Women Travellers

Can women travel alone in Namibia?

Absolutely.

Women travel independently around Namibia every day, and the country is particularly well suited to organised tours and self-drive travel where you retain considerable control over your own itinerary.

That does not mean there are no risks. Gender-based violence is a serious issue in Namibia, and women travelling alone should use sensible precautions, particularly in towns, nightlife settings and when arranging transport.

Walking alone

During the day, walking in busy areas of Namibia’s larger towns is normal.

After dark, it is better to arrange transport rather than walking long distances alone, particularly somewhere you do not know well.

Your hotel, lodge or guesthouse can usually advise whether a particular area is suitable to walk and help arrange a taxi or transfer if necessary.

Taxis and transfers

Use a recognised taxi, app-based service or transfer recommended by your accommodation provider rather than accepting an unsolicited lift.

If travelling alone at night, share your journey details with somebody where practical and make sure you know where you are being taken.

Bars and nightlife

Use the same precautions you would elsewhere when going out at night.

Keep an eye on your drink, do not accept an opened drink from somebody you do not trust and avoid leaving a drink unattended.

Current international travel guidance has reported incidents involving drink spiking in Namibian nightlife settings, including in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Unwanted attention

Women may occasionally experience unwanted comments, flirting or attention.

You are under no obligation to be polite to somebody who is making you uncomfortable. Move towards other people, staff or security and ask for assistance if necessary.

A firm refusal is generally understood perfectly well in Namibia.

Self-driving alone

Solo self-driving is entirely possible, but Namibia’s distances make preparation important for every traveller, regardless of gender.

Know how to locate and use the jack and spare tyre, carry drinking water, keep your phone charged and avoid allowing the fuel gauge to become unnecessarily adventurous.

If you suffer a breakdown in a remote area, staying with the vehicle is generally safer than setting off on foot.

You do not need a special “women’s crash course in automotive maintenance”, as our old article rather enthusiastically suggested. Knowing how your rental vehicle works is simply good advice for everyone.

Tell someone where you are going

If you are heading into a remote area alone, let your accommodation provider, friend or family member know your planned route and expected arrival.

Mobile coverage cannot be guaranteed everywhere, so do not rely on constant connectivity as your only safety measure.

Accommodation

Established lodges, guesthouses, hotels and registered campsites are generally straightforward choices for solo travellers.

If something about a room, location or situation makes you uncomfortable, speak to the staff and ask to move or make another arrangement.

Dating and meeting people

Meeting people while travelling is part of the pleasure of travelling alone, and most interactions will be exactly that.

Normal precautions still apply. Meet new acquaintances in public places first, arrange your own transport and make sure somebody knows where you are if you are going somewhere unfamiliar.

If something happens

If you experience assault, harassment or another serious incident, get somewhere safe and seek assistance as soon as possible.

Namibia has police units dealing specifically with gender-based violence and sexual offences. Your accommodation provider, embassy or travel insurer may also be able to help you access appropriate police, medical or support services.

The important bit

Being a woman does not make Namibia inaccessible to independent travel.

Prepare well, listen to your instincts and take the ordinary precautions that allow you to concentrate on the much more interesting business of actually seeing the country.