6 Questions About 14-Day Namibia Safaris

Expert

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides. She also contributes to travel and environmental magazines and tourist brochures. She has visited Namibia several times and she hopes to go back sometime soon.

› More about Ariadne

What can I expect from a 14-day Namibia safari?

“On a 14-day Namibia road safari you’ll probably follow a circular circuit. You might spend a couple of nights in each of the main destinations with maybe a few 1-night stays in stopover places. Many iconic destinations in Namibia are mostly visited for their natural beauty. There is usually some wildlife around, but the real attraction is the scenery. This is true for Sossusvlei, the Fish River Canyon, Waterberg Plateau Park and, to a lesser extent, the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland. The main exception is Etosha NP, a prime wildlife destination that’s home to four of the Big Five (buffalo is absent). Here, you’ll go out on game drives, but it’s worth waiting for animals at the waterholes too. As anywhere in Africa, the daily routine on a Namibia safari is getting out and about early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Especially when looking for wildlife on game drives. It’s usually hot in the middle of the day and this is a good time to relax in the lodge.”

Where should I go on a two-week Namibia safari?

“There are a lot of places you can go to on a 14-day Namibia safari. You obviously can’t get to all places of interest, so you’ll have to make some choices. If you’re going on a road trip (self-drive or guided), you should avoid trying to cover too much distance. Spend a bit more time in fewer places rather than trying to cram too much into the itinerary. Wildlife-lovers should definitely go to Etosha NP. You’ll see plenty of animals here at any time, but the viewing is exceptionally good during the Dry season. Expect to see lots of elephants and other herbivores drinking at the waterholes. Black rhino is a regular visitor too. The Sossusvlei area in Namib-Naukluft National Park is another must-see destination. Here you’ll find some of the most picture-perfect desert scenes of the country, and you’ll have the opportunity to climb one of the tallest sand dunes in Africa. The quaint historical town of Swakopmund is worth visiting for its German colonial architecture and the adventure activities on offer. From here you can make trips to the seal colony at Cape Cross, and Walvis Bay lagoon for its fabulous birdlife. The rugged region of Damaraland is home to desert-adapted wildlife, most notably elephants and rhinos, elaborate Bushman art and a petrified forest. Conveniently situated between Windhoek and Etosha NP is Okonjima Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for big cats. With its well-appointed lodges and incredible photographic opportunities, this place is a winner.”

What kinds of tours are available for a two-week Namibia safari?

“Namibia can be experienced in many different ways on a two-week safari. Use the filters on the SafariBookings website to hone in on your preferences. Firstly, you can choose between a private tour or a shared tour. You’ll know whether a group tour works for you. Many people love it, but it certainly isn’t for everybody. As some costs are shared, a group tour is usually more cost-effective. Especially so if you are a single traveler. Private tours, on the other hand, allow a bit more flexibility. Not all shared tours are the same though; group sizes can be anything from six to 32. Larger groups often travel in overland trucks, while groups of up to six or eight people usually get around in a minivan or 4x4 vehicle. Namibia is well equipped for independent travelers and crime is very rare. It’s no surprise then that a self-drive safari is a popular option too. You can simply rent a car and prebook all accommodation yourself or even improvise as you go along. But why not let the professionals help you? They have the experience and knowledge to set up your self-drive trip, make all bookings and offer assistance while you’re on the road. This way, you won’t lose any valuable time in case of a breakdown or other problem. ”

When booking a two-week Namibia tour, should I choose a fly-in or road safari?

“Traveling around by car or small aircraft are both good options in Namibia. Namibia is a wonderful destination for a road trip. Between destinations, you’ll get to appreciate the emptiness of the wide-open spaces. It’s a big part of what Namibia is all about. You’ll probably follow a circular route visiting several highlights on your 14-day safari. Having said all that, there are obvious advantages to a fly-in safari too. Although generally more pricey, it is a good way to save time traveling between places, and you can easily mix and match highlights from all over the country. Fly-in packages are usually tied in with luxury accommodation. In some cases these lodges are in remote locations and offer a high level of exclusivity. There is no reason why you can’t combine a road and fly-in safari. Fly to a few out-of-the-way places and drive the rest. ”

What is the best time of the year for a Namibian safari?

“Namibia can be visited at any time of the year. It has a dry desert climate; rainfall is sporadic and rarely interferes with travel plans. When it rains, it unusually comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Wildlife viewing is, however, best from June to October, the middle and end of the Dry season. This is especially so in Etosha NP, where animals are attracted to waterholes when the bush dries out. It is hot and humid in the Wet season from November to February. The Dry season months are very pleasant during the day, but at that time it can get very chilly at night. April and May are lovely months; temperatures are mild and rainfall is rare. As these months punctuate the end of the Wet season, the scenery tends to be green and the air crisp. December to April is the low season. You’ll find few visitors around and low-season prices might apply.”

How much does a 14-day Namibia safari cost?

“You can expect a starting price of US$3500 per person for a 14-day shared tour. Mid-range private tours start at about US$4500 per person for two weeks. You’ll find a wide range of prices for a 14-day Namibia safari. Lots of variables determine the cost. Joining a camping group tour is probably the cheapest way to travel. It’s lots of fun too. On some tours you might have to participate in camp duties, but mostly all will be taken care of. Alternatively, you can book a lodge safari. Your choice of accommodation will affect the overall price of the tour. Mid-range safaris, offering competitive prices, are most popular. A great way to economize is to travel in the low season or the shoulder months. Although wildlife viewing isn’t as good at this time (in Etosha particularly), the Green season (also known as the Wet season) is particularly beautiful and very uncrowded. Once you’ve narrowed down your priorities, get a few quotes before making a final decision.”

Namibia Safari Reviews

4.5/5 183 Reviews

Expert

Christopher Clark –

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

Sand, salt pans and stars: Southern Africa’s wild west

5/5

With the exception of the verdant Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it staggeringly beautiful. Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa; I’ve been back...

Full Review

Expert

Lizzie Williams –

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Unspoilt wilderness and unique and stunning landscapes offering a variety of contrasting safari expe

5/5

A hauntingly beautiful country that stretches along the west coast of southern Africa, with wide open spaces, big skies and some of the earth's most mystical and vivid sunsets, any visitor is blown away by the way Namibia ‘looks’ –...

Full Review

Anne Mbugua –

Reviewed: Apr 12, 2020

Amazing safari.....totally enjoyed it. Awesome country!!Loved

5/5

Lovely scenery with a lot of wild life and the weather was great. Most memorable accommodation with super cooking. Transportation was top notch, guide was knowledgeable and very professional. l would definitely return for another visit...

Full Review

Bob –

Reviewed: Mar 26, 2020

A wonderfully interesting destination with lots of variety.

5/5

We spent a wonderful 10 days in Namibia with an outstanding guide (Lucky) The tour was organized by Nature Travel Namibia and the staff were responsive and helpful. We managed to see a lot of game at the Erindi Game Reserve, including...

Full Review

Daniela –

Reviewed: Feb 16, 2020

Magic experience in Namibia

5/5

This was my first time in Africa...and I couldn't have chosen anything better than Namibia!
Everything was wonderful: landscape, wildlife, sense of peace...I will bring this experience in my heart forever!

Full Review

Pravitha Naidoo –

Reviewed: Feb 14, 2020

Most wonderful , exciting and adventurous 10 day Tour of Namibia

5/5

The tour company was very fast and efficient in communicating and arranging all our bookings. We were happy with most of the accommodation which were clean and comfortable. The weather was very hot but fortunately we travelled in a...

Full Review

All 183 Namibia Safari Reviews

Cookie Settings

Manage Cookie Settings

Functional cookies

Analytical cookies (anonymous)

Advertising and social media cookies

Your Safari

Tour Length

Rates in USD $ – Change Currency

Comfort Level

Private or Shared Tour

Safari Type

Operator Rating

Specialized Tours

Other Tour Features

Filter by Operator

Filter by Accommodation

Operators From

14-Day Namibia Safari Tours

14-Day Guided Namibia Family Safari

14-Day A Desert Honeymoon

14-Day Namibia Flying Safari

14-Day Namibia Highlights Family Camping Safari

14-Day Best of Namibia Wildlife, Scenery & Culture

14-Day Affordable Namibia Self Drive Safari

14-Day Namibia Breathtaking Adventure Mid-Range Tour

14-Day Namibia Adventure

14-Day Self-Drive - Lodge Safar Botswana + Capriv Namibia

14-Day Best of Namibia Group Safari

14-Day Namibia, Chobe and Victoria Falls Safari

14-Day Namibia, Botswana and Zambia Birding Safari

Tour Operators Offering Custom Tours

Blue Crane Safaris Namibia

Namibia Tours & Safari's

Giltedge

Related Searches

6 Questions About 14-Day Namibia Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

6 Questions About 14-Day Namibia Safaris

What can I expect from a 14-day Namibia safari?

Where should I go on a two-week Namibia safari?

What kinds of tours are available for a two-week Namibia safari?

When booking a two-week Namibia tour, should I choose a fly-in or road safari?

What is the best time of the year for a Namibian safari?

How much does a 14-day Namibia safari cost?

Namibia Safari Reviews

Sand, salt pans and stars: Southern Africa’s wild west

Unspoilt wilderness and unique and stunning landscapes offering a variety of contrasting safari expe

Amazing safari.....totally enjoyed it. Awesome country!!Loved

A wonderfully interesting destination with lots of variety.

Magic experience in Namibia

Most wonderful , exciting and adventurous 10 day Tour of Namibia