Find Cheap Flights to Namibia and Start Your African Adventure

Peruvian citizens need a visa to enter Namibia. It is vital to process it in advance at the nearest Namibian embassy or consulate. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your intended departure date and has at least two blank pages for stamps. You must also carry proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket. Vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you have traveled through an endemic country.

Namibia is a vast country with long distances between cities and attractions. The most common and flexible way to travel is to rent a vehicle, preferably a 4x4, as many roads are gravel. Driving is on the left, the opposite of Peru. If you prefer not to drive, there are long-distance buses between major cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay, but they are less frequent. For safaris, internal charter flights or transfers organized by lodges are often used. Always plan your routes with extra fuel and water, as service stations are scarce.

Accommodation options range from luxurious safari lodges to well-equipped campsites and guesthouses in cities. In safari areas, lodges offer immersive, all-inclusive experiences. In Windhoek and other cities, you will find good quality hotels and B&Bs. It is crucial to book well in advance, especially if traveling during high season (June to October), as availability is limited due to low population density and the remote nature of many destinations. Consider camping if you seek a closer-to-nature experience, as campsites are safe and clean.

Namibia is generally a safe country, but petty crime can occur in large cities like Windhoek. Keep your valuables secured and avoid walking alone at night. The main health concern is malaria in the north, so you should consult a doctor about prophylaxis. Drink only bottled water. Regarding customs, Namibians are friendly and respectful. A handshake is the standard form of greeting. Do not take photos of people without permission. Tipping is common in restaurants and for safari guides. Remember that the sun is very strong; use sunscreen and a hat.

Namibian cuisine focuses on meat, influenced by German heritage and African traditions. Try *biltong* (dried meat), *braai* (barbecue), and *potjiekos* (stew cooked in an iron pot). Fish and seafood are excellent on the coast. A unique dish is *Oryx*, a type of tasty antelope. Local beer is high quality, reflecting the German influence. In Windhoek, you will find a variety of international restaurants, but in rural areas, options are more limited to lodge menus. Don't be afraid to try local markets for snacks.

The currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), so both currencies are accepted. It is useful to carry cash for remote areas, although credit cards are accepted in hotels and large stores. Electricity is 220/240V with type D and M plugs (three large round pins), so you will need a different adapter than in Peru. Mobile phone coverage is good in cities but limited in the desert. Buying a local SIM card for data is easy and affordable at the airport or in Windhoek.

Due to the long distances, plan a realistic itinerary. A 10 to 14-day trip allows you to cover the main points such as the Namib Desert, Etosha, and the Skeleton Coast. Pack safari clothing in neutral colors, layers for cold mornings and evenings (especially in winter), and light clothing for the day. A good hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera with zoom are essential. Don't forget a basic first aid kit and insect repellent. For Peruvians, the desert climate will be a change, so hydration is key.

To avoid being just a tourist, try spending time in local markets in Windhoek, such as the Soweto Market, to interact with people and try authentic food. Instead of limiting yourself to closed-vehicle safaris, consider a guided hike or a hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert at sunrise; the view is unparalleled and offers a totally different perspective of the country's vastness. The best photo you will take will probably be in Sossusvlei, with the red dunes at dawn. It is a memory you will treasure!