Namibia for First-Time Solo Travelers: Honest Advice, Safety Tips & Travel Packages
By: A 19-Year-Old Zimbabwean Solo Traveler
Category: Solo Travel | Namibia | Southern Africa
Hey solo travel fam! 👋🏽
I’m 19, female, from Zimbabwe, and proudly addicted to solo adventures. 🌍 After visiting parts of Southern Africa, Namibia quickly jumped onto my radar. But before packing my bags, I had some real questions:
“Is Namibia a good choice for a first-time solo traveler, especially a young African woman like me?”
The feedback I got was mixed. Some warned me off, others encouraged me, and after reading personal experiences, I realized Namibia is not just safe, but incredibly rewarding. Here’s everything I’ve learned (plus tips from seasoned travelers!) to help you feel prepared and excited for your solo journey through Namibia.
🌟 Why Choose Namibia for Solo Travel?
✅ Safe, Friendly & Open to Tourists
Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa for solo travelers. Locals are generally welcoming, and the tourism sector is well-developed. Compared to places like South Africa, many solo travelers—male and female—report feeling far more secure in Namibia.
💬 “I found Namibia super easy to navigate as a solo female traveler. Felt very safe most of the time.” – American expat, 3-month stay
✅ Low Crime, Vast Landscapes
You’re not dealing with crowded cities. Instead, you’ll be navigating open deserts, wildlife parks, and calm coastal towns like Swakopmund. Most crime is opportunistic (like petty theft), and violent crime against tourists is rare.
🧳 Practical Advice for First-Time Solo Travelers
🚗 Getting Around: Rent or Ride?
Namibia is huge, and public transport is limited. Your best bet:
Rent a car (SUV or 4×4) — $80–USD 120/day
Join a group tour (budget-friendly if you plan)
Find travel buddies via hostels, posters, or apps
💡 One traveler formed a crew through a poster in Windhoek and covered 9000 km in 21 days!
Pro tip: If you’re camping, consider a Sprinter van or SUV with a built-in bed. Rooftop tents are fun, but inconvenient if you’re moving daily.
🛏️ Where to Stay: Solo-Friendly Accommodations
Namibia has a small but vibrant backpacker culture, and these spots are solo-traveler favorites:
🟡 Windhoek
Urban Camp – Chill vibes and friendly atmosphere
Chameleon Backpackers – Top pick for first-time arrivals
🟡 Swakopmund
Salty Jackal – A surf school + hostel with daily activities, tours, and Workaway opportunities
Skeleton Beach Backpackers – Quiet, near the ocean
🏄 Salty Jackal is amazing for meeting other travelers, especially if you want to volunteer or surf!
💬 What Other Travelers Say
Here are a few snippets from fellow solo travelers across the SADC region:
🧍🏾♂️ “Namibia was the friendliest country I traveled to solo in Southern Africa.” – Male traveler (23)
🧍🏻♀️ “I met female solo travelers everywhere, and they all felt safe.”
🧍🏽♀️ “The tourism industry is very open to Africans too. I never felt judged as a black woman.”
These personal experiences really helped me reset my mindset. It’s easy to get discouraged, but sometimes we just need insight from real travelers.
🎒 Packages for Solo Travelers (2025 Update)
If you don’t want to go it 100% alone, here are some group and self-drive packages perfect for solo travelers:
🚌 Group Adventure Tours (Budget-Friendly)
G Adventures – Namibia Camping Safari (7–10 days)
Nomad Africa – Southern Namibia Explorer
Chameleon Safaris – Small Group Tours (Windhoek-based)
🚙 Self-Drive with Lodges
Wild Dog Safaris – Customized Self-Drive
Cardboard Box Travel – Solo Packages with Accommodation + Car Rental
These tours often connect you with other solo travelers, which makes it easier to share costs and the joy.
🧭 Final Tips for Solo Travelers in Namibia
🌐 Download offline maps (like Maps.me or Google offline)
💸 Bring cash (Namibian dollars) — ATMs can be unreliable in remote areas
👥 Join Facebook groups like “Backpacking Africa” or “Solo Female Travelers”
🏕️ Start in Windhoek or Swakopmund to find travel buddies
💖 My Thoughts
I haven’t taken the leap yet—but I’m confident that Namibia is a powerful, beautiful destination for young solo travelers—especially African women like me who want to explore without fear. I know how it feels to be worried about treatment or safety, but everything I’ve seen and read makes me excited and hopeful.
So if you’re like me—nervous, excited, but craving freedom—Namibia might just be the right adventure for you.
