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: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.656276
AAVE 0.000674
ADA 0.238891
AED 0.220580
AFN 3.754437
AKT 0.074509
ALGO 0.559336
ALL 4.929365
AMD 22.105001
AMP 71.786315
ANG 0.108211
AOA 55.171985
APE 0.416481
APT 0.063618
AR 0.028115
ARB 0.513900
ARS 83.852940
ATOM 0.029194
ATS 0.709958
AUD 0.084156
AVAX 0.006508
AWG 0.107512
AXS 0.051151
AZM 510.534053
AZN 0.102107
BAKE 81.235527
BAM 0.100910
BAT 0.619947
BBD 0.120125
BCH 0.000158
BDT 7.380718
BEF 2.081324
BGN 0.100910
BHD 0.022584
BIF 178.930913
BMD 0.060063
BNB 0.000094
BND 0.076883
BOB 0.416285
BRL 0.300901
BSD 0.060063
BSV 0.003992
BSW 70.172277
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.156135
BTN 5.789381
BTT 186,688.486804
BUSD 0.060093
BWP 0.816554
BYN 0.165172
BYR 1,651.715179
BZD 0.120890
CAD 0.082573
CAKE 0.042487
CDF 137.840665
CELO 0.746414
CFX 1.019997
CHF 0.047198
CHZ 1.221581
CLP 54.117974
CNH 0.408667
CNY 0.408526
COMP 0.002726
COP 228.186187
CRC 27.191312
CRO 0.859491
CRV 0.254570
CSPR 20.332159
CUC 0.060063
CUP 1.441205
CVE 5.689345
CVX 0.034606
CYP 0.030197
CZK 1.254302
DAI 0.060092
DASH 0.001400
DCR 0.003568
DEM 0.100910
DFI 61.165371
DJF 10.687470
DKK 0.385555
DOGE 0.575867
DOP 3.555457
DOT 0.048097
DYDX 0.415249
DZD 7.973792
EEK 0.807283
EGLD 0.015324
EGP 3.202686
ENJ 1.398435
EOS 0.742492
ERN 0.900939
ESP 8.584632
ETB 9.457776
ETC 0.006744
ETH 0.000028
EUR 0.051595
EURC 0.051554
FEI 0.060292
FIL 0.062240
FIM 0.306768
FJD 0.132443
FKP 0.044780
FLOW 1.664494
FLR 7.190280
FRAX 0.060485
FRF 0.338439
FTT 0.185896
GALA 17.863477
GBP 0.044780
GEL 0.160456
GGP 0.044780
GHC 6,871.111628
GHS 0.687111
GIP 0.044780
GMD 4.437027
GMX 0.009078
GNF 526.856227
GNO 0.000508
GRD 17.580886
GRT 2.388087
GT 0.008466
GTQ 0.457880
GUSD 0.060197
GYD 12.561889
HBAR 0.667263
HKD 0.470367
HNL 1.597800
HNT 0.072930
HOT 151.378755
HRK 0.388740
HT 0.414197
HTG 7.861452
HUF 18.604734
ICP 0.023256
IDR 1,064.616692
IEP 0.040634
ILS 0.174321
IMP 0.044780
IMX 0.352832
INJ 0.011524
INR 5.789381
IQD 78.697654
IRR 79,172.153264
ISK 7.398631
ITL 99.901225
JEP 0.044780
JMD 9.497509
JOD 0.042584
JPY 9.545986
KAS 1.738023
KAVA 1.042902
KCS 0.007498
KDA 7.220730
KES 7.767200
KGS 5.254082
KHR 240.892756
KLAY 1.154704
KMF 25.382917
KNC 0.418326
KPW 54.055160
KRW 90.404769
KSM 0.012062
KWD 0.018490
KYD 0.049957
KZT 28.183190
LAK 1,317.443034
LBP 5,384.486842
LDO 0.168643
LEO 0.005954
LINK 0.006197
LKR 20.003150
LRC 3.706068
LRD 11.008200
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001106
LTL 0.178146
LUF 2.081324
LUNA 0.948964
LUNC 764.163653
LVL 0.036261
LYD 0.381390
MAD 0.552755
MANA 0.681511
MBX 1.533866
MDL 1.039389
MGA 251.322612
MGF 1,256.613058
MINA 1.051416
MKD 3.179481
MKR 0.000035
MMK 126.086128
MNT 214.962808
MOP 0.484478
MRO 24.014479
MRU 2.401448
MTL 0.022150
MUR 2.839942
MVR 0.927642
MWK 104.536382
MXN 1.039368
MXV 0.117615
MYR 0.238709
MZM 3,836.222673
MZN 3.836223
NEAR 0.037224
NEO 0.020774
NEXO 0.067527
NFT 212,362.876756
NGN 82.349614
NIO 2.207758
NLG 0.113700
NOK 0.556998
NPR 9.267351
NZD 0.102589
OKB 0.000735
OMR 0.023104
ONE 29.301920
OP 0.467823
ORDI 0.014430
PAB 0.060063
PAXG 0.000013
PEN 0.205548
PEPE 16,309.737222
PGK 0.265364
PHP 3.706530
PI 0.395696
PKR 16.733802
PLN 0.218884
POL 0.660754
PTE 10.343804
PYG 365.567566
QAR 0.218628
QNT 0.000803
QTUM 0.066517
ROL 2,687.800378
RON 0.268780
RPL 0.034608
RSD 6.055642
RUB 4.353034
RUNE 0.134207
RVN 10.867729
RWF 87.818359
SAND 0.834027
SAR 0.225235
SBD 0.480871
SCR 0.881755
SDD 3,605.142804
SDG 36.051428
SEK 0.565133
SGD 0.076883
SHIB 10,420.324493
SHP 0.044780
SIT 12.364148
SKK 1.554341
SLE 1.375726
SLL 1,375.726025
SNX 0.193900
SOL 0.000707
SOS 34.321928
SPL 0.010010
SRD 2.235818
SRG 2,235.818375
SSP 283.172848
STD 1,277.696473
STN 1.277696
STX 0.251436
SUI 0.056766
SVC 0.525548
SYP 6.639059
SZL 1.0000
THB 1.959261
THETA 0.304231
TJS 0.559081
TMM 1,053.264207
TMT 0.210653
TND 0.174428
TON 0.029849
TOP 0.142884
TRL 2,737,862.138958
TRX 0.168394
TRY 2.737862
TTD 0.407407
TUSD 0.060136
TVD 0.084156
TWD 1.900247
TWT 0.125698
TZS 156.284123
UAH 2.651257
UGX 226.357725
UNI 0.017011
USD 0.060063
USDC 0.060083
USDD 0.060124
USDP 0.060144
USDT 0.060118
UYU 2.407527
UZS 722.674774
VAL 99.901225
VEB 3,107,195,058.943718
VED 31.070564
VEF 3,107,056.436845
VES 31.070564
VET 8.916521
VND 1,581.472648
VUV 7.131468
WAVES 0.158029
WEMIX 0.222343
WOO 3.556504
WST 0.161872
XAF 33.843889
XAG 0.000789
XAU 0.000013
XAUT 0.000013
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.162610
XCG 0.108211
XCH 0.021640
XDC 1.932150
XDR 0.043940
XEC 8,188.057159
XEM 90.247078
XLM 0.409122
XMR 0.000155
XOF 33.843889
XPD 0.000043
XPF 6.156883
XPT 0.000030
XRP 0.043454
XTZ 0.175661
YER 14.332133
ZAR 1.0000
ZEC 0.000105
ZIL 15.277008
ZMK 1,135.182927
ZMW 1.135183
ZWD 21.736654
ZWG 1.556235
ZWL 3,888.602531

No currencies match your search.

South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.656276
AAVE 0.000674
ADA 0.238891
AED 0.220580
AFN 3.754437
AKT 0.074509
ALGO 0.559336
ALL 4.929365
AMD 22.105001
AMP 71.786315
ANG 0.108211
AOA 55.171985
APE 0.416481
APT 0.063618
AR 0.028115
ARB 0.513900
ARS 83.852940
ATOM 0.029194
ATS 0.709958
AUD 0.084156
AVAX 0.006508
AWG 0.107512
AXS 0.051151
AZM 510.534053
AZN 0.102107
BAKE 81.235527
BAM 0.100910
BAT 0.619947
BBD 0.120125
BCH 0.000158
BDT 7.380718
BEF 2.081324
BGN 0.100910
BHD 0.022584
BIF 178.930913
BMD 0.060063
BNB 0.000094
BND 0.076883
BOB 0.416285
BRL 0.300901
BSD 0.060063
BSV 0.003992
BSW 70.172277
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.156135
BTN 5.789381
BTT 186,688.486804
BUSD 0.060093
BWP 0.816554
BYN 0.165172
BYR 1,651.715179
BZD 0.120890
CAD 0.082573
CAKE 0.042487
CDF 137.840665
CELO 0.746414
CFX 1.019997
CHF 0.047198
CHZ 1.221581
CLP 54.117974
CNH 0.408667
CNY 0.408526
COMP 0.002726
COP 228.186187
CRC 27.191312
CRO 0.859491
CRV 0.254570
CSPR 20.332159
CUC 0.060063
CUP 1.441205
CVE 5.689345
CVX 0.034606
CYP 0.030197
CZK 1.254302
DAI 0.060092
DASH 0.001400
DCR 0.003568
DEM 0.100910
DFI 61.165371
DJF 10.687470
DKK 0.385555
DOGE 0.575867
DOP 3.555457
DOT 0.048097
DYDX 0.415249
DZD 7.973792
EEK 0.807283
EGLD 0.015324
EGP 3.202686
ENJ 1.398435
EOS 0.742492
ERN 0.900939
ESP 8.584632
ETB 9.457776
ETC 0.006744
ETH 0.000028
EUR 0.051595
EURC 0.051554
FEI 0.060292
FIL 0.062240
FIM 0.306768
FJD 0.132443
FKP 0.044780
FLOW 1.664494
FLR 7.190280
FRAX 0.060485
FRF 0.338439
FTT 0.185896
GALA 17.863477
GBP 0.044780
GEL 0.160456
GGP 0.044780
GHC 6,871.111628
GHS 0.687111
GIP 0.044780
GMD 4.437027
GMX 0.009078
GNF 526.856227
GNO 0.000508
GRD 17.580886
GRT 2.388087
GT 0.008466
GTQ 0.457880
GUSD 0.060197
GYD 12.561889
HBAR 0.667263
HKD 0.470367
HNL 1.597800
HNT 0.072930
HOT 151.378755
HRK 0.388740
HT 0.414197
HTG 7.861452
HUF 18.604734
ICP 0.023256
IDR 1,064.616692
IEP 0.040634
ILS 0.174321
IMP 0.044780
IMX 0.352832
INJ 0.011524
INR 5.789381
IQD 78.697654
IRR 79,172.153264
ISK 7.398631
ITL 99.901225
JEP 0.044780
JMD 9.497509
JOD 0.042584
JPY 9.545986
KAS 1.738023
KAVA 1.042902
KCS 0.007498
KDA 7.220730
KES 7.767200
KGS 5.254082
KHR 240.892756
KLAY 1.154704
KMF 25.382917
KNC 0.418326
KPW 54.055160
KRW 90.404769
KSM 0.012062
KWD 0.018490
KYD 0.049957
KZT 28.183190
LAK 1,317.443034
LBP 5,384.486842
LDO 0.168643
LEO 0.005954
LINK 0.006197
LKR 20.003150
LRC 3.706068
LRD 11.008200
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001106
LTL 0.178146
LUF 2.081324
LUNA 0.948964
LUNC 764.163653
LVL 0.036261
LYD 0.381390
MAD 0.552755
MANA 0.681511
MBX 1.533866
MDL 1.039389
MGA 251.322612
MGF 1,256.613058
MINA 1.051416
MKD 3.179481
MKR 0.000035
MMK 126.086128
MNT 214.962808
MOP 0.484478
MRO 24.014479
MRU 2.401448
MTL 0.022150
MUR 2.839942
MVR 0.927642
MWK 104.536382
MXN 1.039368
MXV 0.117615
MYR 0.238709
MZM 3,836.222673
MZN 3.836223
NAD 1.0000
NEAR 0.037224
NEO 0.020774
NEXO 0.067527
NFT 212,362.876756
NGN 82.349614
NIO 2.207758
NLG 0.113700
NOK 0.556998
NPR 9.267351
NZD 0.102589
OKB 0.000735
OMR 0.023104
ONE 29.301920
OP 0.467823
ORDI 0.014430
PAB 0.060063
PAXG 0.000013
PEN 0.205548
PEPE 16,309.737222
PGK 0.265364
PHP 3.706530
PI 0.395696
PKR 16.733802
PLN 0.218884
POL 0.660754
PTE 10.343804
PYG 365.567566
QAR 0.218628
QNT 0.000803
QTUM 0.066517
ROL 2,687.800378
RON 0.268780
RPL 0.034608
RSD 6.055642
RUB 4.353034
RUNE 0.134207
RVN 10.867729
RWF 87.818359
SAND 0.834027
SAR 0.225235
SBD 0.480871
SCR 0.881755
SDD 3,605.142804
SDG 36.051428
SEK 0.565133
SGD 0.076883
SHIB 10,420.324493
SHP 0.044780
SIT 12.364148
SKK 1.554341
SLE 1.375726
SLL 1,375.726025
SNX 0.193900
SOL 0.000707
SOS 34.321928
SPL 0.010010
SRD 2.235818
SRG 2,235.818375
SSP 283.172848
STD 1,277.696473
STN 1.277696
STX 0.251436
SUI 0.056766
SVC 0.525548
SYP 6.639059
SZL 1.0000
THB 1.959261
THETA 0.304231
TJS 0.559081
TMM 1,053.264207
TMT 0.210653
TND 0.174428
TON 0.029849
TOP 0.142884
TRL 2,737,862.138958
TRX 0.168394
TRY 2.737862
TTD 0.407407
TUSD 0.060136
TVD 0.084156
TWD 1.900247
TWT 0.125698
TZS 156.284123
UAH 2.651257
UGX 226.357725
UNI 0.017011
USD 0.060063
USDC 0.060083
USDD 0.060124
USDP 0.060144
USDT 0.060118
UYU 2.407527
UZS 722.674774
VAL 99.901225
VEB 3,107,195,058.943718
VED 31.070564
VEF 3,107,056.436845
VES 31.070564
VET 8.916521
VND 1,581.472648
VUV 7.131468
WAVES 0.158029
WEMIX 0.222343
WOO 3.556504
WST 0.161872
XAF 33.843889
XAG 0.000789
XAU 0.000013
XAUT 0.000013
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.162610
XCG 0.108211
XCH 0.021640
XDC 1.932150
XDR 0.043940
XEC 8,188.057159
XEM 90.247078
XLM 0.409122
XMR 0.000155
XOF 33.843889
XPD 0.000043
XPF 6.156883
XPT 0.000030
XRP 0.043454
XTZ 0.175661
YER 14.332133
ZEC 0.000105
ZIL 15.277008
ZMK 1,135.182927
ZMW 1.135183
ZWD 21.736654
ZWG 1.556235
ZWL 3,888.602531

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.