Health & Safety

The U.S. Department of State Namibia Travel Advisory describes the health and safety situation in different parts of Namibia. 

Consult your physician about your health in light of your travel plans and review your vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on recommended vaccinations for travel to Namibia at CDC Health Information for Travelers to Namibia.

If you get sick, please let your trip leader or CGEE staff know right away. This will help to pinpoint problems with food and water. They can arrange a visit to a doctor or medical clinic if necessary.

Possible Ailments

• COVID-19: Read CDC information on COVID-19 in Namibia.

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water, and climate can lead to an upset stomach. If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water. When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup). Imodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary. It does not cure diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems. Some herbal teas are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint – feel free to bring some tea bags with you.

• Hepatitis A: According to the CDC, travelers to Namibia are at high risk for Hepatitis A. Studies have shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis A happen to travelers in developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behavior.

• Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness that is present in parts of Namibia, depending on the time of year and the area of the region. CGEE will contact you if your travel seminar may encounter a risk of malaria and will advise what precautions will be necessary. In the city of Windhoek, for example, there is no risk of malaria.

• Typhoid: Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people. The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for those traveling to rural areas or staying long term (more than six weeks).

• HIV/AIDS: 20-25% of the Namibian population is infected with HIV. The HIV virus can only be contracted through unprotected sexual activity and/or the exchange of blood. CGEE staff will provide you with more information on HIV/AIDS and ways to protect yourself when you arrive.

Additional Health, Safety, and Security Information for All Locations