In the heart of the semi-arid desert of southern Namibia, between Maltahöhe and the main routes leading to Sesriem and Sossusvlei, stands the captivating Duwisib Castle. This unusual red sandstone fortress, with its medieval appearance, seems straight out of a fairy tale, rising from vast and wild landscapes — a striking contrast to its distinctly European style.
Built in 1908–1909 by the German captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf for his wife, Jayta Humphreys, the castle featured 22 rooms and was designed as a romantic and protected residence in this remote setting. Most of the building materials and furnishings were imported from Europe and transported across the desert to this remarkable site.
Today listed as a national monument, Duwisib offers a fascinating glimpse into the era of German colonial rule. Visitors can explore the historic rooms, discover a collection of antique furniture and period objects, stroll through the shaded inner courtyard, or simply admire the picturesque architecture rising unexpectedly from the surrounding steppe.
The West Coast and Namib Desert region is a land of striking contrasts, where the Atlantic’s cool mist meets the golden expanse of the world’s oldest desert.
Along the coast, windswept beaches, rugged cliffs, and small fishing settlements create a quiet, untamed atmosphere, while flamingos and seal colonies bring life to the shores.
Moving inland, the Namib Desert unfolds in endless red dunes, hidden canyons, and shimmering salt pans, where wildlife like oryx, springbok, and desert-adapted elephants survive in remarkable harmony with the harsh environment. Together, the coast and desert offer an unforgettable journey through Namibia’s raw, ever-changing landscapes.
The Great Namibia
Namibia, what else could we ask for? Almost permanent sunshine, great variety of landscapes with wild beauty, national parks rich in fauna and flora. In the West, the Namib desert, the oldest on the planet, the world highest dunes. In the South, the Fish River Canyon, the biggest after the Colorado. In the North, the largest national park in Africa: Etosha. A captivating country with extraordinary natural riches, Namibia deserves its nickname "Jewel of Africa".
When to go?
Subtropical and dry with warm days and cool nights. During the southern summer (from November to March), temperatures vary from 16 to 34°C and in desert areas they can reach 40 to 45°C. In winter (from June to August), they range from 4 to 22℃ and sometimes fall below 0℃ on the relief or in the desert.
The best season to go to Namibia is during the first weeks of November and April. Its not the peak season and the conditions of visit are good. If the high season (May to October) wins the prize of the best climate. Its not necessarily the best because tourists are the most numerous. The rainy season should be avoided if there are plans to explore national parks.
Formalities
The passport must include two blank pages and still be valid for 6 months after the expected date of exit from Namibia. The visa is not compulsory for French nationals. Holders of a French passport are granted tourist visa permits for a maximum of 90 days, which are issued free of charge upon arrival, in particular for immigration checks at Windhoek airport.
For any minor child: a multilingual extract of birth certificate (or an unabridged birth certificate translated into English - certified translation) is required to enter and leave Namibia (in the case of a child traveling with his 2 parents). Please consult the official sites for more information about all the requested documents according to your case.
Health
No vaccination is required for entry into Namibia.
Anti-malarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor). However, it is advisable to check the updating of your usual reminders and vaccinations as for any trip.
Currency
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD).
Bank cards and traveller’s checks are widely accepted in Namibia, except for the purchase of gasoline especially inside the parks. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.
Banks and foreign exchange offices make the exchange of your currencies
For your payments, do not hesitate to use the South African rand.
SOUTH AFRICA NAMIBIA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA KENYA TANZANIA MOZAMBIQUE MAURITIUS REUNION