Namibia Tourist Health And Safety Guide

Namibia is as prone to tropical diseases like any other African country. Apart from the Bilharzias, cholera, typhoid, sleeping sickness and malaria are the diseases to guard against. Malaria is particularly widespread following the rainy season, particularly in the northern, northern-east and far northern-east areas of Namibia. Visitors are advised to take prophylactic treatment before arriving in Namibia. Mosquito and insect repellents should be used on exposed skin at all times, particularly when outdoors or/and wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes with socks at night. If possible sleep under a mosquito net at night or use mosquito repellents. Consult a GP and take inoculations for other diseases. AIDS and HIV are endemic in Africa and Namibia too has a high percentage of the HIV positive case. While blood donations are monitored, it is advised to take all possible protection against picking up the HIV virus. 

Visitors to the national parks must obey instructions, not get out of their vehicles because of danger from predators such as lions. While the rule is not enforced in the wilderness parks - Khaudum, Mahango, Mudumu and Mamili - it is very important precaution in Etosha National Park. It is safer to be sensible and alert to the danger from the wild life.

Basic health care is widely available in all parts of Namibia, including the most remote parts but specialized and intensive care and diagnostic facilities are only available in Windhoek. Med-evac and rescue services are available in emergencies but comprehensive insurance cover is strongly recommended.

Namibia continues to be a relatively safe country with no serious threat to travellers except from petty crimes like mugging and theft. A common sense approach, basic precautions, such as not leaving valuables in parked cars, and keeping a strict eye on purses and wallets and being alert to one's surroundings are the best deterrents against becoming a victim. Certain countries advise their citizens against travelling to the Kavango and Caprivi regions of northeast Namibia due to the uncertain security situation as the fighting between the armed forces of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) has spilled over into Namibia.