Ovitoto Conservancy

Ovitoto Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.

Ovitoto Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-22.058037, 17.126877
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

Getting to Ovitoto Conservancy

Nearest airport: Midgard Airport (MQG), 26 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 59 km away.

Big Five in Ovitoto Conservancy

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

Weather & Climate in Ovitoto Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Ovitoto Conservancy occur in December, averaging 24.5°C (up to 32.2°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 14.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 25.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.2°C (rainfall: 131.2mm)
  • February: 22.8°C (rainfall: 89.4mm)
  • March: 22.3°C (rainfall: 46.2mm)
  • April: 21.0°C (rainfall: 7.3mm)
  • May: 18.2°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • June: 14.1°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • July: 14.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 17.8°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • September: 21.5°C (rainfall: 1.8mm)
  • October: 23.9°C (rainfall: 11.9mm)
  • November: 24.4°C (rainfall: 13.5mm)
  • December: 24.5°C (rainfall: 27.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Ovitoto Conservancy

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.21°C, rainfall 131.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 50.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.78°C, rainfall 89.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 51.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.33°C, rainfall 46.2mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 47.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.97°C, rainfall 7.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 38.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.21°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 29%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.08°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 30.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.53°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 25.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.82°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 19.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.47°C, rainfall 1.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 18.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.87°C, rainfall 11.9mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 20.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.4°C, rainfall 13.5mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 26.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.5°C, rainfall 27mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 32.4%

Wildlife in Ovitoto Conservancy

Home to 65 recorded species including 21 iconic birds, 18 birds of prey, 7 waterbirds, 5 antelope & gazelle, 4 big herbivores, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Ovitoto Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 20.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 32%.

  • 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 Ovitoto Conservancy

5 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Ovitoto Conservancy FAQs

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Ovitoto Conservancy, and how does the low crowding impact the experience?

Ovitoto Conservancy offers a chance to spot various Namibian wildlife, including kudu, springbok, oryx, and a diverse range of bird species. Due to its exceptionally low crowding (1/5), visitors often enjoy highly personal and undisturbed game viewing experiences, feeling truly immersed in the natural environment.

When is the best time of year to visit Ovitoto Conservancy for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Ovitoto Conservancy. During these months, wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the cooler, drier weather enhances comfort for safaris and outdoor activities.

How accessible is Ovitoto Conservancy, and what are the recommended travel options for reaching it?

Ovitoto Conservancy is typically accessed by road, with self-drive being a popular option for those exploring Namibia. It's advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the wet season, as some roads within and leading to the conservancy can be gravel or sandy.

What are the key safety considerations for visitors to Ovitoto Conservancy, particularly regarding health and wildlife encounters?

Ovitoto Conservancy is a malaria-free destination, eliminating that specific health concern for travelers. While wildlife encounters are generally safe, always maintain a respectful distance from animals and follow your guide's instructions to ensure a secure and enjoyable safari experience.

What type of accommodation is available within or near Ovitoto Conservancy, and what is the typical cost range for a safari experience there?

Accommodation options around Ovitoto Conservancy often include rustic lodges, guesthouses, or campsites, providing an authentic Namibian bush experience. Costs can vary widely based on the type of accommodation and activities chosen, but it generally offers a more intimate and value-focused safari compared to highly commercialized parks.

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.