• Mozzie

Namibia

Emergency

Dial 10111 for police, 10177 for medical emergencies, and 081 211 111 for fire services to get immediate assistance during urgent or critical situations.

Courtesy

Even brief meetings often start with small talk about health, family, or the weather. Rushing through greetings can be seen as impolite or overly formal.

Next holiday

The next public holiday in Namibia is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with gatherings, festivities, and traditional meals.

Tap Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Namibia, especially in urban areas. In some rural areas, it’s recommended to drink bottled or boiled water.

Local Stay

SafariNow is a popular platform in Namibia, offering vacation rentals, including lodges, cottages, and safari stays for all budgets and preferences.

Toilet

Toilet paper is used, but in some areas, it’s advised to dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing, as plumbing systems may not handle it well.

Safety

It is generally safe for tourists, with friendly locals and good infrastructure. Visitors should stay alert in crowds, respect customs, and exercise caution around wildlife and scams.

Cuisine

Namibian cuisine blends local ingredients, featuring kapana (grilled meat), oshifima (maize porridge), and wild game, emphasizing spiced meats, beans, and diverse influences.

Humor

Namibian Time:
Tourist: "What does ‘now-now’ mean in Namibia?"
Local: "It means relax, enjoy the view, and I’ll get back to you... eventually."

Windhoek

In Windhoek, public transport, including buses, requires cash payments. Mobile payments like E-wallets are accepted for some services, but contactless payments are not widely used.

Windhoek Transport

Bus

In Namibia, the two main intercity bus operators are Intercape, offering extensive Southern Africa routes, and TransNamib, connecting local and regional destinations within Namibia.

Intercape

Volunteering

The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Windhoek offers after-school programs in English and Mathematics to help vulnerable children improve their education and life opportunities.

Bernhard Nordkamp Centre

Conservation

Namibia was the first African country to include environmental protection in its constitution and is known for its conservation programs.

Himba

The Himba people, known for their red ochre-covered skin and traditional attire, maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle in northern Namibia.

Wildlife

Namibia boasts a wide variety of wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, lions, and rhinos, which have evolved to thrive in the harsh conditions.

Namib Desert

It is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, featuring towering sand dunes, some of which exceed 300 meters in height.

Heritage

Herero women wear long, layered Victorian-style dresses, now a cultural symbol, often in bright colors and patterns showcasing their heritage.

Stargazing

With some of the clearest night skies in the world, it is considered an excellent location for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.