Why go to Namibia? The 10 good reasons to go Namibia
Indigenous peoples
There are many ethnic groups and their lifestyles will never cease to amaze you.
Security
The country is peaceful, stable and has a good infrastructure (roads, drinking water).
Outdoor activities
Boating, dune surfing, hiking, safaris... it's impossible to stay cooped up in this weather!
A very professional tourist welcome
Professionalism and competence in the tourism sector make it an easy destination!
The variety of open spaces
Mostly desert, the country has the second lowest population density in the world.
Preserved wildlife
Elephants, lions, rhinoceroses and giraffes often roam peacefully outside the parks.
Total autonomy
Fully-equipped cars let you travel with almost no dependence on anyone.
Living to the rhythm of the sun
Sunrises and sunsets over the savannah are magical moments.
Comfort in all circumstances
Whether you prefer camping or lodges, you'll always be comfortable for the night.
The barbecue (braai)
The quality of the meat is a matter of consensus and leaves no one indifferent.
What to visit Namibia?
Good to know to visit Namibia
Timetable
In Namibia, time is time. There seems to be a clear legacy of the German presence here: we get up early and go to bed just as early. It's a good thing too, as it allows us to live in step with the sun. In general, stores open at 8am and close at 6pm, corresponding to peak traffic times on Windhoek's roads. But crowds in Namibia are relative... you should never be bothered by them! But remember to book your accommodation and restaurants, especially at weekends.
To be booked
In general, it's advisable to book activities on site for the following day. These include game drives, guided tours and sports equipment rentals(fatbikes, surfboards, kites, etc.).
Budget & Tips
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)
Main events
Namibia is not exactly an exceptional destination for cultural events. The country is rather discreet in this respect! However, there is the Independence Day celebration in Windhoek on March 21, with its parades and sporting events, the Crayfish Festival in Lüderitz at the end of April/beginning of May, the Oktoberfest in Windhoek at the end of October, and the Windhoek Jazz Festival in the Independence Stadium at the beginning of November.
Guided tours
Guided tours are available on arrival at certain lodges and campsites. You'll usually be offered sunrise or sunset excursions on foot or by car to admire rock paintings and wildlife. We particularly recommend an early-morning walk in the dunes of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, to discover the desert animals, almost all of which live only at night.
What's very local
The dress code in Namibia is casual, to say the least. Like the Afrikaners, you can wear a beige safari outfit with lots of pockets, or stay in flip-flops like the Ovambo. Some even dare to wear German-style sandal socks... In any case, you won't be judged on your appearance - the most important thing is that you're comfortable whatever the weather.
