Mariental is one of the historic strongholds of the Nama people and symbolically marks the gateway to the legendary Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari stretches across nearly 500,000 km², covering most of Botswana as well as large parts of Namibia and South Africa. Its origins date back to the transition between the late Tertiary and early Quaternary periods, making it one of the oldest sandy landscapes on the African continent.
Although it appears to be a true desert, with vast ochre plains and red sand dunes, the Kalahari is not classified as a desert in the strict sense, as no part of it receives less than 100 mm of rainfall per year. Instead, it is a vast arid savanna, characterized by open grassy plains, scattered acacia trees, and drought-resistant vegetation. These landscapes are interspersed with a broad belt of wooded savanna covering roughly 100 km² — a denser transitional zone where wildlife and plant life demonstrate remarkable adaptation to this semi-arid environment.
The Kalahari Desert region is a land of wide, quiet spaces and endless horizons, where the red sand stretches like a living canvas beneath the sun.
Life here survives in unexpected ways: hardy shrubs, twisted acacias, and resilient grasses shelter a surprising variety of animals—from inquisitive meerkats and grazing gemsbok to stealthy lions that roam the open plains. Seasonal rains transform hidden pans into shimmering mirrors, attracting flocks of flamingos and migrating birds.
The Kalahari is a place of contrasts: harsh yet vibrant, remote yet full of life, offering travelers a rare sense of solitude, wonder, and connection to a landscape that feels timeless.
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