Flights to Namibia

Namibia is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, sought after for desert safaris and adventures in surreal landscapes, such as Skeleton Coast and Namib-Naukluft. If you’re planning a Namibia safari, knowing how to get there by air is essential. Here’s a guide on flying to Namibia from around the world and an overview of its main airports.

International Flights to Namibia

Most international travellers reach Namibia by flying into the country’s main international airport, Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), in Windhoek. From this international gateway, you can transfer to the numerous safari destinations within the country by flying to one of the domestic airports, getting a road transfer, or taking a chartered flight to an airstrip close to your chosen lodge.

Flights from Europe

Currently, the only direct flight option from Europe is Frankfurt to Namibia with Condor. There are more direct options available to South Africa, after which you could take a regional flight to Namibia. Lufthansa, Ethiopian Air, and British Airways often fly the Heathrow, London, to Windhoek route with at least one stopover.

Flights from North America

A number of airlines service the route from North America to Namibia, one of the most direct and popular being the Ethiopian Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International, New York, to Windhoek with just one stop in Addis Ababa. There are other international carrier options with stopovers in South Africa.

Flights from Asia and the United Arab Emirates

There aren’t many flights from Asia to Namibia. Most flights from Asia stop in a South African hub – either Cape Town or Johannesburg – before another carrier completes the route to Windhoek.

South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are popular carriers from Dubai to Namibia, with only one stopover in either Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. Emirates also services the route, but often only to Johannesburg, after which Airlink completes the journey to Windhoek.

Flights from Australia

There are no direct flights from Australia to Windhoek. Popular airlines that fly this route are Singapore Airlines, Qatar, and South African Airways, with stopovers in Singapore, Johannesburg, or Doha.

Namibia’s Major Airports

Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH/HKIA) – in Windhoek

Located in the capital city of Windhoek, WDH is Namibia’s largest airport and where most international travellers will arrive in the country. This airport facilitates routes from around Africa, North America, and Europe.

Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) – Walvis Bay

Although technically an international airport, WVB only handles flights to three destinations: Windhoek, Cape Town, and Johannesburg via daily Air Namibia and South African Airways flights. WVB is the gateway to the Namib Desert.

Eros Airport (ERS) – Windhoek

Also known as Windhoek Eros Airport and located in Namibia’s capital city, this airport handles domestic flights within the country as well as charter services to safari districts. It’s from here that many charter flights take off. There is an airport shuttle service that connects Eros to Hosea Kutako International Airport and to downtown Windhoek.

Charter Flights and Light Aircraft Transfers

Many safari lodges in Namibia’s remote areas are accessible via light aircraft flights. Operators like Wilderness Air can transport you to your desired location. These flights work on scheduled hops or circuits, picking up and dropping off guests at multiple destinations. So flight times are not adjusted according to your schedule.

Tips for Flying to Namibia

• International flights to Africa, including Namibia, can get booked out quickly, especially during peak seasons, so aim to book several months in advance.
• Check visa requirements based on your nationality; United States, Canadian, and British passport holders need visas to enter Namibia.
• Pack light, especially if you’re transferring via light aircraft, as these flights often have strict baggage limits.
• Consider travel insurance covering medical emergencies and cancellations.