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Namibia
- Key travel risks to Namibia include road safety challenges due to long distances and unpaved roads, and potential petty crime in urban areas.
- Petty and opportunistic crime is known to occur in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay; travelers should keep a low profile and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.
- The country has well-maintained infrastructure in urban areas, but travelers should be cautious of environmental hazards such as wildlife on roads and seasonal flooding.
Risk Factors
- Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and vehicle break-ins are prevalent in urban centers, including Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay.
- The majority of crimes in Namibia are non-violent. However, muggers often carry knives or, less commonly, firearms to intimidate victims into giving up their belongings. The crime rate is highest in the regions of Khomas, Oshana, and Otjozondjupa.
- Certain areas within the western and northern regions of Windhoek encounter heightened levels of criminal activity. As a precautionary measure, avoid walking around isolated areas of the city at night.
- Townships located near urban areas often have higher crime rates and should be avoided at night.
- When vehicles are left unattended on the street or at gas stations, it is not uncommon for their windows to be smashed and their contents stolen, even if left briefly.
- Violent crimes, including muggings and armed robberies, are relatively rare but occasionally occur in remote and isolated areas. Travelers are advised to avoid hitchhiking and picking up strangers due to the risks of robbery and assault.
- Credit card skimming, where a device is attached over the POS system to collect data, is a concern in Namibia; monitor bank statements regularly and be cautious when using credit cards.
- Road conditions in Namibia can vary, with well-paved roads in cities but potentially hazardous, unsealed roads in rural areas. Due to the difficulty of spotting road obstructions and animal crossings, driving outside city limits at night poses risks.
- Due to high rates of road traffic accidents, air travel between major cities is preferable to overland travel. If journeying overland, a well-maintained 4WD vehicle and robust communication systems are recommended.
- Unlicensed taxis have been associated with criminals targeting passengers. Taxis displaying Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) or radio taxis are well-regulated and safer than hailing taxis off the street. Such taxis can be arranged through a reputable hotel or agency. Ride-sharing services (e.g., Uber) are available in a few major cities.
- Namibia features vast expanses of open land separating urban centers, with fuel stations and auto repair shops often several hundred miles apart. It is advisable to carry additional fuel when embarking on long-distance journeys.
- While most main roads have cellular phone service, more isolated regions, secondary routes, and even certain sections of primary highways lack coverage.
- Namibia experiences a rainy season from November to April, which can cause flooding and travel disruptions. Travelers should monitor weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities, especially when traveling to flood-prone areas; these include the Angola border region along with the northern Omusati region and the Cuvelai basin.
- Protests and rallies are uncommon and tend to be peaceful. The ‘Struggle Kids’, a youth protest group, have been organizing marches in Windhoek and other urban areas in the past few years. These demonstrations have resulted in vandalism; however, the protests take place on the peripheries of the city.
- Cultural norms should be respected, especially in rural areas where traditional lifestyles prevail. Conservative dress is advised when outside of resorts or major tourist areas.
- Gender-based violence and sexual harassment have been previously reported; attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals can be negative.