Africa · Southern Africa

Namibia

Republic of Namibia

Flag of Namibia
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Windhoek
👥 Population
3,022,401
📐 Area
825,615 km²
💱 Currency
Namibian dollar ($), South African rand (R)
🗣️ Languages
Afrikaans, German, English, Herero, Khoekhoe, Kwangali, Lozi, Ndonga, Tswana
📞 Calling Code
+264
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Southern Africa

About Namibia

Namibia is one of Africa's most spectacular and least-visited destinations, a country of breathtaking contrasts where towering red dunes meet a fog-shrouded Skeleton Coast and endless salt pans shimmer under an unrelenting sun. As one of the world's least densely populated nations, Namibia offers a kind of space and silence that is increasingly rare on our crowded planet. You'll find yourself driving for hours through dramatic landscapes without encountering another vehicle, the horizon stretching endlessly before you in every direction.

The Namib Desert, from which the country takes its name, is believed to be the oldest desert on Earth, and its iconic dunes at Sossusvlei glow in shades of orange and crimson that shift with the changing light. Beyond the dunes, the eerie stillness of Deadvlei — a white clay pan dotted with ancient camel thorn trees — feels like a painting come to life. In the north, Etosha National Park provides some of the finest game viewing on the continent, with elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds of bird species gathering around floodlit waterholes.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer hungry for otherworldly landscapes, or a road-tripper in search of the ultimate self-drive adventure, Namibia delivers on every front. The country's excellent infrastructure, including well-maintained gravel roads and a network of lodges and campsites, makes it surprisingly accessible. Come prepared for the vastness and you'll leave profoundly changed.

History & Background

Namibia's history is marked by the ancient presence of the San people, hunter-gatherers who have inhabited the region for tens of thousands of years. Bantu-speaking groups arrived later, with the Ovambo, Herero, and Nama settling different parts of the territory over centuries. European contact began with Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century, but it was German colonization in the 1880s that had the most lasting — and devastating — impact. The German colonial administration brutally suppressed the Herero and Nama uprisings in 1904–1908, committing what is now widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century, killing an estimated 65,000 to 80,000 people.

South Africa administered Namibia — then called South West Africa — from 1915 under a League of Nations mandate, and later illegally after the UN revoked the mandate in 1966. The South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) led a decades-long armed struggle for independence, which was finally achieved on 21 March 1990. Sam Nujoma became the country's first president, and Namibia has since maintained a stable democracy, standing as one of Africa's success stories of post-independence nation-building.

Culture & People

Namibia's cultural tapestry is woven from the threads of more than a dozen ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and identity. The Ovambo people, who make up the majority of the population, have shaped much of the country's political and cultural life since independence in 1990. The Himba of the remote Kunene region, known for their distinctive ochre-covered skin and intricate hairstyles, maintain a semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle that offers a fascinating window into a world little touched by modernity.

German colonial heritage left a visible imprint on Namibian cities — you'll encounter German architecture, bakeries, and even beer halls in Windhoek and Lüderitz. This colonial legacy sits alongside the vibrant traditions of the San people, the continent's oldest inhabitants, whose rock art and tracking skills represent thousands of years of accumulated knowledge. Namibians are widely regarded as warm and welcoming, and you'll often be invited to share a meal or join a community event as you travel through the country.

Food & Cuisine

Namibian cuisine reflects both its African heritage and the German colonial past. Braai — the Southern African tradition of barbecuing meat over an open fire — is practically a national institution, with game meats such as oryx, kudu, and springbok appearing alongside lamb and beef on most menus. Kapana, spiced grilled meat sold by street vendors in Windhoek's Katutura township, is a must-try for its bold flavours and lively atmosphere. Biltong, the dried and cured meat snack, is beloved across the country and makes an ideal road-trip companion.

German influences are unmistakable in the country's bakeries and restaurants, where you'll find excellent breads, sausages, and cakes alongside local favourites. Fresh seafood arrives daily from the cold Benguela Current waters at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund — oysters from Walvis Bay are particularly famous, often enjoyed with a cold Namibian Lager at a waterfront restaurant. The Oshifima, a stiff maize porridge eaten with vegetables or dried fish, is a staple of the Ovambo people and a genuinely comforting meal after a long day on the road.

Top Attractions

  • Sossusvlei Dunes — Towering red sand dunes, some over 300 metres high, offering unforgettable sunrise and sunset photography.
  • Etosha National Park — One of Africa's premier game reserves, famous for its salt pan and floodlit waterholes where wildlife gathers nightly.
  • Deadvlei — A hauntingly beautiful white clay pan with centuries-old dead camel thorn trees set against scorched dunes.
  • Skeleton Coast — A remote and dramatic coastline littered with shipwrecks, seal colonies, and eerie desert landscapes.
  • Fish River Canyon — The second largest canyon in the world, offering a five-day hiking trail of epic proportions.
  • Swakopmund — A charming colonial-era town offering adventure sports, fresh seafood, and a base for Namib Desert exploration.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Rent a 4WD vehicle for remote areas — many of Namibia's best destinations require off-road capability, especially after rains.
  • Carry sufficient water at all times; the desert climate means dehydration can occur rapidly even in cooler months.
  • Book accommodation well in advance for peak dry-season months (July–September), as popular lodges and campsites fill up fast.
  • The Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African rand, and rands are accepted everywhere — bring both if possible.
  • Fill up with fuel whenever you pass a station; distances between towns can be enormous, and fuel is unavailable in many rural areas.
  • Download offline maps before setting out — mobile signal is non-existent across vast stretches of the country.
  • Respect Himba cultural protocols if visiting communities; always ask permission before photographing people.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most Western nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Australia, and Canada, can enter Namibia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and you should carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Citizens of some African nations also enjoy visa-free access. Travellers from countries not on the visa-free list should apply for a visa in advance through a Namibian embassy or consulate.

Getting Around

Self-driving is by far the most rewarding way to explore Namibia, and the country's well-maintained gravel road network makes long-distance road trips genuinely enjoyable. A 4WD is recommended for most routes outside of main highways. Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main international gateway, with connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, and other hubs. Domestic flights to Swakopmund and other towns are available via Coastal Aviation and similar operators. Intercape coaches connect major towns, though schedules are infrequent.

Safety Notes

Namibia is one of Africa's safest travel destinations, with relatively low crime rates compared to regional neighbours. However, standard precautions apply: avoid displaying valuables, keep car doors locked while driving through Windhoek, and use only licensed taxis or app-based services at night. In remote desert areas, always carry extra water, a spare tyre, and emergency supplies. Inform someone of your intended route when venturing off the beaten track, as cellular coverage is very limited outside towns.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Namibia.

Namibian dollar (NAD) $
Updated: 2026-08-21
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.698462
AAVE 0.000627
ADA 0.303172
AED 0.228061
AFN 4.098230
AGIX 0.994246
AKT 0.118383
ALGO 0.707917
ALL 4.921714
AMD 22.643356
AMP 155.865200
ANG 0.112030
AOA 57.003537
APE 0.470883
APT 0.107851
AR 0.030122
ARB 0.680445
ARS 92.977296
ATOM 0.041038
ATS 0.730936
AUD 0.087108
AVAX 0.008567
AWG 0.111158
AXS 0.063921
AZM 527.847304
AZN 0.105569
BAKE 83.001908
BAM 0.103892
BAT 0.932448
BBD 0.124199
BCH 0.000276
BDT 7.596043
BEF 2.142824
BGN 0.103892
BHD 0.023349
BIF 184.833351
BMD 0.062100
BNB 0.000094
BND 0.078893
BOB 0.717105
BRL 0.322611
BSD 0.062100
BSV 0.003844
BSW 166.297319
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.132116
BTN 5.945133
BTT 219,171.741906
BUSD 0.062092
BWP 0.834677
BYN 0.189090
BYR 1,217.049167
BZD 0.125072
CAD 0.085530
CAKE 0.037535
CDF 142.363372
CELO 0.917119
CFX 1.379568
CHF 0.049635
CHZ 4.703726
CLP 57.302356
CNH 0.417508
CNY 0.417462
COMP 0.003273
COP 190.697162
CRC 28.224735
CRO 1.157057
CRV 0.217520
CSPR 23.566158
CUC 0.062094
CUP 1.645500
CVE 5.857457
CVX 0.036190
CYP 0.031089
CZK 1.281564
DAI 0.062106
DASH 0.001876
DCR 0.005045
DEM 0.103892
DFI 115.257179
DJF 11.061069
DKK 0.397111
DOGE 0.756062
DOP 3.633220
DOT 0.073428
DYDX 0.547033
DZD 8.250765
EEK 0.831137
EGLD 0.020785
EGP 3.159523
ENJ 2.364883
EOS 0.888502
ERN 0.931495
ESP 8.838295
ETB 10.120788
ETC 0.008901
ETH 0.000026
EUR 0.053119
EURC 0.053299
FEI 0.062084
FIL 0.083244
FIM 0.315833
FJD 0.136434
FKP 0.045508
FLOW 2.137017
FLR 8.927339
FRAX 0.062577
FRF 0.348439
FTT 0.285535
GALA 38.254783
GBP 0.045508
GEL 0.161491
GGP 0.045508
GHC 6,887.578198
GHS 0.688758
GIP 0.045508
GMD 4.605587
GMX 0.008938
GNF 545.944883
GNO 0.000505
GRD 18.100375
GRT 4.107879
GT 0.008623
GTQ 0.474000
GUSD 0.062191
GYD 13.001947
HBAR 0.837482
HKD 0.487043
HNL 1.666004
HNT 0.341207
HOT 175.643062
HRK 0.400227
HT 1.320688
HTG 8.134070
HUF 19.369788
ICP 0.026041
IDR 1,101.916846
IEP 0.041835
ILS 0.186406
IMP 0.045508
IMX 0.561497
INJ 0.013102
INR 5.945133
IQD 81.468241
IRR 85,353.334631
ISK 7.543126
ITL 102.853158
JEP 0.045508
JMD 9.836033
JOD 0.044029
JPY 9.871141
KAS 2.157243
KAVA 1.462910
KCS 0.008254
KDA 12.722081
KES 8.037643
KGS 5.436718
KHR 249.965722
KLAY 2.301153
KMF 26.132945
KNC 0.569799
KPW 55.884929
KRW 85.796176
KSM 0.019444
KWD 0.019144
KYD 0.051655
KZT 28.381770
LAK 1,399.415192
LBP 5,574.234490
LDO 0.182915
LEO 0.006681
LINK 0.005764
LKR 20.513564
LRC 7.655139
LRD 11.275449
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001290
LTL 0.183410
LUF 2.142824
LUNA 1.341453
LUNC 1,164.278498
LVL 0.037332
LYD 0.393746
MAD 0.574475
MANA 0.880685
MBX 2.917444
MDL 1.067406
MGA 265.631758
MGF 1,328.158791
MINA 1.324774
MKD 3.275390
MKR 0.000041
MMK 130.391744
MNT 223.508598
MOP 0.501654
MRO 24.795449
MRU 2.479545
MTL 0.022804
MUR 2.896804
MVR 0.960035
MWK 107.790922
MXN 1.051946
MXV 0.119604
MYR 0.251160
MZM 3,963.356482
MZN 3.963356
NEAR 0.035162
NEO 0.031276
NEXO 0.078145
NFT 223,307.819489
NGN 83.850519
NIO 2.286571
NLG 0.117059
NOK 0.579551
NPR 9.516671
NZD 0.104100
OKB 0.000578
OMR 0.023896
ONE 83.214504
OP 0.641152
ORDI 0.014837
PAB 0.062100
PAXG 0.000014
PEN 0.208218
PEPE 19,269.041567
PGK 0.278497
PHP 3.830282
PI 0.681826
PKR 17.250875
PLN 0.229341
POL 0.768277
PTE 10.649448
PYG 374.407330
QAR 0.226043
QNT 0.001004
QTUM 0.076300
ROL 2,789.417923
RON 0.278942
RPL 0.038130
RSD 6.232610
RUB 5.141456
RUNE 0.138332
RVN 20.501834
RWF 91.389074
SAND 1.409247
SAR 0.232874
SBD 0.497687
SCR 0.872041
SDD 3,726.831853
SDG 37.268319
SEK 0.588110
SGD 0.078893
SHIB 12,509.476628
SHP 0.045508
SIT 12.729491
SKK 1.600270
SLE 1.422085
SLL 1,422.084723
SNX 0.291713
SOL 0.000703
SOS 35.509926
SPL 0.010350
SRD 2.348386
SRG 2,348.386349
SSP 348.993271
STD 1,312.305596
STN 1.312306
STX 0.418188
SUI 0.083878
SVC 0.543372
SYP 807.350671
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.039181
THETA 0.381985
TJS 0.574466
TMM 1,085.648037
TMT 0.217130
TND 0.180004
TOP 0.149552
TRL 2,983,969.249308
TRX 0.183646
TRY 2.983969
TTD 0.421248
TUSD 0.062198
TVD 0.087108
TWD 1.977729
TWT 0.151136
TZS 164.293372
UAH 2.773698
UGX 230.962584
UNI 0.016356
USD 0.062100
USDC 0.062097
USDD 0.062111
USDP 0.062187
USDT 0.062116
UYU 2.491738
UZS 735.526581
VAL 102.853158
VEB 4,826,616,945.414634
VED 48.132399
VEF 4,813,239.927290
VES 48.132399
VET 11.944205
VND 1,617.036576
VUV 7.363579
WAVES 0.301558
WEMIX 0.312183
WOO 5.348748
WST 0.168696
XAF 34.843926
XAG 0.000907
XAU 0.000014
XAUT 0.000014
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.168127
XCG 0.112030
XCH 0.042917
XDC 2.166277
XDR 0.045351
XEC 8,947.057036
XEM 135.360243
XLM 0.335850
XMR 0.000149
XOF 34.843926
XPD 0.000046
XPF 6.338809
XPT 0.000033
XRP 0.048341
XTZ 0.277143
YER 14.722387
ZAR 1.0000
ZEC 0.000108
ZIL 24.551496
ZMK 1,178.261591
ZMW 1.178262
ZWD 22.473875
ZWG 1.653746
ZWL 4,132.256388

No currencies match your search.

South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-08-21
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.698462
AAVE 0.000627
ADA 0.303172
AED 0.228061
AFN 4.098230
AGIX 0.994246
AKT 0.118383
ALGO 0.707917
ALL 4.921714
AMD 22.643356
AMP 155.865200
ANG 0.112030
AOA 57.003537
APE 0.470883
APT 0.107851
AR 0.030122
ARB 0.680445
ARS 92.977296
ATOM 0.041038
ATS 0.730936
AUD 0.087108
AVAX 0.008567
AWG 0.111158
AXS 0.063921
AZM 527.847304
AZN 0.105569
BAKE 83.001908
BAM 0.103892
BAT 0.932448
BBD 0.124199
BCH 0.000276
BDT 7.596043
BEF 2.142824
BGN 0.103892
BHD 0.023349
BIF 184.833351
BMD 0.062100
BNB 0.000094
BND 0.078893
BOB 0.717105
BRL 0.322611
BSD 0.062100
BSV 0.003844
BSW 166.297319
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.132116
BTN 5.945133
BTT 219,171.741906
BUSD 0.062092
BWP 0.834677
BYN 0.189090
BYR 1,217.049167
BZD 0.125072
CAD 0.085530
CAKE 0.037535
CDF 142.363372
CELO 0.917119
CFX 1.379568
CHF 0.049635
CHZ 4.703726
CLP 57.302356
CNH 0.417508
CNY 0.417462
COMP 0.003273
COP 190.697162
CRC 28.224735
CRO 1.157057
CRV 0.217520
CSPR 23.566158
CUC 0.062094
CUP 1.645500
CVE 5.857457
CVX 0.036190
CYP 0.031089
CZK 1.281564
DAI 0.062106
DASH 0.001876
DCR 0.005045
DEM 0.103892
DFI 115.257179
DJF 11.061069
DKK 0.397111
DOGE 0.756062
DOP 3.633220
DOT 0.073428
DYDX 0.547033
DZD 8.250765
EEK 0.831137
EGLD 0.020785
EGP 3.159523
ENJ 2.364883
EOS 0.888502
ERN 0.931495
ESP 8.838295
ETB 10.120788
ETC 0.008901
ETH 0.000026
EUR 0.053119
EURC 0.053299
FEI 0.062084
FIL 0.083244
FIM 0.315833
FJD 0.136434
FKP 0.045508
FLOW 2.137017
FLR 8.927339
FRAX 0.062577
FRF 0.348439
FTT 0.285535
GALA 38.254783
GBP 0.045508
GEL 0.161491
GGP 0.045508
GHC 6,887.578198
GHS 0.688758
GIP 0.045508
GMD 4.605587
GMX 0.008938
GNF 545.944883
GNO 0.000505
GRD 18.100375
GRT 4.107879
GT 0.008623
GTQ 0.474000
GUSD 0.062191
GYD 13.001947
HBAR 0.837482
HKD 0.487043
HNL 1.666004
HNT 0.341207
HOT 175.643062
HRK 0.400227
HT 1.320688
HTG 8.134070
HUF 19.369788
ICP 0.026041
IDR 1,101.916846
IEP 0.041835
ILS 0.186406
IMP 0.045508
IMX 0.561497
INJ 0.013102
INR 5.945133
IQD 81.468241
IRR 85,353.334631
ISK 7.543126
ITL 102.853158
JEP 0.045508
JMD 9.836033
JOD 0.044029
JPY 9.871141
KAS 2.157243
KAVA 1.462910
KCS 0.008254
KDA 12.722081
KES 8.037643
KGS 5.436718
KHR 249.965722
KLAY 2.301153
KMF 26.132945
KNC 0.569799
KPW 55.884929
KRW 85.796176
KSM 0.019444
KWD 0.019144
KYD 0.051655
KZT 28.381770
LAK 1,399.415192
LBP 5,574.234490
LDO 0.182915
LEO 0.006681
LINK 0.005764
LKR 20.513564
LRC 7.655139
LRD 11.275449
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001290
LTL 0.183410
LUF 2.142824
LUNA 1.341453
LUNC 1,164.278498
LVL 0.037332
LYD 0.393746
MAD 0.574475
MANA 0.880685
MBX 2.917444
MDL 1.067406
MGA 265.631758
MGF 1,328.158791
MINA 1.324774
MKD 3.275390
MKR 0.000041
MMK 130.391744
MNT 223.508598
MOP 0.501654
MRO 24.795449
MRU 2.479545
MTL 0.022804
MUR 2.896804
MVR 0.960035
MWK 107.790922
MXN 1.051946
MXV 0.119604
MYR 0.251160
MZM 3,963.356482
MZN 3.963356
NAD 1.0000
NEAR 0.035162
NEO 0.031276
NEXO 0.078145
NFT 223,307.819489
NGN 83.850519
NIO 2.286571
NLG 0.117059
NOK 0.579551
NPR 9.516671
NZD 0.104100
OKB 0.000578
OMR 0.023896
ONE 83.214504
OP 0.641152
ORDI 0.014837
PAB 0.062100
PAXG 0.000014
PEN 0.208218
PEPE 19,269.041567
PGK 0.278497
PHP 3.830282
PI 0.681826
PKR 17.250875
PLN 0.229341
POL 0.768277
PTE 10.649448
PYG 374.407330
QAR 0.226043
QNT 0.001004
QTUM 0.076300
ROL 2,789.417923
RON 0.278942
RPL 0.038130
RSD 6.232610
RUB 5.141456
RUNE 0.138332
RVN 20.501834
RWF 91.389074
SAND 1.409247
SAR 0.232874
SBD 0.497687
SCR 0.872041
SDD 3,726.831853
SDG 37.268319
SEK 0.588110
SGD 0.078893
SHIB 12,509.476628
SHP 0.045508
SIT 12.729491
SKK 1.600270
SLE 1.422085
SLL 1,422.084723
SNX 0.291713
SOL 0.000703
SOS 35.509926
SPL 0.010350
SRD 2.348386
SRG 2,348.386349
SSP 348.993271
STD 1,312.305596
STN 1.312306
STX 0.418188
SUI 0.083878
SVC 0.543372
SYP 807.350671
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.039181
THETA 0.381985
TJS 0.574466
TMM 1,085.648037
TMT 0.217130
TND 0.180004
TOP 0.149552
TRL 2,983,969.249308
TRX 0.183646
TRY 2.983969
TTD 0.421248
TUSD 0.062198
TVD 0.087108
TWD 1.977729
TWT 0.151136
TZS 164.293372
UAH 2.773698
UGX 230.962584
UNI 0.016356
USD 0.062100
USDC 0.062097
USDD 0.062111
USDP 0.062187
USDT 0.062116
UYU 2.491738
UZS 735.526581
VAL 102.853158
VEB 4,826,616,945.414634
VED 48.132399
VEF 4,813,239.927290
VES 48.132399
VET 11.944205
VND 1,617.036576
VUV 7.363579
WAVES 0.301558
WEMIX 0.312183
WOO 5.348748
WST 0.168696
XAF 34.843926
XAG 0.000907
XAU 0.000014
XAUT 0.000014
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.168127
XCG 0.112030
XCH 0.042917
XDC 2.166277
XDR 0.045351
XEC 8,947.057036
XEM 135.360243
XLM 0.335850
XMR 0.000149
XOF 34.843926
XPD 0.000046
XPF 6.338809
XPT 0.000033
XRP 0.048341
XTZ 0.277143
YER 14.722387
ZEC 0.000108
ZIL 24.551496
ZMK 1,178.261591
ZMW 1.178262
ZWD 22.473875
ZWG 1.653746
ZWL 4,132.256388

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Namibia needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Namibia?
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek.
What currency does Namibia use?
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar ($), South African rand (R) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Namibia?
The official language(s) of Namibia include Afrikaans, German, English, Herero, Khoekhoe, Kwangali, Lozi, Ndonga, Tswana.
What is the population of Namibia?
Namibia has a population of approximately 3,022,401 people.
What region is Namibia in?
Namibia is located in Africa, specifically in the Southern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Namibia?
The international dialing code for Namibia is +264.
What time zones does Namibia observe?
Namibia observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Namibia?
The local time in Namibia is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Namibia?
Namibia covers a total area of 825,615 km².
How many states or provinces does Namibia have?
Namibia is divided into 25 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Namibia in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Namibia in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Namibia?
Visa requirements for citizens of Namibia vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.