Discover Namibia

The deep red dunes of Sossusvlei rank among the highest in the world and form a spectacular contrast against the brilliant blue sky. Nearby Deadvlei, with its centuries-old dead camel thorn trees on white clay ground, is considered one of Africa's most photographed landscape motifs.

Around the vast, often dazzlingly white salt pan of Etosha National Park, elephants, lions, rhinos and giraffes gather at the waterholes, making game drives here especially rewarding. The park ranks among Southern Africa's most important wildlife reserves and is well developed for self-drive visitors.

Northern Namibia's foggy Atlantic coast owes its name to the numerous shipwrecks and whale bones that accumulated on its shores over centuries. Seal colonies at Cape Cross and the surreal desert landscape meeting the ocean directly make the region one of Africa's most unusual destinations.

The capital Windhoek combines German colonial architecture with African everyday life, recognizable in the Christuskirche and historic buildings in the center. The coastal town of Swakopmund, with its half-timbered houses, is considered Africa's "most German" town and also offers adventure sports like sandboarding in the surrounding dunes.

Direct flights or flights with one stopover run from Zurich to Windhoek, with total travel time of about 10 to 12 hours. Swiss nationals do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; a valid passport is sufficient.

The official language is English, alongside widely spoken Afrikaans and numerous indigenous languages such as Oshiwambo. Due to Namibia's German colonial history, German is also spoken in many places, especially in Swakopmund and Windhoek.

The Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged to the South African rand, which is also accepted everywhere. Credit cards work well in cities and lodges, though cash is still recommended for remote gas stations and small purchases.

Namibia sits in the mid-range for African travel: self-drive road trips with rental cars are relatively affordable, while exclusive lodges in the desert and in Etosha National Park can reach a higher price level.