Question 1

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

Accepted Answer

The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing in Namibia, especially in Etosha National Park, where animals gather around waterholes. June to August offers cooler temperatures, while September and October are hotter but provide the most concentrated game viewing. The green season (November to April) brings dramatic skies, newborn animals, and excellent birding, though some gravel roads can become impassable after heavy rain.

Question 2

How many days do I need for a Namibia safari?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a minimum of 10 to 14 days to experience Namibia's main highlights — Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, and Etosha. A shorter 7-day trip can cover Sossusvlei and Etosha if you fly between regions. For a comprehensive self-drive including the Caprivi (Zambezi) Region or Kaokoland, plan for 18 to 21 days.

Question 3

Is Namibia safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers. It has a stable government, low violent crime rates outside major urban areas, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Standard precautions apply in Windhoek and Swakopmund — avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables secure. Wildlife and road safety are usually bigger considerations than crime.

Question 4

Do I need a visa to visit Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of most Western countries — including the UK, EU member states, USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa — receive a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and have at least three blank pages. Always confirm the latest requirements with your nearest Namibian embassy before travelling.

Question 5

Should I self-drive or join a guided tour in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia is one of the world's premier self-drive destinations. Roads are well-signposted, distances are manageable, and accommodations are spread out — making a self-drive itinerary ideal. Guided tours work well if you prefer not to drive on gravel roads, want expert wildlife interpretation, or are visiting remote areas like the Skeleton Coast or Kaokoland.

Question 6

Do I need a 4x4 to travel in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

A 4x4 is not essential for Namibia's main tourist circuit — Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, and Etosha are accessible in a 2WD with good ground clearance. However, a 4x4 is strongly recommended for remote areas like Kaokoland, Khaudum, the Van Zyl's Pass, and self-camping trips, and is required by some lodges. Most travellers opt for a 4x4 for added safety on long gravel roads.

Question 7

What are Namibia's road conditions like?

Accepted Answer

Namibia has well-maintained tar (paved) roads connecting major towns, but the majority of tourist routes are on gravel (designated 'C' or 'D' roads). Gravel roads can be corrugated, sandy, or rocky — drive at a maximum of 80 km/h, reduce tyre pressure, and never brake suddenly. Always carry two spare tyres for remote routes.

Question 8

How far apart are the main attractions in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Distances are significant. Windhoek to Sossusvlei is around 350 km (5 hours), Sossusvlei to Swakopmund 350 km (5 hours), Swakopmund to Etosha 580 km (7 hours), and Etosha back to Windhoek 450 km (5 hours). Plan for slower travel times on gravel and add buffer time for fuel stops, photography, and wildlife sightings.

Question 9

Is fuel readily available in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Fuel is available in all major towns and most villages along the main tourist routes. However, distances between fuel stations can exceed 200 km in remote areas like Kaokoland or the Skeleton Coast. Always fill up when you can, carry spare jerry cans for long stretches, and note that many remote fuel stations only accept cash.

Question 10

Can I drive my South African car into Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can drive a South African registered vehicle into Namibia. You will need the original vehicle registration document, a letter of authority from the bank or rental company if applicable, your driver's licence, and a Cross-Border Charge (CBC) permit purchased at the border (around N$295). Travel insurance covering Namibia is strongly advised.

Question 11

What types of accommodation are available in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia offers everything from luxury safari lodges and boutique guesthouses to self-catering chalets, tented camps, and serviced campsites. Conservancy-run lodges like those in Damaraland and the Caprivi support local communities, while flagship properties at Sossusvlei and Etosha offer high-end safari experiences. SafariStays curates handpicked properties across all categories.

Question 12

How far in advance should I book accommodation in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

For peak season (June to October) and the Christmas / New Year period, book 6 to 9 months in advance — popular Sossusvlei and Etosha lodges fill up quickly. For shoulder season (April-May, November), 2 to 4 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are possible in the green season but limit your choice.

Question 13

Are meals usually included at Namibian lodges?

Accepted Answer

Most safari lodges offer Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (DBB) or Fully Inclusive (FI) rates that include all meals, soft drinks, and often guided activities. Self-catering chalets and campsites do not include meals. Always check the rate inclusions when booking — the property page on SafariStays clearly states what's included.

Question 14

Are children welcome at Namibian lodges?

Accepted Answer

Most lodges welcome children and offer family rooms or interconnecting units, with reduced rates for kids under 12. Some exclusive luxury lodges have minimum age restrictions (often 12 or 16) for safari activities. Each lodge's child policy is shown clearly on its SafariStays detail page.

Question 15

Is Namibia a malaria area?

Accepted Answer

Most of Namibia is malaria-free, including the popular tourist areas of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Windhoek, and the central regions. Malaria is present in the northern regions — Etosha (low risk), Kavango, and the Caprivi (Zambezi) Strip — particularly during the wet summer months. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis if visiting these areas.

Question 16

Can I drink the tap water in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Tap water in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and most major towns is safe to drink and meets WHO standards. In remote lodges and rural areas, bottled or filtered water is recommended. Most lodges provide complimentary drinking water in rooms.

Question 17

What wildlife safety precautions should I take?

Accepted Answer

Always stay in your vehicle in national parks, never approach animals on foot, and keep a respectful distance — at least 25 metres from elephants. At unfenced lodges and campsites, do not walk between buildings at night without an escort, and keep food sealed inside hard-sided containers. Listen carefully to safety briefings on arrival.

Question 18

Are there medical facilities in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay have private hospitals (Lady Pohamba, Mediclinic) of international standard. Smaller towns have clinics. For remote travel, comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover (e.g. Medical Rescue International or AMREF) is essential.

Question 19

What currency is used in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (NAD or N$), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). South African Rands are accepted everywhere in Namibia, but Namibian Dollars cannot be used in South Africa. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but always carry cash for fuel stops and remote areas.

Question 20

Is tipping expected in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Customary amounts are 10% at restaurants, N$50-100 per day for safari guides, N$20-50 per day for housekeeping, and N$10-20 for petrol attendants. Many lodges have a tipping box for general staff at reception.

Question 21

Will my mobile phone work in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

MTC and Telecom Namibia provide good 3G/4G coverage in towns and along main tar routes. Coverage is patchy or non-existent in remote areas like Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and the Skeleton Coast. Buy a local SIM card on arrival in Windhoek for the best rates, or use roaming if your provider supports Namibia.

Question 22

What should I pack for a Namibian safari?

Accepted Answer

Pack neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive), a warm fleece for early morning game drives (winter mornings can be near freezing), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, sturdy closed shoes, swimwear, a head torch, and a power adapter (Type D/M, 3-pin like South Africa). A good camera with a telephoto lens (200mm+) is highly recommended.

Question 23

What is the time zone in Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Namibia is on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2 year-round (Namibia abolished daylight saving time in 2017). It is the same time as South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana.

Question 24

How do I book a lodge through SafariStays?

Accepted Answer

Every lodge on SafariStays offers one of two booking paths. Most properties are instant book — you choose your dates, pay securely online through our integrated payment platform, and receive immediate confirmation. We then manage the reservation directly with the lodge on your behalf. A smaller selection of lodges (typically remote camps or properties with bespoke rates) are enquiry-only — submit a quick enquiry form and our team will respond within 24 hours with availability and a tailored quote.

Question 25

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

For direct bookings on SafariStays, we accept Visa, Mastercard, and instant EFT through our secure payment partners (PayGate and TurnStay). All transactions are processed in South African Rand (ZAR) or Namibian Dollar (NAD), with multi-currency display available for NAD, ZAR, EUR, and USD.

Question 26

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policies vary by lodge and are clearly displayed on each property's detail page. Most lodges offer free cancellation up to 30-60 days before check-in, with partial refunds closer to the date. We always recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected changes.

Question 27

Can SafariStays help me plan my entire trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our AI Route Planner helps you build a complete self-drive itinerary in minutes, with realistic driving times, lodge recommendations along your chosen corridor, and downloadable GPX route files. For tailored multi-lodge bookings or complex trips, contact us at info@safaristays.com and our team will help personally.

Question 28

Are SafariStays prices the same as booking direct with the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SafariStays passes through lodge rates without markup — you pay the same as you would direct, but with the convenience of a single booking platform, integrated route planning, and curated property selection.

Namibia Travel FAQ

Planning Your Trip