Practical Information Namibia

Car Rental

The car we rented was a 4x4 through the rental company Bidvest Car Rental NAM. It was to be picked up at Europcar at the airport in Windhoek and returned to the lodge in Kasane.

Admission Requirements

You must possess an international passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. If you intend to drive, you must also hold an international driving permit. Parents traveling to Namibia with children must present the child's birth certificate. Minors traveling without both parents must provide the birth certificate and relevant attestations.

Visa: Provided free of charge upon arrival.

Payments and Exchange Rates

The currency used is the Namibian dollar (NAD). Euros can be exchanged on-site. You can withdraw cash with your debit card at ATMs bearing the Maestro logo in major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shopping malls. Additionally, payment can be made in South African Rand in Namibia.

Travel and Local Transport

In Namibia, they drive on the left side of the road. The road conditions vary, and traffic regulations may differ from those in your home country. Nevertheless, self-driving in Namibia is straightforward and enjoyable. Additional instructions will be provided before departure. If you wish to drive yourself, you must have an international driving permit.

Here are some tips for a safe journey:

Driving in Namibia is on the left side, including off-road.
Respect speed limits. Maximum speeds are clearly indicated: 120km/h on asphalt roads and 60-80km/h on gravel roads. The car rental companies we collaborate with in Namibia have their own rules regarding maximum speed. Exceeding these speeds will void your insurance. To avoid disputes, most cars are equipped with a tracking chip.
Avoid driving at night. Namibian roads are poorly lit and attract wildlife at night.
Most gas stations accept cash only. Stations that accept credit cards are exceptions.
If you experience a breakdown, passing motorists will often inquire if you need assistance. If the problem cannot be resolved, you can contact the car rental company.
You must have a valid driver's license with English text. To avoid any disputes, it's advisable to obtain an international driving permit. This can be obtained from the town hall (Belgium) or the ANWB (Netherlands).
A standard type of car is sufficient for visiting most highlights of Namibia. However, a 4x4 is more comfortable, and during the rainy season, it's highly recommended for certain regions.

Climate and Weather Conditions

Namibia can be visited year-round, boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine annually. Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, meaning you can experience Namibian summer during our winter. Overall, the country has a subtropical desert climate.

The summer months (November to March) are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and beyond. However, the dry air makes it bearable. From December onwards, brief but sometimes intense rain showers, often accompanied by severe thunderstorms, can be expected. Along the coast, rainfall is minimal, while in the north and northeast (bordering Angola and the Caprivi), annual rainfall can reach up to 600 mm.

During the winter months, the sky is typically clear blue with no clouds in sight. Daytime temperatures remain warm, but nights can be considerably cooler. This is the best time to observe wildlife in the national parks, as it is the dry season.

Health/Medical Information

No vaccinations are mandatory for travel to Namibia. There is no yellow fever risk, but vaccination is officially required if you are departing from or have spent more than 12 hours in transit through a country where yellow fever is present. Malaria is present from Etosha National Park to the border with Angola and in the Caprivi Strip. We recommend the use of insect repellent in conjunction with malaria prophylaxis. Additionally, the following vaccinations are recommended: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) and Hepatitis A.