Travel to Namibia to discover a desert wonderland, its wild heart beating in time with nature. One of Africa’s most enigmatic countries, both desolate and beautiful, its plains beckon those keen to capture its soul. Whether you’re visiting for a bucket list experience, a romantic escape or just wishing to conquer its magic, there’s something for everyone on a Namibia holiday.
The towns of Swakopmund and Luderitz as well as the capital, Windhoek, all have their own unique charm. But it’s the great outdoors that create a stir in an adventurer's heart – from the Skeleton Coast and Kaokoland to Sossusvlei, with its legendary dunes. Not forgetting Etosha, Africa’s third-largest game reserve. Namibia is home to the oldest, driest desert in the world as well as ancient rock art and a wide selection of wildlife, some of which have made their home in the arid desert. It is all of this and more that makes Namibia such an extraordinary place to visit and one of the most exciting travel destinations in Africa.
Why visit Namibia
- It is home to hauntingly beautiful, unique landscapes including the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
- You can see wildlife, including elephants and black rhino, that have adapted to the desert.
- The birdlife is prolific, with over 700 species.
- It’s an excellent place for a family holiday, with many outdoor experiences.
- Otherworldy flora, like the 1,500-year-old Welwitschia and the quiver tree (kokerboom), can be found here.
- Namibia is a cheetah stronghold – over 20% of the world’s cheetah population is being conserved here.
- Namibia holiday packages offer diverse options, from game viewing and adventure sports to beach getaways.
What is the best time of year to visit Namibia?
July through to October is the best time of year to visit Namibia. There is less rainfall predicted during this time and the temperatures average at just over 20 degrees Celsius. This is also the best period of the year for game viewing.
There is a wonderful road trip you can take from Cape Town to Namibia, it is a 1481km drive. It will take you just over 15 hours to get there, but you will definitely want to stop for the quaint towns and the 'must-see's' along the way, so give yourself a bit more time. If you're too excited for your holiday to Namibia to start then it is only a 2 hour flight to Windhoek.
Namibia is the ideal holiday destination to get away from it all on an adventurous honeymoon, family holiday or rugged tours with friends. Let Thompsons Holidays be your guide. Chat to us about Namibia holiday packages.
A mysterious land of otherworldly beauty, which stretches along Africa’s western coastline from one desert to the next, Namibia is a wonderland of natural attractions. It’s one of Africa’s most enigmatic countries, both desolate and beautiful, a destination that beckons the explorer, the adventurer and the photographer, all keen to capture its soul. Whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, there’s something for you in Namibia, a place where very few men dare to set down roots, and wild animals reign supreme.
Start your adventure in the capital, Windhoek, the ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country. Enjoy some relaxation in Swakopmund, the country’s premier holiday resort, home to a wealth of well-preserved German colonial buildings. Then discover Walvis Bay, the centre of the country’s fishing industry. Unforgettable experiences include exploring the Namib Desert in the west and the orange dunes of the Kalahari in the east. And then there’s the incomparable Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s great game parks, where you can enjoy a safari to view a wide variety of wildlife.
Things to do in Namibia
- View the magnificent desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland.
- Explore the ghost town of Kolmanskop.
- Go camping beneath giant boulders at Spitzkoppe.
- View desert-adapted black rhino in Kaokoland.
- Enjoy game viewing at a waterhole in Etosha National Park.
- Discover the immense white Etosha Pan.
- See the wild horses of the Namib Desert.
- Go quad biking on the sand dunes outside Swakopmund.
- Visit Africa’s greatest canyon, the Fish River Canyon.
- View ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein.
Whether you want to go dune bashing in Sossusvlei or search for shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast; if you're going to experience an adventure holiday with friends or as a couple, or game viewing with the whole family, you can do all of those things in Namibia. Let Thompsons Holidays put together a bespoke Namibia package for you.
When is the best time to visit?
- The best time to visit Namibia is in the cooler season, between July and October.
- This is also the best time for game viewing, when temperatures average 20°C.
- It is extremely hot in the summer season, October to February.
Getting there
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Windhoek, Namibia is 2 hours. You will either fly on from there to your destination or be driven.
- Transport within Namibia is by car.
Do I need a visa?
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Namibia.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
What time is it?
- Time zone – same as in South Africa.
- Namibia practises daylight saving during winter which makes them GMT+1 (1 hour behind South Africa).
Money matters
- The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD).
- South African Rands are widely accepted and you can exchange US Dollars, UK Pounds and Euro.
- Credit cards are accepted at most hotels/lodges.
- Tipping has become standard practice in Namibia.
Language & phrases
- German is the official language.
- English and Afrikaans are both widely spoken.
Culture & religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Namibia
Health information
- Water in Namibia is safe to drink. Bottled water is also readily available.
- No vaccinations are currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
- Lightweight clothing for summer. Choose long, loose items that will protect your skin from the elements.
- In winter, the nights can get very cold. Be sure to pack some warm items.
- For safari - take khaki or light coloured clothing and a warm jacket for those early morning game drives.
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, flip flops.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, light scarf and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
- Support the local economy.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs.
- Be mindful of your impact on the environment. Follow established pathways and roads, do not collect flora.
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially if self-driving.
- Familiarise yourself with the rules of the game reserve.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
