Gondwana Kalahari Park

This private park in the Kalahari Desert offers a chance to experience the unique red dunes and sparse vegetation of this ecosystem. It's home to...

Gondwana Kalahari Park at a Glance

Location
Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-24.403898, 18.080290
IUCN Category
IV
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 Gondwana Kalahari Park

Nearest airport: Anib Lodge Airstrip (FYAG), 4 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 223 km away.

Big Five in Gondwana Kalahari Park

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

Weather & Climate in Gondwana Kalahari Park

The warmest temperatures in Gondwana Kalahari Park occur in December, averaging 27.8°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 0.3mm. Average humidity: 34.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.6°C (rainfall: 63.5mm)
  • February: 26.9°C (rainfall: 36.5mm)
  • March: 25.9°C (rainfall: 16.8mm)
  • April: 22.9°C (rainfall: 3.1mm)
  • May: 19.1°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • June: 14.5°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • July: 14.3°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • August: 16.8°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • September: 21.2°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • October: 25.0°C (rainfall: 3.3mm)
  • November: 26.6°C (rainfall: 8.7mm)
  • December: 27.8°C (rainfall: 13.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Gondwana Kalahari Park

The best months to visit Gondwana Kalahari Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.55°C, rainfall 63.5mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 37.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.9°C, rainfall 36.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 40.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.85°C, rainfall 16.8mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 35.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.9°C, rainfall 3.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 33.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 19.1°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 29.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.51°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 34%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.27°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 28.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 16.79°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 24.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.22°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 19.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.99°C, rainfall 3.3mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 19.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.64°C, rainfall 8.7mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 21.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.81°C, rainfall 13.2mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 24.4%

Wildlife in Gondwana Kalahari Park

Home to 26 recorded species including 6 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 5 antelope & gazelle, 4 waterbirds, 4 big herbivores, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Gondwana Kalahari Park

Based on average temperature of 22.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 29%.

  • 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

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Gondwana Kalahari Park

5 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Southern Interior & Fish River Canyon

Visitor Tips - Gondwana Kalahari Park

What we love most about Gondwana Kalahari Park is its profound sense of space and the subtle, yet captivating, beauty of the red dunes. It offers a truly immersive desert experience where you can witness unique desert-adapted wildlife and some of the most sensational sunsets Namibia has to offer, all without the crowds.

Gate Times

Gondwana Kalahari Park typically operates with gates opening at sunrise and closing at sunset. Specific times vary seasonally, but generally expect 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. We always recommend confirming exact times with your lodge or tour operator, as entry is usually tied to your accommodation booking within the park or a pre-arranged activity. Permits are generally handled by your lodge.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest N$150-250 per person per day, given directly at the end of your stay. Camp staff can be tipped collectively via a communal box, with N$50-100 per person per day being appropriate. Rangers, if separate from your guide, might receive N$50-100 for a specific activity. Always tip in local currency (Namibian Dollars) or US Dollars.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Gondwana Kalahari Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Gondwana Kalahari Park for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The optimal time to visit Gondwana Kalahari Park is during Namibia's dry season, from May to October, when animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. While daytime temperatures can be warm, the cooler mornings and evenings are ideal for game drives and exploring the unique desert landscape.

What unique activities or experiences can I expect at Gondwana Kalahari Park beyond traditional game drives?

Beyond traditional game drives, visitors can immerse themselves in the Kalahari's unique ecosystem through guided nature walks, offering a closer look at desert flora and smaller creatures. The vast, unpolluted skies also provide exceptional stargazing opportunities, a truly memorable experience in this remote setting.

How does the wildlife viewing experience at Gondwana Kalahari Park differ from other African safari destinations?

Wildlife viewing here focuses on the fascinating adaptations of desert animals, offering a more subtle and rewarding experience than dense bush safaris. Instead of the 'Big Five,' expect to track elusive species like brown hyena or bat-eared foxes, and observe the intricate behaviors of meerkats against the dramatic red dune backdrop.

What kind of accommodation and price range can I expect when planning a trip to Gondwana Kalahari Park?

Gondwana Kalahari Park offers comfortable, eco-friendly lodge accommodations that blend seamlessly with the desert environment, ranging from mid-range to more luxurious options. Typical packages often include accommodation, meals, and guided activities like game drives, though it's advisable to confirm inclusions when booking.

Are there any specific safety considerations or travel tips unique to visiting the Kalahari Desert at Gondwana Kalahari Park?

While the park is very safe, it's crucial to prioritize hydration due to the arid desert climate and protect yourself from the intense sun with hats and sunscreen. Always follow your guide's instructions during activities and be aware of your surroundings, especially during walks, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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.