Planning Your Namibian Safari

Namibia is famously known for its Diamond Coast, and for being a large expanse of little populated open land with a wide selection of African wildlife. Namibia is a country lying in the heart of the Namib Desert, providing some of Africa’s most amazing natural landscapes, and unique safari opportunities.

Namibia has an extremely dry climate with Atlantic Ocean mists bringing sparse moisture to the Namib Desert and its curving orange sand dunes. This ocean mist phenomenon can be seen in and around the culturally enchanting town of Swakopmund on the Namibian west coast. Sossusvlei in the south west is home to one of the highest sand dunes in the world and well worth the climb for the breath-taking views over the Namib Desert.

It’s hard to imagine how wildlife survives in this arid country. Namibia boasts a fascinating array of wildlife, from the treasured desert Elephant, to its eye catching long-horned oryx, to its handsome yet elusive Brown Hyena. Etosha National Park sustains the greatest numbers ofwildlife in Namibia, with an abundance of waterholes. On a hot day it may seem as if all Namibia’s animals, small and large have gathered to drink from the Etosha waterholes.

Namibia has a diverse history and culture, allowing some interesting cultural customs. This is easily noticeable along Opuwo Main Street. Herero women will wear full Victorian dress while Himba women will be smear orchre on their skin with only a hide loin cloth and beaten metal jewellery in addition. The contrast is fascinating and a true display of Namibian heritage and culture.

Planning your Namibian safari can be made complicated by the immense distances and your available time. Leave it in our capable hands and we will make sure that you see all the most spectacular sights, and experience the true Namibia. An African safari in one of our favourite countries, will create memories you will cherish forever.

Times to Travel in Namibia

How hot do you like it? Namibia can offer you hot and dry or sweltering and humid – the choice is yours.

Weather in Namibia

Hot and Humid: Summer rains usually arrive around November, but they aren’t constant torrential downpours. They tend to be intermittent afternoon thunderstorms coming to an end around March. The streets of Windhoek may stay wet for only about 15 minutes and the water evaporates so fast that steam rises from the pavements. Many of the best sights are in the Namib Desert where summer temperatures easily get up to and over 35°C, reaching into the 40°C’s in the northern sub-tropical regions.

By April and May the parts of Namibia’s landscape that received rain are green, the air is clear and days are warm.

Hot and Dry: The warm dry Namibian winter from June to August offers very pleasant daytime temperatures of around 26°C. Nights and early mornings can get really cold, dropping to or below zero.

October is the hottest and driest month when the air can get heavy with expectant rains.

In the coastal city of Swakopmund you may awaken to a cool sea mist at any time of the year, this usually burns off by lunchtime.

What to Bring on Safari

Namibia offers hot and dry days but bear in mind that temperatures can drop dramatically in desert areas during the night. These are your essentials:

• Sunglasses and hat
• Strong sunscreen and lip balm
• Saline or anti-allergenic eye drops to help against the desert dust
• Sturdy sandals for sand walking
• Lightweight daytime clothing with something for cold nights
• Extra batteries as shops are few and far between
• Keep petrol topped up if self-driving and check that you have a good spare tyre
• Water! Always have plenty of water with you.
• Basic medical kit and a supply of your own medication

Your Health in Namibia

There are very few medical precautions and vaccinations needed for Namibia.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually necessary for a vacation in Namibia as it only occurs in the very northern parts of Namibia, mainly between November to March. 

We advise you to drink bottled water.

Moving Around in Namibia

Namibia is vast. The best way to get around is by light aircraft interspersed with some road transfers. Self-driving is rewarding but you need to take care over the long distances, because driving fast on Namibia’s dirt roads causes regular road accidents.