Is Namibia Good for Safari? (Career Safari Guide Tells)

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If we make a list of underrated safari countries today, Namibia will top the list. And we have a strong reason to say this. Many potential vistors who want to visit Namibia ask even if the country is good for safari?

Namibia is a good place for safari due to exclusive wildlife sighting opportunities, less crowded tours, and various adventure activities. Exceptional safari destinations like Etosha National Park, Desert Rhino Camp, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, and Serra Cafema, among other places make Namibian safaris good.

Let’s see why Namibia is a good safari destination.

Is Namibia a Good Safari Destination: Let the Data Speak

First thing first.

People are visiting Namibia in great numbers (And there is a good reason behind it.)

Look at this data of Namibian safaris over the years.

source: tradingeconomics.com

As a matter of fact, most of these toourists visit Namibia for safari tourism. In fact, those who are travelling for other purposes do not miss an opportunity to go to safari at least once.

And the most satisfying thing is that the numbers were shockingly high before the coronavirus pandemic when the tourism sector had the biggest hit.

So the numbers will only increase with time.

Now it is only a matter of time that the number of tourists in Namibia will start increasing once again to pre-Covid level.

What Makes Namibia a Good Safari Destination

Let’s see what makes Namibia a good safari destination.

Namibia is a fantastic safari destination for several reasons:

Diverse Wildlife

Namibia is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. You can spot majestic African elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and many other species in their natural habitats. Etosha National Park, in particular, is renowned for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Spectacular Landscapes

The country’s landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful, offering a unique safari experience. From the stunning red dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged mountains of Damaraland and the vast plains of the Kalahari Desert, Namibia showcases a diverse range of ecosystems. This scenic backdrop adds an extra dimension to your safari adventure.

Exclusive Wilderness

Namibia’s vastness and relatively low population density mean that many safari areas are less crowded compared to other popular destinations. This allows for a more intimate and immersive wildlife experience. You can explore expansive areas without encountering large crowds, enhancing the sense of adventure and tranquility.

Conservation Success

Namibia has made significant strides in conservation efforts, implementing innovative initiatives such as community-based conservation and anti-poaching programs. As a result, wildlife populations have thrived, making Namibia a success story in sustainable conservation. Visiting Namibia’s safari destinations supports these conservation efforts and ensures the long-term survival of its precious wildlife.

Cultural Encounters

Namibia is a culturally diverse country with numerous indigenous communities. Exploring the country’s safari regions gives you the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and gain insights into their way of life. This cultural aspect adds depth and richness to your safari experience, creating a well-rounded adventure.

Adventure Activities

Besides traditional game drives, Namibia offers a wide range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers. You can embark on guided hikes, hot air balloon rides, quad biking excursions, and even explore the stunning landscapes on a self-drive safari. These activities provide a unique perspective and allow you to experience Namibia’s wildlife and scenery in different ways.

Dark Sky Reserves

Namibia is home to some of the darkest skies in the world, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography enthusiasts. The country has designated Dark Sky Reserves where you can witness the brilliance of the Milky Way and observe celestial wonders with remarkable clarity.

Accessibility

Namibia’s well-developed tourism infrastructure makes it a convenient destination for safaris. The country has a reliable network of roads, comfortable lodges and camps, and well-organized tour operators. This accessibility ensures that you can explore its safari destinations with ease and comfort.

Safari Destinations that Make Namibia a Good Country for Wildlife Tourism

Here are the top Namibia safari destinations that make the country a good place for wildlife lovers.

Etosha National Park: A Safari Place To Remember in Namibia

Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Etosha National Park is renowned for its remarkable wildlife sightings. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including large herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can expect frequent and up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures, creating unforgettable safari experiences.

Unique Waterhole Experiences

Etosha’s waterholes are a major highlight of the park. These natural and artificial watering points attract a myriad of animals throughout the day. Safari tourists have the opportunity to witness thrilling interactions as predators stalk their prey, herds gather for a drink, and a constant flow of wildlife activity unfolds right before their eyes.

Self-Drive Safaris

Etosha National Park offers a well-developed network of roads, making it ideal for self-drive safaris. Tourists can explore the park at their own pace, following the established routes and discovering wildlife in their natural habitats. The self-drive option allows for flexibility and independence, enhancing the adventure and providing an intimate experience with the wildlife.

Namibia’s Etosha’s National Park gives you exclusive wildlife sightseeing opportunity.

Photography Opportunities

Etosha’s unique landscapes and abundant wildlife present incredible opportunities for wildlife photography enthusiasts. The vast open plains, dramatic salt pans, and contrasting colors create stunning backdrops for capturing breathtaking images of animals in their natural environment. The park’s accessibility and diverse wildlife ensure that photographers have ample chances to capture remarkable shots.

Guided Game Drives

For those seeking expert guidance and in-depth knowledge about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems, guided game drives are available. Professional guides with extensive knowledge of the area lead tourists on thrilling expeditions, providing valuable insights and ensuring optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Their expertise enhances the overall safari experience and maximizes the chances of encountering elusive or rare species.

Night Drives and Nocturnal Wildlife

Etosha offers unique night drives, allowing visitors to observe the park’s nocturnal wildlife in action. With the guidance of experienced rangers, tourists can witness the fascinating behavior of animals such as hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and owls that are more active during the nighttime hours. These night drives offer a different perspective on the park’s wildlife and add an element of excitement to the safari experience.

Desert Rhino Camp: A Haven for Rhino Sightseeing

Few places in Africa give you better sightseeing of Rhinos than Namibia’s Desert Rhino camp.

Desert Rhino Camp is a remarkable destination situated in the expansive Palmwag Concession, offering a remote, exclusive, and specialized experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nestled within the semi-desert reserve spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers, Desert Rhino Camp is renowned for its exceptional opportunities to encounter desert-dwelling black rhinos and other fascinating wildlife that have adapted to this unique environment. With a history of over 20 years, the camp’s activities revolve around the thrilling pursuit of tracking black rhinos.

Located in the untamed Damaraland region of Namibia, Desert Rhino Camp provides a sanctuary for the free-roaming black rhino.

This captivating area is characterized by ancient water courses, open plains grasslands, imposing granite rocks, and deeply carved gorges, creating a landscape of simple beauty.

It also hosts the largest population of black rhinos in Africa, making it a vital conservation hub.

Through its partnership with the Save the Rhino Trust, Desert Rhino Camp actively contributes to the preservation and sustainability of this remarkable region and its inhabitants.

Embarking on a full-day safari adventure at Desert Rhino Camp, visitors traverse the vast expanse of the area, offering glimpses of magnificent wildlife such as elephants, gemsbok, giraffes, and Hartmann’s mountain zebras.

But the camp is not exclusive to Rhinos only. In fact, this expansive territory is also home to stalking predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, providing an extraordinary opportunity to observe these awe-inspiring creatures in their natural habitat.

For those seeking a closer connection with nature, bushwalks are available, allowing guests to explore the resilient flora and fauna that thrive in the harsh desert environment. Guided by experienced professionals, visitors can even track rhinos on foot, following their distinctive odd-toed footprints and experiencing up-close encounters with these armored giants.

Against the backdrop of the breathtaking Etendeka Mountains, Desert Rhino Camp offers eight raised Meru-style standard tents, each featuring an en-suite bathroom for utmost comfort.

Desert Rhino Camp offers exclusive kings of Rhinos that are nowhere to be seen in other African nations

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: A Signature Place for Namibia Safari

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a captivating retreat located in Namibia’s renowned and ancient Kaokoveld. It offers an opportunity to explore one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

This remote and untouched wilderness beckons adventurous souls to venture into its plains in search of desert-adapted wildlife. You can embark on thrilling drives to the windswept Skeleton Coast, hike rocky outcrops, traverse enormous sand dunes, marvel at desert oases, and indulge in unforgettable dining experiences under the mesmerizing starry night skies.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a true desert oasis amidst a land that appears uninhabitable yet teems with life. The ethereal landscape features immense dunes and rocky mountains, revealing a diverse array of desert-adapted wildlife within its dry riverbeds.

Here you can keep a lookout for majestic elephants, graceful oryx, elegant giraffes, and even the elusive lions and brown hyenas.

These majestic animals make Namibia a good place for safari tourism.

Hoanib Camp is deeply committed to desert conservation, recognizing the importance of human dignity, wildlife recovery, and other conservation efforts.

Through partnerships with three neighboring conservancies, the camp enables guests to witness desert-adapted elephants, lions, hyenas, and giraffes up close. Researchers study these remarkable creatures, while the local community benefits financially from the conservation initiatives.

For those seeking further exploration, the Kunene region offers additional camps where the desert meets the sea. Immerse yourself in a wild stretch of the Atlantic, characterized by immense dunes, rocky mountains, and inviting oases where wildlife gathers to drink, accompanied by a plethora of birdlife.

A view of Hoanib Skeleton Coast camp from a safari lodge

Serra Cafema: A Safari to Cherish in Namibia Forever

Wilderness Serra Cafema in Namibia is a remarkable safari destination that showcases the country’s diverse and contrasting landscapes. It is a land of contrasts that offers an extraordinary desert retreat surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. In this secluded destination, you can immerse yourself in an astonishing landscape that will redefine your concept of natural beauty.

Namibia is a good place for safari due to all the wildlife sighting opportunities, relatively less crowded safari tours, and adventure activties which country has to offer. Exceptional safari destinations like Etosha National Park, Desert Rhino Camp, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, and Serra Cafema

Located against the backdrop of the vast Hartmann’s Valley, Wilderness Serra Cafema provides a unique experience in one of Earth’s most secluded safari destinations.

The lush Kunene riverine vegetation adds to the charm, and you can spot a multitude of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx to tiny desert chameleons.

At Wilderness Serra Cafema, you can disconnect from the world and unwind in an ancient landscape. The lodge is nestled under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, offering a soothing atmosphere with the sound of rushing water and the peaceful silence of the desert.

Explore the home of the Himba people, Namibia’s last semi-nomadic tribe, and marvel at the sight of desert-adapted oryx, zebras, and impressive crocodiles in the river.

Serra Cafema offers a delightful culinary experience that engages all your senses. The lodge supports Namibian farmers and artisans, using their local produce to create a feast for your taste buds. You can sample traditional Herero cuisine and culture through a village experience.

Enjoy a delicious riverside breakfast on the Kunene River, or retreat to your room and savor a tasting plate of African tapas while overlooking the river.

The experiences at Serra Cafema are diverse and contrasting. You can enjoy dune-sensitive guided quad biking, nature drives, and walks amidst fascinating geological formations.

During the appropriate season, you can also embark on boating adventures on the Kunene River. One of the highlights is the respectful and authentic engagement with the Himba people in one of their temporary villages. It is a privilege to spend time with these people who have lived sustainably for centuries.

Sossusvlei and swakopmund safari

Sossusvlei and Swakopmund safari is a combination of unique factors that make them truly remarkable.

Stunning Natural Beauty

Sossusvlei is famous for its awe-inspiring red sand dunes, which are among the highest in the world. The contrasting colors and dramatic landscapes create breathtaking scenes that are a photographer’s dream. Swakopmund, on the other hand, offers a picturesque blend of ocean and desert landscapes with its pristine beaches and rugged coastline. The sheer beauty of these locations is an undeniable draw for safari enthusiasts.