The Namibia safari experience isn’t just about what you see; it’s about what you feel, the moments that leave you speechless, and the stories you’ll carry home long after the dust has settled on your boots.
As a place where the ochre sands of the desert seem to stretch to infinity, where red dunes meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic, and where wildlife thrives in some of the most unexpected places, those who travel to Namibia are treated to the most surreal and extraordinary safari.
Unlike other safari destinations in Africa, a safari in Namibia is characterised by its dusty, dry landscapes, and a desolate terrain that looks as though nothing could survive let alone flourish in it.
And yet, in many parts of the country, travellers are treated to sightings of elephants, rhinos and big cats, all while enjoying the best kinds of accommodation, which range from rustic to luxurious, with some even giving guests the unique opportunity to fall asleep beneath the stars.
The Namibia safari experience is only as good as the plans you make, and the best place to start planning your epic holiday is to know what you can expect from your trip.
Is Namibia a Good Safari Destination?
Namibia is not just a good safari destination, it’s a great one!
And yet it is one of those places that is often overlooked by travellers, in favour of more popular safari attractions like the Kruger National Park or the neighbouring Okavango Delta.
If you’re looking for a safari that is the perfect combination of striking landscapes that change colour throughout the day, fascinating wildlife that has adapted to the harsh desert conditions, and places that have an almost cinematic sense of solitude, Namibia is where you need to go.
Unlike the bustling safari parks of East and South Africa, Namibia’s game reserves and national parks are spacious (and often exceptionally quiet, without many guests) and exclusive, making each sighting feel personal.
There are a few places where you can have this sort of Namibia safari experience, and these include:
- Etosha National Park – A premier safari destination with salt pans that shimmer under the sun and wildlife that congregates at waterholes all throughout the year. When you visit Etosha, you can expect to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and countless antelope species.
- Namib-Naukluft National Park – Home to the famously photogenic dunes of Sossusvlei, the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, and wildlife adapted to desert survival, including oryx and jackals, this park makes for an exquisite Namibia safari experience.
- Damaraland – A land of rough and uneven mountains and ancient petroglyphs, Damaraland is just the place to see desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.
- Skeleton Coast – A wild, misty coastline scattered with shipwrecks and home to thousands of Cape fur seals, although it doesn’t have the conventional safari experience, the scenery alone is worth the journey.
- Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) – A green contrast to Namibia’s deserts, this area is where you can enjoy river safaris and see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
How Much Does a Namibia Safari Cost?
The cost of a Namibia safari experience varies depending on certain factors like the time of year you intend to travel, the type of accommodation you wish to stay in, and whether you choose a self-drive or guided tour.
Safaris are usually split up into 3 categories:
- Budget safaris
If you book a budget safari, your trip will be more rustic but still authentic and immensely enjoyable. Accommodation generally includes camping or budget lodges and the tour itself can be self-drive rather than a full guided experience, although there are plenty of affordable guided tours too!
- Mid-range safaris
With a mid-range safari, you can look forward to more comfortable lodges with more amenities than those available at budget lodges, and guided tours. Some mid-range safaris also include a few activities, although that will depend on the provider.
- Luxury safaris
These are the sort of Namibia safari experiences that most travellers dream of. Such trips include high-end lodges with exclusive rooms, spas and other luxury amenities, private guided safaris, and even charter flights.
About Seasonal Pricing
Much like other safari destinations in Africa, Namibia has a high and a low safari season, and whichever season you choose will give you a different kind of experience.
- High season (June – October)
During the high season, prices increase quite a lot and the safari destinations tend to get rather crowded, as travellers come from all over to enjoy the wildlife sightings, which at this time of the year are at their best.
- Low season (November – May)
The low season is popular for having more budget-friendly options, which often form a part of special packages which are designed to entice travellers to visit Namibia during the off-season.
Though some areas may be harder to access due to seasonal rains, safaris at this time of the year are wonderful to experience, because not only do you not have the crowds to compete with, but you also get to enjoy a green landscape, well, greener than usual.
Is Namibia or Botswana Better for Safari?
Both Namibia and Botswana are home to out of this world wildlife experiences, but although they are neighbours, they cater to 2 very different types of travellers.
A Namibia safari experience is perfect for those who desire solitude, endless landscapes, and a variety of travel options. The terrain in Namibia is otherworldly, and seeing wildlife in arid desert conditions feels as though you are looking at a living miracle. A Namibia safari is the ideal choice for photographers, adventurers, and anyone who loves a good road trip.
Botswana, on the other hand, is all about water-based safaris and ultra-exclusivity. The Okavango Delta’s green floodplains are utterly unlike any other safari destination and from the comfort of a boat, the animals at the water’s edge seem almost within arm’s reach. Botswana’s safari lodges lean toward ultra-luxury, and many areas are only accessible via charter flights, making it a pricier destination overall. And because so few people get to travel here, the experience can be quite exclusive.
If you’re after desert landscapes, independence and solitude, and a mix of desert and savannah wildlife, go for Namibia. If you want a premium, water-rich safari with a near guarantee of magnificent animal sightings, Botswana might be the better choice for you.
What Animals Can You Expect on a Namibia Safari?
Despite its arid landscapes, Namibia is quite full of wildlife.
The animals that can be spotted throughout Namibia’s safari regions and your chances of seeing them are significantly raised when you’ve booked your safari during what is considered to be the right time of the year to travel to Namibia for a safari.
Of all the wildlife you can spot while touring the safari regions of this fascinating destination, these are some of the most sought-after sightings:
- The Big Cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, all of which are often sighted close to Etosha’s waterholes.
- Elephants and rhinos, both of which are desert-adapted and can be spotted around Damaraland and Etosha.
- Antelope species such as oryx (Namibia’s national animal), springbok, kudu, and hartebeest, are all common sightings.
- Giraffes and zebras are often seen in Etosha and the luscious Caprivi Strip.
- From flamingos in Walvis Bay to lilac-breasted rollers in the Caprivi, Namibia has all sorts of birdlife.
- Seals, dolphins, and even whales can be seen along the Skeleton Coast.
What Flora Can You Expect on a Namibia Safari?
Plants and trees might not be every traveller’s cup of tea, especially when there are lions and other fascinating animals around, but you are certain to see all sorts of interesting flora as you travel around enjoying your Namibia safari experience.
With landscapes that range from desert dunes to riverine forests, Namibia’s plant life is intriguing, especially since it includes some truly ancient oddities. When on your safari, be sure to keep an eye out for these plant species:
- Welwitschia Mirabilis – This is a bizarre, ancient plant that can live for well over 1 000 years. In fact, one of the oldest ever found is estimated to be around 2 000 years old! This plant is also Namibia’s national flower and something that is fiercely protected by various conservation initiatives. If you see this plant on your safari, make sure you take plenty of photos.
- Quiver trees – These iconic, otherworldly trees can often be found in rocky regions. The trees get their name from the San people, who would use them to make arrows.
- Savannah grasses and Acacia trees – These are common sights and they are an important part of the Namibian ecosystem because they are a vital source of shade and sustenance for wildlife.
- Succulents and Desert shrubs – Plants that are perfectly adapted to arid conditions.
What Sort of Accommodation Can You Expect on a Namibia Safari?
From rustic camping to world-class lodges, a Namibia safari experience has something for everyone. These are the most popular accommodation options:
- Camping – The ultimate self-drive option, camping is available in many national parks.
- Tented Camps – Luxury safari-style tents that mix comfort with immersion in nature.
- Lodges – Ranging from mid-range to ultra-luxurious, often with stunning views.
- Guest Farms and Desert Retreats – Perfect for those wanting a local touch and a slower pace.
Book Your Namibia Safari Experience
If Namibia has been calling your name, it’s time to answer.
If you want to traverse the sun-scorched dunes of the Namib Desert, track elusive rhinos in Damaraland, or sip sundowners while overlooking Etosha’s waterholes, your journey is a click away.
Start planning your Namibia Safari Experience today, and let the landscapes, wildlife, and famous beauty of this incredible country leave an imprint on your soul.