Harnas Wildlife Foundation

Harnas Wildlife Foundation is a protected area in Namibia.

Harnas Wildlife Foundation at a Glance

Location
Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-21.747835, 19.329868
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 Harnas Wildlife Foundation

Nearest airport: Harnas Airfield (FYHA), 4 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 208 km away.

Big Five in Harnas Wildlife Foundation

2 of the Big Five can be found here: White Rhinoceros, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Harnas Wildlife Foundation

The warmest temperatures in Harnas Wildlife Foundation occur in December, averaging 25.5°C (up to 32.5°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 13.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 31.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.9°C (rainfall: 95.5mm)
  • February: 23.5°C (rainfall: 88.8mm)
  • March: 22.2°C (rainfall: 59.9mm)
  • April: 20.0°C (rainfall: 18.8mm)
  • May: 17.1°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • June: 13.1°C (rainfall: 1.8mm)
  • July: 13.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 17.3°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • September: 21.7°C (rainfall: 2.8mm)
  • October: 24.3°C (rainfall: 17.1mm)
  • November: 25.3°C (rainfall: 21.3mm)
  • December: 25.5°C (rainfall: 50.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Harnas Wildlife Foundation

The best months to visit Harnas Wildlife Foundation are September, October, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.87°C, rainfall 95.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 55%
  • February: Great, temperature 23.5°C, rainfall 88.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 56.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.16°C, rainfall 59.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 57.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.01°C, rainfall 18.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 50.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 17.08°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 35%
  • June: Great, temperature 13.13°C, rainfall 1.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 36.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.35°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 31.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 23.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.73°C, rainfall 2.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 20.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 17.1mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 23.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.33°C, rainfall 21.3mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 34.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.53°C, rainfall 50mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 40.8%

Wildlife in Harnas Wildlife Foundation

Home to 16 recorded species including 4 big herbivores, 3 iconic birds, 3 antelope & gazelle, 2 big five, 2 birds of prey, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Harnas Wildlife Foundation

Based on average temperature of 20.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 39%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 21°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

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Harnas Wildlife Foundation

1 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Harnas Wildlife Foundation FAQs

What kind of unique wildlife encounters can I expect at Harnas Wildlife Foundation, given its conservation focus?

Harnas offers a unique opportunity to interact with rescued and rehabilitated animals, including orphaned big cats like lions and leopards, as well as baboons and various antelope species. Unlike traditional safaris, you can often participate in feeding sessions or observe animals up close in their rehabilitation enclosures, providing a more intimate and educational experience.

What types of accommodation and activities are available for guests at Harnas Wildlife Foundation?

Harnas provides a range of accommodation from comfortable chalets to more rustic camping options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Beyond standard game drives, guests can engage in guided bush walks, learn about the foundation's conservation projects, or even participate in volunteer programs for a deeper immersion into their daily operations.

What is the best way to get to Harnas Wildlife Foundation, and when is the ideal time to visit for optimal wildlife viewing and activities?

Harnas is located in eastern Namibia, typically accessed by self-drive from Windhoek (about a 3-hour drive) or Gobabis. The dry season from May to October is generally ideal for visiting, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the cooler temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities.

Are there specific endangered or unique species that Harnas Wildlife Foundation is known for rehabilitating or protecting?

Harnas is particularly renowned for its work with big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, many of whom are rescued from human-wildlife conflict or the illegal pet trade. They also play a crucial role in rehabilitating and releasing various indigenous species back into the wild, contributing significantly to Namibia's biodiversity.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Harnas Wildlife Foundation, and how do these contributions support their mission?

Visitor costs at Harnas vary depending on accommodation choice and activity packages, ranging from day visits to multi-night stays or volunteer programs. A significant portion of these fees directly funds the foundation's vital conservation efforts, animal rehabilitation, and community outreach programs, making your visit a direct contribution to wildlife protection.

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.