Springbok, Damaraland Namibia | Your Safari

Getting to Namibia

A trip to Sossusvlei is a must!

Namibia safari guide

Companies: 282 operators
Tour packages: 167 tours
Parks: 4 parks
Currency exchange
Capital: Windhoek
Population: 2 million
Total area:825,418 km² (318,696 miles²)
Languages: English, German
Airports: Swakopmund (SWP), Walvis Bay (WVB), Windhoek (WDH)

Recommended vaccinations


MMR

Voltage and plug type

Type D (220V)

Type M (220V)


About Namibia

Located on the southwestern coast of the African continent, sunny Namibia enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and is a safe, tranquil holiday destination. After Mongolia, it is also the least densely populated country in the world. Nearly 20% of Namibia’s land is a game park or nature reserve and it is internationally known for its ecotourism. Namibia’s climate is very arid and it is generally comprised of deserts. As a result, it experiences huge extremes in temperature, with daytime temperatures reaching well above 40C (100F) during the day and falling drastically after sundown.

Namibia’s national parks and conservation areas offer something for everyone. Etosha National Park is located in the northern part of Namibia and offers some spectacular game viewing opportunities. Etosha means ‘place of dry water’ and its waterholes provide great photo opportunities for viewing large game including lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest and black rhinos. Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It is probably best known for its red sand dunes that are part of Sossuvlei. Sossuvlei means ‘dead end marsh or marsh of no return’. Its red dunes and surrealistic landscape are popular among photographers and offer ample opportunities for shutterbugs of all skills and levels.

Namibia is one of the few African countries where self-drive safaris are recommended and feasible. It is also easily accessible from South Africa and has a solid, well-established tourism infrastructure with high-end and budget lodging options. For these reasons, Namibia is an excellent safari destination for first-time and experienced safari goers. 

Located on the border of South Africa and Namibia, austere, arid Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is situated in a mountain desert. Established as a conservation area in 1968, the park was in 2003 foun… read more

Established in 1907, Etosha National Park is located in the northwest corner of Namibia. Etosha is 22,270 km² (8600 mi²), making it the sixth largest national park in Africa. The name ‘Etosha… read more

Located in the thin panhandle of northeastern Namibia, abutting the Kwando Concession in Botswana, lies the tiny park of Mudumu. The Kwando River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and it… read more

Situated on the west coast of Namibia, beautiful, orange-duned Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to the Namib, considered by many to be the world’s most ancient desert. Established in 1907, vast, 50… read more

Flying to Namibia

If you are flying from North or South America, you will a flight with at least one stopover. If you are flying from Europe, most major cities will require one stop, with the exception of Frankfurt, Germany, which offers direct flights to Windhoek on Air Namibia. The same holds true for cities like Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. All require at least one stop.

If you are flying to Windhoek from within Africa, you can fly direct from Johannesburg and from Gaborone, Botswana one day/week. From all other major cities, you will most likely need to stop in Johannesburg.

Driving to Namibia

If you are planning on spending some time in southern Africa and have hired a car, here are some driving distances and/or times to Windhoek. It is roughly 17 hours to drive from Cape Town to Windhoek, on a fairly straight route. The drive from Johannesburg to Windhoek is also roughly 17 hours, and requires you to pass through Botswana. The drive from Maun, Botswana to Windhoek will take just over 10 hours, and from Gaborone, just over 14 hours.  If you plan on flying into Livingstone Airport in Zambia, the drive to Windhoek is around 18 hours.

If time is not a concern and budgets are tight, companies like Intercape service many of the towns in southern Africa. 

The following airlines travel to Namibia


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The French flag carrier. Air France, stylized as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France,. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. As of 2013 Air France serves 36 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 168 destinations in 93 countries (including Overseas departments and territories of France. Visit website

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National airline of Namibia. Air Namibia (Pty) Limited is a proprietary limited company incorporated in accordance with the Company’s Act. Air Namibia is the national airline of the Republic of Namibia, with the Government of Namibia as its sole Shareholder. The company’s business operations primarily involve provision of air transport services for passengers and cargo. Through its subsidiary company, Air Namibia Ground Handling (Pty) Limited, it provides ground handling services for passengers and aircraft at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport. The airline is positioned as a niche carrier serving domestic points within Namibia, the immediate regional markets of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Botswana. The airline also serves the entire European network through Frankfurt. Visit website

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Airlink is a privately-owned, BBBEE Level 4 business and regional airline serving a comprehensive network of smaller destinations throughout Southern Africa. We are now operating independently under our own unique 4Z flight code offering more freedom, more choices and more travel opportunities. Visit website

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The company is registered as Nomad Aviation (Pty) Ltd trading as Bay Air Aviation, with administrative offices in the coastal town of Walvis Bay and the operational hub at Eros Airport, Windhoek. The company is known to offer charters and scheduled flights, transporting of passengers and freight in Namibia and neighboring states, using light to medium class aircraft. In addition to operating in Namibia the company has completed contract work in Angola, Congo, Niger as well as South Africa using mostly King Air 200’s, Beechcraft 1900’s and Cessna Grand Caravan’s. Bay Air has been operating scheduled air services between Walvis Bay and Windhoek Eros as well as Windhoek and Johannesburg for the past 8 years. It is an aircraft charter company specializing in scheduled and non-scheduled air transport. The two directors, its founding members, have been in business since 1989. Visit website

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At Classic Jet Charters We own our aircraft and are an FAA certified aircraft charter operator. We also have one of the largest selections of local private jets and charter aircraft from the most valued private jet carriers with the most FAA operators nationwide. Classic Jet Charters strives to provide multiple private aircraft options for each of your charter flights with the highest levels of safety, convenience and competitive pricing. At the local level and nationwide Classic Jet Charters guarantees charter aircraft availability at a great price. Because we own our aircraft and have a network of preferred aircraft charter vendors nationwide we are available to quote any flight at the lowest price. Visit website

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Domestic services in South Africa. An aviation company founded in 1946, Comair Limited is managed and owned by South Africans through its listing on the JSE. For close to 70 years, Comair has provided consistent value, reliability and professionalism. British Airways and kulula.com now carry an average of 4.8 million passengers per annum locally and regionally. Our reputation of quality and passion for service will ensure Comair continues to play a major role in the South African aviation and travel industry. Visit website

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Condor Flugdienst Gmb is a German leisure airline based in Frankfurt. In 1955, Condor, the leisure airline of Thomas Cook AG, is founded on December 21 as “Deutsche Flugdienst GmbH” by four partners, Norddeutscher Lloyd (27.75%), Hamburg-Amerika-Linie (27.75%), Deutsche Lufthansa (26%) and Deutsche Bundesbahn (18.5%). The home airport is Frankfurt am Main. The fleet comprises three British-made, twin-engined Vickers Viking prop jobs, each with 36 seats. Since October 1, 2013, all the companies in the Thomas Cook Group have come together under a single symbol: the Sunny Heart. So the Sunny Heart appears on the tails of the aircraft of Thomas Cook Group Airlines to express their common identity. From October 2013 to summer 2014, the entire Condor longhaul fleet will gradually be fitted with a new cabin, with in-seat entertainment in all classes, and fully-automatic, comfortable reclining seats in the new Condor Business Class. Visit website

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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website

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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website

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The second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just ten years established itself as the world’s leading airline. “Etihad” is the Arabic word for “union”. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. Visit website

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Air shuttle and charter services throughout Africa, former name - Pelican Air Services. Federal Airlines (Pty) Ltd. Trading as Federal Air, is the preferred aviation partner for the top safari destinations in Southern Africa, and the market leader in Aviation Shuttle and Charter Services. Taking guests to the most beautiful and remote parts of Africa is our specialty and a market segment which Federal Air innovated in the late 1990s. We partner with world leaders in luxury safari experiences, and are committed to raising the bar in aviation to play our part in delivering a unique and seamless travel experience unparalleled anywhere in the world. Visit website

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First Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Makivik Corporation since 1990. First Air operates a versatile fleet of aircraft for regularly scheduled passenger and air cargo services. All aircraft are gravel and ice strip equipped for landing in remote locations, and many are combination (combi) aircraft capable of multiple passenger/cargo configurations. In addition to a large scheduled network, First Air’s versatile fleet of aircraft is available for charter throughout the world. With the ability to tailor the passenger/cargo configuration to meet the specific needs of our customers, First Air’s speciality charter service includes the capability to transport passengers to many places. Visit website

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Kavango Air was established in 2005 by Mark Smith who has been operating aircraft in northern Botswana since 1990. Kavango Air strives to keep safety its first priority, punctuality it’s second and also keeping the flight enjoyable at the same time. Based in Maun (Botswana) on the edge of the Okavango Delta, it is ideally positioned for quick scenic flights over the delta, as well as camp transfers to the numerous lodges and camps in the delta and surrounding areas. Kavango Air does air charters to almost anywhere in Southern Africa, and also does medical evacuations. The crew receives extensive training in bush flying techniques, and the pilots have to adhere to the high safety standards instilled by the company. Visit website

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Low-cost services in South Africa and to neighbouring countries. kulula.com is a fun loving and professional airline based in South Africa. Passengers can be assured that every safety precaution is taken before every flight. Passengers can book cheap flights to domestic destinations and more. We also offer affordable hotel accommodation and car hire, making travelling in South Africa easier than it’s ever been. Visit website

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MACK AIR is a fixed-wing charter company operating from Maun International Airport in northern Botswana. Based in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango, our destinations are throughout Botswana and neighbouring countries reaching as far as Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Vilanculos and Windhoek. Visit website

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Majestic Air provides a highly efficient service to travelers who wish to avoid the tedium of travel on South Africa's congested roads and in railways. Majestic Air is owned by David Maree who, as a businessman and commercial pilot, has used aircraft for business travel within South Africa and neighbouring countries. He has personal experience of the practical and cost-effective benefits of the use of aircraft as an alternative to travel by car and train. Majestic Air is operated by Multimedia Entertainment Group Air (PTY) Ltd) trading as MEGA Air as Air Charter & schedule Company in South Africa. The Company was established in the year 2004. Their aircrafts are capable of operating to smaller or rural airports where scheduled services are not able to. Visit website

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Major Blue Air is always ready to take you where you need to go. Based in Maun, Botswana – right on the edge of the Okavango Delta - Major Blue Air invites you to experience the awe-inspiring views that can only be seen by air. Whether you are looking for a scenic flight over the vast reaches of the Delta or to charter one of our top of the range aircraft to get you to where you need to be, Major Blue Air will provide you with outstanding service and a flight that you will never forget. Constantly expanding our flight range, it is our pleasure to take you anywhere in southern Africa, and further if desired! Regardless of the distance or duration of the flight, we are dedicated to providing you with Excellence in Aviation. Major Blue Air Hangar is situated at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. Visit website

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Moremi Air Services (Pty) Ltd, is an air charter company based from Maun in Botswana. The company has been operating since 1997 and has been under new management from June 2003. With have a fleet of 8 different aircraft suited to regional and international flying – both single and twin-engine, as well as turbine aircraft. We operate from Botswana and into Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Visit website

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Domestic operations in South Africa. Since its inception in 1946, National Airways Corporation (NAC) has spread its wings to become the largest general aviation company in Africa and one of the largest of it's kind in the world. The company’s headquarters are located at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg and we operate a local network of offices in Cape Town, Durban, Grand Central Airport, Wonderboom Airport and Rand Airport. NAC’s international businesses include Awesome Flight Logistics in Perth, Australia and Specialised Aircraft Services in Wichita, Kansas, USA. Visit website

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Pleasure Flights & Safaris is based in the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's premier holiday destination. Over the past ten years, Pleasure Flights has been performing eco-friendly sightseeing flights to numerous attractions in the country. Pleasure Flights & Safaris was founded in 1993 by Chris and Claudia Klein, shortly after which Erwin Goebel (1994), a qualified commercial pilot, joined them as pilot and guide. Erwin grabbed the opportunity to buy the company in December 2001 and took the reigns of the company as Managing Director. Visit website

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Regional services in South Africa. Choose Airlink to connect you to 35 destinations in 9 African countries. With more than 21 years of of customer focused experience along with the widest network and choice of flights, you get where you want to be, when you want to be there. Visit website

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Domestic airlines in South Africa. SA Express is a domestic and regional, passenger and cargo carrier established on 24 April 1994. SA Express has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa. As a regional airline with route networks covering major local and regional cities, SA Express plays a significant role in the country’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry and is vital contributor to the country’s socio-economic development. The airline’s head office is based at Airways Park in Johannesburg. SA Express has a growing fleet of aircraft and implements self-technical maintenance for all its fleet types at OR Tambo International Airport. An integrated, sustainable regional airline connecting secondary and main airports. Visit website

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Scenic Air started in Swakopmund in November 2001. In August 2002 the Windhoek office opened. Today Scenic Air operates a fleet of Cessna Centurion, Cessna Grand Caravan and Quest Kodiak 100 aircraft that serves its passenger’s needs. These high-winged aircraft is ideal aircraft for ‘scenic’ flights. It allows one to see natural beauty, endless horizons and picturesque panoramas from a “bird’s eye view”. Scenic Air caters for individual travelers, families as well as groups. We offer flights to all of the popular tourist destinations in Namibia such as Sossusvlei, Lüderitz, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Epupa Falls, the Kunene River, the Etosha National Park and the Caprivi-strip in the far North East. Visit website

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National airline of South Africa. At South African Airways we are the proud national airline of South Africa. We offer great value flights to and from South Africa as well as within our beautiful country. We are committed to the highest standards in everything we do and aim to deliver a world-class experience on every flight. Plan and book your flights with us and experience why we are one of the leading airlines in Africa. Visit website

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The state-owned flag carrier of Angola. TAAG Angola Airlines was founded in 1938 and is based in Angola’s capital city: Luanda. For over 70 years TAAG has served Angola by operating flights both domestically and internationally and by serving its passengers with a top quality level of service. TAAG is dedicated to expanding its services and improving the customer experience: the airline is acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft, improving its booking system, and instituting a customer loyalty program. TAAG is proud of its past and looks forward to continuing to serve Angola and achieve Excellence in all areas of the Company. Visit website

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The national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Turkish Airlines, one of the most preferred leading European air carrier with global network coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness while maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of Turkey. Visit website

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Westair Aviation is a fully integrated aviation service provider and airline based in Windhoek, Namibia. Having started out as an aircraft maintenance facility 50 years ago in 1967, Westair Aviation has grown to become the most experienced aviation company in Namibia. Today the Westair Aviation fleet consists of more than 30 aircraft suitable to conduct any mission across Africa. Offering a wide range of specialised aviation services, Westair Aviation provides tailored aviation solutions of the highest standards to discerning customers. Westair Aviation offers the following services: • Aircraft Charters • Aircraft Leasing • Specialised Aviation Services • Medical Evacuation and Air Ambulance • Geophysical Surveys • Flight Training • Aircraft Management and Consulting • Offshore Support Visit website

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Wilderness Air is proud to be the air partner of Wilderness Safaris, a responsible ecotourism and conservation company with private access to the finest wilderness and wildlife areas of southern Africa. Wilderness Air began operating in 1991, with one aircraft based in Botswana servicing two camps in the Okavango Delta. Today, Wilderness Air is also based in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, operating over 35 aircraft and employing over 50 pilots. Throughout its time, it has maintained its excellent reputation for safety and guest service. We operate a varied fleet of light aircraft, chosen for their ability to transport visitors comfortably to remote wilderness destinations with dirt airstrips. Each aircraft type has been selected based on its ability to transport different numbers of passengers, over different ranges. Our fleet operates on a daily circuit within the regions. Wilderness Air is privileged to fly into some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. We believe that flying is an integral part of each guest's travel experience and that our pilots' passion and professionalism can make a genuine contribution to journeys that change lives. Visit website

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Namibia map