’s well set up for visitors of all ages.
Driving is on the left, and gas stations are plentiful.
Supermarkets and alcohol stores are easy to find.
It’s a very tidy country by African standards.
Final thoughts on travelling in Namibia
Namibia is Africa for beginners. Travelling here is straight forward and easy. You can stick to the main attractions, or if you feel a bit more adventurous, there’s more remote corners of the country to discover. It’s a very stable, safe and visitor friendly place, you can’t go wrong. The ease of spotting wildlife in places like Etosha National Park is amazing, and there’s no need to spend loads of money on safaris like other places. The variety of mammals is extensive, and with a relatively flat terrain, with low growing vegetation, sightings are assured. Exploring on your own is basic and problem free. It’s a different type of destination, with the focus more on natural attractions and wildlife than cities and man made objects. A lot of the time you will feel like you’re the only one in the country, with vast expanses of nature, which has its own allure. Namibia is a place that will exceed your expectations, a place you will tell your friends about and add to your list of places to return to. Namibia, a destination for nature and wildlife lovers.