Why Go on a Namibia Safari?
Explore One of the Oldest Deserts on Earth
The Namib Desert is known as the ‘Living Desert’, sandwiched between the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Luderitz. The word ‘Namib’ translates to ‘vast’ in the local language. This dreamlike desert landscape is the undisputed draw card of Namibia.
Superb, Year-round Game Viewing
Although Namibia’s captivating desert landscapes may feel mercilessly harsh, they are rich in wildlife.
Desert-adapted elephants are found digging in dry riverbeds to extract water and desert-adapted black rhino and lions roam the landscape.
The Ultimate Adventure Playground
When it comes to sheer scale and natural beauty, Namibia's epic landscapes are hard to beat. Imagine ochre sand dunes more than 300 metres (985 feet) high, soaring inselbergs, or a tempestuous coastline scattered with shipwrecks and whale- and seal bones. From sandboarding on dunes to climbing the granite flanks of the ‘Matterhorn of Africa’, a Namibia vacation offers a plethora of activities for thrill seekers.
Exclusive Lodges & Camps
Ranging from luxury safari lodges on the edge of the celebrated Etosha National Park to tented camps in the Namib Desert and modern city hotels, accommodation in Namibia is as varied as the destination itself. Many of the Namibia lodges are aware of the environmental fragility of their spectacular locations and minimise their impact wherever possible.
Quick & Easy Air Transfers
Namibia is an amazing self-drive destination but if you want to splurge and see Namibia’s spectacular landscapes from the air, then flying between your accommodations by light aircraft is the way to go. This costs much more than driving but frees up much more of your time: a drive of several hours is radically condensed, giving you more time to enjoy the lodges, go on game drives or see the sights.
Convenient Add-ons
Frequent flights and accessibility make it easy to combine your Namibia safari with other spectacular destinations like South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls. Pair a safari with a beach vacation by visiting Cape Town’s beaches or continue exploring the wilds of Africa on a Kruger safari.
Wild Landscapes, Desert-Adapted Wildlife & Unique Adventure Activities
Namibia is a country of astonishing numbers: the world’s most ancient desert is 55 million years old, hundreds of thousands of shimmering stars make up its Dark Sky Reserve, and just two million people live here savouring the peace, tranquillity, clean air and spectacular landscapes.
It’s alien-like terrain will make you feel like you have landed on mars or the moon, but luxury accommodation paired with out of this world experiences will leave you wanting more.
Accommodation from $480 USD
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Accommodation from $700 CAD
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Accommodation from $1,100 AUD
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Accommodation from €1,050 EUR
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Accommodation from £850 GBP
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Accommodation from R16,000 ZAR
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Top Safari Destinations in Namibia
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Namib Desert & Sossusvlei
Deep in the Namib, the world’s most ancient desert, lies one of Africa’s most magical destinations: Sossusvlei – home to Namibia’s famous red sand dunes. Up to 300 metres high, these towering monoliths form the centerpiece of this extraordinary ocean of sand, but the Namib Desert has far more surprises than just the Sossusvlei Dunes.
Make your base at one of the many excellent lodges here and discover the secret wildlife and astounding views of this beautifully haunting landscape, much of which falls under the protection of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Considered one of Namibia’s top places of interest, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable trip.
Highlights
- Scenic drives and interpretive nature walks through the Namib Desert
- Hot-air balloon safaris over Sossusvlei’s dunes
- Exceptional stargazing in some of the world’s darkest, clearest skies
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s great wildlife theatre, a vast, shimmering expanse of salt pan that stretches to the horizon, drawing animals in dramatic abundance. In the dry months, its waterholes become living stages where elephants, lions, and elegant antelope gather beneath a sky that burns gold. Few places in Africa offer such raw, cinematic encounters within landscapes so starkly beautiful.
Dawn brings soft light over the ghostly pan, and by night, the constellations blaze above the wilderness. Etosha is a study in survival, where nature reveals both its power and its grace.
Highlights
- Classic game viewing & great predators
- Luxurious tented camps and lodges in private reserves adjoining Etosha
- Strikingly scenic, semi-arid landscapes and vast salt pans
- Exceptional photographic opportunities, especially around Etosha’s waterholes
Damaraland
An inland region of rugged mountains, gravel plains, and ephemeral rivers, Damaraland is where you go in Namibia for unfiltered beauty. By day, its vast landscapes unfold in shades of copper and gold; by night, the sky ignites with countless stars, untouched by city lights.
Situated in north-western Namibia, Damaraland is a treasure trove of ancient Bushman rock art and fascinating geological formations. Its wildlife is equally remarkable, desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, and graceful antelope roam freely through this terrain. Intimate lodges blend into the landscape, tranquil bases from which to explore and connect with this soulful corner of Namibia.
Highlights
- Track desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos
- Explore ancient San rock art at Twyfelfontein
- See striking formations like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain
- Stay in secluded lodges with incredible desert views
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Kaokoveld
Kaokoveld is home to the iconic ochre-painted Himba people, who have lived in harmony with this land for centuries. Often described as one of Africa’s last true wildernesses, this remote, sun-drenched region reveals how life endures in the most unlikely places. With only a handful of lodges scattered across its vast landscapes, Kaokoveld is an experience as rare and untouched as the desert itself.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a charming coastal town where German colonial heritage meets an unmistakable African spirit. Often draped in a veil of morning fog, it’s where the Namib Desert rolls into the Atlantic Ocean in a scene of striking contrast. With its lively cafés, ocean breeze, and easy access to desert adventures, Swakopmund is the perfect stopover. It’s a place to pause, explore, and recharge before your next journey into Namibia’s wild heart.
Windhoek
Windhoek sits at the heart of Namibia, a modern capital framed by rolling hills and a relaxed, welcoming rhythm. More than just a gateway to the country’s wild spaces, it’s a glimpse into Namibia’s diverse heritage, where colonial architecture, contemporary art, and local cuisine meet in a lively blend of cultures. Whether beginning or ending your journey here, Windhoek invites you to slow down and savour the spirit of Namibia.
When To Go To Namibia
Dry Seasons: May–Oct
The dry season, from May to October, is widely considered the best time to visit Namibia — especially for exceptional game viewing in Etosha National Park. During these clear, sunny winter months, wildlife gathers in large numbers around waterholes, and the risk of malaria is at its lowest.
Be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings in June and July, while September and October bring hotter days and long stretches of golden light across Namibia’s vast landscapes.
Green Season: Nov–Apr
Namibia’s Green Season unfolds from November to April, when the summer rains breathe life into the desert. The arid plains soften to green, ephemeral rivers flow, and herds of springbok, zebra, and oryx move across landscapes newly refreshed. This is the time when Namibia feels most alive.
For travellers, it’s a season of quiet rewards. The parks are less crowded, birdlife is at its most spectacular, and predators remain active amid the flush of new life. From Etosha’s shimmering pans to the dunes of Sossusvlei, the Green Season reveals a gentler, more intimate side of Namibia.
Namibia Safari Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Etosha, Damaraland and Sossusvlei
THE EXPERIENCE:
Driving between destinations, this safari packs the best of Namibia into 15 well-paced days. Dramatic and enchanting, this exhilarating journey will take you from the wildlife haven of Etosha to the rugged landscapes of Damaraland before unveiling the ancient Namib Desert.
Start off with thrilling wildlife encounters in the harshly beautiful yet game-rich environment of Etosha, a place where a multitude of animals gather in great numbers at waterholes and big cats prowl.
Super-rare black rhino and desert-adapted elephants are the main draw card in Damaraland whereas in the south of the country, you will discover incredible dune landscapes at Sossusvlei and look for fascinating desert wildlife in the enigmatic NamibRand Nature Reserve.
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Private Guided Namibia
THE EXPERIENCE:
You are hosted by an experienced guide with vast knowledge of Namibia. Lodges range from comfortable to luxurious, and are located on private concessions to allow you to have an exclusive experience.
First is Sossusvlei where you can walk on top of iconic red dunes and experience the night sky from a star bed. The adventure continues to Swakopmund for a beach picnic and to see the abundant marine life of the Atlantic. Travel up the Skeleton Coast and marvel at shipwrecks, old ruins and unique plant life.
As you move into the plains of Damaraland, savannah animals like ostrich, jackal and antelope are joined by desert specialists like black rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephants and predators like cheetah, hyena and leopard.
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How Much is a Namibia Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Namibia safaris can range anywhere from approximately $450 USD per person per night in low season to over $1,650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What Costs Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions will all be included.
To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
Madelein Norval
Out of so many epic African countries to visit, and I’m fortunate to have travelled to many, Namibia is right at the top with the best of them. It is a truly magical destination! From the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, to the beautiful Zambezi river, this is a land of contrasts that offers something for everyone.
Why Travel with Go2Africa
We are African
Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.
We are safari experts
We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.
Our best price promise
We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.
Your money stays in Africa
As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.
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Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.
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