Namibia overview and best spots

• Sometimes unfairly regarded as an "African first-timer" destination, it's ideal for all, including specialists!  Namibia's safari industry is a "fledgling" by comparison with its neighbors and it's not a prime wildlife spot but...

• The desert elephant are very rewarding when you find them and the birding is incredible with 887 recorded species.  Can be good for cheetah (if you want cheetah to Hwange, Okavango, Linyanti or Serengeti)

• There're few places on earth that provide the sense of isolated wilderness you'll find in parts of the Kaokoveld, Namib and Skeleton Coast.  Namibia's panoramas and contrasts can be a challenge for the best photographers!

• The best way to see Namibia is over a three week period on a mobile basis.  The only real short alternative is on a fly-in basis (one week minimum).  Distances are tremendous and some roads in the north are particularly bad - make sure that your plans are realistic!

• Our top votes: The Wilderness Safaris "Wing Safari" covering the Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha plus a small selection of mobiles especially in the Kaokoveld.

• Lemon's: Watch out for the self-drive bog standard "packages" in high season (crowds guaranteed especially in Etosha)  

• Pick up more on safaris in Namibia from our parent site, go to the map or pick up the latest news from Namibia

Best spots

•    Etosha:  
  • The best wildlife spot in Namibia 
  • Home to a number of endemic species, 93 mammals and 340 birds 
  • Accessible year round but generally best from May to mid October
  • Expect crowds in the regional school holidays especially in July  
  • Best camp: Ongava Lodge and Ongava Tented Camp on the southern boundary 

•    The Namib Desert:  
  • A truly fascinating desert strip that extends from the Orange River on the South African border up to the Kunene River on the Angolan border 
  • The main areas of interest are Sossusvlei (the spot where the traditional postcard shots of the dunes are taken) and Damaraland.
  • The Kaokoveld in the far north is an ideal mobile safari area - the roads are very difficult and are generally off limits in the wet season.  If you self-drive in Namibia then this is the one place that you'll need a private guide.
  • The Skeleton Coast is regarded as "Africa's last wilderness" in some quarters - options for getting in are limited - speak to Trish about this one!
  • Best safaris: Skeleton Coast, Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp and Damaraland Camp

Best time of year

•    ...for wildlife July to October, 
•    ...for birding September to March, 
•    ...best climate May to September 
•    ...best months all round are definitely May or September

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