Tag: safari

One of the most asked questions among people looking to travel to Namibia is Namibia safe for tourists? Namibia, with its incredible landscapes seem to go on forever and amazing.

You have opportunities to see some of the most quintessentially African wildlife you could ever imagine clapping eyes on, is a dream for any nature lover. Namibia is a safari country, guys.

Although Namibia is often touted as one of the safest countries in the whole of the African continent, it still certainly has a few issues of its own that you should take note of.

As of any country, small crimes like petty theft and street crime do exist. More violent crime has actually increased in recent years, especially in the capital and transport hub of Windhoek.

Self-driving can mean the risk of finding yourself stranded half a day’s drive from anywhere and nature can be very dangerous.

To help ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as it can possibly go, we have created this epic safety guide to Namibia. Filled with tips on how to travel around the country, how to call a cab, whether you should rent a car, and much more, we’ve got you completely covered.

 Is Namibia Safe during the Covid 19 Era

As a result of the pandemic that has affected the whole world the fact is that most travel is currently not safe. This is not only in Namibia but also in many countries; travel is reduced because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nations across the world are fighting to contain the outbreak and flatten the infection curve. This is an effort that every citizen and responsible traveler should be part of.

For the most up-to-date safety information and what you should be doing to help, please consult the WHO and your local government.

Our Take on How Safe is Namibia for Tourist?

Namibia has a huge landscape. This is natural habitat to the “Big Five” safari animals and is naturally one of the major draws to this Southwest African nation.

There is also the natural features that include the sand dunes among them the highest in the world, the coastal features among others that has made the country famous.  

The other major draw to Namibia is just how safe it is. Namibia is said to be one of the safest countries in Africa, its capital Windhoek is more provincial and has small scale than sprawling and urban.

It is important to note that the crime level of Namibia is still a concern. In Windhoek, for example, there is actually a growing a level of street crime, including violent crime, some of which does affect foreign tourists.

Nature in Namibia is vast, epic and sometimes unforgiving. It has proved to be quite a risk to your safety. You can, for example, often drive for hours and hours without seeing a single soul, giving you an idea into just how remote things can be here.

There are well-traveled routes in Namibia that do make exploring the country relatively safe, but obviously, if you want to do something more adventurous, there is an element of risk involved the adventurous term coming up.

Is it Safe to Travel to Namibia for Safari?

Namibia got her independence in 1990. It is, therefore, quite a new nation. Unlike many new nations, however, there has been little political violence in Namibia, thanks to its democratic government. Even street demonstrations are rare.

Namibia is so huge and so under-populated. It has the second-lowest population density of any sovereign nation in the world after Mongolia. Namibia has 2.2 million inhabitants as reported in 2017. This means therefore that there were on average 3.08 people per square kilometer. Now that’s sparse.

If we turn to crime, according to the UK Government, the capital has seen an increase in crime in recent years. More than two-fifths of crimes reported occur in Windhoek, in fact, most of which are burglaries, assaults and robberies.

The US State Department reported in 2015 that the most common crime taking place was “petty street crime.” The criminals were using knives, sometimes firearms and most of these incidents took place after dark.

Organized crime is also an issue, which has only had a place in the country since the 1980s, something which affects much of southern Africa. Drug trafficking and laundering money are the main issues although this does has had a little impact on tourists.

In fact, Namibia’s tourism industry is booming as there are so many incredible safe places to stay in Namibia.

In December 2010, the country was touted as the 5th best tourist destination in the world, in terms of value for money. It’s valuable to the country too, being worth an estimated 7.2 billion Namibian dollars.

Since the first estimate took place for tourist numbers took place in 1989 (100,000), it increased tenfold by 2014, with 1,176,000 tourists to the country.

To finalize this, the Global Peace Index of 2019 ranks Namibia joint-60th in the world (out 163 countries measured), alongside France!

Is it Safe to Visit Namibia Right Now?

Namibia lacks any current political crisis or social upheaval. However, the only thing that might be affecting how safe Namibia is right now is the Covid 19 pandemic which is world over and the spike in crime, particularly in the capital.

Thefts, muggings and robberies have been occurring frequently in crowded areas and especially places where travelers are found. People are usually unharmed if they surrender their belongings, but often criminals brandish knives as a threat.

There has been a Tourist Protection Unit set up by the Namibian police to help deal with these crimes. It began in the Khomas and Erongo regions as a pilot project. In Windoek there is a TPU at the corner of Independence Avenue and Bahnhof Street.

Most of the crimes that take place in Namibia are actually non-violent and are based around theft. Things like pick pocketing, theft from vehicles, and the like.

You don’t need to worry too much about political instability. Union led demonstrations do take place, but discipline is enforced and there is very little confrontation with the authorities. Nevertheless, it’s never a good idea to be involved in the demonstrations of another country.

Aside from human threats, nature can be very scary in Namibia. There are vast distances between locations and vehicle breakdowns could very quickly turn into life-or-death situations.

During the summer in this dry, semi-desert country, you can expect high temperatures a lot of the time. Then, flooding during the rainy season (December to March) can see roads washed away or become impassable.

Also, let’s not forget that this is safari country, home to big, dangerous animals. Doing what your guide tells you, taking the right precautions when staying at a lodge, and making sure to watch your step in the wilderness is a good place to start to keep yourself safe in Namibia’s nature.

None of this, however, is designed to scare you – it’s good to be aware of issues affecting Namibia before you venture there for yourself. 

20 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Namibia

Namibia might be sometimes seen as an easy way to explore nature of the sub-Saharan part of the continent. There are definitely still dangers you should beware of and issues you should know about. It’s important to be aware of things going on around you as well as potential dangers, to protect yourself – to help you do that, here are some travel tips for Namibia safari to keep in mind…

1. Stay alert – muggers target foreign tourists, even in daylight in busy areas
2. Avoid walking around at night – the crime levels increase after dark, so it’s not wise to be strolling around at this time
3. Keep car doors locked, windows shut – smash and grab type crimes from cars can happen in traffic or at lights
4. Don’t leave anything on display in your car – having anything that looks like it might be worth something in your car that’s visible is an invitation for thieves
5. Only use reputable taxis – and don’t hail them on the street, especially in Windhoek; ask your accommodation for a reputable number (we have a whole section of taxis later)
6. Keep hold of your credit/debit card – card skimming happens, even in hotels, so don’t let it out of your sight
7. Avoid looking wealthy at all – having wads of cash in your wallet, having an SLR on show, even a smart phone, or wearing designer clothing or expensive looking jewellery… this all screams “I’m a rich tourist” to a potential thief
8. Try to hide your money – when paying for things, or exchanging it at all, it just advertises you as a walking ATM
9. Keep your passport and important documents safe – have copies in a separate bag or place, just in case
10. Be aware of scams – politely decline the services of over-friendly strangers accosting you in the street; it will just cost you a lot of money
11. LGBTQ+ relationships are not illegal, but they are taboo – it’s important to be culturally aware of this; any show of same sex affection could cause some upset with local communities
12. Keep well away from the Forbidden Zone – or Sperrgebiet. It’s en route to Luderitz and is a prohibited diamond mining area with armed patrols and, yeah, keep well away
13. Just say no – don’t buy drugs, don’t carry over borders, don’t carry it around, just keep away full stop: the penalties are severe and the prisons are hellish, from what we can gather
14. Theft can be an issue from campsites near urban areas – don’t leave anything in your tent that you are fond of or need
15. Protect against mosquitoes – malaria is rife in the far northwest of the country; cover your arms and legs, especially around water sources at dawn and dusk
16. Be careful around any stagnant or slow moving water – these can harbour all sorts of nasty diseases and illnesses
17. Watch where you tread when camping or trekking – snakes and scorpions can deliver painful, if not lethal, bites and stings; check your boots, shake your clothes, don’t walk around barefoot!
18. Keep away from the Euphorbia plant – it can be deadly; check out pictures online. If you are camping by yourselves, don’t forage your own firewood, buy it instead to avoid any nasty surprises
19. Be careful taking pictures of state properties – and military buildings, it’s not illegal but people have been detained for doing so
20. Don’t buy or trade any animal parts or products – don’t risk arrest and don’t support the hideous trade.

Whilst many would have you believe that Namibia is an oasis on the African continent, the relative safety of a country in Africa compared to other countries in Africa doesn’t say that much. On the other hand, just because there are things to watch out for, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t safe to travel to. In Namibia, it’s just important to keep your wits about you and make sure you’re aware of your surroundings.

Namibia is a land of natural beauty. This land is blessed with a multitude of incredible sights to see. You will get some of the most beautiful National Parks in Namibia.

Tourists will quickly find themselves enamoured with the stunning scenery on show. One can trek through canyons, drive through some beautiful national parks in Namibia or gaze out over the Namib Desert.

For sure, Namibia is diverse and awe-inspiring country is sure to enthrall you. Here you are assured of breathtaking landscapes, beautiful desolate desert scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Namibia is a destination that will surely stun and inspire any visitor. This country has however been overlooked in comparison to Kenya and neighboring South Africa. Namibia is well worth visiting for its amazingly beautiful national parks.

Top Most Beautiful National Parks in Namibia

1. Namib-Naukluft National Park

This beautiful national park in Namibia was originally created by the Germans to form a buffer against encroaching British interests. Namib-Naukluft National Park has expanded over the years to become the nation’s largest conservation area.

Protected within its boundaries are some stunning sights that you just have to see if you’re visiting Namibia. The park has ancient archaeological sites dating back over 200,000 years, a wealth of abundant wildlife and mesmerizing otherworldly landscapes; this national park certainly has something that will appeal to everyone.

It is possibly has the most famous sight in the whole of Namibia. Here we get the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Under the perfectly blue sky, beautiful red sand dunes form a stunning backdrop to the withered and burnt black trees that emerge from the white sands down below. The mosaic of contrasting colors is indefinably remarkable and a must-see in the country.

The marvelous canyons at Sesriem are also fantastic to explore as are the mountain ranges within the parks. Like at Skeleton Coast National Park, a number of shipwrecks are dotted along the coast, testifying to the brutal and unforgiving power of the ocean just off the shore.

Somewhat mirroring the ocean in terms of its harsh environment, the arid and dry desert is now home to some abandoned towns that make for interesting exploring, their former inhabitants having long moved away.

2. Etosha National Park

This is the most popular tourist attraction in the country. Etosha is a premium park and widely considered to be Namibia’s best national park. With an impressive array of wildlife in the park, lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered black rhino as well as the more common white rhino.

At night, animals flock to the Okaukuejo waterhole and this makes for mesmerizing and unforgettable viewing. Elephants and lions emerge into the illuminated area around the pool to drink in their fill of the freshwater. Meaning ‘Great White Place’ in the local language, Etosha was formerly part of a huge lake that has long since dried up.

Now, the Etosha Pan is a dusty white color due to its saline nature. With herds of elephants and impalas kicking up the swirling dust and lions stalking through the savannah; Etosha will forever be etched in your mind.

3. Skeleton Coast National Park

The park is billed as one of the world’s last wild frontiers. Skeleton Coast National Park’s name alone is full of foreboding. It has skull and crossbones signs at times warning you to go no further. The park’s unforgiving nature and desolation does however make for some spectacular scenery.

Husks of rusting shipwrecks line the coast and make for an eerie yet strangely picturesque scene. Broken on the coastal sands and partially submerged by the encroaching sand dunes, these ships are the main attraction of the park. The unforgiving climate of the cold and dangerous Atlantic coupled with coastal fogs and devilish currents all made the Namibian coast a treacherous stretch of water to navigate.

Although visitors are attracted to the park due to its name and the unforgettable rusting shipwrecks, Skeleton Coast actually has a lot more to offer. The mountain ranges and gaping canyons make for breathtaking trekking and with elephants, rhino and lions in the park; you’re sure to never be bored when visiting this unique national park.

4. Tsau //Khaeb National Park

This is an expansive park in Namibia and as nature was intended to be; wild it is untouched and beautiful.

Remarkably shut off from the world for over a century, Tsau //Khaeb is now reaping the benefits as its rich biodiversity and plentiful ecosystems attract, amaze and astound visitors.

This beautiful national park in Namibia has a plethora of plant species. Tsau //Khaeb impressively accounts for 25% of the entire amount of Namibia’s flora.

Its stunning landscapes consisting of sandy plains, gigantic rocky arches and mountain ranges make this a lovely park to explore. Discoveries are never far away and in this bountiful environment Oryx, Springbok and seals abound.

What’s more is that just off the coast, whales and dolphins swim amongst the seventeen islands that the park also encompasses.

5. Dorob National Park

The endless sands of Dorob National Park are sure to impress any visitor with their shifting swirling nature and natural beauty. Stretching before you, the sands compromise the central part of the Namib Desert that hugs the coast of Namibia.

Although the dunes do make for some awesome exploring, the park has much more to offer with ancient San rock paintings and abundant fishing spots just some of the attractions that compel tourists to visit.

With over 270 different bird species, the park also attracts birdwatchers who watch them flitter between the dunes and above the waves of the ocean.

6. Bwabwata National Park

Quite unique for a national park, Bwabwata actually has over 5000 residents living within its confines. As such, the needs of the people are also taken into account when managing, protecting and preserving the wildlife.

With low-lying sand dunes, woodlands and floodplains, there are a number of ecosystems within the park that are home to a diverse range of animals.

Bwabwata National Park is located at a migratory crossroads between Angola and Botswana. The national park consequently has a varying number of animals that pass through it depending on the time of year.

With elephants, buffalo and zebra populating the grasslands and crocodiles and hippopotami congregating around the rivers and floodplains; viewing them in their natural habitat is always a delight.

7. Khaudum National Park

This beautiful national park in Namibia is nestled away in the North-East of Namibia is the isolated and relatively small national park of Khaudum. It is seldom visited by tourists because of its remote location is perfect for people looking for a tranquil and peaceful trip into the wild.

Untamed and unspoiled, the national park mainly consists of dry acacia forests and savannah with a couple of life-giving rivers that dry up outside of the rainy season.

As the park is unfenced, the animals are free to follow their natural migratory routes and so come and go between the park and neighboring Botswana.

With large herds of elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards and more; you are certain to have a great experience wildlife watching with the pristine nature all around you and just the animals for company.

8. Nkasa Rupara National Park

Namibia safari enthusiasts to this park must be really well-prepared as the lack of facilities combined with its desolate and difficult terrain makes it tough to navigate. For those who do venture here, however, the national park is well worth the effort and they’ll be amply rewarded in terms of all the amazing sights there are to see.

The largest wetland area in the country, Nkasa Rupara really comes alive during the rainy season when the Kwando River floors and bursts its banks. During this period, lush vegetation abounds and a multitude of animals descend on the area.

Made up of arid channels that suddenly bloom into life amid a series of lagoons and small islands; the wetlands certainly make for a memorable journey of discovery. Huge flocks of birds fly by overhead as large numbers of buffalo wade through and wallow in the water.

9. Mangetti National Park

For a small park, Mangetti has a lot to offer. It was formerly dedicated to breeding rare and endangered species. It was transformed into a national park in the hope that it would attract tourists to the area.

With an amazing array of animals within the park, it is certainly worth stepping off the beaten path and delving into Mangetti’s pristine and beautifully wild landscapes.

In this biodiversity hotspot, elephants and rhinos roam the savannah and congregate at watering holes alongside a plethora of other animals both large and small.

This is home to the extremely rare wild dog, Mangetti feels like an unexplored corner of the world and basking in the wilderness feels like an adventure in itself.

10. Mudumu National Park

One of five national parks in the area, Mudumu National Park’s main draw is its pristine environment that flourishes when the rains come. Located on the Kwando River floodplain, it is drier than Nkasa Rupara and consequently easier to navigate.

With abundant wildlife and home to a number of large predators such as lions and leopards, the park makes for some delightfully wild exploring.

Large herds of elephants roam the park and, with over 430 bird species inhabiting the area, there is always something new to see. In recent years giraffes and antelope have been reintroduced to the park which only adds to the wealth of animals on display.

There is no doubt that Namibia is one of the most photogenic countries in the world. We have some of the best places to visit in Namibia.  These include some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you will ever encounter. Definitely, Namibia is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best travel gems.

Namibia is gifted with by expansive deserts. She is also flanked by a wild coastline and is known to be among the most sparsely populated countries in the world.

What is not in question is that getting between different destinations in Namibia is an integral part of the adventure here!

Planning

It is therefore imperative that planning a rough route for your Namibia safari is essential. This will not only help you see as much but also save time. It will not matter whether you are taking a tour or opting for a self-drive, you are well prepared for some big distance days on your Namibia tour.

So to help you do with planning of your Namibia safari, we have picked up my 15 favorite places to visit in Namibia that you can’t miss.

This list of our favorite places in Namibia will not only introduce you to all of the must-see places of Namibia, but it will also show you a couple of hidden gems as well.

We want to show you that Namibia is so much more diverse than you ever imagined; it’s very different from the rest of Africa too.

15 Best Places to Visit in Namibia

These are the best things to do and best places to visit in Namibia in no particular order:

1.  Windhoek

This comes naturally as it goes without saying that you can’t miss the capital when you travel to Namibia. This colonial gem is definitely worth at least a few days of your Namibia tour itinerary. Take time to explore its cute cafes, quaint feel and heritage architecture.

You may want to save if travelling on a budget here. There are several budget accommodation places to stay. 

Chameleon Backpackers comes highly recommended. It is important to note that many Namibia tours will begin and end in Windhoek. This is especially great for those who are on self drive tours and are not crossing to the neighboring Botswana or South Africa.

2. Fish River Canyon

A visit to the second-largest canyon in the world is something not to be missed.  Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. It is a long drive to get there, but definitely worth it and thus qualifies among the best places to visit in Namibia.

For bet views, you should visit Fish River Canyon at sunrise. There are plenty of great viewpoints and you don’t have to hike in order to see the canyon. However, hikes and multi-day treks are available too for those that would like to explore and enjoy the canyons extensively.

3. Canyon Roadhouse

It is located just a few miles from the Fish River Canyon. The Canyon Roadhouse is an attraction in itself. It’s a hotel and a restaurant with the most incredible collection of old cars. Fill up on smiles at this extraordinary and out-of-the-ordinary lodge.

Resembling a roadhouse of old with a large red roof, the lodge is a veritable treasure-house and a ‘must-do’ stop when visiting the canyon. The outside area hints of the wonderland interior with its rusty old Chevys and Fords from a bygone era, adorned with corky quiver trees and desert flora. Park your vehicle and step inside. A definite must for any family visiting Namibia with kids!

4. Solitaire

Solitaire is a small settlement in the Khomas Region of central Namibia near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It currently features the only gasoline station, bakery, cafe, and the only general dealer between the dunes at Sossusvlei and the coast at Walvis Bay, as well as to the capital Windhoek.

Solitaire is a small settlement with a permanent population of less than 100 people. It’s not really a town, but it has all kinds of facilities and since it’s in the middle of nowhere everyone passing by stops here for gas.

Solitaire became famous because of the book by Dutch author Ton van der Lee dealing with his stay in this place.

It’s a place that has a true Namibian feel. Solitaire is remote, quirky, and so different from anywhere else in Namibia.

5. Tropic of Capricorn

There is not much to see at the Tropic of Capricorn, except for the sign. But it’ not every day you cross the southernmost latitude where the sun can be directly overhead.

So, as far as must-visit places in Namibia go, Tropic of Capricorn is one of those symbolic attractions that deserve a short photo stop. The Tropic of Capricorn sign is on road C14 between Sossusvlei and Swakopmund.

6. Swakopmund

If you are to visit just one town in Namibia, Swakopmund is the place to be. It’s by far the most lively and touristic town in Namibia, but in a good way. This is a beautiful coastal location, charming colonial architecture, lots of hotels, shops, restaurants…

 Swakopmund is a real oasis in the Namibian desert. It’s one of the best places to visit in Namibia and a must to be included in any Namibia itinerary.

Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia, west of the capital, Windhoek. Its sandy beaches face the Atlantic Ocean. Established by German colonists in 1892 and the city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall.

Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era.

7. Quiver Tree Forest

The Quiver Tree Forest is a forest and tourist attraction of southern Namibia. It is located about 14 km north-east of Keetmanshoop, on the road to Koës, on the Gariganus farm.

Quiver Tree forest is a nice place to break the long drive when driving through Southern Namibia. It’s become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Namibia.

Quiver trees are quite peculiar and are a make for some nice photos. Bushmen traditionally used the branches of these aloe trees to make quivers, thus the name – quiver tree.

8. Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns.

The harbor is busy with fishing boats and ships. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the start of the Namib Desert.

Walvis Bay waterfront is home to a big colony of wild flamingos. Expect to see thousands of pink flamingos, as well as pelicans and other birds.

Don’t miss Walvis Bay flamingos when traveling in this part of the country. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Namibia.

9. Spitzkoppe

Very little known and somehow left out of the main tourist routes, Spitzkoppe was one of the most breathtaking places we visited in Namibia.

The Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert of Namibia. The granite is more than 120 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 metres above sea level.

The peaks stand out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains. It is one of the most spectacular landscapes and has practically no people at all. Don’t miss this hidden gem that is one of the most beautiful destinations in Namibia!

10. Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Kolmanskop (Afrikaans for Coleman’s head, German: Kolmannskuppe) is a ghost town in the Namib in southern Namibia. It is located ten kilometres inland from the port town of Lüderitz.

It was named after a transport driver named Johnny Coleman who, during a sand storm, abandoned his ox wagon on a small incline opposite the settlement.

Once a prosperous German diamond mining town, Kolmanskop is now an abandoned ghost town, slowly sinking in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

Kolmanskop is one of the few places where you can learn more about Namibia’s history. It’s also a real photographers’ paradise.

Being here early morning offers the best light for photography. You can also obtain a photo permit and get access from sunrise to sunset (non-commercial photography only).

11. Twyfelfontein

Twyfelfontein, officially known as ǀUi-ǁAis, is a site of ancient rock engravings in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. It consists of a spring in a valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain that receives very little rainfall and has a wide range of diurnal temperatures.

Twyfelfontein is the largest site of ancient Bushman rock engravings in Africa. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another must-see place in Namibia.

There are several routes that you can choose and a local guide will take you on a tour. If you can’t decide, we recommend choosing The Lion Man route – it’s said to be the best option. Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and better light for the pictures.

12. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

This is our number one on the list of must-see places in Namibia is Sossusvlei. This place should be number one of any ‘best things to do in Namibia’ list!

Sossusvlei is a desert that is home to the world’s largest sand dunes. Don’t miss Deadvlei too – the white salt pan with ancient acacia trees that you see in all Namibia travel guides.

Make sure you climb at least one of the higher sand dunes. We recommend Big Daddy, Big Mama, or Dune 45.

13. Cape Cross Seals

We cannot even try to describe this place, Cape Cross Seal Reserve is another absolute favorite from our Namibia trip.

Hundreds of thousands of seals, as far as the eye can see. It’s one of those places that you have to see to believe it, and an experience you’ll never forget.

14. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia. It was proclaimed a game reserve in March 1907 in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist.

Etosha is a large salt pan in Northern Namibia. It’s also the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, with guaranteed animal sightings. You can see pretty much all African animals here and in big numbers.

Furthermore, Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible wildlife reserves in Africa and can easily be visited individually. Plan at least 2 days/ 3 nights for Etosha safari tour.

15. Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast got its name from how dangerous it was to sail a ship along the coast in centuries past. To this day, the desolate coastline is still known as the world’s biggest ship graveyard. The Skeleton Coast National Park is mostly uninhabited, with a few sparse villages dotting the landscape.

Most visitors come specifically to see the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. The reserve is historically significant because it was the 15th century landing spot of the first European to visit the Namibian Coast. More importantly for most visitors, it is now a breeding colony for more than 200,000 cape fur seals.

So, this is our list of the best places to visit in Namibia. We hope that it has inspired you to visit this beautiful African country and explore it a bit deeper, beyond the main tourist attractions.

The best time to visit Namibia also happens to be the peak season. The peak tourist season in Namibia is in is between the months of June to September.  These months coincides with the dry season.

During the dry season in Namibia, there is virtually no rain and no cloud, so expect to be a witness of stunning night skies. It’s also easier for those on safari to Namibia to spot wildlife during these months as vegetation is sparse. The animals are forced to congregate at established waterholes.

Days are sunny but average maximum daytime temperatures are more tolerable ranging between 20 to 30 degrees. This often depends on where you are.

The temperatures will then plummet at night at the height of the season which is between June–Aug. They can drop to between 5 and 10 degrees, even dropping below zero in the desert and more mountainous areas.

The negative side of visiting in the Namibian summer is that this is peak season. The lodge prices are on the high and there quite a number of visitors. The major tourist destinations of Etosha, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei get really crowded.

Best Time to Visit Namibia by Month

 December to March

• This is the low season in Namibia
• Most of the parks are quiet and are not crowded. The lodge prices also tend to be quite favorable
• During this period  there is Hot weather which  may come with some humid days and rain
• The season normally has clear mornings with isolated afternoon thunderstorms, especially in central and eastern areas
• The greatest game viewing months are January and February even though it can be raining
• Elephants may tend to wander off but it’s birthing season for the plains game. You should look out for young  zebra, springbok, oryx and so on
• Predators are very active and some great sightings ensue
• It’s also the best time for birding with many migrant species present

April to May

• Generally the best weather in Namibia with temperatures more moderate and little to no rainfall
• The country is probably at its greenest
• With the higher moisture levels, it’s a good time to visit the drier desert areas
• Towards the end of May, animals once again seek out constant water sources and game viewing is great

June to August

• This is the dry season and happens to be the peak season. The parks will be at their busiest and game viewing is at its best
• Nights can be chilly, even falling below freezing in some of the desert regions
• Days are bright and clear with mild temperatures
• As Namibia is such a vast country overcrowding is rare except for tourist hotspots like Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei dunes
• It is best to book at least a year in advance to ensure availability

September and October

• It’s starting to get warm again with the nights being balmier and game viewing is usually excellent
• Daytime temperatures will be on the high and animals can be seen throughout the day visiting the available water holes
• The desert areas are best visited before 11:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the heat of the day
• Some of the migrant birds return, awaiting the first rains
• Still peak tourism season – book a year in advance to ensure availability

November

• Anything can happen in November  it is open to both rains and sun and often does!
• It may be hot and dry with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-30 °C
• Sometimes, first rains of the season may fall, heralding an almost instant bursting into life of the desert-like surrounds
• The rainy season can extend up to March/April.

Best Time to Visit Namibia by Climate

Rainy Season

Although climate change is making weather patterns less predictable, the rains usually start in earnest in late November or early December. It transforms the landscape into a pale green carpet. This is when there is sufficient rain falls and it tails off in March or April.

Rain is highly localized, and generally occurs in the late afternoon as intense thundery showers, so is unlikely to spoil your Namibia tour. During the season, the countryside is more scenic at this time. You have animals are breeding and the bird life is at its best, with many migrants present.

On the other hand wildlife-spotting is much more difficult as the vegetation is denser. This is because the food more readily available. With this animal movements are less predictable since they are not restricted to waterholes. After heavy rain, the gravel roads within most of the parks can become impassable.

Dry Season

Generally, Namibia is hotter and drier in the south, and wetter in the far north and across the Zambezi Region. Indeed, the far northeast and the Zambezi Region possess a subtropical climate, receiving on average close to 500mm of rain between December and February.

In the months of September and October, before the main rains arrive, the humidity and temperatures build and it can be very uncomfortable. In contrast, much of the country receives very little precipitation, even in the rainy season.

The nearer the coast you get, the less rainfall there is with less than 15mm recorded annually in some places. You will however get a thick morning fog hangs in the air for much of the year on the coast itself. This can make it feel unpleasantly cold.

Best Times to See Wildlife in Namibia

If you’re wondering when to go to Namibia in terms of wildlife, the dry winter months (July and August) are ideal. You will be looking forward to great game viewing in Etosha National Park and Ongava Game Reserve. This is because the vegetation is sparse and water sources dry out.

Therefore, the local wildlife gathers around the permanent water holes, making animals easier to locate, observe and photograph. 

March can also be a good time to visit Namibia’s Etosha National Park. Following the birthing season in January and February, you will be able to see young animals taking their first steps in the wild.

On the other hand, the lush vegetation seen in March to May can make game viewing more challenging.

Festivals and Holidays in Namibia

Windhoek Karneval (often abbreviated to WIKA) is the biggest cultural event in the country. This cultural celebration takes place in April.

You’ll notice the heavy German influence of this festival, which includes music, performance, a masked ball and huge parade.

Africa Day is held in May each year and is a time for local communities to come together and promote peace and diversity. Considering Namibia’s difficult history with colonialism, race and apartheid, this is a particularly significant and poignant celebration.

Oktoberfest, taking place in October, is another celebration leftover by the former German influence in Namibia. People come to the capital city of Windhoek for beer, fun and games.