Namibia
🏛️ Capital: Windhoek
👥 Population: 3 million
💬 Language: English
💰 Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both are legal tender.
✈️ Reasons to travel: Namib Desert dunes, Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, cultural diversity, stargazing
📈 High Season: June to October
📉 Low Season: December to March
☀️ The warmest month: December
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: February
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 20/100
Rank: 161st/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Namibia:
- Cholera
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Namibia with no vaccine currently available:
- African sleeping sickness
- African Tick-bite fever
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Rift Valley fever
- Schistosoma
- West Nile virus
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Namibia?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Namibia is already available there.
Namibia FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Namibia in terms of health risks?
Yes, Namibia is generally safe for travelers, but health risks depend on the region. Malaria is a concern in the north, while foodborne illness and dehydration are more common across the country. Healthcare is good in Windhoek but limited in rural or desert areas.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Namibia?
Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your activities, hepatitis B and rabies may also be advised, particularly for rural travel. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. MyGlobdoc can provide a personalized vaccination guide for your trip.
Are there any common diseases in Namibia that travelers should know about?
Yes. Malaria occurs in the northern regions, particularly during the rainy season. Foodborne illnesses like hepatitis A, typhoid, and traveler’s diarrhea are also common. In remote areas, limited medical access can make minor health problems more challenging.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Namibia?
Eat freshly cooked meals from clean restaurants or lodges. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unwashed produce, and unpasteurized dairy. Drink bottled or purified water, as tap water is not always reliable outside major towns. Wash your hands frequently or use sanitizer.
Is malaria a risk in Namibia, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is a risk in northern Namibia, particularly in the Zambezi, Kavango, and Oshana regions. Popular tourist areas in the south, like the Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon, are at low risk of Malaria. MyGlobdoc can assess your itinerary and help determine if anti-malarial medication is needed.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Namibia?
Malaria is the most significant mosquito-borne illness in Namibia, especially in the north. Dengue is rare but possible. Use DEET-based repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under insecticide-treated nets in risk areas.
Do I need travel health insurance for Namibia?
Yes, travel health insurance is highly recommended. Private healthcare in Windhoek is good, but rural areas often lack modern facilities. Insurance ensures access to quality care and covers emergencies, including evacuation if needed.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Namibia?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For safaris and desert travel, add blister care, electrolyte packets, and a basic first aid kit. MyGlobdoc can generate a tailored packing checklist for your trip.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Namibia?
Stay hydrated in the hot, dry climate, and carry extra water on long journeys. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Use mosquito protection in northern regions and eat freshly prepared food to avoid illness.
Is Namibia safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid northern malaria zones due to higher health risks. Travelers with chronic respiratory or heart conditions should consider Namibia’s extreme desert climate and long travel distances between medical facilities. Always bring sufficient medication, a doctor’s letter, and reliable travel insurance.
What should I do if I get sick in Namibia?
For minor issues, pharmacies and clinics are available in towns. For serious conditions, seek care at private hospitals in Windhoek or Swakopmund. In remote areas, evacuation may be necessary—always carry insurance and emergency contacts.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Namibia?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Otherwise, no specific health certificates are needed. Check updated health and entry requirements before traveling.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map by Marcos Elias de Oliveira Júnior – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15551518 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained under the latest Creative Commons Attribution licence – CC BY 4.0 from https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/namibia
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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