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Few individuals know the nation as a bucket checklist vacation spot, nevertheless it needs to be! But, your welfare is at all times a priority, which raises the query: is Namibia protected for vacationers?
This golden desert delight gives wildlife, curious small cities, and pleasant German locals. It is among the youngest nations, because it solely gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
Namibia varieties a part of the “4 corners of Africa,” shared with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They’ve this title resulting from being the one international locations on this planet that meet at a quadripoint.
Namibia shares a border with the beloved but unsafe South Africa. This may occasionally ship you a noticeable pink flag. So, does this neighbor undergo an identical standing? Namibia is among the most pure African international locations, and it will be a disgrace to name it harmful.
Why Go to Namibia
If you happen to’re searching for the epitome of pure magnificence, Namibia is a land of untamed, untainted marvel.
It’s simple to fall in love with the place. You’ll expertise quaint cities, infinite Namib dunes, Atlantic seashores, and spectacular wildlife. You too can go to Namibia at any time of the yr.
Namibian tradition additionally beckons a go to. It’s dwelling to the traditional San, Himba, Kavango, Ovambo, and Herero tribes. The nation can also be a German colony, the place you’ll discover their influences in colonial structure and scrumptious delicacies.
This picturesque vacation spot guarantees a vacation full of thrilling actions. You may take pleasure in safari excursions, sandboarding, quad biking, 4×4 excursions, kayaking, and mesmerizing seashores.
Is Namibia Harmful?
Namibia shines as a stress-free zone as a result of it is among the most secure international locations in Africa. In response to visionofhumanity.org, it holds the world’s 56th place on the 2023 International Peace Index. For perspective, the USA ranks 131 out of the 163 listed international locations.
Like several vacation spot, there are dangers of petty crime within the extra populated cities. The extra urgent questions of safety are as a result of gravel roads that include small cities. The malaria dangers of Northern Namibia additionally pose a menace. Additionally it is doable to come across unruly wild animals on safari excursions.
Harmful Areas in Namibia
Components of Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay
Because you’ll doubtless journey inside these main cities, they’ve essentially the most probability of hazard. Though there aren’t many excessive circumstances, these cities have the best risk of pickpocketing, theft, and armed mugging.
Downtown procuring areas, busy markets, and ATMs are essentially the most hazardous. As a precaution, you shouldn’t journey in alleyways and deserted locations. Township areas like Katutura, Mondesa, and Kuisebmund needs to be prevented except you’re with a tour information.
Daytime is nearly solely protected, however you should nonetheless be cautious about your belongings and environment – as you’d in any international nation.
As traditional, hazard lurks at evening and is essentially the most high-risk circumstance. If you happen to’re a involved solo traveler, you solely have to chorus from wandering at evening, keep away from unusual areas, and keep conscious of your environment.
Omaheke and Northern Namibia
Some Namibian areas are malaria and leishmaniasis hotspots. You’ll want a vaccination or preventative medicine to go to the northern components. This consists of Omaheke, Caprivi, Kunene River, and Kavango. Insect repellent shall be your finest journey buddy.
Are you a traveler who likes to go off the overwhelmed path? Namibia has restricted medical services exterior main city areas, particularly the northern areas. Chances are you’ll want transport to South Africa for extreme circumstances of illness. Please guarantee you have got journey insurance coverage in case of emergencies.
Is it Secure to Reside in Namibia?
Legal actions usually are not doubtless on well-traveled routes. The one tourist-related crimes occur in metropolitan areas. Fortunately, you possibly can keep away from these risks.
As for residential dwelling, there was a major enhance in crime over the previous couple of years, rising by 7% between 2021 and 2022. Probably the most harmful residential areas are Khomas, Oshana, and Otjozondjupa.
In 2022, the native Namibian information company, NBC Information, reported 98,640 felony circumstances, together with 324 murders and 2743 robberies. Though these statistics are alarming, they’re considerably lower than the crime ranges in South Africa. As such, Namibia is a worthy vacation spot for expats searching for refuge.
Most secure Areas in Namibia
Klein Windhoek
Klein Windhoek is a shocking central residential space with elegant, well-kept buildings. It is among the most secure locations in central Windhoek. Whether or not you’re trying to transfer to Namibia or reserving lodging, this space may have you feeling extremely mellow.
Klein Windhoek has varied retailers, eating places, cafes, and comfort shops. Staying right here makes dwelling simple, particularly contemplating Namibia has many small cities that may’t provide the identical comforts.
If you happen to’re searching for different protected areas in Windhoek, you will discover peace within the residences of Ludwigsdorf, Hochland Park, and Eros Park.
Public Areas in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is one other improbable touring alternative in your African vacation. It’s a coastal city with signature German colonial structure and beachside actions. Additionally it is the best location to catch a day journey to the Namib Desert, dwelling to Sossusvlei’s superb pink dunes.
All public areas are protected, particularly the waterfront and vacationer routes. Mile 4 and Mile 6 are the most secure seashores. As for residential areas, you possibly can let your guard down in Vineta, Tamariskia, Ocean View, and Kramersdorf.
It’s best to be aware that public areas deliver extra probabilities of dodgy felony exercise at evening, however should you stay in typical hangouts and use trusted transport, you’ll be greater than alright.
Public Areas in Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is one other coastal space only a mere half-hour from Swakopmund, which might simply lengthen your Namibian itinerary. This city is equally protected as its neighbor, which means you must train the identical security measures.
Walvis Bay additionally has public space patrol providers that prioritize your well-being. The protected components embody public spots, such because the waterfront, the lagoon, and Flamingo Park. The most secure residential areas are Meersig, Fairways, and Narraville.
The city has cute seals and pink flamingos, amongst different birdlife, making your keep right here extremely entertaining.
Warnings & Risks in Namibia
The low crime charges of Namibia beckon a joyful, peaceable go to – jam-packed with inspiring experiences. All of the safaris, desert excursions, and cultural experiences pose no danger to your welfare. All you actually need to fret about is driving and wild animal encounters.
If you happen to dream of an immersed African journey, Namibia is your primary security wager with all the advantages of uncooked, untainted magnificence.
Though there may be the slight hazard of the evening, it’s all rewarded by the clear starry sky that comes with small cities. Namibia is among the finest locations on this planet to see the Milky Means.
Total Journey Danger 3/10
The one Namibian journey issues are petty theft, driving, public transport, safari security, and insect-borne ailments in northern Namibia. These are minor issues with a low probability of occurring; normal precautions make it even much less so.
As for well being issues, you must solely drink faucet water should you boil it first and keep away from uncooked meals.
Hospitals are restricted within the small cities of Namibia, so should you get severely sick, you’ll presumably want transport to South African services. You undoubtedly want journey medical insurance while you go to.
Hopefully, nothing unusual occurs, however remedy is the perfect prevention. Understanding these dangers will go away you well-protected and clued up on the way to cease doable hazard.
Pickpocketing & Theft
All it takes to keep away from this challenge is to remain conscious of your environment. Pickpocketing and petty theft are hardly violent. If this have been to occur, it will be at evening in a dodgy space of city. Most vacationer felony circumstances happen at ATMs, bustling markets, and townships.
Namibian criminals that concentrate on you’ll almost certainly strive their luck by distracting you. If a stranger approaches, they’re doubtless as much as no good.
One other means thieves pay money for your belongings consists of breaking automotive home windows and grabbing a stray bag. You’ll have to lock your vehicles, hold your belongings shut, and zip your bag up when exploring the town.
Driving & Public Transport
When visiting Namibia, you’ll discover that there are minibus taxis for public transport. Taxis are infamous for unsafe driving and wish to cease wherever they please to choose up passengers. They’re typically the supply of collisions, so keep attentive to the highway when one is close to.
Since taxis don’t drive safely, you must restrict your transport choices to rental vehicles, excursions, and transport trusted by your lodge. There are additionally many circumstances of vacationer theft in unofficial taxis.
Namibia additionally has many unpaved areas. While you drive, you must go slowly, keep a good following distance, and keep away from sudden actions. That is particularly mandatory in windy and wet situations.
Wildlife Security
You received’t need to miss out on seeing the huge Namibian wildlife. The nationwide parks are dwelling to 4 of the Massive 5, together with rhinos, lions, leopards, and elephants. You’ll additionally see giraffes, zebras, and lots of buck species. Encountering these animals is past magical, however they’re untamed, which requires warning.
At all times hearken to your tour information and their directions. They’re well-versed in preserving you protected and know all of the protocols if something goes flawed.
You’ll doubtless go on tour in an open car. All it’s essential to do is stay seated and keep away from hanging your arms exterior when taking photographs.
Mosquitos & Ailments
If you happen to’re solely visiting the principle vacationer hubs like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast, malaria shouldn’t be a priority.
The one locations you’re in danger are the northern components, like Omaheke, Caprivi, Kunene River, and Kavango. Right here, you’ll have to get a malaria vaccination earlier than touring.
One other insect-caused illness is leishmaniasis, unfold by feminine sandflies. Fortunately, that is additionally solely a northern space downside.
There are various pesky desert bugs. To maintain your journey nice, you’ll nonetheless need to use loads of insect repellent – particularly within the Namibian moist season between November and April.
Ideas for Staying Secure in Namibia
Namibia guarantees an easy-going vacation for all vacationers. Listed below are some useful tricks to hold your journey operating easily:
- Preserve your automotive locked and home windows shut: When driving, you must hold the whole lot locked as an additional security measure. As soon as parked, you must do the identical. Additionally, don’t go away your belongings seen to prying eyes.
- Drive safely: There are various gravel roads and typically unruly taxis. Namibian coastal roads are recognized to get windy, so please hold each palms on the wheel!
- Be cautious of scams and strangers: Though uncommon, criminals concentrating on vacationers could method you with a fictional story. They attempt to distract you whereas one other particular person picks your pockets.
- Use public and respected ATMs: The primary hazard zones are the place you draw or trade cash. You’ll want to remain alert and solely use trusted sources.
- Deliver loads of sunblock: Namibia is in a desert, so sunburn and warmth rash are a severe risk.
Is Namibia Secure | Often Requested Questions
Is Namibia Safer Than South Africa?
Namibia could have been below South African governance earlier than, however now it’s an unbiased nation far safer than its neighbor. Namibia is a powerful different for an African vacation, particularly for solo feminine vacationers.
A Namibian journey gives comparable advantages to South Africa. This consists of nationwide parks, sport reserves, reasonably priced lodging, desert excursions, and cultural range. Namibia is a improbable possibility should you dream of seeing the Massive 5 on a safari or experiencing African tradition in a safer setting.
Which is Safer, Botswana or Namibia?
Botswana takes the cake for being the least harmful. In 2023, Botswana ranked forty second on the International Peace Index (Namibia was 56th), which could be very spectacular when seen towards the 163 in contrast international locations.
Botswana has safaris, deserts, vacationer actions, and wallet-savvy lodging like its southern neighbors. Though Botswana is safer, it’s value visiting a number of international locations to have a full-on Southern Africa journey.
Is Namibia Cheaper Than South Africa?
Moreover being safer, Namibia can also be cheaper than South Africa. Namibia additionally accepts the South African rand. Nonetheless, South Africa doesn’t permit Namibian {dollars}. The trade charges of rands and Namibian {dollars} are 99% equal when changing US {dollars}.
On common, a pair can take pleasure in a snug vacation in South Africa for about US$1,200 (round R23,600) per week. The finances consists of actions, meals, lodging, and transport. In Namibia, you’re taking a look at US$1,030 (round R20,000) per week.
What to Keep away from in Namibia?
The highest tip for a protected Namibian vacation is to keep away from wandering round at evening. Early evenings are nonetheless protected, however the darkish is the place hazard lurks. If you happen to’d like to go to the close by bars, go along with buddies or fellow vacationers to the safer components of city.
Keep away from strangers who method you and public taxis to cease the probabilities of pickpocketing. It’s best to at all times hold your valuables shut, luggage zipped, and hidden away when saved in your automotive.
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