Explore
Namibia
A land of dramatic contrasts where towering crimson dunes meet vast desert plains and rugged coastlines.
Swakopmund
Windhoek
Language
Namibia is multilingual. English is the official language, but Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, Herero, Nama, and German are also widely spoken.
Here are a few useful Oshiwambo phrases:
‘Wa lala po nawa?’ – Did you sleep well?
‘Ongiini?’ – How are you?
‘Nawa’ – Good / Fine
‘Shili’ – Thank you
‘Oshili nawa’ – It is good
Currency
The currency used all over Namibia is The Namibian Dollar (NAD). The equivalent of 1 USD is about 18 NAD.
Weather
Namibia has a dry climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Sunny days with cold nights. Temperatures range from 9°C to 24°C, and rainfall is negligible.
At a glance
Visiting Namibia
We visited in December, and the weather was warm with occasional rain. It’s a good idea to have layered clothing, light wear for daytime and warm jackets for evenings. You’ll find people approachable, helpful, and often curious about your travels. English is widely spoken, which makes communication easy. Learning a few local phrases will always earn you a smile.
Dining in Namibia, you’ll find everything from international cuisine in Windhoek to local delicacies in small towns. If you’re adventurous, try game meat such as kudu, oryx, or ostrich. Many restaurants serve fresh seafood along the coast, especially in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. In a mid-range restaurant, you may spend around $10–$15 USD per person. Street food is often cheaper, under $5 and very tasty and filling.
These are must-try food: Kapana (street food), Braai (BBQ), Oshifima (millet porridge)
Kapana: Street-style grilled meat, often sold in markets. Perfect for a quick snack.
Braai: Namibia’s version of BBQ, usually featuring boerewors (sausage) or game like ku Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay are the main hubs. Windhoek has a compact downtown, so you can explore on foot.
Renting a vehicle is the best way to explore. Using A 4×4 is essential for remote areas like Sossusvlei or Damaraland. Rates start around N$2,000–N$3,000 per day (≈ $114–$171 USD) for a 4×4, but booking early is crucial, especially during peak season.
