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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.572626
AAVE 0.000331
ADA 0.224052
AED 0.219457
AFN 3.853862
AKT 0.075431
ALGO 0.456320
ALL 4.885529
AMD 21.647344
AMP 94.445524
ANG 0.107594
AOA 54.832205
APE 0.356200
APT 0.075601
AR 0.013354
ARB 0.297236
ARS 91.560726
ATOM 0.034312
ATS 0.735256
AUD 0.086136
AVAX 0.005486
AWG 0.106965
AXS 0.045620
AZM 507.942747
AZN 0.101589
BAKE 248.838493
BAM 0.104506
BAT 0.581798
BBD 0.119514
BCH 0.000188
BDT 7.348356
BEF 2.155486
BGN 0.104506
BHD 0.022469
BIF 180.101404
BMD 0.059757
BNB 0.000076
BND 0.076601
BOB 0.715703
BRL 0.311989
BSD 0.059757
BSV 0.002989
BSW 143.852432
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 0.843173
BTG 0.090327
BTN 5.763170
BTT 159,574.665299
BUSD 0.059618
BWP 0.825327
BYN 0.179603
BYR 1,169.567712
BZD 0.120272
CAD 0.085361
CAKE 0.023925
CDF 138.128057
CELO 0.568249
CFX 1.108183
CHF 0.049600
CHZ 3.575388
CLP 58.552295
CNH 0.401013
CNY 0.400678
COMP 0.002384
COP 196.026474
CRC 27.374490
CRO 0.875246
CRV 0.156042
CSPR 23.180990
CUC 0.059672
CUP 1.431007
CVE 5.892068
CVX 0.025655
CYP 0.031273
CZK 1.305233
DAI 0.059682
DASH 0.001003
DCR 0.003243
DEM 0.104506
DFI 90.325295
DJF 10.656361
DKK 0.399361
DOGE 0.627140
DOP 3.576953
DOT 0.049246
DYDX 0.412824
DZD 7.988991
EEK 0.836049
EGLD 0.013380
EGP 3.145915
ENJ 1.787642
EOS 0.619717
ERN 0.896354
ESP 8.890520
ETB 9.756062
ETC 0.006667
ETH 0.000022
EUR 0.053433
EURC 0.053334
FEI 0.059674
FIL 0.056968
FIM 0.317699
FJD 0.134685
FKP 0.045239
FLOW 1.889719
FLR 8.272235
FRAX 0.060206
FRF 0.350498
FTT 0.233719
GALA 24.096415
GBP 0.045239
GEL 0.155093
GGP 0.045239
GHC 7,006.057818
GHS 0.700606
GIP 0.045239
GMD 4.426280
GMX 0.007126
GNF 525.952472
GNO 0.000495
GRD 18.207330
GRT 1.996507
GT 0.005384
GTQ 0.456629
GUSD 0.059785
GYD 12.490891
HBAR 0.579260
HKD 0.468893
HNL 1.608101
HNT 0.104017
HOT 133.463658
HRK 0.402592
HT 1.654772
HTG 7.819483
HUF 19.701986
ICP 0.018360
IDR 1,072.123941
IEP 0.042082
ILS 0.182368
IMP 0.045239
IMX 0.328882
INJ 0.007902
INR 5.763170
IQD 78.236174
IRR 104,219.194130
ISK 7.330319
ITL 103.460915
JEP 0.045239
JMD 9.452576
JOD 0.042368
JPY 9.446106
KAS 1.399317
KAVA 0.867568
KCS 0.007974
KDA 6.430777
KES 7.696177
KGS 5.226058
KHR 242.274199
KLAY 1.584680
KMF 26.287364
KNC 0.424598
KPW 53.704659
KRW 80.467432
KSM 0.011594
KWD 0.018459
KYD 0.049586
KZT 26.801038
LAK 1,346.845129
LBP 5,356.988450
LDO 0.128160
LEO 0.006689
LINK 0.004240
LKR 19.748676
LRC 5.679001
LRD 10.261730
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.000853
LTL 0.184494
LUF 2.155486
LUNA 1.177593
LUNC 1,136.186864
LVL 0.037553
LYD 0.382419
MAD 0.589138
MANA 0.588238
MBX 2.007959
MDL 1.066890
MGA 266.296219
MGF 1,331.481093
MINA 0.373258
MKD 3.272512
MKR 0.000027
MMK 125.444040
MNT 215.077538
MOP 0.482960
MRO 23.998641
MRU 2.399864
MTL 0.022939
MUR 2.895062
MVR 0.923815
MWK 103.543850
MXN 1.089272
MXV 0.123613
MYR 0.244288
MZM 3,814.444007
MZN 3.814444
NEAR 0.012254
NEO 0.023470
NEXO 0.069485
NFT 248,607.179495
NGN 79.304697
NIO 2.195537
NLG 0.117751
NOK 0.577501
NPR 9.225394
NZD 0.106890
OKB 0.000479
OMR 0.022993
ONE 0.408758
OP 0.456241
ORDI 0.013240
PAB 0.059757
PAXG 0.000014
PEN 0.206788
PEPE 13,608.945388
PGK 0.268421
PHP 3.749259
PI 0.687937
PKR 16.546315
PLN 0.234454
POL 0.550398
PTE 10.712375
PYG 348.892050
QAR 0.217515
QNT 0.000240
QTUM 0.060844
ROL 2,855.590110
RON 0.285559
RPL 0.031314
RSD 6.243440
RUB 5.011229
RUNE 0.076474
RVN 25.056145
RWF 88.270716
SAND 0.818580
SAR 0.224089
SBD 0.482163
SCR 0.852014
SDD 3,586.909705
SDG 35.869097
SEK 0.602659
SGD 0.076601
SHIB 10,124.704495
SHP 0.045239
SIT 12.804709
SKK 1.609726
SLE 1.377105
SLL 1,377.105058
SNX 0.237635
SOL 0.000495
SOS 34.054205
SPL 0.009959
SRD 2.259762
SRG 2,259.761743
SSP 341.367136
STD 1,320.336938
STN 1.320337
STX 0.151426
SUI 0.049069
SVC 0.522873
SYP 775.853045
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.013113
THETA 0.263887
TJS 0.550226
TMM 1,045.743066
TMT 0.209149
TND 0.178690
TOP 0.143602
TRL 2,937,628.726567
TRX 0.178108
TRY 2.937629
TTD 0.404935
TUSD 0.059696
TVD 0.086136
TWD 1.900460
TWT 0.105191
TZS 157.271833
UAH 2.687407
UGX 238.341490
UNI 0.006634
USD 0.059757
USDC 0.059676
USDD 0.059702
USDP 0.059787
USDT 0.059691
UYU 2.406694
UZS 703.762022
VAL 103.460915
VEB 5,181,515,095.519849
VED 51.815151
VEF 5,181,515.095520
VES 51.815151
VET 6.874707
VND 1,554.512483
VUV 7.197035
WAVES 0.198616
WEMIX 0.305890
WOO 4.430712
WST 0.165776
XAF 35.049818
XAG 0.000981
XAU 0.000014
XAUT 0.000014
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.161726
XCG 0.107594
XCH 0.037944
XDC 1.816340
XDR 0.044133
XEC 7,355.709280
XEM 104.514393
XLM 0.268202
XMR 0.000111
XOF 35.049818
XPD 0.000051
XPF 6.376265
XPT 0.000035
XRP 0.039683
XTZ 0.181931
YER 14.126103
ZAR 1.0000
ZEC 0.000045
ZIL 16.675775
ZMK 1,173.586265
ZMW 1.173586
ZWD 21.626046
ZWG 1.599477
ZWL 3,996.651195

No currencies match your search.

South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.572626
AAVE 0.000331
ADA 0.224052
AED 0.219457
AFN 3.853862
AKT 0.075431
ALGO 0.456320
ALL 4.885529
AMD 21.647344
AMP 94.445524
ANG 0.107594
AOA 54.832205
APE 0.356200
APT 0.075601
AR 0.013354
ARB 0.297236
ARS 91.560726
ATOM 0.034312
ATS 0.735256
AUD 0.086136
AVAX 0.005486
AWG 0.106965
AXS 0.045620
AZM 507.942747
AZN 0.101589
BAKE 248.838493
BAM 0.104506
BAT 0.581798
BBD 0.119514
BCH 0.000188
BDT 7.348356
BEF 2.155486
BGN 0.104506
BHD 0.022469
BIF 180.101404
BMD 0.059757
BNB 0.000076
BND 0.076601
BOB 0.715703
BRL 0.311989
BSD 0.059757
BSV 0.002989
BSW 143.852432
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 0.843173
BTG 0.090327
BTN 5.763170
BTT 159,574.665299
BUSD 0.059618
BWP 0.825327
BYN 0.179603
BYR 1,169.567712
BZD 0.120272
CAD 0.085361
CAKE 0.023925
CDF 138.128057
CELO 0.568249
CFX 1.108183
CHF 0.049600
CHZ 3.575388
CLP 58.552295
CNH 0.401013
CNY 0.400678
COMP 0.002384
COP 196.026474
CRC 27.374490
CRO 0.875246
CRV 0.156042
CSPR 23.180990
CUC 0.059672
CUP 1.431007
CVE 5.892068
CVX 0.025655
CYP 0.031273
CZK 1.305233
DAI 0.059682
DASH 0.001003
DCR 0.003243
DEM 0.104506
DFI 90.325295
DJF 10.656361
DKK 0.399361
DOGE 0.627140
DOP 3.576953
DOT 0.049246
DYDX 0.412824
DZD 7.988991
EEK 0.836049
EGLD 0.013380
EGP 3.145915
ENJ 1.787642
EOS 0.619717
ERN 0.896354
ESP 8.890520
ETB 9.756062
ETC 0.006667
ETH 0.000022
EUR 0.053433
EURC 0.053334
FEI 0.059674
FIL 0.056968
FIM 0.317699
FJD 0.134685
FKP 0.045239
FLOW 1.889719
FLR 8.272235
FRAX 0.060206
FRF 0.350498
FTT 0.233719
GALA 24.096415
GBP 0.045239
GEL 0.155093
GGP 0.045239
GHC 7,006.057818
GHS 0.700606
GIP 0.045239
GMD 4.426280
GMX 0.007126
GNF 525.952472
GNO 0.000495
GRD 18.207330
GRT 1.996507
GT 0.005384
GTQ 0.456629
GUSD 0.059785
GYD 12.490891
HBAR 0.579260
HKD 0.468893
HNL 1.608101
HNT 0.104017
HOT 133.463658
HRK 0.402592
HT 1.654772
HTG 7.819483
HUF 19.701986
ICP 0.018360
IDR 1,072.123941
IEP 0.042082
ILS 0.182368
IMP 0.045239
IMX 0.328882
INJ 0.007902
INR 5.763170
IQD 78.236174
IRR 104,219.194130
ISK 7.330319
ITL 103.460915
JEP 0.045239
JMD 9.452576
JOD 0.042368
JPY 9.446106
KAS 1.399317
KAVA 0.867568
KCS 0.007974
KDA 6.430777
KES 7.696177
KGS 5.226058
KHR 242.274199
KLAY 1.584680
KMF 26.287364
KNC 0.424598
KPW 53.704659
KRW 80.467432
KSM 0.011594
KWD 0.018459
KYD 0.049586
KZT 26.801038
LAK 1,346.845129
LBP 5,356.988450
LDO 0.128160
LEO 0.006689
LINK 0.004240
LKR 19.748676
LRC 5.679001
LRD 10.261730
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.000853
LTL 0.184494
LUF 2.155486
LUNA 1.177593
LUNC 1,136.186864
LVL 0.037553
LYD 0.382419
MAD 0.589138
MANA 0.588238
MBX 2.007959
MDL 1.066890
MGA 266.296219
MGF 1,331.481093
MINA 0.373258
MKD 3.272512
MKR 0.000027
MMK 125.444040
MNT 215.077538
MOP 0.482960
MRO 23.998641
MRU 2.399864
MTL 0.022939
MUR 2.895062
MVR 0.923815
MWK 103.543850
MXN 1.089272
MXV 0.123613
MYR 0.244288
MZM 3,814.444007
MZN 3.814444
NAD 1.0000
NEAR 0.012254
NEO 0.023470
NEXO 0.069485
NFT 248,607.179495
NGN 79.304697
NIO 2.195537
NLG 0.117751
NOK 0.577501
NPR 9.225394
NZD 0.106890
OKB 0.000479
OMR 0.022993
ONE 0.408758
OP 0.456241
ORDI 0.013240
PAB 0.059757
PAXG 0.000014
PEN 0.206788
PEPE 13,608.945388
PGK 0.268421
PHP 3.749259
PI 0.687937
PKR 16.546315
PLN 0.234454
POL 0.550398
PTE 10.712375
PYG 348.892050
QAR 0.217515
QNT 0.000240
QTUM 0.060844
ROL 2,855.590110
RON 0.285559
RPL 0.031314
RSD 6.243440
RUB 5.011229
RUNE 0.076474
RVN 25.056145
RWF 88.270716
SAND 0.818580
SAR 0.224089
SBD 0.482163
SCR 0.852014
SDD 3,586.909705
SDG 35.869097
SEK 0.602659
SGD 0.076601
SHIB 10,124.704495
SHP 0.045239
SIT 12.804709
SKK 1.609726
SLE 1.377105
SLL 1,377.105058
SNX 0.237635
SOL 0.000495
SOS 34.054205
SPL 0.009959
SRD 2.259762
SRG 2,259.761743
SSP 341.367136
STD 1,320.336938
STN 1.320337
STX 0.151426
SUI 0.049069
SVC 0.522873
SYP 775.853045
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.013113
THETA 0.263887
TJS 0.550226
TMM 1,045.743066
TMT 0.209149
TND 0.178690
TOP 0.143602
TRL 2,937,628.726567
TRX 0.178108
TRY 2.937629
TTD 0.404935
TUSD 0.059696
TVD 0.086136
TWD 1.900460
TWT 0.105191
TZS 157.271833
UAH 2.687407
UGX 238.341490
UNI 0.006634
USD 0.059757
USDC 0.059676
USDD 0.059702
USDP 0.059787
USDT 0.059691
UYU 2.406694
UZS 703.762022
VAL 103.460915
VEB 5,181,515,095.519849
VED 51.815151
VEF 5,181,515.095520
VES 51.815151
VET 6.874707
VND 1,554.512483
VUV 7.197035
WAVES 0.198616
WEMIX 0.305890
WOO 4.430712
WST 0.165776
XAF 35.049818
XAG 0.000981
XAU 0.000014
XAUT 0.000014
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.161726
XCG 0.107594
XCH 0.037944
XDC 1.816340
XDR 0.044133
XEC 7,355.709280
XEM 104.514393
XLM 0.268202
XMR 0.000111
XOF 35.049818
XPD 0.000051
XPF 6.376265
XPT 0.000035
XRP 0.039683
XTZ 0.181931
YER 14.126103
ZEC 0.000045
ZIL 16.675775
ZMK 1,173.586265
ZMW 1.173586
ZWD 21.626046
ZWG 1.599477
ZWL 3,996.651195

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.