​Overview – Namibia

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Namibia is characterized by its desert habitat. The harsh environment forms a magnificent backdrop for a different kind of safari. Animal populations are smaller, but sightings in this sparse setting tend to be rewarding. Not to be missed is Etosha Pan, the largest salt pan in Africa and a seasonal wildlife magnet.

Rates (USD) $174 to $1,153 pp/day
Best Time To Go June to October (All parks)
High Season July to October (Etosha gets crowded)
Size 825,615km² / 318,772mi²

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent waterhole-based wildlife viewing at Etosha
  • Long coastline with marine animals, such as seal colonies
  • Good infrastructure and excellent self-drive safari options
  • High-end and budget safaris
  • Low population and vast undeveloped areas
  • Highly photogenic scenery and colors
  • Desert habitat doesn't support high animal densities
  • Not a great destination to see big cats

Namibia Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

The open, arid landscape of Namibia doesn’t support animals in great numbers, but you’ll certainly have no trouble seeing the ones that do live here. These include plenty of wildebeest, zebra, lion and elephant, with large groups congregating in Etosha. The country is particularly good for seeing cheetah, which are widespread, while the more elusive black rhino and brown hyena confine themselves to coastal locations.

Weather & Climate

A subtropical desert climate is the norm in Namibian parks. In the winter (May to October), this means barely any rain and afternoon temperatures that usually stay below 28°C/82°F. The rain finally arrives a few months into summer (November to April), accompanied by humidity, and fierce heat in the desert areas that approaches 40°C/104°F.

Best Time To Visit

The sunny, virtually cloudless days of the Dry season (May to October) are a very pleasant time to visit. Although from June to August it can get very chilly overnight and in the early morning. The Dry season also happens to be the best time for wildlife watching, as animals gather around any water and are easy to find.

Premier Parks & Reserves

Want To Visit Namibia?

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Namibia Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Emma Gregg  –  
United Kingdom UK

Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.

A place to bond with the desert and marvel at the stars
5/5

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than glowing praise. I’m always impressed by the spacious drama of its desert landscapes, where oryx pick their way over towering, apricot-coloured dunes or stare out...

Full Review

Latest User Review
Jarmo Juhani Kuntamo  –  
Finland FI
Reviewed: Feb 25, 2024
Nice trip with our driver with 6-Day Etosha, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei (Lodging)
4/5

Nice trip with our driver with 6-Day Etosha, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei (Lodging) 3-Days in Windhoek was nice also staying hotel hilton best was pool area

Full Review