Namibia, a land of vast landscapes and stunning wildlife, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled countries on Earth, and it’s no wonder it became a popular tourist destination. From the majestic elephants that roam the savannahs to the tiny meerkats that scurry around in the desert, Namibia offers a lot for everyone to see.
Geographically, the land is in southwestern Africa, where you can find Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The climate is dry to semi-arid, with most of the country receiving less than 200mm of rainfall annually. But even then, the land is home to a wide variety of animals, including some of the most endangered species on Earth.
There are many places in Namibia where you can see a fantastic array of animals in their natural habitats, from the wide-open plains to the rugged mountains.
Here are some of the best places to see wildlife in Namibia:
1. Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia for good reasons. This vast game reserve is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more. The land has a massive pan covering almost a quarter of the park and is dry for most of the year, making it the perfect place to spot wildlife.
The German colonial government established Etosha as a game reserve in 1907. The name Etosha comes from the local Ovambo people and means a “great white place” referring to the vast salt pan covering much of the park.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season of May to October. This is when the animals congregate around the waterholes, making them easier to spot.
Most popular attraction: The Etosha Pan is the most popular attraction in the park. This vast, dry, white pan covers about a quarter of the park and is an impressive sight.
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options within Etosha National Park, from luxury lodges to more basic campsites. There are three main camps consisting of Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni.
2. Skeleton Coast National Park
Skeleton Coast National Park is an area of Namibia that extends along the Atlantic coast. It is also listed as the world’s largest ship cemetery and covers an area of over 40 km wide and 500 km long. The park inhabits vast wildlife consisting of elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and more. The Skeleton Coast is also known for its shipwrecks and dense fog that blankets the coastline.
The national park was first established in 1971 and was named the Skeleton Coast National Monument. In 2013, the Namibian government upgraded the status of the national monument to a national park. The change in status helped better to protect the area and its wildlife.
If you’re looking to explore the Skeleton Coast National Park, here are a few things you should know:
- the park is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles
- visitors must obtain a permit from the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism before entering the park.
- locals recommend that visitors hire a guide when exploring the park as they can get lost easily
The best time to visit: The best time to visit the Skeleton Coast National Park is during the dry season of May to October. This is the time when the fog clears and visibility is better.
Most popular attraction: The most popular attraction in the park is the shipwrecks. The Namibian coast is known to have dense fog and treacherous waters, which have led to many shipwrecks over the years. It also became a famous filming location for movies and television shows such as The Deadly Hunt and The Survivor.
Where to stay: There are several campsites within the Skeleton Coast National Park such as the Cape Cross Lodge, Kunene River Camp, Hoanib Skeleton Camp, and many more.
3. Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan located in the southern part of Namibia’s the Namib Desert. The name “Sossusvlei” means “dead-end marsh” referring to the fact that it’s a dead-end for the Tsauchab River. The river flows into the pan but evaporates before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean.
The pan is surrounded by red dunes that are some of the highest in the world, reaching up to 400 meters. The contrast between the white salt pan and red dunes is truly stunning, making Sossusvlei one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Sossusvlei is during the dry season of May to October. This is when the pan is at its driest and the temperatures are more bearable.
Most popular attraction: The red dunes are the most popular attraction in Sossusvlei. These massive dunes are some of the highest in the world, some reaching up to 400 meters. It offers a stunning view of the contrasting hues between the white salt pan and red dunes.
Where to stay: Several accommodations are available near Sossusvlei, from budget-friendly and mid-range lodges to luxurious homes. Some popular options include Sossus Dune Lodge, Desert camp, and Namib Desert Lodge.
4. Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is a natural harbor located on the coast of Namibia. It’s the only deep-water port in the country and one of the busiest harbors in Africa. The harbor is also home to thousands of flamingos, making it an attractive destination for bird-watchers.
Walvis Bay, the “bay of whales”, got its name from a large number of whales congregating in the harbor. It has a rich history back in 1487 when the Portuguese explorer, Diaz, discovered the place. It reached its independence in 1990 and has been a thriving city ever since.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Walvis Bay is during the dry season of May to October when the temperatures are more bearable and there’s less chance of rain.
Most popular attraction: Nowadays, you’re more likely to see dolphins and seals frolicking in the waves but the most popular attraction in Walvis Bay is the large bird colonies in the harbor. It’s a truly stunning sight to see so many pelicans and flamingos gathered in one place.
Where to stay: Some accommodation options you can find in Walvis Bay are The Strand Hotel Swakopmund, The Protea Hotel by Marriott, and The Pier Hotel.
5. Damaraland
Damaraland is a remote and rugged region located in northwestern Namibia. It’s known for its spectacular collection of landscapes where remarkable rock formations meet endless plains. These rock formations are some of the most prehistoric in the world, dating back to million years ago. Damaraland also has a desert mountain and an abundant forest which is the habitat of the endangered black rhino, elephants, and lions.
To make the most out of your Damaraland tour, we recommend hiring a local guide who can take you to the highlights of the region such as the Twyfelfontein Rock Art, Burnt Mountain, and the Organ Pipes.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Damaraland is during the dry season of May to October to fully enjoy all the outdoor activities of Damaraland.
Most popular attraction: The most popular spot in Damaraland is the Twyfelfontein Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and most significant concentration of rock art in Africa. This site contains more than 2,000 rock carvings and engravings that are believed to be over 6,000 years old. It is also the home of diverse wildlife where you can see the endangered black rhino and elephants.
Where to stay: Some accommodation options in Damaraland are Etendeka Mountain Camp, Desert Rhino Camp, and Palmwag Lodge. Don’t forget to book in advance as these lodges tend to fill up quickly.
6. Okonjima
Okonjima is a private game reserve located in central Namibia. It’s best known for its AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving cheetahs and other big cats. The foundation offers guided tours where you can learn about their work and even see some of the cheetahs up close. More specifically, it aims to release captive-bred cheetahs and leopards back into the wild.
In addition to cheetahs, Okonjima, with a 96 km fence, is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as leopards, lions, antelopes, and rhinos. The reserve offers game drives and walking safaris where you can see these animals in their natural habitat with the help of experienced guides who can quickly spot even the most elusive ones.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Okonjima is during the dry season of May to October when the animals are more active and easier to spot.
Most popular attraction: The most popular attraction in Okonjima is, of course, the AfriCat Foundation where you can learn about their work and even see some of the cheetahs up close. You will be able to experience the reserve differently and gain a new appreciation for these animals.
Where to stay: Okonjima has a variety of luxury bush camp accommodations, another good reason to visit the place. It has options to choose from depending on your budget and preferences. Some of our favorites are Okonjima Bush Camp and Okonjima Plains Camp.
7. Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is a narrow piece of land in northeastern Namibia extending over 700 km from the Okavango Delta in Angola to the Zambezi River in Zambia. It embraces diverse landscapes and wildlife, and it’s an important corridor for birds migrating between Africa and Eurasia. Caprivi Strip is an unspoiled safari destination where you can see a variety of animals such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
The Caprivi Strip is the perfect place for birdwatching with over 400 species of birds. Some of the best spots are the Mahango Game Reserve within the Bwabwata National Park. This game reserve was established in 1986 with 300 bird species flying around. Caprivi is also home to the world’s largest population of endangered African wild dogs.
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Caprivi Strip is from May to October during the dry season.
Most popular attraction: The most popular attraction in Caprivi Strip is the Mahango Game Reserve which is the place for birdwatching where both wetland and tropical terrestrial species can be seen.
Where to stay: There are a few accommodation options in Caprivi Strip and some of our favorites are Shametu River Lodge, Namushasha River Camp, and Caprivi Motoya Lodge and Campsite.
8. Namib-Naukluft Park
Namib-Naukluft Park is the largest game park in Africa, located in southwestern Namibia. The park has an impressive selection of landscapes like dunes, mountains, canyons, and plateaus. The raw beauty of the Namib Desert is due to its extreme and contrasting palette of red dunes, white salt pans, and blue skies. It is an ecologically protected area that shares its borders with the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Namib-Naukluft Park is home to a variety of animals such as oryx, kudu, springbok, hyenas, and ostrich. It’s also an excellent place for birdwatching with over 200 species of birds. You can also see some of the world’s rarest animals like the Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the Desert black rhino, and exotic plant life such as the welwitschia, a plant that can live for over 2,000 years.
The best time to visit: The best time to see the animals is during the wet season of November to April as they congregate around.
Most popular attraction: One of the most popular attractions in Namib-Naukluft Park is Sesriem Canyon which is a kilometer-deep gorge carved by the Tsauchab River. The canyon is accessible by foot and it’s a praised place for hiking and birdwatching.
Where to stay: Sesriem Campsite is the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park. It has basic amenities and it’s the best place to stay if you want to be close to all the action. Outside the park, there are many accommodation options. Some of our favorites are Barkhan Dune Retreat, Bullsport Lodge and Farm, and Namib Desert Hills Camp.
Final Thought
Namibia is a land of vast and varied landscapes, rich wildlife, and friendly people. It’s a great place to visit for a safari vacation or a birdwatching getaway. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored in Namibia. From the beautiful sunset it promises to the interesting game drives, your family will love it here.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Have you been to Namibia? What are some of your favourite things to do and see in this country? Let us know in the comments below!