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: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.858300
AAVE 0.000696
ADA 0.327747
AED 0.225947
AFN 3.911638
AGIX 0.788571
AKT 0.098093
ALGO 0.687285
ALL 5.043225
AMD 22.639042
AMP 137.933762
ANG 0.110949
AOA 56.503396
APE 0.438882
APT 0.098375
AR 0.030821
ARB 0.769199
ARS 91.828689
ATOM 0.038908
ATS 0.740502
AUD 0.088814
AVAX 0.008911
AWG 0.110128
AXS 0.060929
AZM 522.954908
AZN 0.104591
BAKE 81.879716
BAM 0.105252
BAT 0.698585
BBD 0.123048
BCH 0.000255
BDT 7.584293
BEF 2.170866
BGN 0.105252
BHD 0.023133
BIF 183.157711
BMD 0.061524
BNB 0.000105
BND 0.079520
BOB 0.426187
BRL 0.317962
BSD 0.061524
BSV 0.004167
BSW 183.821525
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 1.160965
BTG 0.213214
BTN 5.861700
BTT 231,981.728468
BUSD 0.061472
BWP 0.830374
BYN 0.178661
BYR 1,205.989149
BZD 0.123914
CAD 0.087425
CAKE 0.042486
CDF 141.951080
CELO 0.915757
CFX 1.375173
CHF 0.049492
CHZ 3.407901
CLP 56.675998
CNH 0.417833
CNY 0.417668
COMP 0.003671
COP 205.646226
CRC 28.035723
CRO 1.029310
CRV 0.287795
CSPR 31.678794
CUC 0.061530
CUP 1.630547
CVE 5.934108
CVX 0.051154
CYP 0.031496
CZK 1.301567
DAI 0.061553
DASH 0.001749
DCR 0.005542
DEM 0.105252
DFI 74.053007
DJF 10.957007
DKK 0.402258
DOGE 0.796138
DOP 3.646307
DOT 0.070528
DYDX 0.465868
DZD 8.182336
EEK 0.842014
EGLD 0.022260
EGP 3.022186
ENJ 2.125875
EOS 0.849405
ERN 0.922862
ESP 8.953955
ETB 9.841122
ETC 0.008663
ETH 0.000035
EUR 0.053814
EURC 0.053854
FEI 0.061546
FIL 0.077919
FIM 0.319966
FJD 0.138153
FKP 0.046111
FLOW 2.195388
FLR 8.851225
FRAX 0.062194
FRF 0.352999
FTT 0.258292
GALA 26.855685
GBP 0.046111
GEL 0.161596
GGP 0.046111
GHC 6,989.740739
GHS 0.698974
GIP 0.046111
GMD 4.537055
GMX 0.010382
GNF 539.415058
GNO 0.000585
GRD 18.337240
GRT 3.242799
GT 0.009075
GTQ 0.469616
GUSD 0.061605
GYD 12.877939
HBAR 0.814783
HKD 0.482536
HNL 1.647138
HNT 0.256737
HOT 170.492132
HRK 0.405464
HT 1.717169
HTG 8.053177
HUF 19.028920
ICP 0.027910
IDR 1,106.972459
IEP 0.042382
ILS 0.184798
IMP 0.046111
IMX 0.445300
INJ 0.012593
INR 5.861700
IQD 80.670044
IRR 84,662.284136
ISK 7.749350
ITL 104.199112
JEP 0.046111
JMD 9.746809
JOD 0.043621
JPY 9.957662
KAS 2.005653
KAVA 1.363601
KCS 0.008522
KDA 10.555839
KES 7.954504
KGS 5.381159
KHR 246.701327
KMF 26.474925
KNC 0.551939
KPW 55.377074
KRW 94.307845
KSM 0.017460
KWD 0.019091
KYD 0.051183
KZT 29.085097
LAK 1,391.001579
LBP 5,525.075509
LDO 0.227756
LEO 0.006573
LINK 0.007705
LKR 20.604127
LRC 5.007429
LRD 11.174254
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001363
LTL 0.185810
LUF 2.170866
LUNA 1.252810
LUNC 1,002.100279
LVL 0.037821
LYD 0.394638
MAD 0.576090
MANA 0.884185
MBX 2.446326
MDL 1.082894
MGA 261.079258
MGF 1,305.396292
MINA 1.297738
MKD 3.315058
MKR 0.000043
MMK 129.159212
MNT 220.510952
MOP 0.497012
MRO 24.570906
MRU 2.457091
MTL 0.023103
MUR 2.892044
MVR 0.951125
MWK 106.721964
MXN 1.075400
MXV 0.121940
MYR 0.250850
MZM 3,929.330164
MZN 3.929330
NEAR 0.030878
NEO 0.031104
NEXO 0.079974
NFT 232,148.717884
NGN 84.305217
NIO 2.264756
NLG 0.118591
NOK 0.605177
NPR 9.383117
NZD 0.108138
OKB 0.000771
OMR 0.023679
ONE 49.222489
OP 0.572278
ORDI 0.018953
PAB 0.061524
PAXG 0.000015
PEN 0.209507
PEPE 22,556.490172
PGK 0.270662
PHP 3.784527
PI 0.543867
PKR 17.116608
PLN 0.231007
POL 0.836581
PTE 10.788809
PYG 374.228271
QAR 0.223948
QNT 0.000919
QTUM 0.086551
ROL 2,812.343106
RON 0.281234
RPL 0.030387
RSD 6.311991
RUB 4.740905
RUNE 0.148766
RVN 16.143357
RWF 90.186411
SAND 1.233111
SAR 0.230715
SBD 0.497857
SCR 0.879167
SDD 3,692.955584
SDG 36.929556
SEK 0.593882
SGD 0.079520
SHIB 14,052.116472
SHP 0.046111
SIT 12.896071
SKK 1.621211
SLE 1.405208
SLL 1,405.207738
SNX 0.268680
SOL 0.000763
SOS 35.132776
SPL 0.010254
SRD 2.316052
SRG 2,316.051802
SSP 292.189463
STD 1,328.235124
STN 1.328235
STX 0.359799
SUI 0.082351
SVC 0.538336
SYP 6.801046
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.045079
THETA 0.438564
TJS 0.570284
TMM 1,079.499150
TMT 0.215900
TND 0.181369
TOP 0.148169
TRL 2,880,278.939336
TRX 0.187343
TRY 2.880279
TTD 0.416887
TUSD 0.061653
TVD 0.088814
TWD 1.974324
TWT 0.178968
TZS 161.661317
UAH 2.741859
UGX 224.840834
UNI 0.019467
USD 0.061524
USDC 0.061543
USDD 0.061587
USDP 0.061710
USDT 0.061591
UYU 2.476288
UZS 736.308147
VAL 104.199112
VEB 3,964,851,047.297620
VED 39.644981
VEF 3,964,498.057570
VES 39.644981
VET 13.041776
VND 1,618.097197
VUV 7.394702
WAVES 0.231529
WEMIX 0.237639
WOO 5.196035
WST 0.170164
XAF 35.299900
XAG 0.000996
XAU 0.000015
XAUT 0.000015
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.166538
XCG 0.110949
XCH 0.039038
XDC 2.189589
XDR 0.045379
XEC 11,582.298822
XEM 143.717091
XLM 0.308178
XMR 0.000190
XOF 35.299900
XPD 0.000048
XPF 6.421760
XPT 0.000038
XRP 0.053744
XTZ 0.247258
YER 14.580812
ZAR 1.0000
ZEC 0.000135
ZIL 19.944275
ZMK 1,128.925033
ZMW 1.128925
ZWD 22.265577
ZWG 1.650297
ZWL 4,123.636833

No currencies match your search.

South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.858300
AAVE 0.000696
ADA 0.327747
AED 0.225947
AFN 3.911638
AGIX 0.788571
AKT 0.098093
ALGO 0.687285
ALL 5.043225
AMD 22.639042
AMP 137.933762
ANG 0.110949
AOA 56.503396
APE 0.438882
APT 0.098375
AR 0.030821
ARB 0.769199
ARS 91.828689
ATOM 0.038908
ATS 0.740502
AUD 0.088814
AVAX 0.008911
AWG 0.110128
AXS 0.060929
AZM 522.954908
AZN 0.104591
BAKE 81.879716
BAM 0.105252
BAT 0.698585
BBD 0.123048
BCH 0.000255
BDT 7.584293
BEF 2.170866
BGN 0.105252
BHD 0.023133
BIF 183.157711
BMD 0.061524
BNB 0.000105
BND 0.079520
BOB 0.426187
BRL 0.317962
BSD 0.061524
BSV 0.004167
BSW 183.821525
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 1.160965
BTG 0.213214
BTN 5.861700
BTT 231,981.728468
BUSD 0.061472
BWP 0.830374
BYN 0.178661
BYR 1,205.989149
BZD 0.123914
CAD 0.087425
CAKE 0.042486
CDF 141.951080
CELO 0.915757
CFX 1.375173
CHF 0.049492
CHZ 3.407901
CLP 56.675998
CNH 0.417833
CNY 0.417668
COMP 0.003671
COP 205.646226
CRC 28.035723
CRO 1.029310
CRV 0.287795
CSPR 31.678794
CUC 0.061530
CUP 1.630547
CVE 5.934108
CVX 0.051154
CYP 0.031496
CZK 1.301567
DAI 0.061553
DASH 0.001749
DCR 0.005542
DEM 0.105252
DFI 74.053007
DJF 10.957007
DKK 0.402258
DOGE 0.796138
DOP 3.646307
DOT 0.070528
DYDX 0.465868
DZD 8.182336
EEK 0.842014
EGLD 0.022260
EGP 3.022186
ENJ 2.125875
EOS 0.849405
ERN 0.922862
ESP 8.953955
ETB 9.841122
ETC 0.008663
ETH 0.000035
EUR 0.053814
EURC 0.053854
FEI 0.061546
FIL 0.077919
FIM 0.319966
FJD 0.138153
FKP 0.046111
FLOW 2.195388
FLR 8.851225
FRAX 0.062194
FRF 0.352999
FTT 0.258292
GALA 26.855685
GBP 0.046111
GEL 0.161596
GGP 0.046111
GHC 6,989.740739
GHS 0.698974
GIP 0.046111
GMD 4.537055
GMX 0.010382
GNF 539.415058
GNO 0.000585
GRD 18.337240
GRT 3.242799
GT 0.009075
GTQ 0.469616
GUSD 0.061605
GYD 12.877939
HBAR 0.814783
HKD 0.482536
HNL 1.647138
HNT 0.256737
HOT 170.492132
HRK 0.405464
HT 1.717169
HTG 8.053177
HUF 19.028920
ICP 0.027910
IDR 1,106.972459
IEP 0.042382
ILS 0.184798
IMP 0.046111
IMX 0.445300
INJ 0.012593
INR 5.861700
IQD 80.670044
IRR 84,662.284136
ISK 7.749350
ITL 104.199112
JEP 0.046111
JMD 9.746809
JOD 0.043621
JPY 9.957662
KAS 2.005653
KAVA 1.363601
KCS 0.008522
KDA 10.555839
KES 7.954504
KGS 5.381159
KHR 246.701327
KMF 26.474925
KNC 0.551939
KPW 55.377074
KRW 94.307845
KSM 0.017460
KWD 0.019091
KYD 0.051183
KZT 29.085097
LAK 1,391.001579
LBP 5,525.075509
LDO 0.227756
LEO 0.006573
LINK 0.007705
LKR 20.604127
LRC 5.007429
LRD 11.174254
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001363
LTL 0.185810
LUF 2.170866
LUNA 1.252810
LUNC 1,002.100279
LVL 0.037821
LYD 0.394638
MAD 0.576090
MANA 0.884185
MBX 2.446326
MDL 1.082894
MGA 261.079258
MGF 1,305.396292
MINA 1.297738
MKD 3.315058
MKR 0.000043
MMK 129.159212
MNT 220.510952
MOP 0.497012
MRO 24.570906
MRU 2.457091
MTL 0.023103
MUR 2.892044
MVR 0.951125
MWK 106.721964
MXN 1.075400
MXV 0.121940
MYR 0.250850
MZM 3,929.330164
MZN 3.929330
NAD 1.0000
NEAR 0.030878
NEO 0.031104
NEXO 0.079974
NFT 232,148.717884
NGN 84.305217
NIO 2.264756
NLG 0.118591
NOK 0.605177
NPR 9.383117
NZD 0.108138
OKB 0.000771
OMR 0.023679
ONE 49.222489
OP 0.572278
ORDI 0.018953
PAB 0.061524
PAXG 0.000015
PEN 0.209507
PEPE 22,556.490172
PGK 0.270662
PHP 3.784527
PI 0.543867
PKR 17.116608
PLN 0.231007
POL 0.836581
PTE 10.788809
PYG 374.228271
QAR 0.223948
QNT 0.000919
QTUM 0.086551
ROL 2,812.343106
RON 0.281234
RPL 0.030387
RSD 6.311991
RUB 4.740905
RUNE 0.148766
RVN 16.143357
RWF 90.186411
SAND 1.233111
SAR 0.230715
SBD 0.497857
SCR 0.879167
SDD 3,692.955584
SDG 36.929556
SEK 0.593882
SGD 0.079520
SHIB 14,052.116472
SHP 0.046111
SIT 12.896071
SKK 1.621211
SLE 1.405208
SLL 1,405.207738
SNX 0.268680
SOL 0.000763
SOS 35.132776
SPL 0.010254
SRD 2.316052
SRG 2,316.051802
SSP 292.189463
STD 1,328.235124
STN 1.328235
STX 0.359799
SUI 0.082351
SVC 0.538336
SYP 6.801046
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.045079
THETA 0.438564
TJS 0.570284
TMM 1,079.499150
TMT 0.215900
TND 0.181369
TOP 0.148169
TRL 2,880,278.939336
TRX 0.187343
TRY 2.880279
TTD 0.416887
TUSD 0.061653
TVD 0.088814
TWD 1.974324
TWT 0.178968
TZS 161.661317
UAH 2.741859
UGX 224.840834
UNI 0.019467
USD 0.061524
USDC 0.061543
USDD 0.061587
USDP 0.061710
USDT 0.061591
UYU 2.476288
UZS 736.308147
VAL 104.199112
VEB 3,964,851,047.297620
VED 39.644981
VEF 3,964,498.057570
VES 39.644981
VET 13.041776
VND 1,618.097197
VUV 7.394702
WAVES 0.231529
WEMIX 0.237639
WOO 5.196035
WST 0.170164
XAF 35.299900
XAG 0.000996
XAU 0.000015
XAUT 0.000015
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.166538
XCG 0.110949
XCH 0.039038
XDC 2.189589
XDR 0.045379
XEC 11,582.298822
XEM 143.717091
XLM 0.308178
XMR 0.000190
XOF 35.299900
XPD 0.000048
XPF 6.421760
XPT 0.000038
XRP 0.053744
XTZ 0.247258
YER 14.580812
ZEC 0.000135
ZIL 19.944275
ZMK 1,128.925033
ZMW 1.128925
ZWD 22.265577
ZWG 1.650297
ZWL 4,123.636833

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.