With its sweeping landscapes, unrivalled locations, and diverse wildlife, we’re here to help you navigate this amazing country with our quick guide to safaris in Namibia.
Namibia, wedged between the Atlantic coast and the Kalahari Desert, is one of Africa’s hidden gems that is gradually emerging as a favourite among travellers, with Namibia safaris high on the to-do list. An epic, unoccupied landscape with expansive horizons, unpolluted skies, and one of the world’s lowest population densities creates a sense of freedom.
Marvel at Sossusvlei’s stunning dunes
Discover the Sossusvlei dunes when you embark on a morning game drive adventure, or for those who prefer walking, hike to the top of a dune to catch the sun rising over the Namib desert. The dunes and surrounding area are truly spectacular and inspiring for any aspiring photographer.
Go on a self-drive safari in Etosha
Head out on a self-drive safari holiday to Etosha National Park, one of the world’s best. The park’s 763 km of open roads provide the perfect self-drive safari experience. The park is built around a massive salt pan and appears to be lifeless, but a series of watering holes attract herds of antelope species and their prey from the surrounding scrub.
Explore the Namib Desert
The Namib Desert, one of the most popular tourist destinations, is a must-see during safaris in Namibia. The Namib Desert’s ochre-coloured dunes are iconic in the country, and the famed Sossusvlei Dune area is especially popular because of its towering red-orange dunes. The Namib Desert is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the vastness of Africa’s unique landscapes, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnecting with the great outdoors.
Fish River Canyon
The magnificent Fish River Canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Is perfect for the adventurous at heart. The best way to experience the canyon is by hiking its 85km trail, which extends half the length of the entire canyon and takes about five to seven days.
It’s a self-guided camping hike, and although it is challenging, the rewards include stunning canyon scenery, floating in hot springs, swimming in the river, and sleeping under the stars. If you want to do some easier hikes, the lodges in the area offer shorter and more leisurely walks.
See the Marine Big Five in Walvis Bay
The cold waters off Namibia’s coast are home to an abundance of marine life, none more so than Walvis Bay. For those of you who love the ocean, plan a boat or even a canoe safari, where you can see whales, dolphins, sunfish, turtles, and seals.
Choose of these safaris in Namibia
National parks in Namibia
Namibia is a massive country with vast swaths of land dedicated to its national parks, which gives it the enviable distinction of having the world’s highest animal-to-human ratio. The national parks are excellent destinations for safaris in Namibia, and seeing wildlife. For those embarking on a self-drive expedition, the distance between the parks can be vast, so plan your time spent at each park well. Most of the year, a 2WD will suffice as many of the roads are paved. However, during the wet season, 4WD might struggle in some areas.
Visit Namibia’s national parks.
Best time to visit
Like most Southern African countries, the best time for safaris in Namibia is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. However, it can be visited all year. The dry season is perfect for wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha National Park. The weather is generally pleasant and dry. Between December and March, some days will be humid, and rain will fall, usually in the form of localized afternoon thunderstorms. During the wet season, animals leave the waterholes and disperse throughout the parks.
Driving and flying
There aren’t many direct flights to Namibia, so most people fly through Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport). Some of the major airlines that fly to Johannesburg offer additional connections, and this might include an overnight stay in the city. Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is Namibia’s main airport, located 40 kilometres east of the capital, Windhoek. For those travelling onwards, you can get to your destination by small plane or car. Namibia is the top destination for self-drive adventures because of its excellent roads and safety — and what better way to see a country than just like its locals?
