//Huab Conservancy

//Huab Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.

//Huab Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Central Coast & Erongo, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.187094, 14.647289
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

Getting to //Huab Conservancy

Nearest airport: Okakarara Airfield (FYOK), 298 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 388 km away.

Big Five in //Huab Conservancy

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Black Rhinoceros.

Wildlife in //Huab Conservancy

Home to 23 recorded species including 7 iconic birds, 4 birds of prey, 3 antelope & gazelle, 2 big five, 2 waterbirds, 2 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in //Huab Conservancy

1 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Coast & Erongo

Visitor Tips - //Huab Conservancy

We love the Huab Conservancy for its truly unique desert-adapted wildlife, particularly the magnificent elephants that roam its ancient riverbeds. The dramatic, rugged landscapes and the profound sense of isolation offer an unparalleled wilderness experience, making it a truly special place for those seeking raw, untamed Namibia. We recommend spending at least three nights to fully immerse yourself in its timeless beauty and discover its hidden gems.

Gate Times

Access to the Huab Conservancy is primarily managed through the lodges and camps located within or bordering its vast expanse. There are no traditional 'gate times' as you might find in a national park. Instead, your entry and exit will align with your booked accommodation and safari activities. We strongly recommend pre-booking all stays and excursions well in advance, especially during the peak dry season from May to October, as permits for specific areas or activities are often arranged by your chosen operator. Always confirm your specific lodge's access procedures and timings when booking.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service in Namibia. For your safari guide, we recommend N$150-N$250 per guest per day, given directly at the end of your stay. For general camp staff, a communal tip of N$50-N$100 per guest per day, placed in a central box, is appropriate and ensures everyone from housekeepers to chefs is recognized. If you have a dedicated conservancy ranger, a similar amount to your safari guide is suitable. Present tips discreetly and with a genuine thank you; it's always appreciated.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

//Huab Conservancy FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter specifically within the //Huab Conservancy?

The //Huab Conservancy is renowned for its populations of desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, which have uniquely evolved to thrive in this arid environment. Visitors often have the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent animals navigating ancient riverbeds and rocky terrain, alongside species like Hartmann's mountain zebra and various antelopes.

When is the optimal time to visit //Huab Conservancy for wildlife viewing and what kind of experience should I anticipate?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around scarce water sources. You can anticipate a truly immersive and remote safari experience, characterized by vast, untouched landscapes and intimate encounters with desert-adapted wildlife, far from typical tourist crowds.

What are the primary activities available within //Huab Conservancy, and is it suitable for self-drive exploration?

Primary activities include guided game drives led by experienced local trackers, offering deep insights into the conservancy's unique ecosystem and its desert-adapted inhabitants. While self-driving is possible on designated routes, joining a guided excursion is highly recommended to maximize wildlife sightings and navigate the challenging terrain safely.

How does visiting //Huab Conservancy contribute to local conservation efforts and communities?

As a community-based conservancy, your visit directly supports the sustainable management of //Huab's precious wildlife and natural resources, empowering local communities through tourism revenue. This model ensures that the benefits of conservation are shared, fostering a strong incentive for protecting the area's unique biodiversity for future generations.

What specific preparations or considerations should I make for a trip to the remote //Huab Conservancy?

Given its remote location and rugged terrain, visitors should prepare for self-sufficiency, including carrying ample water, fuel, and emergency supplies, especially if self-driving. Essential items include high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for varying desert temperatures, ensuring a comfortable and safe exploration.

Recommended Books

  • 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.