Planning a trip to Namibia doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Namibia?
You should plan to spend around $82 (N$1,471) per day on your vacation in Namibia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $11 (N$199) on meals
- $14 (N$250) on local transportation
- $45 (N$801) on hotels
A one week trip to Namibia for two people costs, on average, $1,153 (N$20,594). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Namibia expensive to visit?
Namibia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Africa, Namibia is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Nigeria, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Zambia.
In Namibia, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Namibia doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $41 (N$703) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $85 (N$1,471) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $195 (N$3,369) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Namibia.
For more details, see Is Namibia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Namibia?
The average Namibia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Namibia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Namibia cost?
Namibia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9.63
(N$172)
|
$22
(N$401)
|
$46
(N$815)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$14
(N$250)
|
$14
(N$250)
|
$14
(N$250)
|
|
Food 2
|
$4.36
(N$78)
|
$11
(N$199)
|
$29
(N$515)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$54
(N$956)
|
$142
(N$2,534)
|
$395
(N$7,060)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(N$32-96)
|
$4-13
(N$80-241)
|
$11-33
(N$199-597)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Namibia for just $41 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $85 per person.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $195. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as 10 Days Beauty of Namibia | Private Guided Lodge - offered by Motema Tours and Safaris.
Accommodation Budget in Namibia
Namibia offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Namibia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (N$801). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 (N$401) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Namibia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Namibia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 (N$250) per person, per day, on local transportation in Namibia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Namibia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
N$250
If you're in Namibia, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Namibia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Namibia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Namibia is $11 (N$199) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$11
N$199
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Namibia is about $12 (N$199) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $5 to $30 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Namibia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Namibian cuisine of today has been influenced by a mix of two cultures - that of the indigenous people and that of the settler community of German colonials. On the indigenous side of things, cuisine consisted of a range of fruits, nuts, bulbs, leaves and other products gathered from wild plants and by the hunting of wild game. Cattle was eventually domesticated which allowed for the use of dairy and wider availability of meat. In regards to settler cookery, typical German dishes like Wiener schnitzel became very popular and remain so today, as well as the brewing of German lager beers like the local Hansa and Windhoek. Outdoor cooking is also part of the Namibian way of life. The traditional Braaivleis (meat barbeque) is a tasty meal, as is potjiekos, a spicy stew of meat, chicken and fish cooked in a cast iron, three-legged pot over an open fire.
Transportation
By air, Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main point of entry for air traffic. Air Namibia operates flights from Frankfurt, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Maun to the international airport. Flights between the smaller Eros Airport and Cape Town are also available.
By car, there are nine commonly used border posts with the neighboring countries of Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia.
By bus, the most convenient international bus service into Namibia runs from Cape Town and Victoria Falls. There is also service from Johannesburg. See Intercape Mainliner website for schedules and fares.
Be sure to research visas in advance. Tourists can generally enter Namibia for up to 90 days.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Namibia, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Swakopmund Township Home Cooking Experience for $67 details
- Traditional Cooking Class - Mahangu pap for beginners for $53 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Namibia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Namibia typically cost an average of $142 (N$2,534) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$142
N$2,534
A nice way to explore destinations in Namibia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tour to Sandwich harbour for $144 details
- Sandwich Harbour & Pelican Point Full Day Tour for $225 details
- Katutura - Classic Township Experience for $38 details
- Namib Desert Landscape Tour for $197 details
Nightlife Budget in Namibia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.00 (N$161) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Namibia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.00
N$161
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Traveling in Namibia
Dead tree in Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei, Namib Desert, Namibia
Namibia is a country in southwest Africa that is well known for its rust-colored Namib Desert and its location along the Atlantic coast. The country is home to a diverse array of wildlife, while the capital city of Windhoek has many historic buildings built during the German colonial era. Namibia finally gained its independence in 1990, and has since grown in tourism - especially for those seeking the country's unique landscape and wildlife.
Windhoek is Namibia's capital and largest city. Located at the very center of the country, the place was formerly a colony of Germany, and its influence shows in the architecture. Windhoek's Christuskirche (Christus Church) especially shows the colonial leanings and remains a landmark of the city. This is the point of entry for people arriving by plane, and is also the starting point from which most safaris embark. Keetmanshoop is a small town further south and jumping off point for treks in the Fish River Canyon Park, Luderitz is a colonial-era German coastal town, Outjo in the north serves as a gateway to Etosha National Park, Swakopmund is a coastal town popular with Namibians on holiday, and Tsumkwe is a desert town in the northeast surrounded by San (Bushman) villages.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
Namibia is largely a land of natural beauty. One of its most dominant features runs along the Atlantic coastline for about 1000km in a sea of rust-colored sand - the Namib Desert from which the country takes its name. It is one of the oldest deserts in the world with towering dunes that catch the light and shadows of the changing sun throughout the day. Sossusvlei is the most accessible part in the southern part of the desert, a clay pan with impressive dunes and wildlife. The Fish River Canyon, located a bit further south near the border, is the largest canyon in Africa and the second most visited destination in Namibia.
Back in the northern part of the country, Skeleton Coast National Park, though mostly inaccessible, is known for its barren flatland of sand and stone, frequent fog, and a number of shipwrecks along the coast. Etosha National Park, on the other hand, is one full of life. It is the top destination in Namibia to see African wildlife in their natural environments. The park surrounds the Etosha salt pan, which attracts animals, particularly in the drier winter months because it is a source of water in a place mostly dry. Waterberg Plateau Park, the parks of the Caprivi, and the remote Kaokoland are also hotspots for viewing wildlife.
As Namibia is very much known for its natural features, outdoor activities like trekking and safaris dominate as the most popular things to do. The Fish River Canyon Trail, for example, is one of the most popular hikes in Southern Africa. It is a very tough and long trail, but there is some beautiful scenery as well as opportunities for swimming. There are also opportunities for hiking in the Namib desert, as well as in the handful of other national parks in the country.
As mentioned before, the top destination for safaris is the Etosha National Park. There are several safari companies operating from Windhoek and Swakopmund which offer tours of varying length in Etosha. The companies are also allowed to enter the western part of the park which is closed to private visitors, offering likely opportunities to see rhinos, lions, zebra, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, elephants, and jackals.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.