HOME | Namibia – Wide Horizons, Wild Encounters – A Travel Report by Ullrich Angersbach

UIllrich Angersbach – Afrika

Travel Report Namibia by Ullrich H. Angersbach: Wide Horizons, Wild Encounters

Why Namibia?

Imagine a country twice the size of California with almost no traffic, night skies so bright you can read the Milky Way, and wildlife gathering at waterholes like a live-action nature film. That is Namibia. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – explored Namibia on a self-drive trip, and what stayed with me most was the quiet: long gravel roads, wind in the grass, and the crunch of sand underfoot at dawn.

US entry & documents (as of 2025): US citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays (up to ~90 days). Passport validity of 6+ months and several blank pages are expected. Always confirm current rules with the airline and official sources before departure.

Getting in & getting around

Most travelers from the US connect via Johannesburg or Frankfurt to Windhoek (WDH). Renting a vehicle is the norm; driving is on the left. Distances are real, many roads are graded gravel, and weather can change quickly. The Namibian Dollar (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR) circulate at parity. Cards are widely accepted in towns; carry some cash for remote fuel stations or village shops.

Ullrich Angersbach – Afrika

Ullrich Angersbach – Afrika

Ullrich Angersbach – Afrika

Ullrich Angersbach – Afrika

Ullrich Angersbach – Afrika

The Namib: Sossusvlei & beyond

Sossusvlei is less a single spot than a dreamscape: scarlet dunes that shift with the light, salt-clay pans that glow white at noon, and trees frozen in time at Dead Vlei.

  • Dune sunrise hike: the ridge walk is sandy, steep, and unforgettable.
  • Dead Vlei: those jet-black tree silhouettes against orange sand and cobalt sky are Namibia’s iconic image.
  • Sesriem Canyon: a cool, narrow gorge—perfect when the desert heat kicks in.

Park access involves per-person/day fees and gate hours around dawn/dusk—check locally for current details.

Swakopmund: desert meets Atlantic

Where dunes tumble toward cold ocean swells, Swakopmund blends coastal air with German-colonial façades.

  • Active days: sand-boarding, quad tours, skydiving, seal/dolphin cruises.
  • Strolls & cafés: bakeries, fish restaurants, and sea mist mornings thanks to the Benguela Current.
  • Street-smart: it feels relaxed by regional standards; as everywhere, avoid empty areas late and keep valuables tucked away.

Etosha: watching the waterholes

The Etosha Pan is a pale, shimmering basin visible from space—around dessen rim lie floodlit waterholes and open savanna.

  • Game viewing rhythm: go early/late; rest at midday shade.
  • The “Big” picture: elephant, lion, rhino and leopard are regularly sighted; buffalo are far less common here than in other parts of Africa.
  • Stay inside or just outside the gates: lodges with night-lit waterholes can deliver rhino sightings you’ll never forget.

Per-day conservation fees apply; guided drives add expert eyes and safer distances.

People & culture

From Himba communities in the northwest to San trackers in the east and Herero and Nama traditions across the country, Namibia is wonderfully diverse. English is the official language, with Afrikaans, German, and local languages widely heard. Go with curiosity and respect—ask before photos, purchase locally made crafts, and consider community-run conservancy stays.

Health, safety & insurance (US perspective)

  • Vaccinations: No special shots are currently mandated for direct arrivals from the US; the CDC typically recommends being up to date on routine vaccines and considering Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and malaria prophylaxisif visiting northern zones (e.g., Etosha/Caprivi).
  • Road safety: avoid night driving (wildlife on roads). Keep extra water, a paper map/GPS offline, and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Care & cover: Windhoek has decent facilities; rural care is limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised.

Money talk (rule-of-thumb)

Expect moderate costs by US standards. Mid-range dinners, fuel and car hire are reasonable; remote luxury lodges can be premium-priced. Tipping: ~10% in restaurants; modest per-person tips for guides, drivers and trackers are appreciated.

Packing & planning

  • Best seasons: Dry months (approx. May–Oct) give crisp nights and concentrated wildlife; the green season (Nov–Apr) brings storms, wildflowers, and fewer visitors.
  • Power & plugs: 220V; Type D/M sockets—bring a universal adapter.
  • Layers: hot days, cold desert nights—pack fleece plus sun protection.
  • Connectivity: towns/lodges offer Wi-Fi; expect dead zones on the road.

Conclusion: an Africa of space and silence

Climbing a dune while the sun lights the sand like embers; waiting quietly as elephants step out of Etosha’s dust; hearing your own footsteps in a land this spacious—Namibia stays with you. For US travelers, it’s adventurous without being complicated, and as photogenic as travel gets.

Recommended Reading (English)

  • Chris McIntyre, Bradt Travel Guide: Namibia — unmatched detail for self-drivers.
  • Lonely Planet, Namibia — itinerary building and practicals.
  • Tony Park, The Delta — pacy Southern Africa fiction that nails the mood of the bush.

More Travel Reports by Ullrich H. Angersbach

Disclaimer

These notes reflect my personal experience as a US-oriented traveler in Namibia. Park fees, health advisories and entry rules change—verify with official sources (airline, government websites, US State Department, CDC) before you go.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, seek places where landscape dominates the story. Namibia’s quiet roads, starlight and wildlife made a lifelong impression. I write to help fellow travelers plan realistically—and to nudge them toward wonder.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All text and images protected. Reuse only with prior written permission.