Cash per day in Namibia?

I spent three weeks in Namibia and realised the country is stunning but pricey. Meals were fair, $10-15 per plate, but transport was the killer. I rented a 4x4, which with fuel came to $50+ daily. Without a car, it’s hard to see much. Tips were always 10%, and locals appreciated it. My safe daily spend was about $85 for food, fuel, and tipping. On safari days, I easily doubled that. Namibia is unforgettable, but you can’t treat it like a Southeast Asian budget destination.

Food in Namibia ranges $8-12 for casual, $15-20 at nicer places. Transport is the real cost - car rental plus fuel around $50 daily, since public transport isn’t practical for travellers. Tips: 10% is standard. A safe daily budget for meals, transport, and tips is $80-90. That doesn’t include big-ticket safaris, which cost extra. Namibia is beautiful but not for ultra-budget travellers. For long trips, plan higher to cover fuel and distances. The experience is worth it, though.

I budgeted $90 per day in Namibia and that felt balanced. Meals in restaurants were $15-20, and fuel plus car rental averaged $40-50 daily once split between two people. Taxis in cities cost $5-10, and tips were 10%. Namibia isn’t super cheap, but the landscapes make it worth the spend. A safari day in Etosha added extra, but on normal days I was within $90. For a month-long trip, you’ll want that level to comfortably cover meals, transport, and tips without stress.

Namibia isn’t cheap because distances are huge. Meals in local diners cost $6-8, but restaurants in Windhoek or Swakopmund were $12-18. Public transport exists but is limited, so most travellers rent cars, which cost $40+ per day plus fuel. Tips are standard at 10%. If you’re backpacking, you might spend $40-50 daily just for food and occasional taxis, but add car hire and it jumps quickly. For a safe figure, $70-80 daily is more realistic, especially if you’re self-driving to Etosha or the Skeleton Coast.