Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area is a protected area in Namibia.

Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area at a Glance

Location
Southern Namib Desert & Coast, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-26.221106, 15.086691
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 Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

Nearest airport: Hottentots Bay Airstrip, 16 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 481 km away.

Weather & Climate in Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

The warmest temperatures in Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area occur in April, averaging 20.4°C (up to 26.7°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 15.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 0.2mm. Average humidity: 66.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • February: 20.4°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • March: 19.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • April: 20.4°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • May: 19.4°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 17.4°C (rainfall: 11.1mm)
  • July: 16.1°C (rainfall: 5.7mm)
  • August: 15.1°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • September: 15.3°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • October: 17.6°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • November: 18.3°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • December: 18.8°C (rainfall: 2.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

The best months to visit Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 68.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 20.38°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 68.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.95°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.42°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 52.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 19.36°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 45.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.44°C, rainfall 11.1mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 49.5%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.05°C, rainfall 5.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 49.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.1°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 55.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 15.32°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 58.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 17.57°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 60.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 18.31°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 63.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.76°C, rainfall 2.9mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 67.4%

Wildlife in Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

Home to 10 recorded species including 6 waterbirds, 2 marine & freshwater, 1 predators, 1 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

Based on average temperature of 18.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 59%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 18°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 Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area

8 safari lodges available.

mid-range

luxury

budget

Similar Parks in Southern Namib Desert & Coast

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area FAQs

What unique marine wildlife can I expect to encounter at the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area?

This MPA is a critical sanctuary for vast colonies of Cape fur seals, especially on islands like Mercury and Ichaboe, which serve as vital breeding grounds. Visitors can also witness significant populations of African penguins, various cormorant species, and gannets, all thriving in the nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current.

When is the optimal time to visit the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area, and what activities are available for tourists?

The best time for wildlife viewing and calmer sea conditions is typically during the warmer months from September to April. While direct access to sensitive islands is restricted, guided boat tours departing from coastal towns like Lüderitz offer excellent opportunities to observe the protected marine life from a respectful distance.

How do visitors access the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area, and what are the typical costs or permits involved?

Access to the core protected islands is generally restricted to authorized conservation efforts, but licensed boat operators from towns such as Lüderitz provide tours into the MPA. There isn't a direct entry fee for the MPA itself; instead, costs are associated with booking these guided boat excursions, which vary based on duration and services.

What distinguishes the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area from traditional Namibian safaris, and what are its primary conservation goals?

Unlike land-based safaris, this MPA focuses on protecting a unique cold-water marine ecosystem, safeguarding critical populations of seabirds, seals, and other marine species. Its primary goal is to conserve Namibia's rich marine biodiversity, particularly against threats like overfishing and habitat degradation, ensuring the health of the Benguela Current.

What practical advice should I consider for a visit to the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area, including safety and essential items?

When embarking on a boat tour, it's advisable to dress in warm, waterproof layers, as sea conditions can be cool and damp even on sunny days. Always adhere to your guide's instructions for safety and wildlife protection; binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens are highly recommended for optimal viewing.

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.