Safari in Namibia
Namibia Is The First Country In The World To Incorporate The Protection Of The Environment Into Its Constitution.
Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution, giving life to its thousands of species and great photographic opportunities to its many travelers, thus why a safari in Namibia is unlike anywhere else. Game and National Parks define the country, glittered from north to south, throughout. Enjoy the wealth of animal life in Etosha National Park, contemplate life over the enigmatic red dunes of Sossusvlei, recapture your youth sand boarding down the world’s highest dunes, find Africa along the banks of the mighty Okavango River, and marvel at the wondrous Fish River Canyon. A safari in Namibia is wide open, full of outdoor activities to keep your spirits tuned to nature, while allowing for relaxation to be comforted with the big open skies draping from above. Here adventure and relaxation go hand-in-hand.
“Wild Safari Africa Founder Jeremy + Namibia = Jermibia!”
Visit Namibia’s Top Safari Destinations:
Etosha National Park
Any safari in Namibia must stop at Etosha. Etosha is one of Africa’s best game parks, next only to the parks in the Serengeti of Tanzania. In 2007 the park celebrated its first 100 years of existence. Viewing Africa’s large game populations against the Etosha Pan backdrop is like no other found in Africa.
One of Africa’s best game parks,
next only to the parks in the Serengeti of Tanzania
The Etosha Pan, the parks definitive feature, is an immense, shallow depression of some 5,000 km² of dry, white sun beaten mud. Mirages shimmer in the far distances while game animals stride across the desolate lands looking completely out of place. Throughout most of the year the area is dry, giving rise to the name ‘the great white place of dry water.’ Nevertheless, when the rains begin, the oshanas in Owamboland drain into the pan and the area becomes an important breeding ground for flamingos.
There are a total of 114 species of mammals, including the rare and endangered black rhino, cheetah, and black-faced impala. The only animals aren’t found in Etosha are the hippo and crocodile. Almost every other animal can be found roaming the park. There are also about 340 different species of birds including the ostrich and secretary birds.
The best places to see game during the dry season is at one of the parks thirty something waterholes. During the rainy season the animals disappear into the bush, hidden behind the dense vegetation, and around waterholes only present during this season. Nevertheless, it is almost guaranteed to see lion when visiting Etosha. It is the leopard that is a rarity, and if you are extremely lucky you may even be witness to a predator kill. A self drive safari in Namibia to Etosha National Park is very easy to do.
Inside the Park Accommodation (click on camp)
Outside the Park Accommodation (click on lodge)
Sossusvlei & The Namib Desert
The second most sought after destination on safari in Namibia is the dunes. Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s top destinations. The monumental red sand and the magnificent display of different shades, colors, and depressions, fading and deeping, throughout the day make Sossusvlei a place for photographers and romantics alike.
Sossusvlei a place for photographers and romantics alike!
Sossusvlei is lined by exotic, brightly colored dunes. Each hour of the day is unique and as the day carries on, new colors are constantly presenting themselves, whether on the dunes, orange, maroon, or pink, or against the Tsaris Mountains, blue and deep purples, in addition to the yellows and tans of the dancing grasses, it is easy to feel enlightened while visiting Sossusvlei on safari in Namibia. It is also home to ostrich, springbok, and oryx who roam the area like some prehistoric creatures living on another planet.
Sossusvlei, Read more…
Together, Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert are home to some of the worlds tallest dunes, plenty of adventure activities and some of the worlds best trekking; a backdrop so surreal it can be compared to nowhere else in the world thus making is a very popular destination while on safari in Namibia.
Accommodation (click on lodge)
Tsauchab River Camp
Fish River Canyon
Comparable only to the Grand Canyon in the southwestern United States, the Fish River Canyon is 160 km long and 27 km wide. Most travelers wonder to the canyon to trek 85 km following the river over a series of days. On the northern end of the national park, lies the Hoba information centre, picnic areas, campgrounds, walking trails, and scenes to take your breath away. At the southern end of the canyon, Ai-Ais is a hot spring oasis, having campsites and bungalows available. It is in a remote, very arid corner of the country, thus keeping visitor numbers low. A visit here while on safari in Namibia has to be intricately planned.
Comparable only to the Grand Canyon in the
southwestern United States
The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia, traveling over 800 kilometers from its beginnings in the Namib-Naukluft Mountains to its confluence with the Orange River only 110 kilometers east of its departure into the Atlantic Ocean.
Quiver trees dot the landscape, while the canyon waters are home to small and largemouth yellowfish, sharp tooth catfish, tilapia and common carp. Klipspringer, ground squirrel, baboon, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and leopard find refuge in the cliffs. Fish River is the perfect escape, delving into complete solitude and serenity which can only be found in total wilderness while on safari in Namibia.
Kaokoland
Home of the Himba people, this area is vast, wide, open, endless, and enticing, thus making it a popular destination while on safari in Namibia. From taking day treks into the unknown, to bathing in the pools near the mystic Epupa Falls, to stepping back in time walking the streets of Opuwo, Kaokoland is one area of Namibia which is still open to the possibilities.
Home to the desert adapted elephant!
It was once thought the elephant found in Kaokoland were of a different species. Its longer legs, bigger feet, and incredible ability to withstand periods of drought all gave valid reasons to think so, however, today it is not considered a different species, rather regarded as only ’desert-adapted.’ The herds in this area remain separate from other elephant herds in Namibia and only appear to have longer legs and bigger feet because they are less fed than elephant living in more food abundant areas. Read more about the Desert-adapted elephant…
Accommodation (click on lodge)
Mopane Tented Camp
Epupa Falls Lodge
Himba Tours
Epupa Falls: Campsites & Lodging
Damaraland
Damaraland is sparsely populated and is bewitching with what surrounds the town as something so supernatural. The geology of the organ pipes, the nature of solitude, and a petrified forests ancient signs from an older world, light up the place and make the area magical.
In 2007, at the World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand, Twyfelfontein’s San rock engravings were awarded World Heritage status. Located in the Huab Valley west of the town Khorixas, Twyfelfontein is home to over 2,000 rock engravings and is one of Africa’s largest. A self drive safari in Namibia here takes you through Namibia’s most beautiful region.
Accommodation: (click on lodge)
Southern Damaraland (click here)
Northern Damaraland (click here)
Erindi Private Game Reserve *Malaria FREE*
Erindi, translated to “the place of water” in the indigenous Herero language, is home to over 15,000 animals of southern Africa’s best! Endangered species such as the African wild dog have found a healthy and protected habitat needed at Erindi to ensure the survival of their species.
The Game Reserve is carefully managed, allowing for a “one-of-a-kind” experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to step back into a time when Africa was left in the undisturbed hands of nature.
Namibia Offers the Opportunity to Walk a Land
Where There are More Animals than People
Accommodation (click on lodge)
Other Popular Places of Interest
Windhoek – Hosea Kutako International Airport Arrival
The majority of safari in Namibia begin here. Namibia’s capital city sits at an altitude of 5,280 ft (1,650 m), or a mile above sea level, in the middle of the central highlands. The city nests in a wide valley between bush covered hills. At first glance, Windhoek appears to be rather small, and is small when compared with most cities in the developed world. For travelers arriving from the Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will wonder if the entire country is as barren as the drive into the city. However, once reaching Klein Windhoek you will quickly be surprised by the quality of housing to be seen before reaching the hilltop crest and descending down into the city. (More about Windhoek and accommodation in the city- click here)
Caprivi Strip – Okavango River Panhandle
The Caprivi fits the image most people have of Africa, more so than any other part of Namibia. The rural population lives in mud and thatch huts amongst meandering elephants, wading hippos, and other animals. The region consists of an interweaving network of perennial rivers, dense forests, and fertile floodplains. (Read more…) The Caprivi is a great destination for combining a safari in Namibia with a visit to Botswana or Victoria Falls.
What activities are offered while on Safari in Namibia?
A safari in Namibia offers a wide selection of activities other than the primary focus of Game drives and walks.
- Sandboarding
- Kayak with Seals and Flamingoes
- Single/ Multi-day hiking
- Bush Walks with the San People
- Skydiving
- Plus Many More Options to Keep You Thrilled and Having Fun!
A safari in Namibia are best when game viewing is diversified with its equally as beautiful people. Namibia has several options to:
- Participate on a Cultural Tour of the Bushmen or Himba Clans
- Volunteer, with opportunities to work with cheetah and other big cats!
- Learn the Culture & Etiquette from the People Themselves!
- Cultural Township tours
What is the ideal season to safari Namibia?
Namibia’s dry climate allows for virtually every season to be open for safari. The BEST season is between June & September (Namibia’s winter, thus no rain!). The rainy season begins in November and tapers off in March and April. It is EXTREMELY HOT from October to December!
How much does a safari in Namibia cost?
Namibia caters to the budget traveler and the most luxurious of travelers. This is great for all who want to experience a safari in Namibia. How much your safari will cost, entirely depends on what type of accommodation, services, and methods of transportation you so desire. A fly-in safari and Game Lodges are obviously more expensive than overland transportation and modest hotels.
What vaccinations are required to safari Namibia?
No vaccinations are required to safari in Namibia, however, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), and poliovirus.
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies are highly recommended.
Malaria is prolific across the northern regions of Namibia and antimalarial drugs are highly recommended when traveling to these areas.
It is recommended you consult with your health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure to allow time for your vaccinations to take effect and to start taking your malaria prophylaxis.
The Government of Namibia requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of their yellow fever vaccination. Yellow fever is not a risk in Namibia.
Combine Destinations in Multiple Countries to See Everything and Do Everything That You Want To Do!
A safari in Namibia is easily combined with destinations in the countries of Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. It is important to remember distances overland between destinations can be significant, to cut out the long haul you may consider a fly-in safari. No matter the budget of the safari, combining destinations in these four countries are all entirely possible.
For more detailed information about Namibia’s top safari destinations, sights, culture, and people, take a peek at Jeremy’s Guidebook to Namibia.