In this article, we’re going to explore why October might just be the best month for those looking to book a Namibian Safari Holiday. We’ll also talk about why November is particularly good for birdwatching and photography holidays.
We often describe Namibia’s Peak period as being between mid-June and September, when temperatures are comfortable and the country is firmly in its dry season. During this dry period, animals gather around the waterholes, making wildlife easier to spot. The relative lack of foliage also helps when siting those more elusive species.
Namibia has an extraordinarily diverse landscape, which means a varied mix of wildlife experiences across the regions. Throughout Namibia’s desert landscapes, you’ll find lion, cheetah and leopard, and you can also tick off the Big Five. You can spot a wide range of animals sharing space around Etosha’s watering holes, track elephants and rhinos in Damaraland, see a flamboyance of flamingos in the Walvis Bay Lagoon, and head into the vast wilderness of the Okonjima Nature Reserve to spot free-roaming leopards. Whilst Botswana and South Africa are better known, Namibia can offer something more intimate and equally beguiling.
So, what if we look to the shoulder season in Namibia? Could October be the golden month for wildlife viewing, and what experiences are particularly optimum during November?
October for intimate safari experiences and fantastic sunsets
October marks the start of the rainy season in Namibia, so it isn’t often cited as peak game-viewing season. However, the term “rainy season” needs to be taken with a little perspective because October still sees very little rainfall. When rain does arrive it typically follows a tropical pattern, with short but intense downpours, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. These brief showers settle the dust, cool the air, and often create spectacular sunsets.
The further west you travel, the lower the rainfall. The coast, the far northwest and the Sossusvlei region are virtually rain-free. In Etosha, an average rainfall in October is around 10mm. As a result, wildlife viewing remains excellent, with animals still concentrating around key water sources. And game viewing is always better when visitor numbers are lower, which is why we consider Namibia to be a superior safari destination, and why October might just be the golden month, particularly if you’re booking at short notice and want the best lodges and experiences to be available.
November for photography, sunsets, and birdwatching
November sees higher rainfall, with an average of around 32mm. The occasional shower may encourage wildlife to disperse or seek temporary shelter, but rain is typically brief and soon gives way to clear skies. With national parks open from sunrise to sunset, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy wildlife sightings and make the most of the long summer days.
The wetter months dramatically soften the landscape, transforming rocky hillsides into shades of green dotted with yellow wildflowers. The sunsets can be spectacular, making November an excellent month for photography trips. It’s also peak birdwatching season, with more than 450 species appearing in full breeding plumage, particularly in the Caprivi Strip, where you can spot species such as Racket-tailed Roller and Arnot’s chat in the floodplains and forests. The bird watching season in Namibia runs from November right through to May. It can be very hot, at around thirty degrees upwards, but the bird watching opportunities are fantastic and we’ll make sure you’re in air-conditioned lodges.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a November visit, be ready for the heat and the odd downpour but don’t give up on the wildlife viewing because there’s plenty to see. The parks are filled with calves and cute baby animals, which in turn attract predators. The landscape is at its most photogenically beautiful, the sunsets are iconic, and its great for bird watching. It’s also quieter and every holiday comes with a complimentary dose of vitamin D!
How do I book a Safari Holiday in Namibia?
At Archipelago Choice, we specialise in arranging fully flexible holidays. After chatting to you about your preferences, we will craft a holiday that includes your favourite wildlife experiences, staying in the lodges that suit your preferred style and budget. Namibia truly is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing and we are always happy to offer advice, with no commitment to book. We simply make sure that you are fully informed, so that you can make the right decisions when arranging your visit. Get in touch with Ian or Myles if you would like to find out more about Namibia: team@archipelagochoice.com
