Namibia Travel Safety

General safety

When visiting parks and game reserves, remain with your group and observe all local or park regulations and instructions given by tour guides, as wild animals pose risks. Potentially dangerous areas may lack fences and warning signs. Avoid visiting townships unless accompanied by someone with local knowledge. Carry a copy of your passport at all times.

Precautions

Remain alert to your surroundings, ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, and avoid the townships and remote areas after dark. Avoid walking alone after dark. Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows shut, to deter carjacking and theft. Do not keep valuables in your car. There have been reports of thefts from vehicles at service stations. You should be cautious of persons ostensibly looking for assistance by the side of the road. Unsuspecting tourists have been victims of armed attacks.

Road safety

Road conditions are generally good, but much of the country is covered by desert - overland travel takes considerable time. Sand, salt and gravel roads become very slippery when wet. Avoid night-time driving outside urban centres. Careful driving is particularly important on rural roads, many of which are gravel with sloping sand shoulders. Tourists are often involved in single-vehicle accidents. Do not exceed 80 km/h on gravel roads. Overland travel via the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo should be undertaken during daylight hours only. Excessive speed and animals on the roadway pose hazards. Emergency and roadside assistance is unreliable or non-existent outside Windhoek. Avoid stopping at roadside rest stops, where robberies have been known to occur. Road travel to desert areas should be undertaken with sufficient water and fuel supplies and two spare tires. Travel by convoy if you plan to go to the desert.

Landmines

Be aware of the presence of landmines in the border area from Katwitwi (a village on the Okavango River in Western Kavango region) to Kongola (a town in the Zambezi region).

Taxis

There have been reports of foreigners being robbed by taxi drivers. The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) regulates taxi drivers by allocating registration numbers (one letter followed by a two-digit number). Use registered taxis (displaying the NABTA logo) only or arrange for a taxi through a reputable hotel.

Public transportation

Public transportation is limited outside Windhoek. Buses and taxis operate in the capital.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Namibia, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Scams

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. There have been reports of credit card copying in some hotels and lodges. When paying by credit card, keep your card in view at all times. Be extra vigilant at automated teller machines (ATMs), as criminals may attempt to distract you or offer assistance with the aim of stealing your money. Do not accept any offer of assistance and cancel your transaction if you become suspicious.

Crime

Violent crime, such as muggings and robberies targeting foreigners, has increased, particularly in Windhoek. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent. Vehicle theft and break-ins also occur.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not illegal in Namibia. Some sexual relations between men are criminalised, but this is generally not enforced. However, many people in Namibia consider LGBT relationships to be taboo.

Wild animals

It's illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Anyone caught buying or trafficking these goods will be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence or fine.

Illegal drugs

Drug taking and smuggling is an offence.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. If hiring a car, pay particular attention to the insurance coverage provided: ensure you have comprehensive insurance. The use of a seatbelt is compulsory for the driver and all passengers. A charge of culpable homicide can be made against a driver involved in an accident resulting in death. It is illegal to use a cellular telephone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.