Namibia is the world’s 34th largest country with the super-arid Namib Desert covering much of its area. Namibia has five unique geographical areas: the Namib Desert, the Central Plateau, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert.
From the perfect dead-tree valleys at Sossusvlei to the otherworldliness of sand dunes plunging down to the sea, and the Naukluft Mountains creating glorious scenery in inland Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Damaraland - Namibia is a treasure trove of awe-inspiring sceneries. And with rivers and wetlands in the Caprivi Strip and the endless gold-grass plains of the Kalahari, it's difficult to think of an iconic African landscape that Namibia doesn't possess.
Windhoek, which is located in central Namibia, is the capital city.
Having ready access to local currency is vital, so here are some things we think you should know:
The currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand - both are accepted in the country.
ATMs can be found at all the main bank branches throughout Namibia. As of August 2022, the prevailing exchange rate is approximately 0.083 SGD to 1 Namibian Dollar/South African Rand. In the big cities like Windhoek, you won’t have a problem paying for your purchases with your credit card or finding an ATM.
Credit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels, some restaurants, and shops. Traveller’s checks are not widely accepted. Before your trip, check whether your card can access banking networks in Namibia and ask for details of charges.
Not all visitors to Namibia require a tourist visa: Singaporeans do not require a visa for visits less than 90 days.
Visitors from these countries also do not require a visa: South African, Australian, British, German, American, Canadian and Japanese.
Please check on the internet or with the Embassy if you require a Visa to be arranged in advance, as it can take up to 3 months for Visas to be issued.
Namibia is an all-year-round destination, but climate and temperatures vary throughout the year according to the different seasons.
Dry Season – May to October: Winter with cool weather and low rainfall. Temperatures can drop to 21 - 25ºC in July and August, and go as low as 7ºC at night or lower in the more northern and southern rural desert areas.
Wet Season – November to April: Summer with high temperatures and high rainfall. Temperatures can go up to 30 - 35ºC in January and February, with temperatures going up to 40ºC in the more northern and southern rural areas.
Namibia does not require any specific vaccinations, however you may need to show that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you will be travelling from or via a Yellow Fever Risk country.
Namibia is a malaria risk country, however this is mostly in the northern parts of the country, along the rivers and Caprivi strip. Etosha is also a risk area, but this is mostly during and shortly after the rain season.
We recommend that you consult your local physician with regards to vaccinations and precautions to be taken against malaria. Your doctor will be able to advise you regarding suitable malaria prophylaxis.
