Lusese Conservancy

Lusese Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.

Lusese Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Zambezi & Kavango East, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-17.748255, 24.753445
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 Lusese Conservancy

Nearest airport: Serondela Airstrip, 31 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), 113 km away.

Big Five in Lusese Conservancy

4 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Lusese Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Lusese Conservancy occur in October, averaging 29.0°C (up to 36.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 25.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.5°C (rainfall: 211.4mm)
  • February: 24.6°C (rainfall: 106.9mm)
  • March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 50.2mm)
  • April: 23.9°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • May: 21.5°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 19.0°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • July: 18.6°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 22.1°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 26.4°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 29.0°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
  • November: 28.0°C (rainfall: 46.2mm)
  • December: 26.1°C (rainfall: 114.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Lusese Conservancy

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.53°C, rainfall 211.4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 77%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.62°C, rainfall 106.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 69.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.63°C, rainfall 50.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 65.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.86°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 54.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.5°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 40.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.97°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 39.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.6°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 35.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 29.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.41°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 25.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 29°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 27.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.03°C, rainfall 46.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 46.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.05°C, rainfall 114.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 62.1%

Wildlife in Lusese Conservancy

Home to 130 recorded species including 40 waterbirds, 35 iconic birds, 32 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 4 big five, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Lusese Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 23.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 48%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°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

Similar Parks in Zambezi & Kavango East

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Lusese Conservancy FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Lusese Conservancy for prime wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around limited water sources. This period also provides clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring Lusese's unique desert-adapted species.

What makes a safari experience at Lusese Conservancy distinct from other protected areas in Namibia?

Lusese Conservancy offers an intimate, community-driven safari experience focused on sustainable tourism and conservation. Visitors can expect guided walks or drives that highlight the conservancy's rugged landscapes and unique flora, often with direct engagement with local communities. This approach provides a deeper understanding of Namibia's conservation efforts and cultural heritage.

What types of accommodation are available within or near Lusese Conservancy, and what is the general price range?

Accommodation options typically range from rustic community campsites to more comfortable tented camps and eco-lodges, catering to various budgets. Prices can vary significantly, with campsites starting from around $20-40 per person per night, while lodges might range from $150-400+ per person, depending on amenities and inclusions. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season.

How accessible is Lusese Conservancy, and what travel preparations are recommended for visitors?

Lusese Conservancy is generally accessed via gravel roads, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the wet season. Visitors should plan their route carefully, carry sufficient water, fuel, and spare tires, and inform their accommodation of their travel plans. While the area is safe, self-drivers should be prepared for remote conditions.

Beyond general safari animals, what unique or notable wildlife can I hope to see in Lusese Conservancy?

Lusese Conservancy is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, including gemsbok (oryx), springbok, and potentially Hartmann's mountain zebra. The conservancy's successful community-based conservation model also supports populations of predators like cheetah and leopard, offering a chance to witness these elusive species in their natural, protected habitat.

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.