What budget for activities and outings Namibia?

The Namibian tourism industry has suffered from the Covid-19 pandemic, and has therefore significantly relaxed its pricing conditions to facilitate the return of foreigners. It may be worthwhile to visit the websites of accommodation and service providers well in advance or close to the holiday periods: you may find some tempting discount codes. And don't hesitate to join Facebook groups dedicated to finding great deals. The best known is "Local Is Lekker" ("local is cool" in Afrikaans).
Since 2021, Namibia has raised entrance fees to its national parks, which until then had been among the lowest in Africa. When it used to cost N$80 per day per person and N$10 per day per vehicle for the following parks: Ai-Ais Game Park, Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park, Waterberg Plateau Park, Skeleton Coast Park, you can now expect to pay N$150 per adult and N$50 per vehicle.

Further information: Namibia Wildlife Resorts (www.nwr.com.na)

For the more sporty, we recommend mountain biking in the mountains, and for those looking for a more relaxing experience, spas and massages: activities mostly practiced in the vicinity of the capital.

Locally-produced goods are very affordable, but imported goods are less so, due to Namibia's isolation and small market. Stores accept all major credit cards.

Expect to pay NAD 100 for a show and NAD 50 for a single nightclub entry. We don't really offer preferential rates, at least not for foreigners. It's easier to bring cash.

What budget to eat Namibia?

Value for money is pretty good. The menus are often varied, with more European dishes (pizzas, meat, fish, vegetarian dishes...). There's something for every taste, and you can often get by for around 200 NAD per person (drinks included), or less than €10. Quantities are often large, so don't hesitate to ask for a doggy bag: the practice is widespread and, even if you don't eat it, you can hand it over to someone happy in the street.

Prices are very affordable: 30 NAD for a beer, 50 for a cocktail with or without alcohol. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but don't forget the 10% tip (sometimes it's better to leave it in cash, to make sure the waiter gets it)!

What is the budget for accommodation Namibia?

In Namibia, accommodation isn't cheap, and for good reason: you're usually offered the chance to spend the night in exceptional places in the middle of the desert. Rates can be multiplied by ten between a camping pitch equipped with a barbecue area and a personal sanitary block, and a luxurious lodge. You can still find a few Airbnb and youth hostels in major cities, but these are rarer. Remember to have a significant amount of cash on you when you go into the bush, as theft is almost non-existent and you may need it to pay in areas where payment boxes don't work.

A wide choice of accommodation. A number of small campsites and community establishments have opened in remote areas, aiming to develop eco-tourism that promotes the protection of nature and generates benefits for rural communities. In addition to the hotels located in or near towns, there are a number of other, often warmer and more authentic places to stay scattered around the country. Backcountry camping is forbidden in nature parks and on private farms, but is possible on communal land (former homelands). In certain areas, due to the real dangers posed by wildlife and predators, it is essential to take all necessary precautions before camping, and to have appropriate equipment (tents closed on the roof or camping-cars...).

Windhoek has an excellent hotel infrastructure. Apart from the capital, all urban centers (Rundu, Grootfontein, Tsumeb, Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Keetmanshoop, Lüderitz, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay...) have at least one hotel where you should have no trouble finding a room (except in Swakopmund, particularly in December and at Easter). Hotels in small towns are not very popular: although they generally offer decent accommodation and service at reasonable prices, most of them lack charm and character. Namibia has a few very large hotels from prestigious chains, notably in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

Guesthouses. Generally located in town, these small hotels, some of which have a lot of charm, offer a variety that's hard to grasp: a wide range of prices, quality of service and charm. In this guide, we have selected some good-quality addresses offering a warm welcome and very good service. Discover them case by case.

Lodges. On the bangs of national parks or on vast stretches of wilderness, hotels are giving way to lodges, worthy heirs to traditional bush houses that blend wonderfully into the landscape thanks to their use of natural materials. Located in the heart of lush vegetation or arid deserts, the lodges all have their own distinctive character, playing the authenticity card while maintaining a constant concern for comfort. Depending on the region, thatch, wood, stone or bamboo are used to build small bungalows or chalets, private terraces and communal buildings (lounges, bars, restaurants) offering grandiose views over the landscape or overlooking waterholes favored by wildlife.

In addition to sunbathing by the pools, game drives (a 4 x 4 safari lasting a few hours on the vast expanses of the property or the adjacent national park to observe the flora and fauna) or nature drives (the same principle, but with a focus on observing the landscape and flora, although animals are usually encountered) are offered. These outings are accompanied by a guide who provides a wealth of naturalist information, as well as information on how certain Namibian peoples use their natural resources. Other activities are also on offer, depending on the lodge: hiking, hot-air ballooning, boating and more. Last but not least, the emphasis is on food and drink, generally of the highest quality (the game is delicious) and always plentiful. Accommodation options include B&B, half-board or full-board (with or without activities), depending on the establishment.

Guest farm or guest ranch. This type of farm accommodation is highly developed in Namibia.

All guest farms offer comfortable and sometimes even luxurious accommodation in the heart of nature, on land ranging in size from 4,000 ha to over 15,000 ha. The guest farm concept is based on a family atmosphere: meals are generally taken together, and guests are invited to take an interest in the farmers' way of life: observation and tour of the farm (livestock and wild animals living on the property) in an all-terrain vehicle, short talks on animal husbandry techniques... A debate has now been launched in Namibia, where a few rare guest farms have increased their accommodation capacity by abandoning their agricultural activity, at the risk of losing their soul according to some. These farms generally offer half-board or full-board packages, and sometimes B&B packages (accommodation and breakfast). It is essential to book in advance, for reasons of supply and availability. However, recent developments in this type of accommodation have made them difficult to identify.

Youth hostels. The backpacker network is only just beginning to establish itself in Namibia. All large and medium-sized towns have at least one such establishment (there are several in Windhoek and Swakopmund). Youth hostels are part of Anglo-Saxon culture, and backpackers are particularly well developed in southern Africa. Accommodation is inexpensive and the atmosphere is always lively. While the average age is in the twenties, backpackers of all ages can be found here. There's plenty to do, breakfast is usually included in the night's stay, and it's possible to make your own meals. These addresses are generally well integrated into their urban environment, and you'll find all the good deals you need. Don't forget to pick up the excellent Coast to Coast guide, distributed free of charge.

Campsites. Please note! You'll need to book your entry and, above all, your accommodation in the national parks in advance. Specially designed for visitors to most national parks, restcamps offer accommodation at a much lower price than private sites (although the service isn't the same either). The quality of the accommodation varies, but is often very good and sometimes remarkably comfortable. Most are located close to a restaurant, grocery store and gas pump (see regional parks for details). For all these camps, it is advisable to book well in advance (several months for Sesriem or Etosha, from March to November). In Namibia, you'll find good-quality camping sites (clean, well-maintained sanitary facilities, hot showers, barbecue areas, running water and electrical outlets) on the outskirts of some towns and in the natural parks. Guest farms and many lodges have also opened up spaces reserved for campers (often charming, shady pitches benefiting from the same exceptional site, and welcoming only a small number of tourists). You will need to bring your own camping equipment (no rentals are available), but 4 x 4 rental companies offer fully-equipped vehicles with tents on the roof (basic cooking equipment, fridge, sleeping bags, etc.). Camping in Namibia is very different from camping in Europe.

Community camping. Camps run by local communities have developed successfully in certain regions, notably Damaraland, Kaokoland, Bushmanland and the Caprivi Strip. They boast the charm and authenticity of Africa, while offering appreciable comfort: running water, showers, toilets, wood for camping or small chalets. The use of these communal camps allows us to distribute part of the income from tourism directly to the locals, and above all to have a real encounter with the Namibian people. Costs are surprisingly low. We encourage all travelers to spend at least one night in these camps.

Please note: all rates given in this guide, as well as on the websites of the various establishments (when up to date), are globally those of 2024 (where possible we have given 2025 rates), but they are subject to variation according to room type and season. That's why we've opted for the generic wording "from". Allow for a 10-12% increase from one year to the next.

A few tips for campers

Southern Africa has a genuine camping culture that has given rise to luxury camping, quite different from our European concept of budget camping. Most camping safaris feature igloo tents that are easy to erect and spacious (you can usually stand up in them), with thick mattresses, showers and bush toilets. Meals around the campfire are hearty and warm. Some tour operators specialize in luxury camp safaris, with top-of-the-range equipment and back-up vehicles for setting up camps in advance, to recreate the real traditional touch of African safaris: you must have seen the film Out of Africa!
For those wishing to organize their own safari, in self-drive (4 x 4 equipped for camping with tent on the roof... you'll only come across these on the country's most touristy roads!), Namibia's desert climatic conditions and fragile ecosystems should encourage every tourist to respect the following few rules:

Burn your toilet paper (otherwise it will probably stay in the same place for years).

Take all your garbage with you, rather than leaving it in the middle of the desert.

If you want to camp wild on communal land (Kaokoland, Damaraland, Bushmanland), ask the conservancy for permission (which will cost you around N$50 per person).

Stay on the tracks rather than damaging the landscape for years to come and risking breaking your vehicle.

Bring your own firewood if you're camping in the Namib Park, Kaokoland or Damaraland. It is not advisable to collect wood in sensitive areas, as dead wood is very useful for termites. Another risk is that you may confuse dead trees with dormant trees in arid environments. On this subject, be careful with the wood you harvest: some of it is toxic. Ask a ranger or, better still, buy wood from local communities.

Keep cigarette butts to burn in the campfire later in the day.

Respect watercourses and dry riverbeds, which are the usual places where animals pass through (don't pitch your tent within 50 cm of a waterhole).

If you're camping in areas where predators are plentiful (Zambezi National Park, Khaudum Game Reserve), don't leave anything outside your vehicles (hyenas love anything that can be chewed, even plastic) and remember to carry a flashlight with you as soon as it gets dark.

Don't feed the animals on campsites, as they become insistent, and some of them, notably baboons, are sometimes exterminated by the park authorities when, having become too familiar, they lose the respect of humans and become dangerous.

If you have booked a campsite in Etosha, particularly in July and August, it's advisable to arrive early to set up camp. As the pitches are not marked out, they can sometimes be a little small.

Finally, don't panic and start running if an elephant or predator approaches your camp. Stay calm and make your way to a safer shelter, walking slowly away from the animal's path.

Further information: tosco.org - [email protected]

Camping equipment

The equipment you'll find on site is of good, even very good quality, the choice is relatively vast and prices are often lower than in specialist stores in France. However, you must have the time to buy the necessary equipment in Windhoek before you leave (and, above all, be able to take it with you on the plane home). Another solution is to rent equipment for the duration of your trip. Namibia is one of the few countries in Africa where it's possible to set off on the roads in total autonomy, and car rental companies offer fully equipped 4 x 4 vehicles, with the tent folded out on the roof and all the basic equipment in the boot (camping table and chairs, camping gas, crockery...), including mattresses and sleeping bags, and even the fridge! In this case, you don't need to bring anything with you. Everything is provided and included in the price of your rental. So is all the basic equipment for the vehicle. The list below will enable you to check what is provided and, if necessary, add to it on site.

Backpack - water bottle at hand.

Multi-purpose knife.

Flashlight (preferably headlamp) and spare batteries.

Matches, lighters.

Thermos flask.

Fridge, cooler and ice packs (available at some gas stations and grocery stores).

Chairs and tables.

Cutlery, plates, glasses, cups, dishes, can openers.

Pots and pans.

Barbecue grill.

Plastic basin and cloth, rope and clothespins

Biodegradable washing-up liquid, detergent, sponge.

Garbage bags, to be supplemented with Ziploc bags (important for all foodstuffs to be preserved).

Tents.

Mattresses.

Sleeping bag.

Mosquito net.

Kerosene or other lamps (for camp lighting).

Jerrycans (gasoline).

Water cans . In addition to running water for washing hands and dishes. Allow 5 liters of drinking water per person per day in hot weather.

Wood (on sale in most camps, gas stations and some villages).

Slingshot , if necessary, to chase away any monkeys that become too intrusive.

4 x 4 vehicle equipment: basic toolbox (wrenches, screwdrivers, bolts, etc.) with jack, shovel, pump (electric or manual) with tire pressure monitor and coolant, battery cables, engine oil, spare fuses, spare wheels (at least two), puncture repair kit, steel wire, tape and rope.

Travel budget Namibia and cost of living

Namibia is a highly unequal country, with a minority of the population enjoying considerable purchasing power. As a tourist, you will fall into this category, and you can expect the activities you undertake to be quite expensive. The daily budget depends very much on the type of accommodation you choose, with a big difference between campsites at around €10 per person per night and lodges that can easily cost upwards of €120 per night: it's up to you!

There are community camps, government restcamps, city hostels, guestfarms, guesthouses or guestranchs, small hotels and lodges.

Apart from the air fare, the biggest drain on your budget will be renting a car, especially a fully-equipped 4 × 4 for camping, but it's definitely worth it. A group of 4 people is ideal for dividing this expense.

The cost of renting a vehicle remains high. Namibia can be visited perfectly well with a standard car, but try to ask for a model with a certain chassis height for greater comfort. Note that where a 4 x 4 is really required, so is off-road driving experience!

An increase in park entry fees came into effect in 2021. Activities outside the national parks, often offered by lodges(game drive, 4 x 4, sundowner...) are expensive and vary from one address to another. The activities on offer in Swakopmund remain affordable for the simplest (dune surfing, fishing, boat or sea kayak trips...).

Eating out is cheap by European standards. A full meal in a restaurant won't cost more than N$150 to N$250 on average, although there are a few large restaurants that will put a little more strain on the wallet.