NAMIBIA SAFARIS

Namibia is a vast country, so we recommend allowing at least 10 days to experience its main highlights, including Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park. If you have less time, a scenic fly-in safari is a wonderful option, travelling by light aircraft between remote locations and making the most of every day.

Namibia is all about freedom, wide-open landscapes and a real sense of adventure. While itineraries can be wonderfully flexible, the country’s vast distances and remote locations mean that some advance planning is essential, particularly when choosing your route and accommodation.

Namibia also combines beautifully with neighbouring Botswana, making it easy to create an unforgettable two-country safari.

At Safaris Online, we’ll help you plan every detail, from the places to visit and experiences to include to the best camps and lodges for your budget. We’ll create a tailor-made Namibia holiday that makes the most of your time while still leaving you with that wonderful feeling of exploring one of Africa’s great wilderness destinations.

Best Time for Namibia Safaris

Climate
Namibia is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience. The country enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year, but temperatures can vary considerably between the desert, coast and interior.

Winter (May–September): Days are generally warm and dry, with temperatures in the interior typically around 18°C to 25°C. Nights can become very cold, particularly in desert areas, with frost and occasionally below-freezing temperatures.

Summer (October–April): Interior temperatures are generally around 20°C to 34°C, although temperatures can exceed 40°C in some areas. This is also when Namibia receives most of its rainfall, usually in the form of short, dramatic showers.

The coast: The cold Benguela Current keeps coastal temperatures much cooler and relatively stable, generally around 15°C to 25°C. Coastal fog is also common, particularly around Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast.

Language: English is Namibia’s official language. Afrikaans and German are also widely spoken, alongside a number of indigenous languages.

Time zone: GMT/UTC +2. Namibia does not currently observe daylight saving time.

International dialling code: +264

Visas: British passport holders require a visa to visit Namibia. A visa can be obtained on arrival at designated entry points or an e-visa can be applied for before travel. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest official advice before travelling. British passports must currently be valid for at least six months after arrival and have at least three blank pages.

Money: The Namibian Dollar (N$) is the official currency and is linked at equal value to the South African Rand. Both currencies can be used in Namibia. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although carrying some cash is advisable when travelling in remote areas.

Getting there: Most international visitors arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek. Travellers from the UK commonly reach Namibia via connecting services through regional or international hubs. Flight routes and schedules change, so we’ll advise on the best options for your itinerary at the time of booking.

Internal flights: Light aircraft are an excellent way to travel between Namibia’s remote safari areas, lodges and airstrips. Fly-in safaris can considerably reduce travelling time and also offer spectacular aerial views of Namibia’s landscapes.

Self-drive: Namibia is one of Africa’s great self-drive destinations, with an extensive network of generally well-maintained roads. Many roads are gravel, however, so journey times can be longer than expected and routes should be planned carefully.