Due to its arid nature, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. The feelings of sheer space and freedom that can be felt here are unlike anything else you may have experienced before.
This comes with an understanding that a safari to Namibia is mostly about spectacular desert scenery and wide open landscapes. The exception being in the spectacular Etosha Pan National Park where the wildlife sightings can be relatively few and far between but they are made that much more special by their infrequency and the backdrops which they are seen against. We therefore do not usually recommend Namibia for a first time safari, unless it is combined with Botswana or South Africa.
Self-driving safaris or guided vehicle safaris are very popular as the road network is in good condition and this form of travel can be one of the most affordable ways to experience safari in Africa. Unfortunately, this involves long distances on the road and will only afford you the chance to experience the more accessible parts of the country. Having said this, the massive and majestic dunes of Sossusvlei are not to be ignored and neither is Etosha Pan. Although some may question the authenticity of safari here, it will certainly provide a heavy dose of large animal sightings with relative ease. The Atlantic Ocean provides a welcome relief from the desert at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where the marine wildlife is especially rich.
In order to reach the most remote and truly special parts of Namibia though, you will need to fly. The distances involved are again immense and this can amount to three times the cost of a driving safari. It is well worth it in our opinion though, as these flights are the most spectacular you are likely to experience anywhere. You will be rewarded with almost unshared access to the untouched Skeleton Coast and Kunene regions. This wilderness is also home to the fascinating Himba and Herero tribes who still maintain their traditional way of life.
Namibia Safaris FAQs
Namibia is home to richly rewarding and iconic safari destinations. In addition, Namibia is a very safe, friendly and diverse. The only downside is that Namibia is big, really big (it's bigger than France), so the distances to travel between destinations are far. In our opinion, this is what adds to the adventure, as Namibia has some very dramatic landscapes.
Who hasn't heard of the world-famous Etohsa National Park. In addition Ongava is a superb private reserve renowned for excellent service and accommodation. Twyfelfontein and Okonjima also offer high standards and great wildlife encounters.
Namibia can have some unforgiving temperatures due to large areas being desert. The best time to visit Namibia would be from July to October when daytime temperatures are around 70°F (21°C) and the rainfall is low to non-existent. This does tend to be the peak time for wildlife viewing too, so if you do want to travel then you will need to plan it well in advance.
Our belief and opinion is that the sense of luxury of any safari is heightened when the number of visitors are fewer, so the shoulder seasons may be worth investigating, April to June and November.
Namibia safaris are generally of a high standard and luxury is abound is you so choose. A luxury safari starts from around $1000 - $1200 per person per night sharing. Mid-range may be more in the vicinity of $800 per person per night sharing. Namibia is also a great family-friendly safari destination and there are always great packages we can put together which could see savings of between 10 and 20% on the overall cost.
Namibia has no shortage of luxury lodges, camps and hotels, combined with excellent service. There are a number of private concessions in areas where lxuxry is defined as not seeing other vehicles on a game drive for miles. Some lodges and camps on the Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld are so remote they are only accessible by light aircraft. When budget isn't an issue fly-in safaris are just the best way to experience Namibia.
Kaokaland
The area is one of the wildest and least populated areas in Namibia, with a population density of one person every 2 km² (1/4 of the national average). The most represented ethnic group is the Himba people. Kaokoland is known for its rocky desert and you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Namibian Desert Elephant.
Etosha & Ongava
Etosha is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and is known around the world for its wonderful wildlife. Ongava Game Reserve is a private reserve just outside the Anderssons Gate of Etosha National Park. Ongava is known for excellent service and accommodation. The landscape is unique and varied and subsequently home to a wide variety of animals.
Skeleton Coast
This is a 500km stretch of coastline that is 40 km wide and is one of the most hostile yet fascinating areas in Namibia. It is also one of the largest ship cemeteries in the world. There are quite a number of wild animals to observe, for example, desert-adapted elephants, rhinos, desert lions, brown hyenas, jackals, giraffes, seals, oryx, kudus and zebras.
Damaraland & Twyfelfontein
Nestled along the mountainside, Twyfelfontein beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains. Damaraland is a place of barren plains, petrified forests, flat-topped mountains, ancient valleys and rocky outcrops.
Okonjima
Okonjima Nature Reserve is famed for frequent leopard, brown hyaena and pangolin sightings on its safaris, as well as The AfriCat Foundation. Okonjima Lodge offers a wide spectrum of accommodation, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to breathtaking safari lodges.
Swakopmund
Situated between the ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is a quaint coastal town in central Namibia and is one of the most popular places in the country for travellers to visit. The laidback town has charm by the bucketload with its colonial architecture, oceanfront promenades, historical sights, cosy guesthouses, and excellent restaurants and beer houses where you can sample traditional German food and beer.
Windhoek
Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, is a bustling city that is unexpectedly neat and orderly. This is the main port of call for most tourists, and all travellers pass through the city at least once. Situated in a pretty valley, Windhoek boasts buildings very much in the German architectural style. The German presence can be strongly felt in the food, restaurants – and, of course, the beer.
Sossusvlei
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and well-known attraction. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon in the USA). The Canyon forms part of the Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the entrance to the park is situated 10 kilometres from the well-known viewpoint Hell`s Bend at the Hobas Restcamp. The 85km long canyon takes 4 to 5 days to hike.
Namibia Special Offers
Why Tailormade Africa?
Wildlife Specialists
With our well established, strong personal relationships with all of our ground operators, National Park Authorities and Conservation Management teams in Namibia, we are always kept up to date on the most recent information of wildlife & conservation projects, ensuring you get to see wildlife viewings like never before.
Namibia Safari Experts
Clyde & Rob are two of the most knowledgeable experts in the world on Namibia safaris and have travelled extensively to most of Namibia's National Parks, camps and lodges.
Bespoke Namibia Safaris
With Tailormade Africa, no two safari holiday itineraries are ever the same. The combination of our in-depth knowledge of the country and taking the time to get to know all of our clients' travel personalities ensures truly bespoke itineraries and a trip specifically tailored to you.
Experience Namibia
Namibia is unlike any other country you'll experience in Africa. It has vast wide open spaces, is one of the least densely populated countries in Africa and is rich in some of the most unique wildlife on the continent, able to withstand the harsh climate. Highlights in Namibia include the red sand dunes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, a long-abandoned historical Diamond Mining “Ghost Town”, unending, ever-changing and awe-inspiring landscapes such as the lush green wonder of the Caprivi Region, the cooler coastal towns flanked by the desert and the Atlantic Ocean and the windswept Skeleton Coast home to the largest number of shipwrecks in the world. Let Tailormade Africa show you the beauty, wonder, romance, adventure and rejuvenation the wonderful country of Namibia can inspire, where the memories you make will last a lifetime!
