Africa's most dramatic wilderness — the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, where red dunes plunge into the ocean at Sandwich Harbour, and Etosha's salt pan attracts black rhinos to floodlit waterholes at night.
- Capital
- Windhoek
- Population
- 3,022,401
- Area
- 825,418 km²
- Languages
- Afrikaans, German, English, Herero, Khoekhoe, Kwangali, Lozi, Ndonga, Tswana
- Currency
- Namibian Dollar (NAD)
- GDP
- $14,214M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
Annual visitors
187,100 (2020)
Safety
Elevated (11.21/100k)
Avg temp
20.4°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 1011 · Ambulance 2032276 · Fire 2032270
Travel guide
Namibia, in Southern Africa, boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, the Fish River Canyon Park, Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert. Thanks to both a wealth of indigenous cultures and a tumultuous colonial history, its people speak nine different languages, including some of the Khoisan languages which include the 'clicks' that present an enigma to most native English speakers. It is also one of the few places outside Central Europe where German, although not official, remains a commonly spoken language, while Afrikaans, shared with its southern neighbour, is also prevalent. Blending German, Afrikaner, Herero and other indigenous heritage in its modern cities, unique desert landscapes, rich wildlife and a relatively high standard of living, resulting in part from abundant natural resources (for example, Namibia produces the world's highest-quality gem diamonds), Namibia is today a peaceful country, welcoming to visitors and offering unforgettable experiences.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Namibia
Best time to visit
May–October is the dry season — best for wildlife at Etosha and the dramatic Sossusvlei landscapes. June–August is peak safari season. November–April is rainy season but the desert flowers spectacularly.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90 days visa-free in Namibia.
Highlights
Sossusvlei - is the endless sea of rust-red dunes, the bleached white pan and its gnarled ancient trees. Sossusvlei is the oryx flashing its flowing tail and giving you front and side views of its extraordinary features in front of a bright red dune that soars into the deep blue sky above.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2)
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Major cities
Windhoek
Namibia's orderly, German-influenced capital with a relaxed atmosphere and gateway to Etosha and the Namib Desert.
Swakopmund
A German colonial seaside town between the Namib Desert and Atlantic Ocean — sandboarding, quad bikes, and the best seafood in Namibia.
Sossusvlei
The world's highest red sand dunes rise above white clay pans in the oldest desert on earth — a photographer's paradise.