Thinking of a Namibia photography tour? Here are some FAQs...

Namibia is a stunning destination for a photography tour. We've compiled these Namibia Photography Tour FAQs to help you with some common queries.

Do I need a visa to visit Namibia?

Yes. Entry visas were introduced in 2025. You can apply for your visa online.

1. Visit https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival

2. Click ‘Register’ in top right-hand corner

3. Once registered with password etc, go to log in

4. Click on ‘New Visa on Arrival Application’

5. Complete all required details

6. Upload a scan of your passport

7. Make online payment and submit

8. You should receive your e-Visa within 24hrs

9. Print it out (you will need to bring a hard copy with you to sign at Immigration in Windhoek)

What do I need to pack for a photography holiday in Namibia?

Be sure to bring a warm jacket with you for early mornings and evenings, which can be cold during June (winter in Namibia). Sturdy footwear with good grip and ankle support is essential as you will often be walking in soft sand or over uneven ground. Layered clothing is a good idea – lightweight wicking t-shirts, lightweight travel trousers, long-sleeve mid-layer and fleece. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen and lip balm. The sun in Namibia is intense. You’ll also need swimming gear as many properties have pools – although they can be quite bracing, particularly in winter! Evening wear at the camps and lodges is casual.

Packing list for a photography tour in Namibia

Windproof jacket or puffer/down jacket	Shorts	High SPF sunscreen and lip balm	Three round-pin travel plug adaptor
Fleece jacket for early mornings/evenings	Sturdy walking shoes or boots	Socks, underwear and pyjamas	Head torch with red light setting
Long-sleeve mid-layer	Warm hat and buff	Swimming costume	Camera cleaning kit
T-shirts	Cash (SA Rand) and credit card	Casual wear for evenings at camp	Battery charger and spare memory cards
Long-sleeve shirt(s) with sun protection	Wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses	Personal toiletries and medication	Laptop with Lightroom Classic installed
Travel trousers (one warm, one cool)	Insect repellent (not usually an issue)	Lightweight travel towel for kayaking	Camera, lenses, tripod, photo backpack
Small personal first aid kit (we will also have one onboard the minibus)	Notebook and pencil (we will have wildlife field guides onboard the minibus)	Water bottle – tap water is generally safe to drink in Namibia; we will also bottled water for refills	Phone and charging cable (our minibus is equipped with USB-C charging points and mains sockets)

What sort of luggage should I bring?

A sturdy, medium-sized soft-sided holdall – something like the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60 – is ideal. Its dimensions are 69x40x30cm. Try not bring hard-shell suitcases as they take up much more room in small aircraft and on minibuses.

What weather can I expect in Namibia?

With an average of no less than 300 days of sunshine a year, Namibia is a year-round destination. The seasons in Namibia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere: summer runs from November to April, while winter is from May to October. With temperatures at their coolest and the chance of rain minimal, winter is the ideal time for photography. It is also one of the best times of year for clear night skies and wildlife viewing. Animals are easier to spot as they congregate around waterholes. Nights can be cold, however, so remember to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives and evenings. During the winter months, the average daytime temperature ranges from 7°C in the morning to 28°C early in the afternoon. Nights are cool with the temperature occasionally dropping to 0°C.

What are the roads like in Namibia?

The main north-south route that passes through Windhoek is surfaced. The road from Keetmanshoop to Luderitz is also surfaced. For much of the rest of the time you may well be travelling on gravel roads. These vary in condition. Most are well graded, but there may be some stretches that are corrugated.

What is the food and drink like in Namibia?

Namibia is renowned for excellent meat, while the rich coastal waters ensure plenty of fresh fish. Most accommodation offers a range of local and international dishes, and there is usually always at least one vegetarian option available. The local staple is sorghum or pearl millet porridge, while popular street food includes kapana – grilled meat with a chilli, tomato and onion sauce and deep-fried dough balls. Namibian cuisine has plenty of game meat, so don’t be surprised to see springbok, kudu and oryx on the menu. Seafood includes kabeljou, kingclip, hake, sole and lobster, while freshwater tigerfish, tilapia and bream are also available. The cuisine is also influenced by German traditions, so you’ll find Wiener schnitzel, rich cakes and coffee shops in the main towns and cities. The braai, or BBQ, is ubiquitous and perfect for carnivores with everything from boerewors sausage to steaks and lamb kebabs thrown on the coals. Tap water is generally safe in Namibia – please bring a water bottle with you to keep plastic waste to a minimum. Fruit juice is available from South African brands like Ceres and Liquifruit. There’s also no shortage of herbal rooibos (or redbush) tea and the excellent Windhoek Lager.

Is it safe to visit Namibia?

Namibia is an extremely safe country to travel around, though petty crime is to be expected in Windhoek and some of the larger towns. As long as you take normal precautions, such as not wearing expensive jewellery or watches and not opening your bag or wallet to get cash out in a public place, you should be fine. Always ensure that your vehicle is locked and the windows closed when parked in towns. Keep a close eye on your camera equipment at all times. When walking around Windhoek or Swakopmund, it is a good idea to keep your camera in your camera bag until you actually want to take a photo, rather than walk around with it hanging off your shoulder.

What money do I need to bring with me to Namibia?

Most properties you stay in accept credit cards, but you may also want a small amount of cash for ‘roadside’ purchases, or to tip local guides. Both Namibian Dollars and South African Rand are accepted.

What vaccinations do I need for Namibia?

Please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/namibia for advice. Although malaria is present year-round, the risk is highest from November to June, and in the north and north-eastern areas of the country. There is low to no risk of malaria in all other regions. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long trousers and long-sleeved clothing and applying repellent, especially after sunset.