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Practical guides: Namibia

Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.

Areas advised against

  • The diamond area (Sperrgebiet) between Lüderitz and Oranjemund is off-limits without a permit. The Angolan border is sometimes barely marked: crossing it, even by a few metres, is punishable. Wild camping is banned; armed anti-poaching units operate in the Caprivi Strip parks.

    Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidence
    France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Namibia, safety

Crime

  • Crime linked to high inequality: leave nothing visible in the car, drive with doors locked, do not pick up hitchhikers, limit walking at night (avoid western and northern Windhoek) and do not enter townships without a trusted person. In town, prefer a rental car or recommended taxis.

    Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidence
    France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Namibia, safety

Scams

On the road

  • Accidents are very frequent: do not drive at night (animals), keep to 80 km/h at most on gravel roads, use a 4x4 with lights on off tarmac; punctures are common. Drink-driving: zero tolerance.

    Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidence
    France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Namibia, safety

Useful contacts

Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.

Sources for this guide

AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.