It’s 2023, and digital nomadism is evolving. Asia has been done, and Central and South America came next. Now it’s time to look elsewhere and think a bit bigger.
Think so big that you look around and can’t see another person for miles in each direction. Think the biggest sand dunes in the world; think spotting the big 5 on your daily travels. Think of tribes and children with smiles so big they light up the room and people so diverse it’s impossible to classify them into groups. If any of this is intriguing to you, then it’s time to think about Arica as your next destination.
Although it’s been a longtime favorite for travelers on their dream holiday, Africa is becoming more and more popular, with digital nomads looking to set up a longer-term base for themselves. While some areas have been plagued by civil unrest in the past, and some still are off-limits for this very reason, the majority of this vast continent is peaceful and perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path.
The good news is that it seems Africa is ready to embrace digital nomads with open arms, with more countries starting to offer digital nomad visas. So which bucket list country should you choose? For many reasons, Namibia is high at the top of the list.
Let’s Talk About: Namibia
From its compact and easy-to-navigate capital city of Windhoek to its mysterious skeleton coast, Namibia is truly out of this world. Its natural beauty and friendly people should be reason enough to choose this southwestern African country as a place to call home for a while.
The name Namibia itself comes from the word Nama, meaning vast place, and it’s likely you have never stood in such vastness until you begin to discover Namibia. Explore the oldest desert in the world, The Namib. Wander among Sossusvlei’s salt and clay pans and climb the largest sand dune in the world, affectionally referred to as “Big Daddy”.
While Namibia is not technically considered a ‘big five’ destination, the options for spotting big game are endless at Etosha National Park, where animals gather around the rare watering holes of this arid country. Other things to check out are the Zambezi region, Swakopmund beach town along the skeleton coast, and the small fishing town of Lüderitz and the surrounding region. Those who look hard enough can find entire mining towns that have been abandoned and are slowly being swallowed up by the desert.
Safety
While the very mention of moving to Africa might raise some eyebrows among your friends and family, they can rest assured knowing that Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa. In fact, Namibia is one of the 16 safest countries to visit in Africa right now. While petty crime can be a bit common in the city of Windhoek, overall, the country is one of the top 93 safest in the world.
In addition to safety, Namibia’s official language is English, making daily life easier for digital nomads. Another important factor for remote working, of course, is the internet, and Namibia was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to become fully connected with widespread internet. And while it might not rank very highly globally, the service is expanding and becoming faster and more reliable every day.
Namibia’s Digital Nomad Visa
While Africa might be considered the next big thing for digital nomads, the majority of its countries do not offer any digital nomad visas yet. Meaning if you want to explore the Serengeti or the wine country of South Africa, you are limited as to how long you can stay in one place. Namibia, however, is the first African country to offer a visa for those who work remotely. Allowing people who qualify to live in the country for up to six months, the Namibian digital nomad visa is a great choice for anyone looking to settle down for a bit in this country of endless horizons.
In order to qualify for this Namibian digital nomad visa, you must have a valid passport, be working remotely, have a clean criminal record, show proof of health insurance, and earn at least $2,000 a month. These criteria should not be too difficult for most nomads, and the entire application can be completed online. The ease of application and eligibility help to entice those looking to call Namibia home for at least six months.
