About Namibia
Namibia is a land of striking contrasts—where ancient deserts meet vibrant cultures, and vast, untouched wilderness stretches beneath endless skies. From its rich history and diverse people to its extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality, Namibia offers travellers an experience that is both grounding and awe‑inspiring. Whether you’re drawn by adventure, nature, or culture, this remarkable country invites you to explore, discover, and be transformed by its beauty.
Namibia - A Brief history
Namibia’s human story stretches back thousands of years, beginning with the San (Bushmen), among the earliest known inhabitants of southern Africa. Over time, different cultural groups established themselves across what is now Namibia’s diverse regions — including the Nama and Damara in the central and southern areas, the Herero in the central highlands, the Ovambo in the north, and the Kavango peoples along the Kavango River.
The Ovambo, who today make up the largest share of Namibia’s population, developed strong agricultural communities in the north, while the Kavango became known for river-based livelihoods and trade. Together, these and other groups form the cultural foundation of modern Namibia.
From the late 19th century, Namibia experienced European colonisation, first under German rule and later under South African administration. These periods brought conflict, displacement and profound social change.
In 1990, Namibia gained its independence and emerged as a stable, multiparty democracy — a modern nation built on diverse cultures, shared history and a strong sense of identity.
Vital Statistics
Namibia is a modern and technologically advanced country with a solid infrastructure. Tourism and hospitality are the most important economic sectors in the country followed by mining, retail and agriculture. Major roads are tarred, while those leading to destinations further afield are mainly gravel.
The main airport in Namibia is Hosea Kutako Airport found just outside Windhoek. There are many private airstrips servicing game reserves and tourist attractions as well as smaller airports dotted around the country.
The demographics of Namibia are diverse. After Mongolia, the country has the second-lowest population of 2,479,713 million local inhabitants.
Currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar and the country has an established, modern banking system with foreign exchange available at all the major airports and banks in the cities.
Medical services are good, but centred in the major cities. Small clinics service the needs of rural communities.
The Natural World Of Namibia
Namibian fauna and flora have flourished under the countries rich conservation heritage. Here you will come across lions and elephants in vast spaces where you least expect them. You will see plants that have lived for thousands of years and you will be amazed at the endemic lifeforms that thrive here.
Animals & Birds
There are 217 species of mammal in Namibia and 626 different kinds of birds.
Discover Namibia’s National Parks
Conservation has been entrenched in Namibia’s constitution since 1990. Over 40% of the country is dedicated to preserving Namibia’s incredible natural diversity. Here, species are brought back from the brink of extinction as a matter of course. Every natural element has its place and the 12 national parks, 8 protected areas and 70 registered conservancies plan to keep it that way.
Accommodation
Every site worth exploring offers its own brand of warm Namibian hospitality to lure travellers from all walks of life in an enormous range of both self-catering and full-board accommodation to suit any budget.
From ultimate all-frills luxury, to camping under the stars with only what you can carry for comfort, you will find somewhere suitable to lay your head in Namibia. Find your perfect place here.
Culture
Namibia’s people are just as diverse as the wildlife. The population of Namibia comprises 2,479,713 million people and 10 different ethnic groups. These are:
- Ovambo
- Kavango
- Herero/Himba
- Damara
- Mixed race
- White Namibians
- Nama
- Caprivian (Lozi)
- San
- Tswana
You can get to grips with these different cultures on tours and visits to local villages all over the country.
Activities
Namibia will grab your attention with a host of indoor and outdoor diversions to amuse and amaze.
Don’t miss the chance to:
- Go hot air ballooning or take a Cessna Flip
- Hike walk and bike wherever you go
- Ride camels, quad bikes and horses
- Go dune boarding skydiving or cave diving
- Take a self-drive or guided game drive or walk
- Go for a Dolphin Cruise
- Abseil climb and boulder to your hearts content
- Relax with the sounds of nature all around you
- Play a game of golf in the desert
- Fish, water-ski or swim in rivers and dams
- Join in the local good cheer and fabulous fare at pubs and restaurants
- Sample Windhoek Lager, the world’s purest beer
- Visit wine farms
- Eat world-famous apple pie at Solitaire
See our activities listings and start planning, or share your adventures with us.
Spoken Languages
English is Namibia’s official language and is widely used in education, government and business, making it easy for visitors to communicate throughout the country.
Most Namibians speak one or more indigenous languages at home. The most widely spoken include Oshiwambo (by far the largest language group), as well as Nama/Damara, Kavango and Otjiherero — each reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Afrikaans and German are also spoken, while languages such as Portuguese, French and Spanish are heard only occasionally. It is common for Namibians to be multilingual, comfortably switching between languages depending on context.
Conservation Groups
The many different conservation areas and sanctuaries found throughout Namibia are excellent places to spend some time during a trip to this southern African country. The overarching conservation authority in Namibia is NWR (Namibian Wildlife Resorts) but there are many others flying the flag of conservation.
You may want to look up the following, while researching your trip:
- Namibia Nature Foundation
- Namibia Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Cheetah Conservation Fund
- N/a’an ku sê Lodge and Sanctuary
- Earth Organization Namibia
Plant Life
Namibia’s floral diversity is the stuff of legends. Here you will find masses of shrubs, trees and grasses where none should be, and some plants that just don’t seem real. There are over 600 species of vascular plants found nowhere else but here in Namibia, such as the Namib Coral-tree, the Lüderitz Living Stone and the Namibian Grape.
Ask about:
- Welwitschia that live for 1000s of years
- Halfmens plants turned wistfully towards home
- Quiver trees that do their own pruning
- Baobabs and their usefulness to man
- The Dead Vlei acacias, which dared to thrive and paid the price
Attractions
The biggest question you will face when it comes to Namibia is where to start. From border to border, the country is chock a block with things to see.
Don’t miss out on:
- The Skeleton Coast
- The Namib Desert
- Sossusvlei and Sesriem
- Etosha National Park
- Kalahari Trans-frontier National Park
- Namib-Naukluft National Park
- Lüderitz
- Swakopmund
- Windhoek
- Caprivi Strip
- The Waterberg
- The Fish River Canyon
Each of these offers its own special attractions, exhilarating activities and fascinating history to go along with it.
Geography & Geology
Namibia is filled with unique landscapes in the form of lush forests, towering granite massifs, rolling savannahs, stark salt pans and 2 different kinds of desert.
Tourist Information
Getting There
Namibia is a traveller’s delight. You can fly or self-drive to get there or take a guided tour. A car is essential for exploring the country to its fullest unless you are taking a guided tour. The distances are vast between attractions and there are few organized shuttle services.
While the roads are in good order, they are not as clearly marked as the roads in Europe and the US. During periods of high rainfall, some roads may become unusable.
It is imperative that you plan your route carefully, leaving extra time for cautious speeds due to wildlife and livestock on the roads as well as unexpected stops at interesting spots. Always call your accommodation provider beforehand to check the condition of the roads. If you are embarking on a guided safari, your tour organizer will take care of all these details for you. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand in case of a break-down or unexpected delays while travelling.
Visa & Vaccination Requirements
Namibia has introduced a new visa system based on reciprocity. While some nationalities are still visa-exempt, most international travellers can now obtain a visa either online (eVisa) or on arrival at major entry points, making the process relatively straightforward.
All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry, with sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps, as well as a return or onward travel ticket.
For the most up-to-date visa information and to apply online, please visit the official Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs portal: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
Alternatively, your travel agent or tour operator will be able to guide you through the latest requirements and assist with arrangements if needed.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged nine months and over if arriving from — or transiting through — a country where yellow fever is present.
What To Pack
It is a good idea to bring your own medications along on holiday with you as well as consult your GP with regard to malaria protection. Sunscreen and a hat are important as well as insect repellent although these are readily available in Windhoek. A camera is absolutely essential. Remember to bring all the related paraphernalia along such as memory cards, chargers and so on.
A list of important telephone numbers should always be within easy reach and a mobile phone is a good idea when travelling in Namibia.
For more information or to book your trip to Namibia, pop Destination Namibia a message via our contact us page, and we will gladly assist you.
Disclaimer
The details shared herein were correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.