Safari in Namibia

Namibia offers stark desert beauty and unique wildlife adapted to arid conditions, including desert-adapted elephants and lions. Etosha National Park's...

Namibia Safari at a Glance

7 safari regions, 141 parks & reserves, 253 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Namibia

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best months to visit Namibia are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 24.1°C, rainfall 98mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 56.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.4°C, rainfall 67.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.2°C, rainfall 42.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 52%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.2°C, rainfall 8.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 43.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.8°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 33.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.4°C, rainfall 1.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 35.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.2°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 31%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.5°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 29%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 27.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 3.7mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 28.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 19mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 37.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 25°C, rainfall 37.8mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 43.3%

Wildlife in Namibia

Home to 253 recorded species including 72 iconic birds, 72 waterbirds, 56 birds of prey, 10 antelope & gazelle, 10 tropical birds, 7 big herbivores.

Notable Species in Namibia

Recommended Packing List for Namibia

Based on average temperature of 22.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 39%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safety & Health - 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.

Visa

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.

Safari Calendar - 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 animals congregate at waterholes, especially in Etosha National Park. If you prefer lush landscapes and abundant birdlife, the green season from November to April is ideal, though game viewing can be more dispersed. We love the shoulder months of April and October for a balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and improving wildlife sightings.

January - Green Season

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

February - Green Season

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.

March - End of Green Season

April - Dry Season

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

May - Dry Season

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

June - Dry Season

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

July - Dry Season

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

August - Dry Season

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

September - Dry Season

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

October - End of Dry Season

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

November - Short Rains

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

December - Short Rains

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

Safari Regions

Namibia FAQs

Given Namibia's arid climate, when is the optimal time for a safari that balances wildlife viewing with comfortable travel conditions?

The dry winter months from May to October are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around scarce water sources, particularly in Etosha National Park. However, the shoulder seasons (April, November) offer milder temperatures and lush landscapes after the rains, appealing to photographers and those seeking fewer crowds.

Beyond the renowned Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast, what other iconic natural wonders are essential to experience in Namibia?

A must-see is Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Park, home to the world's tallest sand dunes and the surreal Deadvlei. Also consider exploring the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein in Damaraland or marveling at the vast Fish River Canyon, Africa's second-largest canyon.

Considering Namibia's vast and often remote landscapes, is self-driving a practical and recommended way to explore the country?

Yes, self-driving is a highly popular and rewarding way to experience Namibia, offering immense flexibility to explore at your own pace. While main routes are well-maintained gravel roads, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for accessing more remote areas like Sossusvlei or Damaraland, and allow ample time for long distances.

Beyond the well-known desert-adapted elephants and lions, what other unique wildlife or marine experiences can I look forward to in Namibia?

Keep an eye out for vast herds of oryx and springbok, perfectly adapted to the arid environment, often seen against dramatic dune backdrops. Along the coast, Walvis Bay offers boat tours to see dolphins, pelicans, and flamingos, while Cape Cross is home to a massive colony of Cape fur seals.

What specific safety advice or cultural etiquette should I be aware of to ensure a smooth and respectful trip through Namibia?

Namibia is generally considered a safe country for tourists, but due to vast distances, always carry extra water, fuel, and a spare tire, especially in remote areas. When visiting indigenous communities like the Himba, it's respectful to arrange visits through a local guide and ask permission before taking photos.

Recommended Books for Namibia

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Namibia by Chris McIntyre - Comprehensive guide to Namibia - Etosha, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland. Self-drive routes, camp reviews, and wildlife guides.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Other Safari Countries in Southern Africa