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Where are the best safaris in Namibia?
Namibia is an incredibly scenic country with large red sand dunes of the Namib, towering rocky mountains of Damaraland, grassy plains of Kaokoland, the game rich saltpan of Etosha and the lush greenery of the Caprivi Strip. Desert adapted animals that roam the deserts in search of water and food and the nomadic Himba tribes that move their goats and cattle from one temporary village to the next, also in search of grazing and water. Namibia does not compete with other African countries when it comes to high intensity game viewing, but it certainly makes up for it in landscapes.
Sossusvlei and Wolwedans
Sossusvlei in Namibia is a photographer’s dream with its calcium white pans contrasted by black petrified trees and surrounded by red towering sand dunes; you could be here for hours taking the perfect picture. The term Sossusvlei comes from the Nama word “sossus” which means “dead-end” and the Afrikaans word “Vlei” which means marsh and so literally means “dead-end marsh”. The name originates from the fact that the sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further.
Other attractions within the area include Dune 45 which is one of the most photographed sand dunes in the world. Then towering 325 meters tall, is Big Daddy, the largest sand dune in the Sossusvlei area. Near the Sossusvlei entrance gate is the Sesriem Canyon which was formed by the Tsauchab River over millions of years and is today the only place in the area that holds water year-round.
South of Sossusvlei is the NamibRand Nature Reserve, home of the stunning Wolwedans Lodges. Vast open grassy plains and rolling red sand dunes are surrounded by towering rocky mountains creating some of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is home to desert adapted animals like gemsbok (oryx), springbok, jackal, zebra, giraffe, brown hyena, cheetah and leopard.
Damaraland
The Damaraland is a large rugged, arid region in north-west Namibia and is home to the people of Damara language. This is a harsh environment of grassy plains and rugged rocky mountains, where animals and people have etched out a living. Black rhino, desert lions and desert elephants have managed to survive this environment over years learning where to find water and food.
Aside from the desert adapted wildlife of Damaraland, it is the history and landscapes that captivate visitors. From the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein to the petrified forest and Organ Pipes, there is plenty for visitors to the Damaraland to see and do.
Kaokoland and Kunene Regions
North of Damaraland is the even more remote Kaokoland region which stretches as far as the Kunene River on the border with Angola. This is vast, remote and rugged landscape for the ultimate explorer. The vastness and sense of space really hits you in the Kaokoland as you explore grasslands with unexplained fairy circles. The Kaokoland is home to some of Namibia’s most incredible wildlife. Here elephants, lions, giraffe and black rhino have managed to survive the harsh, arid environment. Over years the animals have learnt where to find sufficient food and water. Elephants have to walk huge distances to find enough food and water to sustain their appetites and keep them going. Lions have massive home ranges that include watering holes and hunting grounds. Some lions of the Kaokoland have even started moving along the Skeleton Coast hunting seals on the beach.
Living in this harsh environment are also nomadic Himba tribes that still live a very traditional way of life, moving their goats and cattle from one pasture to the next. The Kaokoland is an incredible destination and one we cannot recommend enough! This is a must for any holiday to Namibia. There are a couple of properties to stay at in this area including the Okahirongo Elephant Camp, Hoanib Valley Camp and the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. All these luxury safari camps take guests out looking for desert adapted elephants and other wildlife. They will also take guests to learn more about the incredible Himba Tribes of the area.
The Kunene River forms the border with Angola and is a lush oasis in the desert. Here you can find swaying palm trees along the river, crocodiles resting on the sand banks and lovebirds singing in the trees. At one point the Kunene River plunges over the Epupa Falls, probably one of the most scenic waterfalls, we have seen. Here a series of waterfalls plunge down into the gorge below creating rocky islands with large baobab trees clinging to the edge of the rocks. Epupa Falls is very remote and only accessible by self-drive and there are only a couple of basic lodges along the river. But for the more adventurous, this is well worth the trip.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife reserve, home to 4 of the Big 5. The vast park is dominated by the Etosha Salt Pan which forms most of the northern part of the park. The southern area of the park is where the majority of camps and lodges are as well as the main area to see wildlife. Well maintained gravel roads crisscross this area between pumped waterholes that attract good herds of animals which include gemsbok (oryx), springbok, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant as well as black and white rhino. Etosha is the best place in Africa to see the highly endangered black rhino. Lion, cheetah and leopard make up the bulk of predators in the park. Etosha is a national park with a wide range of self-catering campsites and bungalows to choose from. Outside the park along the boundaries are series of luxury camps and lodges that offer all-inclusive options.
One of the best things about Etosha is that it is an extremely easy park to do a self-drive safari in. You can stay at comfortable self-catering bungalows inside the park and the road network is very easy to navigate. Being an arid park, most of the animals can be seen at the pumped waterholes that are strung out along the road networks.
Skeleton Coast
Stretching up from Swakopmund in the south right up to the border with Angola in the north, is one of the most desolate coastlines in the world. Known as the Skeleton Coast because of the numerous shipwrecks that litter the whole coastline, this is a vast coastline of Namib sand dunes, beach and cold Atlantic Ocean. But if you know where to look you can find life out here. Colonies of Cape Fur Seals dot the coastline which attract jackals and brown hyenas who hunt the pups. Desert lions from the Damaraland and Kaokoland occasionally move down to the coast to also hunt seals. There is only one lodge in the Skeleton Coast that is reached from the Damaraland. Shipwreck Lodge is unique lodge located on the dunes of the Skeleton Coast. Guests staying here enjoy guided activities along the Skeleton Coast including visits to seal colonies and shipwrecks.
The Skeleton Coast is a vital for the survival of inland deserts. The cold Atlantic Ocean brings in nutrient rich fog that blows inland bringing water to the desert plants and animals that rely on it for their survival.
One of our top safaris to Namibia, is our Namibia Flying Safari that includes Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Kaokoland, Kunene and the Skeleton Coast. The safari is guided by legend brothers whose father was a warden of the Skeleton Coast National Park and so they grew up flying along this desolate coastline landing on the beach to explore further. Nowadays they take guests on the same expeditions landing on the beach and taking guests to remote areas that are inaccessible by vehicle.
Sossusvlei and Wolwedans
Sossusvlei in Namibia is a photographer’s dream with its calcium white pans contrasted by black petrified trees and surrounded by red towering sand dunes; you could be here for hours taking the perfect picture. The term Sossusvlei comes from the Nama word “sossus” which means “dead-end” and the Afrikaans word “Vlei” which means marsh and so literally means “dead-end marsh”. The name originates from the fact that the sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further.
Other attractions within the area include Dune 45 which is one of the most photographed sand dunes in the world. Then towering 325 meters tall, is Big Daddy, the largest sand dune in the Sossusvlei area. Near the Sossusvlei entrance gate is the Sesriem Canyon which was formed by the Tsauchab River over millions of years and is today the only place in the area that holds water year-round.
South of Sossusvlei is the NamibRand Nature Reserve, home of the stunning Wolwedans Lodges. Vast open grassy plains and rolling red sand dunes are surrounded by towering rocky mountains creating some of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is home to desert adapted animals like gemsbok (oryx), springbok, jackal, zebra, giraffe, brown hyena, cheetah and leopard.
Damaraland
The Damaraland is a large rugged, arid region in north-west Namibia and is home to the people of Damara language. This is a harsh environment of grassy plains and rugged rocky mountains, where animals and people have etched out a living. Black rhino, desert lions and desert elephants have managed to survive this environment over years learning where to find water and food.
Aside from the desert adapted wildlife of Damaraland, it is the history and landscapes that captivate visitors. From the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein to the petrified forest and Organ Pipes, there is plenty for visitors to the Damaraland to see and do.
Kaokoland and Kunene Regions
North of Damaraland is the even more remote Kaokoland region which stretches as far as the Kunene River on the border with Angola. This is vast, remote and rugged landscape for the ultimate explorer. The vastness and sense of space really hits you in the Kaokoland as you explore grasslands with unexplained fairy circles. The Kaokoland is home to some of Namibia’s most incredible wildlife. Here elephants, lions, giraffe and black rhino have managed to survive the harsh, arid environment. Over years the animals have learnt where to find sufficient food and water. Elephants have to walk huge distances to find enough food and water to sustain their appetites and keep them going. Lions have massive home ranges that include watering holes and hunting grounds. Some lions of the Kaokoland have even started moving along the Skeleton Coast hunting seals on the beach.
Living in this harsh environment are also nomadic Himba tribes that still live a very traditional way of life, moving their goats and cattle from one pasture to the next. The Kaokoland is an incredible destination and one we cannot recommend enough! This is a must for any holiday to Namibia. There are a couple of properties to stay at in this area including the Okahirongo Elephant Camp, Hoanib Valley Camp and the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. All these luxury safari camps take guests out looking for desert adapted elephants and other wildlife. They will also take guests to learn more about the incredible Himba Tribes of the area.
The Kunene River forms the border with Angola and is a lush oasis in the desert. Here you can find swaying palm trees along the river, crocodiles resting on the sand banks and lovebirds singing in the trees. At one point the Kunene River plunges over the Epupa Falls, probably one of the most scenic waterfalls, we have seen. Here a series of waterfalls plunge down into the gorge below creating rocky islands with large baobab trees clinging to the edge of the rocks. Epupa Falls is very remote and only accessible by self-drive and there are only a couple of basic lodges along the river. But for the more adventurous, this is well worth the trip.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife reserve, home to 4 of the Big 5. The vast park is dominated by the Etosha Salt Pan which forms most of the northern part of the park. The southern area of the park is where the majority of camps and lodges are as well as the main area to see wildlife. Well maintained gravel roads crisscross this area between pumped waterholes that attract good herds of animals which include gemsbok (oryx), springbok, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant as well as black and white rhino. Etosha is the best place in Africa to see the highly endangered black rhino. Lion, cheetah and leopard make up the bulk of predators in the park. Etosha is a national park with a wide range of self-catering campsites and bungalows to choose from. Outside the park along the boundaries are series of luxury camps and lodges that offer all-inclusive options.
One of the best things about Etosha is that it is an extremely easy park to do a self-drive safari in. You can stay at comfortable self-catering bungalows inside the park and the road network is very easy to navigate. Being an arid park, most of the animals can be seen at the pumped waterholes that are strung out along the road networks.
Skeleton Coast
Stretching up from Swakopmund in the south right up to the border with Angola in the north, is one of the most desolate coastlines in the world. Known as the Skeleton Coast because of the numerous shipwrecks that litter the whole coastline, this is a vast coastline of Namib sand dunes, beach and cold Atlantic Ocean. But if you know where to look you can find life out here. Colonies of Cape Fur Seals dot the coastline which attract jackals and brown hyenas who hunt the pups. Desert lions from the Damaraland and Kaokoland occasionally move down to the coast to also hunt seals. There is only one lodge in the Skeleton Coast that is reached from the Damaraland. Shipwreck Lodge is unique lodge located on the dunes of the Skeleton Coast. Guests staying here enjoy guided activities along the Skeleton Coast including visits to seal colonies and shipwrecks.
The Skeleton Coast is a vital for the survival of inland deserts. The cold Atlantic Ocean brings in nutrient rich fog that blows inland bringing water to the desert plants and animals that rely on it for their survival.
One of our top safaris to Namibia, is our Namibia Flying Safari that includes Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Kaokoland, Kunene and the Skeleton Coast. The safari is guided by legend brothers whose father was a warden of the Skeleton Coast National Park and so they grew up flying along this desolate coastline landing on the beach to explore further. Nowadays they take guests on the same expeditions landing on the beach and taking guests to remote areas that are inaccessible by vehicle.
