How to Plan a Trip to Namibia

For a tourist who hasn't been to Africa before, Namibia is a good place to start. The unperturbed natural beauty of the country cannot be matched by anything else. The name of the country is derived from its desert, the Namib. As it happens, it's the oldest desert in the world. This is also a great place to encounter wildlife in Africa. For a tourist, Namibia offers an endless list of diversions.

dconvertini, Etosha National Park, Namibia (17215110341), CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Things you must know before you go

A beginner should do a lot of research before going to Namibia. While the locals are helpful and friendly, it's better if you know what you are doing. Communication won't be an issue as the official language is English. If you arrive from the UK, the USA or Australia, you will be issued a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival; your passport must be valid at least for the next six months. The official currency is the Namibian Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs here. The country experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. The period from April to May is when the air is clearer and less dusty. The period starting from June and ending in August is when it's slightly colder.

2. Accommodation

Tourists won't face difficulties when it comes to accommodation in Namibia. Windhoek hotel offers are aplenty, and the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino aren't hard to find. It would be ideal if you could get in touch with a travel agent and get them to sort out your accommodation, especially if this is your first time travelling to Namibia.

3. Getting around

Driving is the most effective way of getting around in Namibia; however, you can just as easily fly within the country. Flying is a better option if you plan to visit places like Desert Rhino Camp and Shipwreck Lodge.

4. Etosha National Park

This has to be on your list of places to visit here. One of the best places to encounter wildlife, Etosha National Park is home to a range of wildlife species – cheetahs, elephants, leopards, springbok and giraffe are the kinds of animals you are likely to see here. Apart from the animal population, the park is also known for its unique and varied landscape.

5. Skeleton Coast

This mammoth coastal stretch in Namibia is among the most fascinating places on earth. Skeleton Coast is considered the largest ship cemetery in the world. This area of the country is ridden with decomposing animal bones, which is what the name is derived from. This region of the country is hostile, and it is hard to imagine that anything could live here. However, come December, the place gets crowded by hundreds of seals ready to give birth. The harsh currents of the sea are the cause of many shipwrecks around here. Even though the shippers come ashore alive, there's nothing on this land to sustain them.

6. Go on a road trip

Driving around the country is the best way to get your bearings of the country. You can easily hire a car – make sure it is a 4*4 though. While it is safe here, you shouldn't drive around after dark. Also, make sure you take plenty of water with you, if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the desert, you are going to need as much water as you can get until the help arrives.

7. Get a local sim card

This can be easily done. Sim cards are affordable, and you can get one from any convenience store. Keep in mind that cellphone reception isn't great here, so make sure your Google maps are preloaded.