Namibia has long been a darling of the safari circuit, drawing both Hollywood and British royalty alike with its otherworldly landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the wildlife-rich savannas of Etosha National Park, this southwest African nation offers a truly unique and unforgettable safari experience.
Visitors to Namibia are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, from adventure sports like sandboarding and skydiving to cultural immersions in traditional villages. However, one of the nation’s biggest draws is its incredible national parks, which rival even some of the must-visit national parks in South Africa, Kenya and Botswana.
If a Namibia safari is on your travel bucket list, you simply have to pack up your gear and head to some of the best national parks listed in this handy guide. From the game-rich Etosha to the otherworldly Namib-Naukluft, each of Namibia’s protected areas offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you awestruck and inspired!
Table of Contents
1. Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the crown jewel of Namibia’s protected areas, renowned for its abundant wildlife and striking landscapes. Covering an area of over 22,000 square kilometres, this park is a haven for the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo), as well as a diverse array of antelope species and over 340 recorded bird species.
Wildlife: Etosha’s diverse habitats, including vast open savannas, dense woodlands, and the shimmering Etosha Pan, provide the perfect environment for a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can expect to spot the majestic African elephant, the elusive black rhino, the graceful springbok, and the imposing eland, among many other species. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the chance to see the striking Kori bustard, the largest flying bird in the world.
Scenery and Landmarks: The Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt flat that covers a significant portion of the park, is the park’s centrepiece. During the wet season, this pan transforms into a temporary lake, attracting thousands of flamingos and other water birds. The park’s diverse landscapes also include rugged hills, dense woodlands, and vast open savannas, providing a stunning backdrop for your wildlife encounters.
Best Lodges: Etosha National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable camps. Some of the top-rated lodges include Onguma The Fort, Mushara Lodge, and Namutoni Camp, all of which provide easy access to the park’s prime wildlife viewing areas.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Etosha according to travellers is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the animals congregate around the limited water sources, making them easier to spot. However, the wet season, from November to April, can also be a rewarding time to visit, as the park comes alive with lush vegetation and migratory bird species.
2. Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park is a vast and diverse protected area that encompasses the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. This park is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, including towering sand dunes, rugged canyons, and stark, arid plains.
Wildlife: While the Namib-Naukluft National Park is not as renowned for its wildlife as some of Namibia’s other parks, it is home to a number of fascinating desert-adapted species. Visitors can spot the elusive Hartmann’s mountain zebra, the nimble klipspringer, and the charismatic desert-adapted elephant. The park is also a haven for a diverse array of reptiles, including the Peringuey’s adder and the Namib dune gecko.
Scenery and Landmarks: The park’s most iconic feature is the Sossusvlei, a vast salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red sand dunes. The Deadvlei, a stark and haunting landscape of ancient, petrified trees, is another must-see destination within the park. The Naukluft Mountains, with their rugged canyons and hidden waterfalls, offer a stunning contrast to the park’s desert landscapes. This great clip gives you a little taste of what to expect.
Best Lodges: The Namib-Naukluft National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury desert lodges to more budget-friendly campsites. Some of the top-rated lodges include Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Hoodia Desert Lodge, and Desert Homestead, all of which provide easy access to the park’s most iconic sights.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Namib-Naukluft National Park is during the cooler, drier months of May to September, when temperatures are more comfortable and the park’s landscapes are at their most striking. However, the park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique charms.
Top Tips for Planning a Namibia Safari
If the chance to explore Namibia’s incredible national parks has piqued your interest, booking a safari adventure is easier than you might think. By following these top tips, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most thrilling destinations.
- Research and Plan Ahead: Start by determining your travel dates, budget, and the specific parks or experiences you’re most interested in. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you get the most out of your adventure.
- Decide on Your Safari Style: From self-drive adventures to fully guided tours, Namibia offers a range of safari options to suit every traveller. Consider your preferences and comfort level to choose the best fit for your needs.
- Book with Reliable Operators: When it comes to booking your Namibia safari, it’s important to work with reputable and experienced operators. Getting in touch with companies like Swakopmund-based Secret Namibia is a good place to start and they can even put together a bespoke tour to suit your preferences. Alternatively, use a trusted safari comparison engine as this can help you find the perfect tour or package to suit your requirements.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Namibia’s national parks can get quite busy during peak seasons, so try to be flexible with your travel dates. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or October-November) can often provide better deals and fewer crowds.
- Don’t Forget the Details: Make sure to research and book any necessary visas, travel insurance, and ensure your passport is in-date. Attention to these details will help ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
3. Skeleton Coast National Park
Stretching along the western coast of Namibia, the Skeleton Coast National Park is a stark and captivating wilderness, known for its dramatic landscapes and the haunting remnants of shipwrecks that dot the shoreline. This remote and rugged park is a true adventurer’s paradise, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Namibia’s coastal regions.
Wildlife: The Skeleton Coast is home to a diverse array of desert-adapted wildlife, including the elusive brown hyena, the caracal, and the black-backed jackal. The park is also a haven for seabirds, with species like the Cape gannet, the Caspian tern, and the kelp gull thriving along the windswept coastline.
Scenery and Landmarks: The Skeleton Coast’s most iconic feature is its haunting shipwrecks, which serve as a testament to the treacherous conditions that have claimed countless vessels over the centuries. The park’s landscapes are equally striking, with towering sand dunes, rocky cliffs, and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean creating a truly otherworldly atmosphere.
Best Lodges: Accommodation options in the Skeleton Coast National Park are not as abundant as some of Namibia’s other most popular regions. However, there is a great selection of high-end lodges, such as Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, that offer a luxurious base from which to explore this unique and captivating region.
Best Time to Visit: The Skeleton Coast can be visited year-round, though the best time to go is during the cooler, drier months of May to October. During this time, the weather is more comfortable, and the park’s landscapes are at their most striking.
4. Waterberg Plateau National Park
Namibia is home to many often underrated offbeat escapes, not least the unique and fascinating Waterberg Plateau National Park. This ancient, table-topped mountain range is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife and a must-visit destination for nature lovers exploring Namibia.
Wildlife: The Waterberg Plateau National Park is renowned for its thriving populations of rare and endangered species, including the black rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, and the roan antelope. Visitors can also spot the majestic sable antelope, the nimble klipspringer, and a variety of primate species, including the vervet monkey and the chacma baboon. The park is also home to over 200 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Scenery and Landmarks: The Waterberg Plateau itself is the park’s most striking feature, rising dramatically from the surrounding plains and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The plateau’s steep, sandstone cliffs and lush, forested slopes provide a serene and tranquil environment for hiking and exploration. Within the park, visitors can also discover ancient San rock art, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Best Lodges: The Waterberg Plateau National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from rustic campsites to more luxurious lodges. Some of the top-rated lodges include the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge, the Okonjima Bush Camp, and the Waterberg Plateau Lodge, all of which provide easy access to the park’s prime wildlife viewing areas and stunning natural scenery.
Best Time to Visit: Much like many of the national parks in other safari hotspots like Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa, the best time to visit the Waterberg Plateau National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the park’s wildlife is more easily spotted, and the weather is generally more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the park can be visited year-round, with the wet season (November to April) offering the opportunity to witness the park’s migratory bird species.
5. /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Straddling the border between Namibia and South Africa, the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a vast and rugged protected area that showcases the raw, untamed beauty of the Namib Desert. This unique collaboration between the two countries has created a seamless wilderness experience, allowing visitors to explore the extraordinary landscapes and diverse wildlife of this incredible region.
Wildlife: The /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is home to a remarkable array of desert-adapted species, including the elusive Hartmann’s mountain zebra, the nimble klipspringer, and the charismatic desert-adapted elephant. The park is also a haven for a diverse array of reptiles, such as the Peringuey’s adder and the Namib dune gecko, as well as a variety of smaller mammals, including the bat-eared fox and the aardwolf.
Scenery and Landmarks: The park’s landscapes are truly awe-inspiring, with towering, rust-colored mountains, deep, winding canyons, and vast, undulating desert plains. One of the park’s most iconic features is the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the United States. Visitors can also explore the park’s unique plant life, including the striking quiver tree, a succulent that can live for hundreds of years.
Best Lodges: Accommodation options within the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park are limited, as the region is remote and largely undeveloped. However, there are a few high-end lodges, such as the /Ai /Ais Hot Springs Resort and the Hobas Campsite, that offer a comfortable base from which to explore this extraordinary wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is during the cooler, drier months of May to September, when temperatures are more comfortable and the park’s landscapes are at their most striking. However, the park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique charms, from the vibrant spring blooms to the dramatic winter storms.