Health, Vaccinations & Malaria

Most travellers enjoy Namibia without any serious health problems, but a little preparation goes a long way — particularly if your route takes you into the north, the north-east or remote parts of the country.

Before travelling, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date and speak to a travel-health professional about any additional vaccinations or medication that may be appropriate for your itinerary.

Routine and travel vaccinations

There is no single vaccination schedule that applies to every traveller. Recommendations depend on your age, medical history, length of stay, planned activities and the areas you intend to visit.

International travel-health authorities commonly recommend that travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations and may recommend additional protection such as hepatitis A or hepatitis B depending on individual circumstances.

If you are unsure, consult a travel clinic or your doctor well before departure rather than leaving vaccinations until the last minute.

Malaria

Malaria risk is not the same throughout Namibia.

The greatest concern is in northern and north-eastern parts of the country, particularly in regions such as Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi, with risk also present in a number of other northern and central-northern regions. Windhoek itself is not considered a malaria-transmission area.

Risk can also vary with season and rainfall, so advice should be based on both your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling.

Depending on where you are going, a doctor or travel-health professional may recommend prescription malaria-prevention medication. The correct medicine depends on your individual health circumstances and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Avoid mosquito bites

Whether or not you are taking malaria medication, mosquito-bite prevention remains important.

Use an effective insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long trousers when mosquitoes are active, and make use of screens, mosquito nets or air-conditioned rooms where available.

If you develop a fever during your trip or after returning home, tell the doctor that you have travelled in Namibia and mention any time spent in a malaria-risk area.

Yellow fever

Namibia is not generally a yellow-fever destination, but travellers arriving from or travelling through certain yellow-fever-risk countries may be required to show proof of vaccination.

The requirement is linked to your recent travel history, not simply your nationality, so check the current entry rules if your journey includes another African or South American country where yellow fever is a risk.

Heat, sun and dehydration

Namibia’s dry climate can be deceptive. You may not notice how much fluid you are losing, particularly when driving long distances, hiking or spending time outdoors.

Drink water regularly, carry more than you think you will need when travelling between towns, and use sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing. Even during winter, daytime sun can be strong.

Medical care

Good private medical facilities are available in Windhoek and some larger towns, but services become more limited in smaller settlements and remote areas.

If your itinerary takes you far from a major town, carry any medication you regularly need and do not assume that a particular prescription medicine will be available locally.

For serious illness or injury in a remote area, medical evacuation may be necessary. This is one of the reasons comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

Travelling with medication

Bring enough medication for your trip, preferably in its original packaging, and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor if the medication is important or controlled.

Regulations for medicines can differ between countries, so travellers carrying unusual or controlled medication should check the legal requirements before departure.

Food and water

Food hygiene in Namibia is generally good in established accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets, but normal travel precautions still apply.

Tap water is treated and drinkable in many towns, although taste and mineral content vary considerably and water quality can differ in remote areas. See our separate guide to Drinking Water & Water Conservation for more detail.

If you need medical help

Do not delay seeking treatment if you are seriously unwell. If you have travel insurance, contact the insurer as soon as practical because they may help identify an appropriate facility, arrange payment or coordinate evacuation where necessary.

Health advice changes over time, so travellers should confirm current vaccination, malaria and entry-health recommendations shortly before departure.