Namibia

Safari drives and desert landscapes

Towering dunes, incredible safari experiences, and luxury desert lodges

Highlights

  • Spot lions, leopard, and cheetah at Etosha National Park
  • Enjoy guided walks across desert landscapes
  • Incredible desert and mountain camps
  • See desert elephants and rhino in Damaraland
  • Enjoy sundowners and the campfire, under a starry sky

Namibia offers some of Africa’s most intimate safari experiences.

Namibia offer an incredible range of wildlife experiences, including the ‘Big Five’. Flanked by Botswana and South Africa to the east and the wild Atlantic Coast to the west, Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world. This means quieter and more intimate safari experiences, virtually untouched landscapes, and some of the darkest skies in the world!

One of the best ways to explore the country is on a self-drive holiday. The roads are easy to follow and you’ll pass through vast expanses of deserts, dunes, and mountain ranges, often spotting wildlife along the way. There are a fantastic variety of characterful lodges and fixed campsites in all of the key locations, so you can choose your level of comfort, either driving between lodges or camping in your rooftop tent at designated campsites.

Namibia Self-drive Holiday

Namibia boasts an incredible density of wildlife and a lengthy list of endemic species. You can see ‘the big five’ between the clay pans of Etosha National Park and the granite mountains of Damaraland, where lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino and many other animals roam free. There are guided game drives through multiple national parks, and you can also enjoy the coastal wildlife living along the skeleton coast, from Cape Cross to Walvis Bay. Here, you’ll find flamingo, seals, dolphins, pelican and a whole host of other sea life.

Leopards in Namibia

Walking enthusiasts can join a range of guided hikes through Namibia’s desert and mountain ranges. Accompanied by a local guide and friendly crew, you’ll camp next to waterholes, sleep in dark sky reserves, and dine beneath twinkling stars. Namibia is also a hub for a range of adventurous activities, such as sandboarding and kayaking in Swakopmund, hot air-ballooning in Sossusvlei, off-road jeep drives in Sandwich Harbour, and canyon hikes in Fish River Canyon. These adventures, paired with sunset cocktails and evening braais, promise an unforgettable holiday experience

The Tok Tokkie Trail in Namibia

All of our holidays in Namibia are fully customisable, so you simply choose each of the experiences that appeal to you the most, and we’ll make all of the arrangements for you.

Best time to go

The best time to go to Namibia is during their winter, from May to September. During these months the skies are clear, temperatures will be in the low to mid-twenties, and there is very little rainfall. If you like warm temperatures, September is the hottest month of this period. Game viewing is at its optimum because animals will be gathering round the watering holes. Similarly, looking for the wild cats is easier when the foliage is less dense, and temperatures are perfect for those guided desert walks.

 

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Getting to Namibia

If you’re travelling with us from anywhere in the world, we can arrange your flights. We offer complete flexibility and will find you the best fares from an airport that is convenient for you. From international and internal flights to stopovers with city-packages, we can arrange flights to fit with your customised holiday schedule.

Get in touch

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When is the best time to visit Namibia?

The best time to visit Namibia is generally between May and October, during the dry season. Wildlife is easier to spot around water sources, temperatures are pleasant, and conditions are ideal for safaris, self-drive adventures, and exploring the country’s dramatic landscapes.

How many days do you need in Namibia?

Most travellers spend between 10 and 14 days in Namibia to experience its diverse highlights. This allows enough time to visit iconic destinations such as Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast while enjoying the country’s vast open spaces.

Is Namibia safe for tourists?

Namibia is considered one of Africa’s safest destinations for independent travellers and self-drive holidays, although normal travel precautions are recommended.

Can you self-drive in Namibia?

Yes, Namibia is considered one of Africa’s best self-drive destinations. The road network is well maintained, traffic is minimal, and distances between attractions are manageable with good planning. A self-drive holiday offers flexibility and access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

Can you see the Big Five animals in Namibia?

Namibia is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, antelope, and numerous bird species. Etosha National Park is particularly renowned for wildlife viewing, while desert-adapted species can be found in more remote regions.

Namibia offers opportunities to see most of the Big Five, particularly within Etosha National Park and selected private reserves.

What makes a Namibia safari different?

A Namibia safari stands out for its extraordinary landscapes as much as its wildlife. Visitors can experience desert dunes, rugged mountains, vast salt pans, and remote wilderness areas alongside incredible wildlife encounters, creating a uniquely varied safari experience.

Can you combine safari and desert experiences in Namibia?

Yes, Namibia is one of the best destinations in Africa for combining safari and desert experiences. Visitors can explore the towering dunes of Sossusvlei before heading to Etosha National Park or private reserves for outstanding wildlife viewing and safari adventures.

Is Namibia good for a first safari?

Namibia is an excellent choice for first-time safari travellers. The country is safe, easy to navigate, and offers a wide range of accommodation options. Its combination of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and well-developed tourism infrastructure makes it highly accessible.

Is Namibia suitable for families?

Yes, Namibia is well suited to family travel, with many lodges and camps offering family-friendly facilities and activities. Children can enjoy wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and educational experiences while parents appreciate the country’s safe and relaxed atmosphere.

Explore Namibia by Region

Central Highlands – Windhoek to Soussulvei
Namibia

Central Highlands – Windhoek to Soussulvei

Landscapes of mountains, savannahs and the great dunes of Sossusvlei

Discover Central Highlands – Windhoek to Soussulvei
East – Kalahari
Namibia

East – Kalahari

Central Namibia bordering the Kalahari

Discover East – Kalahari
North – Etosha and Damaraland
Namibia

North – Etosha and Damaraland

Etosha - 'The Great White Place' famed for its abundant wildlife

Discover North – Etosha and Damaraland
South – Fish River Canyon
Namibia

South – Fish River Canyon

Africa's largest canyon - A land of rugged landscapes and varied wildlife

Discover South – Fish River Canyon
West – Skeleton Coast
Namibia

West – Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast - A vast Atlantic coastline of wrecks, whale bones and rolling mists.

Discover West – Skeleton Coast

Holidays in Namibia

Namibia Self-Drive Wildlife Highlights
Namibia

Namibia Self-Drive Wildlife Highlights

Enjoy Namibia's best wildlife safari experiences on a self-drive journey across Namibia, staying in characterful lodges

From: £7,295 per person

Desert Treks and Wildlife Encounters
Namibia

Desert Treks and Wildlife Encounters

A two-week self-drive adventure through Namibia's wilderness, with three guided treks, magical desert camps, and wildlife highlights

From: £6,795 per person

The Ultimate Overland Family Safari
Namibia

The Ultimate Overland Family Safari

An unforgettable self-drive journey across Namibia, visiting Namibia's most iconic wildlife and geological highlights

From: £3,725 per person

Namibia Luxury Lodge and Safari
Namibia

Namibia Luxury Lodge and Safari

Experience Namibia's highlights in comfort, with wildlife encounters, elegant desert camps, gourmet dining, and sundowners.

From: £12,495 per person

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