Things to know before travelling to Namibia

Namibia is the kind of place that quietly blows you away. Not with big crowds or box-ticking sights, but with space, silence and landscapes that feel almost unreal. Think red sand dunes at sunrise, empty gravel roads stretching to the horizon, and nights so dark the stars feel close enough to touch.

It’s also a country that rewards a bit of preparation. Our travel specialist, Gemma, recently returned from a work trip across Namibia, road-testing experiences, staying in our lodges and speaking with local guides. These are the things we want you to know before you go.

The best time to travel to Namibia is during the dry season between May and October. This is when the temperatures are warm (around 20-35°C) and wildlife is easy to spot. September and October are the best months for safari and wildlife viewing, as the animals tend to gather around permanent water sources.

Visa and Entry Requirements

If you’re travelling to Namibia with a British passport, you will need to apply for a visa on arrival. However, the entry requirements are always subject to change, so it’s important to check what is needed on the UK government website to make sure you have everything you need before travelling.

Travel insurance & vaccinations

Namibia’s wild landscapes are part of the adventure, but it also means you’ll sometimes be far from help if something goes wrong. We always recommend you take out travel insurance to give you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for unexpected medical care, lost luggage, and last-minute changes to your plans. When it comes to vaccinations, it’s always best to check government-affiliated sources such as Travel Health Pro, who have the most up-to-date information on what is required.

Clothing

When deciding what to pack for a holiday to Namibia, it’s important to be aware of the temperature differences between daytime and night-time. Whilst Namibia can be hot and sunny during the day, the nights can be quite chilly, especially in the desert. It’s best to pack light, breathable clothes for the daytime and take a warm jumper or jacket for early mornings and evenings. Another important packing tip is taking neutral coloured clothes for safaris and game drives, such as beige, khaki and olive, so that you can easily blend into the environment and cause minimal disturbance to the wildlife(with more sightings!). A scarf or buff can be useful for protection from the sand, sun and the wind.

Footwear

The best footwear for a holiday in Namibia is a pair of sturdy, walking shoes or trainers that are comfortable for wearing all day. You’ll be spending a lot of time climbing in and out of 4x4s, travelling through the desert and exploring dunes, and walking through national parks. Sandals or flip-flops are ideal for relaxing at the lodges or by the pool, while a pair of warm socks is worth packing for the cooler early mornings and sunrise starts in the deserts.

Extras

Sunglasses and high-factor sun cream are essential, as the sun can be very intense in the open desert. It’s a great idea to take a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on long drives, and if you have a thermal bottle you’ll have the added bonus of keeping your water cool. A torch, or headtorch is handy for your camp stays and stargazing nights, as well as a pair of binoculars for spotting those elusive animals on safari.

Self-driving in Namibia is very straightforward, and definitely the best way to get around, but there are a few tips that Gemma discovered along the way to help you get the most out of your trip.

– Fuel up whenever you can: petrol stations are not found everywhere, and fuel isn’t always guaranteed.

– Avoid driving at night: for safety reasons, and to avoid disturbing wildlife on the road.

– Only stop for clear emergencies: staff at your accommodation will brief you on local safety advice.

– Choose a hire car with a fridge: this is a small detail that will make a big difference for water, snacks and long drives between towns.

Brunch in the dunes of Sossusvlei: the sand dunes of Sossusvlei are already a highlight, but one of Gemma’s favourite experiences in Namibia was enjoying a picnic brunch in one of the most scenic settings in Africa.

Swakopmund – Sandwich Harbour tour: enjoy the thrill of driving along a golden sandy beach with towering dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other for a completely unique experience. This tour is full of adventure, without being too extreme, and a great way to see the contrast in landscapes along Namibia’s coastline.

 

 

Camping and conservation: journey into the remote desert of Damaraland for an immersive camping experience. Alongside an expert guide, you’ll head into the wilderness in search of the endangered black rhino. Gemma recounts how learning about the anti-poaching efforts and realities of conservation helped her to understand the landscapes on a deeper level, and was a very moving part of her trip in Namibia.

Stargazing stays: unlike most places in Europe, Namibia has very little light pollution, so the night skies here are extraordinary. Staying in a remote desert lodge or camp is a great way to immerse yourself in the magic and you can even sleep on the deck in our stargazing option in Sossusvlei.

Namibia is great for couples, solo travellers, photographs, and adventure-seeking travellers who love road trips, natural landscapes and peaceful surroundings.

Namibia is less suitable for families with small children, due to the long driving distances and limited facilities for children.

“Don’t rush through Namibia. I recommend fewer stops, longer stays, and taking time to actually take it all in, as that’s when you’ll really get the full experience of this incredible country.”

If you’re looking to travel to Namibia on your next trip and would like some help putting together the perfect itinerary, whether that’s dunes, coast, culture or a bit of everything, our travel specialists are always happy to chat through things and bring your ideas to life.