Namibia offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes and sceneries that are perfect for exploration. The country is known for its vast deserts, towering sand dunes, and rugged mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. …
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Backpacking Namibia in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Namibia with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Namibia
Welcome to Namibia, a vast and mesmerizing canvas of deserts, wildlife, and cultural richness. Pros? Immerse in the surreal landscapes of the Namib Desert, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy budget-friendly travel. Namibia's safety and well-maintained infrastructure make it an accessible backpacker haven. However, the vast distances between attractions can require careful planning. For the backpacker with a thirst for adventure, Namibia stands out as a unique destination, offering an unparalleled blend of natural wonders and cultural diversity, where each journey unfolds as a spectacular exploration into the heart of Africa.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Namibia
Scenery
Wildlife
Namibia is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of species and has a vast and untouched wilderness. The country's national parks and reserves, such as Etosha National Park and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, offer …
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People
Namibians are known for their warm and welcoming nature, often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home. They are quick to offer a smile, a friendly greeting, and a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether it’s inviting strangers into …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Namibia is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its vast and diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. Namibia is known for its stunning desert landscapes, including the iconic red sand dunes of …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Namibia
- Etosha National Park: Explore one of Africa’s largest game reserves, home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos. The park’s unique salt pans and waterholes make for incredible game viewing opportunities.
- Sossusvlei: Visit the iconic red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, located in the Namib Desert. Climb to the top of Dune 45 for breathtaking sunrise views or explore the eerie Deadvlei, a dried-up clay pan dotted with ancient camelthorn trees.
- Fish River Canyon: Hike along the rim of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and panoramic vistas that make this natural wonder a must-visit destination.
- Swakopmund: Discover the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and adventure activities. Try sandboarding, quad biking, or take a boat tour to see seals and dolphins.
- Damaraland: Explore the rugged beauty of Damaraland, a vast wilderness area known for its unique rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and desert-adapted wildlife such as desert elephants and black rhinos.
But Namibia offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and there is less rainfall, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and hiking. Additionally, wildlife viewing is at its best as animals gather around water sources. However, it is important to note that Namibia can be visited year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Namibia
- Petty crime is common, including in urban centres. This includes pickpocketing, bag-snatching and car break-ins. Don’t leave valuables in your car. Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving.
- Violent crime includes muggings and robberies. Tourists have been robbed after stopping for hitchhikers or to help people. Avoid walking alone in large towns, particularly at night. Don’t pick up strangers.
- Taxi drivers have robbed travellers. Don’t hail unmarked taxis on the street. Use taxis with the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association logo. Book taxis through your hotel or a taxi company.
- Credit card skimming occurs. Always keep your card in sight. Check your statements often for fraudulent transactions.
- Flooding may happen in the rainy season from November to April. Floods can block roads. Follow local advice.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
NamibiaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Namibia sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Namibia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Namibia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Namibia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Namibia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Namibia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Namibia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 25 September 2024