Flights to Namibia

Getting around

Self-drive is the most popular way to travel, with well-signed tarred and gravel roads linking the main sights. A 4x4 is useful away from the highways, and distances are long, so plan for plenty of driving time. Fly-in safaris and guided tours are alternatives. Traffic drives on the left.

History

San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, now UNESCO-listed, are thousands of years old. Germany colonised the territory in 1884 and waged a brutal war against the Herero and Nama peoples in the early 1900s. South Africa ruled from the First World War until Namibia won independence in 1990. German and Afrikaans influences remain, especially in coastal Swakopmund.

Deserts, coast and wildlife

Sossusvlei, in the UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea, has some of the tallest dunes on earth and the white clay pan of Deadvlei. Etosha National Park centres on a vast salt pan, with waterholes that draw elephants, lions and rhino in the dry season. Swakopmund offers sandboarding and quad biking, and Walvis Bay has flamingos and boat trips. The Fish River Canyon in the south is among the largest canyons in the world.

Entry, money and health

British visitors now need a visa, which can be obtained online in advance or on arrival. The currency is the Namibian dollar, and South African rand are also accepted. Malaria is present in the far north, so speak to a travel health clinic. Namibia is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

May to October is the dry season, with cool nights and wildlife gathered at Etosha's waterholes. November to April is hotter, with summer rain in the north and green landscapes.

Planning a southern Africa circuit? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll help with your flights.