Why Should Namibia Be Your Go-To Safari Destination?
The safari goes beyond Namibia's traditional fences and borders. Namibia is different from the rest as the diversity of the landscapes will one way or another take your breath away. Where else can you spot wildlife as well as elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes that roam around the red sand dunes and shimmering salt pans or spot a Cheetah racing over the golden savanna?
First time or not, if you have traveled to Africa before, you will always be attracted by the combination of spectacular views and top-notch wildlife encounters Namibia has to offer.
The Most Recommended Parks for a Safari in Namibia.
Let’s not beat about the bush— what you want is the answer. Namibia has a lot of protected areas. Here are the best you shouldn’t skip.
1. Etosha National Park - The Safari Star
If Namibia had a crown jewel, Etosha would wear it. One of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, covering over 22,000 square kilometers, it is home to wildlife of all kinds. What sets it apart is the Etosha Pan – a salt pan so large it can be seen from space.
Here’s the magic. During the dry season, animals flock around the waterholes to the pan. You can spend hours staring at the sight of elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and a dozen more animals gathering to drink. You are basically staring at a live episode of National Geography.
Do not miss: Okaukuejo waterhole at sunset. You might even get to capture the moment when elephants are bathing, and giraffes are awkwardly bending to drink.
2. Namib-Naukluft National Park - Dunes and Desert Life.
If your safari dreams involve surreal landscapes, this is your place to be. Namib-Naukluft is home to the famous Sossusvlei dunes, which are some of the tallest in the world. However, it offers more than just scenic views. Upon close observation, you will see a variety of desert-adapted animals, such as oryx, springboks, and even sidewinder snakes.
Pro tip: At sunrise, climb Dune 45. You will never forget the sight of the golden light glaring on the red sands.
Bwabwata National Park is the scene for The Wet Safari. If you want your safari to really feel unique, visit the northeastern part of Namibia. There you will find rivers and wetlands that replace the characteristic dry deserts of the country.
Bwabwata is part of the Zambezi Region (previously known as the Caprivi Strip) and is a sanctuary for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and numerous other birds.
Ideal for- Travelers who specialize in boat safaris and bird observation. Skeleton Coast National Park is synonymous with being “Wild and Remote.” This unsanitized park is for those who seek adventure. Rugged and misty, with the bizarre addition of shipwrecks, is where it takes its ridiculous title.
While the Skeleton Coast is less about spotting lions and more about the raw wilderness... you will find desert-adapted lions, hyenas, and seals lounging along the beaches.
Why go: Because you want to experience a side of Namibia that feels like the edge of the world.
When’s the best time to go on a Namibia safari?
The interesting part, your time of visit to Namibia will completely determine your experience.
The periods for the dry season (May to October) is the best for game viewing during the the safari. Animals tend to gather around waterholes, and along with the shorter grass, it becomes easier to take photographs with the crisp skies. The temperature is pleasant compared to other months, especially in July and August.
Wet Season (November–April)- It is the season of the rains, which turns the world into a green paradise. You’ll see baby animals, as well as their predators during calving, so get your cameras ready. Bird watching is at its best during this period, just be warned, some of the roads can get a bit tricky.
Pro tip: If you want to see the most wildlife, plan your visit between June and September. The wet season is a wonderful time to go if you want to see beautiful scenery, while also avoiding a lot of other tourists.
Best Practices for Taking a Safari in Namibia
Time to get down to the business. Take note of the most important pieces of information in order to navigate your safari next:
Guided Tour or Self-Drive- Out of all the country in Africa, Namibia is definitely a top choice for a self-drive safari. The roads are in good condition, signs are easy to understand, and driving between the dunes and waterholes is fun. If you want more insight and don’t want to plan anything, guides are a wonderful option.
Make sure to make your reservations as soon as possible, especially between July to October. Booking during the peak period is recommended, and lodges at Etosha frequently get booked months in advance.
Don’t forget the essentials- The most important factors to consider while packing is the warm layers needed for the cold evenings, and the lightweight clothes needed for the hot days. Sunscreen, a sunhat, and binoculars are also must-haves.
Keep In Mind- It’s easy to forget to drink water when you are so excited, however the Namibian sun is harsh so make water a priority.
Patience Pays- Don’t rush. In fact, some of the most extraordinary experiences come from simply sitting in silence at a waterhole and waiting.
Respect the Wild- In untamed regions, never leave the car and maintain a distance from the wildlife. You are a visitor in their habitat.
Lets Make it More Clear
If you are still undecided about “when and where,” let’s have a quick ‘choose your safari’ game.
If your goal is to see many animals, your best option is Etosha during the dry season.
Want to capture stunning desert landscapes? Travel to Namib-Naukluft in May or June.
If you enjoy rivers and birdwatching, Bwabwata during the wet season is your haven.
If you want an isolated and adventurous experience, Skeleton Coast anytime in the year is perfect.
So, which safari type do you relate to the most?
Namibia Safari Awaits
From viewing the elephants at Etosha’s pans, to the sunrise from the top of a red dune, or even cruising past hippos in Bwabwata, you are guaranteed to be amazed in Namibia. Every traveler, be it a wildlife lover, a photographer or an adventurous soul is bound to leave with memories from the incredible landscapes and parks.
This brings us to the most interesting question, when are you ready to book your Namibia safari?
One thing we are certain is that Namibia offers an unmatched safari experience, regardless of the season.
