Getting Around Namibia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Rely on taxis and minibuses in Windhoek. Rural: Rent a car for self-drive safaris in Etosha and Namib Desert. Coast: Buses to Swakopmund. For convenience, book airport transfers from Windhoek to your destination.
Train Travel
TransNamib National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting Windhoek to coastal and northern towns with infrequent services.
Cost: Windhoek to Walvis Bay N$150-250, journeys 4-6 hours on main routes.
Tickets: Buy via TransNamib website, stations, or agents. Advance booking essential due to limited schedules.
Peak Times: Services run weekends only on some lines; avoid holidays for availability.
Rail Passes
TransNamib offers rover tickets for multiple journeys, starting at N$500 for 5 days unlimited travel on select lines.
Best For: Scenic trips like Desert Express, savings for 2+ routes in northern Namibia.
Where to Buy: Windhoek station, TransNamib offices, or online with e-ticket delivery.
Special Routes
Desert Express luxury train runs Windhoek to Swakopmund with stops at scenic spots like Usakos.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 months ahead for peak season (June-Oct), prices from N$1,000 per segment.
Main Stations: Windhoek Railway Station central hub, connections to Keetmanshoop in south.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring remote parks and deserts. Compare rental prices from $50-150/day at Windhoek Airport, 4x4 recommended for gravel roads.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory for off-road, includes gravel road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, only on B1 highway near Windhoek (N$10-20 per toll).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on single-lane gravel roads, animals common at night.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure parking at lodges N$20-50/night in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside main routes at N$20-22/liter for petrol, N$18-20 for diesel.
Apps: Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline for remote areas with poor signal.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for wildlife on roads like C19 to Sossusvlei.
Urban Transport
Windhoek Minibuses
Informal combi minibuses cover Windhoek suburbs, single ride N$10-20, no fixed schedules.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, negotiate for longer trips.
Apps: Limited; use local advice or taxi apps like Bolt for reliability.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires available in Swakopmund and Windhoek, $10-20/day with guided desert tours.
Routes: Coastal paths near Walvis Bay, mountain biking in Naukluft area.
Tours: Organized e-bike tours for dunes, helmets and water provided.
Buses & Local Services
Intercape and local operators run buses between Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Etosha.
Tickets: N$20-50 per ride in cities, buy from terminals or online.
Coastal Routes: Frequent shuttles to Skeleton Coast, N$100-200 for day trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near airports or lodges in parks for easy access, central Windhoek for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Oct) and major events like Windhoek Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable wildlife viewing plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to fuel stations before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities and main roads, spotty in remote deserts and parks.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTC, Telecom Namibia, and Paratus offer prepaid SIMs from N$20-50 with variable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for N$100, 10GB for N$200, unlimited for N$300/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, lodges, and cafes; limited in rural areas.
Public Hotspots: Available at Windhoek malls and tourist info centers.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for maps and emails.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Hosea Kutako Airport 40km from Windhoek, taxi N$300 (30 min), shuttle N$150, or book private transfer for $40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Windhoek station (N$50/day) and airport services.
- Accessibility: 4x4 rentals adapted, but gravel roads challenging; lodges often have ramps.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in some rentals (extra fee N$200), check lodge policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for N$50, roof racks common on minibuses.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Namibia
Hosea Kutako Airport (WDH) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Hosea Kutako (WDH): Primary international gateway, 40km east of Windhoek with shuttle connections.
Eros Airport (ERS): Domestic hub 15km from city, light aircraft to lodges N$500+ (30 min).
Walvis Bay (WVB): Coastal airport with regional flights, convenient for Skeleton Coast.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (June-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Johannesburg and driving or bus to Namibia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Namibia, FlySafair, and regional carriers serve domestic routes like Windhoek to Etosha.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and remote airport transfers when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee N$20-50, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels/lodges, cash needed in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in Windhoek; Apple Pay rare outside cities.
- Cash: Essential for fuel, markets, and remote spots, keep N$500-1,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, N$20-50 for guides/drivers in national parks.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.