Africa

Is Namibia safe?

Capital: WindhoekEnglish, Afrikaans, GermanUpdated October 2026

L2Exercise increased caution

Is Namibia safe?

One of Africa's calmer, best-organised countries. The real dangers are rollovers on gravel roads, long empty distances and heat; Windhoek has muggings and car break-ins.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-14.
Homicide rate: 11.2 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 34.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 10111 · All emergencies 112.
Solo women: Generally relaxed for solo women; avoid walking alone after dark in Windhoek and use pre-booked taxis rather than hailing on the street.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Rollovers on gravel roads; keep under 80 km/h
Wildlife and livestock on roads at night
Muggings and car break-ins in Windhoek, even by day
Heat, dehydration and running out of fuel in remote areas

Common scams

Card skimming at some hotels and lodges
Thieves raiding cars at fuel stops while drivers are distracted

Laws visitors break by accident

Driving off designated tracks in parks and protected desert areas is illegal and fined.
Photographing State House or government and military sites can lead to detention.
Buying or carrying ivory, rhino horn or other protected wildlife products is a serious crime.

Safety by place in Namibia

Place	Safety
Windhoek	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Swakopmund	4/5 · Safe with normal care

Quick answers

Is Namibia safe for tourists?

One of Africa's calmer, best-organised countries. The real dangers are rollovers on gravel roads, long empty distances and heat; Windhoek has muggings and car break-ins.

Is Namibia safe for solo female travelers?

Generally relaxed for solo women; avoid walking alone after dark in Windhoek and use pre-booked taxis rather than hailing on the street.

What is the emergency number in Namibia?

Police 10111 · All emergencies 112.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.