FAQ Namibia
Our travel planning for the trip to Namibia was relatively simple since Christian had already been to Namibia. We compiled the travel destinations from books, internet research, and videos. This is easily possible without the assistance of a travel agency. This time there were not many questions; we just wanted to go there and find our way. Nevertheless, we were well prepared by marking possible routes, attractions, and campgrounds on a map. You can find the route and map in the blog post about the travel route. We then let our mood guide us to where we would end up. We are happy to share our experiences here and are available for questions.
Please note that these are my personal experiences, answers, and assessments. This does not necessarily mean the same will apply to you or that the information is still current.
As of November 2023
FAQ - Is Namibia Dangerous?
Namibia is widely considered a comparatively safe travel destination in Africa. The crime rate is low compared to many other African countries. However, as in any other country, certain precautions should be taken to ensure safety during the trip. It is advisable not to leave valuables in the car, to observe road traffic rules and drive carefully, to respect wild animals and not to venture too close to them. Furthermore, it's recommended not to display wealth by wearing conspicuous gold chains or expensive watches. On extended overland journeys, it is wise to always carry sufficient water, food, and fuel. Our experience in Namibia was consistently safe and pleasant, and we felt comfortable and well taken care of at all times.
FAQ - What to Pack? A Packing List
Here are some additional items, besides the usual travel utensils and clothing, that can be useful:
Wool hat / gloves in the winter months
Satellite phone (can be rented, only necessary if visiting remote places)
Power bank
Quick-drying bath towels
Lighter for the gas stove
First aid kit
Books
Ziplock bags to protect electronics from sand and dust
Flashlight or, even better, a headlamp
Sandals
Depending on the time of your travel, clothing should be adjusted accordingly. Remember that the specific requirements may vary depending on your planned route and activities.
FAQ - Malaria
In Namibia, only the Caprivi Strip is a malaria-risk area. Only travelers visiting this region need to consider malaria precautions. On my first trip to Namibia, I took malaria prophylaxis, but these medications made me very tired. At that time, I didn't see a single mosquito throughout the trip. Additionally, a conversation with a tropical doctor in the Caprivi area put my concerns about malaria into perspective. Therefore, I decided to forgo malaria medications. It's best to consult your own doctor for advice on this matter.
FAQ - Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is accessible via four entrances (gates). Tickets can be purchased on-site and do not need to be reserved in advance. Within the park, there are various campsites that should be booked early. Privacy at these sites is not as high as elsewhere in the country, but they have the advantage of each having a waterhole, which can be particularly interesting at night as animals come to drink. Large predators are usually most active in the early morning hours, so it is advisable to start early. During the day, animals often rest in the shade under trees. When leaving the park, each vehicle is checked for the carrying of meat and eggs to prevent the spread of animal diseases. In my opinion, usually 3 days in Etosha National Park are sufficient. Safari drives can become tiring after a certain amount of time.
FAQ - Costs
It's challenging to make a blanket statement about the total cost of a trip to Namibia, as it depends on various factors. The main expense items typically include flight tickets, vehicle rental, and fuel. Many of the attractions in Namibia are either free or require only a small entrance fee. Camping in Namibia is usually a cost-effective option, as the campgrounds are often inexpensive, and self-catering keeps food costs low. In contrast, staying in lodges or hotels in Namibia can be significantly more expensive. Therefore, the choice of accommodation and style of lodging can have a considerable impact on the total cost of the trip.
FAQ - Sanitary Facilities
The availability of sanitary facilities greatly depends on the type of accommodation. Many campgrounds in Namibia have private toilets with running water. Usually, there's also a shower with hot water available. If there's no electricity, water is heated with a fire (Donkey Boiler). In general, Namibia is very clean, and the hygiene standards are similar to those in Europe.
FAQ - Camping in Namibia
Campgrounds in Namibia are often remote and offer an intense nature experience. In Europe, campgrounds are usually densely populated, and privacy can be limited. In Namibia, some campgrounds are so large that you might never see another person. Most campgrounds are designed for self-sufficient campers. Therefore, it is advisable for campers to bring their own food and water supplies. Toilets are generally available at most campgrounds. Many campgrounds can be booked online in advance. If you plan to visit remote locations, it is recommended to book a few days ahead to ensure you have a place to sleep. Most campgrounds in Namibia are surrounded by high fences and located in areas rich in wildlife.
FAQ - Wildlife
The wildlife in Namibia is undoubtedly impressive, but it is important to exercise caution. It's advisable to always maintain a safe distance from the animals and never to block their escape route, whether in the wild or in national parks, such as when an elephant herd crosses the road. Furthermore, one should be aware that there are venomous spiders and snakes in Namibia. For this reason, it's wise not to pick up stones or objects and to carefully check the path before settling down. Traveling in a camper offers some level of safety. Most campgrounds in Namibia are located in areas rich in wildlife and are surrounded by high fences to separate humans and animals. It's important not to leave food scraps or cooking utensils outside at night, as animals like jackals and baboons may attempt to access them, even sealed oil bottles are not safe from them.
FAQ - Driving in Namibia
In Namibia, traffic moves on the left side of the road. Traffic is generally disciplined, with drivers adhering to the rules. Caution is advised when driving on gravel roads, as these paths often have larger potholes and sharp stones. When overtaking on gravel roads, care should be taken not to cut in too close in front of the overtaken vehicle, as this can impair visibility due to dust or even lead to windshield damage. Driving in Namibia is generally straightforward, as outside of cities like Windhoek or Swakopmund, there are often few cars on the road. On remote stretches, it's possible to drive for hours without encountering anyone. In case of an emergency, one should be able to change a tire, as flat tires can occur on gravel roads. Additionally, it's important to always check the fuel level, as you wouldn't want to be stranded on a remote path without fuel. However, this can be avoided with some planning. Most vehicles are equipped with extra fuel tanks to prevent this situation.
FAQ - Navigation
Navigation in Namibia can be done easily either through an integrated navigation device or mobile devices like smartphones. Thanks to the constant availability of a satellite connection, apps like Maps.me or Google Maps can be used without any issues. We consistently used Maps.me as it works perfectly in offline mode. Even in remote locations, we never encountered any problems. Additionally, this app is free of charge.
FAQ - Parking Guards
At some parking lots in Namibia, there are parking attendants who oversee the vehicles. Some of them are official employees, while others work unofficially. It is appropriate and socially responsible to compensate these individuals with an amount ranging from 2 to 10 Namibian Dollars.
FAQ - Travel Planning and Choosing the Route
We documented everything in a map to simplify the planning of routes on-site. You can find details on this in the post "Travel Preparations”. In essence, this means that we prepared well in advance, so we didn't have to plan routes tediously on the spot.
FAQ - Internet / SIM Card
It is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Detailed information about this can be found in the post "Travel Preparations."
FAQ - Namibia vs Other African States
Namibia, twice the size of Germany and with only 2.3 million inhabitants, is sparsely populated, presenting itself as a land of vast and nearly untouched landscapes. This expanse, combined with an impressive diversity of species and breathtaking wildlife, makes Namibia a spectacular travel destination. The diverse climatic conditions lead to landscapes of astonishing contrast, often appearing surreal. The German influence on the country is reflected in the lifestyle of its people, giving it a unique culture. In Namibia, it is entirely feasible to explore everything with a camper without relying on expensive tour guides. The country is perfect for solo adventurers and is also considered safe. I prefer not to draw comparisons with other countries but to highlight some of the advantages that make Namibia a truly special destination.
FAQ - Choosing the Right Camper
The choice of the appropriate vehicle depends on various factors, including budget. It's advisable to browse through the offerings of different providers. Regarding kitchen equipment in the camper, two gas cookers are generally recommended as they significantly ease cooking. Another important point is the decision between a rooftop tent and a pop-up tent on the vehicle. Due to the standing height inside the vehicle and the quick setup of the bed, I personally prefer the pop-up tent variant. Typically, campers are already equipped with complete kitchen utensils. For most routes, a 4x4 vehicle is not strictly necessary, but if you want to travel on sandy terrain or specific trails, a 4x4 vehicle is required. It's also worth noting that pickups or SUVs are recommended in Namibia due to often bumpy road conditions, as regular cars frequently suffer tire punctures.
FAQ - Vehicle Rental
I can recommend Advanced Car Hire and AfriCamper as reliable options based on personal experience. However, it's advisable to consider other providers as well. A helpful method is to search online for reviews and testimonials about different companies to ensure that you select the provider that best suits your needs.
FAQ - Optimal Travel Duration
Namibia is a vast and diverse country with breathtaking landscapes, national parks, and an abundance of wildlife. The distances between attractions can be significant, and long drives between destinations can consume a considerable part of your time. Therefore, a minimum of two weeks is necessary to have a relaxed and fulfilling experience in Namibia. For a two-week trip, it is advisable to avoid the southernmost part of Namibia, including the Fish River Canyon and the Orange River, as the distances here are particularly extensive.
FAQ - Travel Route for 3 Weeks in Namibia
I have written a dedicated blog post specifically about our travel route for the three weeks in Namibia.
