Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Windhoek (WDH): 40 km from the city.

• Full list of airports in Namibia with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Visitors wanting to travel around the country will find that flying is the quickest and sometimes most economical method. There are air links between Windhoek and all the major towns, and planes can also be chartered.

Although Namibia has an efficient rail service, this is limited in its extent and not geared to tourism. Trains are often slow and usually run overnight. Those wanting to see the Namib desert can catch the luxury Desert Express, which runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The 19-hour 30-minute journey includes several stops to give travellers the opportunity to watch lions feeding, walk in the sand dunes and admire the stars.

Car hire is available at the airport and Windhoek city centre, along with some other major centres. The 64,799 km (40,266 miles) of Namibian tarred roads are generally well maintained, but those away from the main highways are usually gravel or dirt. The speed limit is 60-80 kph (37-50 mph) in built up areas, 80-90 kph (50-56 mph) on gravel roads and 120 kph (75 mph) on tarred roads. Driving after dark can be dangerous, as people and animals tend to walk in the road. Taxis are available in all Namibian towns.

There is a luxury coach service that runs from Windhoek to South Africa (via Springbok or Upington) and from Walvis Bay to Livingstone in Zambia, stopping at major towns along the way. There is also local bus service in Windhoek.