With a mix of luxury, adventure and solitude, Namibia offers a safari experience
Namibia is a land of striking contrasts where vast desert meets endless sky, and ancient landscapes hold a quiet kind of drama. It’s a country that invites exploration, whether you’re seeking iconic wildlife, cinematic scenery, or the simple thrill of the open road.
Namibia stands out as one of Africa’s most distinctive and rewarding travel destinations. Geographically, it is defined by vast arid landscapes, including the world’s oldest desert the Namib and some of the highest sand dunes on Earth at Sossusvlei. In the north, the Etosha salt pan supports one of the continent’s most concentrated and accessible wildlife-viewing areas, with seasonal gatherings of elephant, rhino, lion and plains game around its network of natural and artificial waterholes.
Namibia’s wildlife offering is not limited to Etosha. The country is a pioneer in community-led conservation, with large private reserves and conservancies that protect desert-adapted species in some of its most remote regions. Damaraland and the Kunene region are home to desert elephants, black rhino, giraffe and mountain zebra, all uniquely adapted to survive in harsh, low-water environments. On the Skeleton Coast, you’ll find Cape fur seal colonies, brown hyenas, and occasional sightings of desert lions - one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Birdlife is excellent across the country, particularly in the Caprivi Strip, a lush, riverine region in the northeast that also supports hippo, crocodile, buffalo and occasional sightings of leopard and wild dog.
The country’s low population density and well-maintained road network make it particularly well-suited to self-drive itineraries - one of the best ways to appreciate Namibia’s scale and solitude. Conservation-led tourism plays a major role in the country’s travel offering, with large private reserves, community partnerships, and strict environmental policies underpinning much of the accommodation and activity infrastructure.
Namibia is also regarded as one of Africa’s safest and most traveller-friendly countries. English is the official language, tourism standards are high, and the variety of experiences available from desert wildlife tracking in Damaraland to cultural encounters with Himba communities makes it ideal for couples, families and solo travellers alike.
I've spent time in Namibia - I'd love to help you plan your trip.
Classic Namibia Self-Drive
- Windhoek
- Okonjima
- Etosha
- Damaraland
- Swakopmund
- Sossusvlei
A self-drive journey through desert, dunes and wild-life rich wilderness.
Namibia Trip Inspiration
Our Namibia specialist, Ruth, says:
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over Namibia, and it’s a country that never fails to surprise me. The landscapes are like nowhere else - vast, cinematic and constantly changing - and the sense of space is incredible. It’s also one of the easiest and safest countries in Africa to explore independently, which makes it perfect for a self-drive or a tailor-made adventure. Whether you’re watching rhinos at a waterhole, climbing a dune at sunrise or sleeping under a sky full of stars, Namibia just gets under your skin in the best possible way.”
When to go to Namibia
Find out the best time to visit Namibia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
Bring your umbrella, it's rainy season. January is mid-summer in Namibia with the possibility of torrential downpours mid afternoon, but with temperatures of 30-35 degrees it tends to be hot and humid.
February
Similar to January, it is hot and humid with the chance of a downpour in the afternoon.
March
In March, rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower with nights becoming increasingly cool. Although daytime temperatures remain hot reaching up to 30 degrees.
April
April is predominantly dry and hot, although there can be a couple of sporadic rainy days across the month
May
Winter is coming. May has little or no rainfall and the humidity is low, in northern regions around Etosha you'll find fresher, greener landscapes with wildlife gathering around depleting watering holes.
- If you're looking to tackle the Fish River Canyon Hike this is the best time to visit Namibia.
June
In June the nights are cold and temperatures can drop below 10 degrees, whilst in the Namib desert it can reach below freezing. There is no chance of rain as the dry season is in full flow.
July
Visitors in July will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly.
August
Like July, visitors in August will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly and night time temperatures can drop below freezing both at the coast and inland.
September
Considered the best month to travel to Namibia, September is temperate with clear dry skies and low humidity levels.
October
In October game viewing is at its best, the vegetation is fading with temperatures rising up to 29 degrees.
November
Heat continues to rise, with humidity levels remaining low, however there is a chance of rain in the afternoons.
December
December brings the first rains of the season, bringing everything to life as animals start to disperse as more water becomes available.
Types of Namibia vacations
Where to go in Namibia
Top places to go in Namibia
Best places to stay in Namibia
Speak to a Namibia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ruth
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