Namibia is a vast land of incredible landscapes, wild coastline and seemingly improbable desert-adapted wildlife. Travelers choosing Namibia can see the Big 5 and countless other mammals and bird species while on safari, all residing in scenery that nearly defies the imagination. It is also home to approximately 25% of the world’s cheetahs. Namibia has other unique offerings as well including some of the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, scenic flights over the shipwreck-littered Skeleton Coast, incredible ancient rock art at Twefelfontein and other sites, gourmet delights in Swakopmund and much more!
Namibia has one of the lowest population densities of any country on earth with just over 3 million residents in an area that’s larger than Texas and more than twice the size of California. It remains an under-the-radar safari destination, but for those in the know, it is a country full of wonders.
We dig into everything you need to know about safaris in Namibia below.
Namibia is enormous and has ever-changing landscapes. From the towering ochre dunes at Sossusvlei and the wildly beautiful and treacherous coast to the mountains of Damaraland and vast salt pans of Etosha National Park, it seems there is a new world around every corner. Guests can enjoy a traditional safari experience in Etosha and its surrounding private game reserves with game drives to try and spot the Big 5 – including endangered black rhino – along with some of the 114 other mammal species and 340 bird species present in the park.
Much of the rest of Namibia is vastly different in terms of game viewing. Travelers visiting its remote reaches will search for desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, giraffe and elephant with the help of expert guides, driving through ephemeral riverbeds searching for clues and being rewarded with wildlife sightings in a beautiful, desolate environment that seems utterly inhospitable to life. They might also drive or trek through the red, sandy vastness of the Namib-Nakluft National Park seeking everything from oryx to tiny, clever burrowing tok tokkie beetles.
Namibia is home to some of the darkest skies on the planet. Visitors have the chance to see some of the brightest and clearest night skies anywhere, another very special and memorable aspect to a safari there.
Namibia’s varied landscapes beg to be explored – both from the air and the ground. Etosha’s salt pans beckon photographers to capture their emptiness, giving perspective through capturing a lone animal in the frame or a gathering of animals at one of its many waterholes. Damarland’s rock kopjes and stunning mountain vistas encourage hiking, slowing down to enjoy the sunset and the chance to track desert-adapted wildlife in its mars-like landscape. Visitors to the Skeleton Coast will want to study its shipwrecks and seal colonies both on foot and from a scenic flight.
Foodies will delight in Swakopmund’s myriad offerings – from incredibly fresh and delicious oysters and hand-crafted gins to atmospheric seaside restaurants and German beer halls – there is something and someplace for everyone to sample and enjoy. It also offers activities including sandboarding and dune bike riding. Nearby Walvis Bay offers excellent birdwatching, kayaking and boat trips to observe marine life.
Namibia’s ‘Caprivi Strip’ region borders Angola, Botswana and Zambia, and is the country’s most lush. It has the highest population of any region and is more like its neighbors than the rest of the country. There are excellent game viewing opportunities including the chance to see water-loving antelope species such as red lechwe and sitatunga, great numbers of birds, as well as large animals such as elephant and buffalo. The area is also easily accessed from Chobe in Botswana.
Kolmanskop is a ghost town that is succumbing to the harsh desert and is a photographer’s dream. The chance to capture its slow reclamation by the desert is irresistible for shutterbugs.
Many of these areas are quite remote, but to get even further away, visitors should plan to see the Kunene/Kaokoveld region. This wild, sparsely inhabited (even by Namibian standards) region is most often visited by air. Here you will find the Himba, a semi-nomadic tribe living a traditional lifestyle in this desolate area. It has fascinating yet delicate landscapes that beg for a closer look.
These are a sampling of Namibia’s many diverse attractions and destinations. Contact a Journey Specialist to discuss which areas might be right for your customized safari.
Travelers to Namibia can choose from a wide array of activities. Day and night game drives, bush walks, dune climbs, stargazing, hot air balloon safaris, bush meals, sundowners, conservation activities, observing wildlife from hides/blinds and more are available, depending on your interests.
Marine activities are also on offer for those visiting the coast – from boat excursions to see marine life and sea birds to fishing and kayaking. The nearby dunes also offer the chance for activities such as sandboarding, ATV excursions and the exploration of the desert’s smaller inhabitants such as snakes, lizards, chameleons and other creatures.
Many types of accommodations are available for your Namibian safari. There are luxury lodges, glamping-style tented camps, tree houses, charming guest houses, city hotels, fly camping (sleeping out under the stars) and more! Some of our favorite lodges include Sossusvlei Desert Lodge with its retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing; Mowani Mountain Camp, nestled among scenic kopjes and known for its unforgettable sunset views; Serra Cafema in the wild and remote Kunene region; and Onduli Ridge with its roll-out star beds and incredible cuisine. Talk with your Journey Specialist about the right fit for you and visit our Namibia page for more ideas.
Namibia is wonderful in every season and visiting is fantastic all year long. The Southern Hemisphere winter season ushers in cooler weather, and some areas of the country can be cold in the early mornings. June to August are the coolest months and you very rarely might see a frosty morning in the interior. Summer (October – February, depending on region) can be very hot during the day. Namibia’s coast is temperate year-round and is a lovely escape for a few days during the hotter months.
Rain is rare in Namibia, anywhere from 5-50 days per year might see brief showers depending on the region. If you are lucky enough to visit during a wet year, you might see the desert in bloom, ephemeral rivers running or pans (dry lakes) with water in them.
Namibia has a vast network of roads and driving safaris are very common. For almost all of its safari destinations, you can also fly to an airstrip and be transported to your accommodations. A combination of flying and driving allows you to experience the country at its best.
Reach out to one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your customized Namibia safari and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information and trip inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark, AAC Tanzanite Circle members Weng V. and Robert W., The Delight Hotel Swakopmund, Max Murauer, AAC President Kent Redding and Onduli Ridge