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    Safari in Namibia
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    Safari in Namibia

    Southern Africa · 141 parks

    Best time
    Apr–Oct
    Lodges
    from $215pp/night
    Visa & health
    See travel info

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    Namibia offers stark desert beauty and unique wildlife adapted to arid conditions, including desert-adapted elephants and lions. Etosha National Park's waterholes provide spectacular game viewing, while the Skeleton Coast delivers otherworldly landscapes.

    Namibia safari regions

    Safari Regions

    Best time to visit Namibia

    Namibia's stark desert beauty and unique wildlife offer an unforgettable safari experience year-round. For the best wildlife viewing, we always recommend the dry season from May to October, when...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot temperatures and scattered thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. Humidity can be high.

    The landscape is lush and green, making wildlife spotting more challenging. However, it's a prime time for birding as migratory birds are present.

    We love the vibrant green scenery and excellent birding opportunities this month, especially in areas like the Caprivi Strip.

    Khaudum National Park
    Bwabwata National Park
    Caprivi Strip

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Similar to January, with hot days and potential for heavy rainfall. The heat can be intense.

    Calving season for many antelope species is in full swing, meaning lots of young animals. Predators are often active, hunting the vulnerable newborns.

    We recommend heading to Etosha to witness the abundance of young wildlife and the predators that follow. The waterholes are still less concentrated with animals than in the dry season.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland

    March

    low

    End of Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, but it can still be warm and humid. The landscape remains green.

    The vegetation is still thick, but water sources are starting to become more important. Birding remains excellent.

    Khaudum National Park
    Bwabwata National Park
    Etosha National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Temperatures start to cool down, and the air becomes drier. Rainfall is minimal.

    The vegetation begins to dry out, making wildlife more visible. Animals start congregating around permanent water sources.

    We find April to be a fantastic transition month. The crowds are manageable, and the wildlife viewing in Etosha begins to improve significantly.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Skeleton Coast

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant daytime temperatures and cool to cold nights. Rainfall is very unlikely.

    Wildlife viewing becomes excellent as animals rely heavily on waterholes. Etosha's waterholes are magnets for a wide variety of species.

    We love May for its comfortable temperatures and the start of prime game viewing in Etosha. The light is also beautiful for photography.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Sossusvlei

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cool to cold mornings and evenings, with mild daytime temperatures. This is the start of winter.

    The dry conditions concentrate wildlife around waterholes, leading to spectacular viewing opportunities. Desert-adapted species are often easier to find.

    We recommend June for its ideal weather and the beginning of peak wildlife viewing. The desert landscapes are particularly dramatic.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Sossusvlei

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Cold mornings and evenings, with mild and sunny days. This is the heart of winter.

    Wildlife viewing is at its best as animals are heavily dependent on waterholes. Expect large herds and increased predator activity.

    We consider July to be one of the best months for wildlife. The sheer concentration of animals at Etosha's waterholes is unforgettable.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Sossusvlei

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with cold mornings and evenings and pleasant, sunny days. The air is dry.

    Peak dry season means wildlife is highly concentrated around water sources. Predator sightings are common.

    We love August for the consistently excellent game viewing and the dramatic, stark beauty of the desert landscapes.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Sossusvlei

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Temperatures begin to rise, but mornings and evenings remain cool. It's still very dry.

    Wildlife viewing remains excellent as water sources are still critical. Birding starts to pick up as resident birds prepare for breeding.

    We find September offers a great balance of good wildlife viewing and slightly fewer crowds than the peak winter months.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Skeleton Coast

    October

    moderate

    End of Dry Season

    Temperatures are hot, and the air is dry. The first hints of rain may appear towards the end of the month.

    Animals are still concentrated around waterholes, but some may start dispersing as the first rains arrive. Birding is good.

    We recommend October for its hot desert experience and the last chance to see animals concentrated at waterholes before the rains.

    Etosha National Park
    Damaraland
    Sossusvlei

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Temperatures remain hot, with increasing humidity and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape begins to turn green.

    The first rains bring fresh grazing, and animals begin to spread out. Birding improves significantly with the arrival of migratory species.

    We love the dramatic thunderstorms and the fresh green shoots that appear after the first rains, making for beautiful photographic opportunities.

    Etosha National Park
    Caprivi Strip
    Khaudum National Park

    December

    low

    Short Rains

    Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape is lush and green.

    The green season means wildlife is more dispersed, but it's a fantastic time for birding and seeing young animals. The Caprivi Strip is particularly vibrant.

    We recommend the Caprivi Strip in December for its lush scenery and excellent birding, though wildlife spotting in drier areas can be more challenging.

    Caprivi Strip
    Bwabwata National Park
    Etosha National Park
    Best months:
    May
    July
    August
    Jan
    Great24°C98mm
    Feb
    Great24°C68mm
    Mar
    Great24°C42mm
    Apr
    Excellent23°C8mm
    May
    Excellent21°C1mm
    Jun
    Excellent17°C1mm
    Jul
    Excellent17°C1mm
    Aug
    Excellent20°C1mm
    Sep
    Excellent23°C1mm
    Oct
    Excellent25°C4mm
    Nov
    Excellent25°C19mm
    Dec
    Great25°C38mm
    Great (4-5)
    Good (3)
    Poor (1-2)
    Best month

    What a Namibia safari costs

    • Lodges: from $215pp/night up to $1,760, across 11 priced lodges
    • Add park fees, flights and transfers; most safaris are sold as packages that include them.
    Full Namibia cost guide

    Top safari lodges in Namibia

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    Wildlife in Namibia

    253 species recorded in Namibia32 threatened

    Bookable safari packages

    Curated safari packages featuring Namibia, bookable through Safari.com. Prices are guide rates; our partner finalises the itinerary.

    10 Day Namibia Must-See

    10 Day Namibia Must-See

    Featured

    Namibia Must-See is an exciting self-drive adventure, exploring the popular areas of this beautiful country. The colossal red dunes and desert-adapted wildlife are intensified by the luxurious accommodation and rich cultural experiences in private reserves. On this adventure, you will go out to the heart of Windhoek, experience the idyllic Okonjima Nature Reserve, search for desert-adapted Elephant at Mowani Mountain Lodge, visit Swakopmund where the Namibian sand dunes meet the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, and finally take in the impressive red dunes of Sossusvlei.

    • Self-drive route from Windhoek through Damaraland to Sossusvlei
    • 1 night at Okapuka Safari Lodge, then 2 at Okonjima Plains Camp
    From R54,960
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire
    12-Day Rovos Rail Namibia to South Africa Safari

    12-Day Rovos Rail Namibia to South Africa Safari

    This journey commences in Walvis Bay, Namibia, traversing the Namib Desert to Otjiwarongo, where guests can observe desert-adapted wildlife in Etosha National Park. Experience the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and marvel at the quiver trees in Garas Park. Explore Luderitz for its colonial architecture and abundant wildlife, including seals and flamingos, before visiting the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere. Discover Upington and enjoy an exclusive cruise on the Orange River as you cross into South Africa to explore the Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley.

    • 9 nights aboard Rovos Rail from Walvis Bay to Pretoria
    • 1 night at Etosha Lodge with afternoon and morning game drives
    From R215,000
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire
    9 Day Ultra-Lux Fly-in Namibia

    9 Day Ultra-Lux Fly-in Namibia

    On this Ultra-lux adventure, you will discover Namibia in an extravagant and unique way. Visiting the iconic canyon landscapes along the Fish River. Enjoying sundowners on Shipwreck Lodge deck and stargazing between the colossal red dunes of Sossusvlei.

    • 2 nights each at Fish River Lodge, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Shipwreck Lodge and Ongava Lodge
    • Aerial views of Fish River Canyon on the safari flight in
    From R199,928
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire
    5-Day Namib Desert Fly-In Safari

    5-Day Namib Desert Fly-In Safari

    • 1 night at The Weinberg in Windhoek before flying into the desert
    • 1 night at Desert Hills Lodge on the edge of the Namib
    From R85,349
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire
    4-Day Zannier Omaanda Safari

    4-Day Zannier Omaanda Safari

    Zannier Omaanda, nestled in the heart of the Namibian savannah, is an exclusive lodge that offers a unique blend of luxury, wildlife, and authentic African charm. Located within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, a sprawling 9,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary, Omaanda provides an unparalleled safari experience.

    • 3 nights at Zannier Omaanda in a one-bedroom luxury hut
    • Located within the 9,000-hectare Zannier Reserve by N/a'an ku sê
    From R20,510
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire
    10 day Namibia South (Desert, Canyon and Ocean)

    10 day Namibia South (Desert, Canyon and Ocean)

    Exploring the southern region of Namibia promises an incredible journey through a diverse landscape of deserts, canyons, and unique cultural experiences. This region is known for its breathtaking natural wonders and is a perfect introduction to the country's beauty and charm.

    • 2 nights each at Bagatelle Kalahari Ranch and Fish River Lodge
    • Hike the rim of Fish River Canyon, Africa's largest canyon
    From R89,405
    per person sharing, guide price
    Enquire

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    Visa, health & safety in Namibia

    Visa Requirements for Namibia

    Check if you need a visa to visit Namibia

    Health & Vaccinations for Namibia

    Loading health information for Namibia...

    Namibia offers an unparalleled sense of space and unique desert-adapted wildlife, and we find it remarkably safe for travellers. By taking sensible precautions, particularly regarding health and road safety, you're set for an unforgettable adventure across its dramatic landscapes.

    Vaccinations

    Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. We advise carrying your vaccination certificate.
    Hepatitis A & Typhoid - We strongly recommend these, as food and waterborne diseases can occur.
    Tetanus-Diphtheria-Polio - Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
    Rabies - If you plan extended stays, particularly in rural areas or with potential animal contact, we suggest considering this vaccine.

    Visa Requirements

    For most nationalities, a visa is a prerequisite for entering Namibia. We always recommend checking the latest requirements with your nearest Namibian embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel dates. It's a straightforward process, but best not left to the last minute.

    Malaria

    Malaria risk in Namibia is primarily concentrated in the northern regions, including Etosha National Park and the Zambezi (Caprivi) Strip. The central and southern areas, including Windhoek, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast, are generally considered low to no risk. We recommend discussing prophylaxis with your doctor, especially if your itinerary includes the higher-risk northern parks. Always use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.

    Travel Insurance

    We cannot stress enough the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. It should cover medical emergencies, including emergency evacuation to South Africa if necessary, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Given the remote nature of many safari camps, medical evacuation cover is non-negotiable in our book.

    Emergency Numbers

    police: 10111
    ambulance: 112

    Travel Advisory

    Namibia is, in our experience, one of Africa's safest destinations for safari. However, like anywhere, urban areas like Windhoek can see petty crime-pickpocketing and bag snatching-so we advise vigilance, especially in crowded markets or at ATMs. When self-driving, which we love for the freedom it offers, be mindful of long distances, potential wildlife on roads, and always carry sufficient water and fuel. The vastness is part of its appeal, but also requires respect.

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