Namibia, a destination in Africa that is often overlooked. An intriguing and lunar landscape of vast desert, sweeping dunes, and seascapes, Namibia is incredibly rich when it comes to natural resources and offers some of Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. Contrasting starkly with other savannah and rainforest countries of the continent, journeying into Namibia’s interior is an eye-opening experience. Some say it does not have the plethora of wildlife that the east or southern African destinations can have, however, what it does have is space and lots of it. Space that offers the modern-day traveller a truly unique experience and a variety of choices from the monumental dunes of Sossusvlei, to the wild coasts of the Atlantic, the desert region of Damaraland, and the savannah plains of Etosha.
Safaris in Namibia offer a variety of travel options where most other African destinations do not. Traditionally, safaris in Africa revolve around game drives and being driven from one place to another. In Namibia, why not rent a 4x4 and set off on a self-drive and explore on your own. If that’s too daunting, then enjoy the freedom of a self-drive but stop in at lodges along the way to offer you that break and allow you to sit back and enjoy comfort as you go. Alternatively, take to the skies with a flying safari; a must when exploring these vast landscapes. Flying safaris afford you even more flexibility than a self-drive as you drop in on camps from the sky, pitch camp in the midst of deserts alone, or hop the skeleton coast taking in the shipwrecks as you go.
Natural World Safaris specialises in tailor-made safaris and has a team of experts who have extensive knowledge of Namibia's wildlife, culture, and geography. Committed to sustainable tourism, we work with local communities and conservation organisations to protect Namibia's natural resources. A Namibian safari can be tailored to suit and with such a host of attractions, your safari can take many different shapes. We offer a range of safari options from luxury lodges to camping adventures and can customise your itinerary to suit your budget and specific interests.
Due to the vast size of the country, we would recommend no less than a 10 day safari to Namibia. A 10-day self-drive safari to Namibia, starts from £7000 per person. If you prefer a fly-in safari, you are looking at starting from £19000.
Louw Schoeman’s involvement in the Skeleton Coast has become a lasting legacy in Namibia’s conservation history. The families understanding of the complexities of the desert and the surrounding environment is something only revealed on a safari of this nature as you are accompanied by one of the brothers on a flying adventure into the dunes.
From 20150 per person
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Namibia on this short self-drive safari taking in the highlights of this stunning destination, staying in luxurious accommodation along the way. Journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Namibia from Windhoek to the Erongo Mountains exploring wildlife hotspots along the way. From spotting the magnificent elephants of Etosha National Park to searching for rare species in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, you will have the chance to encounter and photograph some incredible wildlife, with expert guides imparting their local knowledge to enhance your experience.
From 5500 per person
This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.
From 3990 per person
Namibia’s safari lodges also offer a generous selection from adventure to luxury, offering the ideal camping spots for those self-drive enthusiasts, or the perfect luxury getaways for those wanting a bit more comfort. What you can be assured of however, whatever your choice, is that wherever you stay, you are likely to have never-ending views of vast Namibian landscapes unfolding before your eyes. Read more about where to stay.
Namibia can be visited year-round but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October. During this time, the climate is dry, pleasant and the wildlife congregates around waterholes so is easier to spot. In the wet season, wildlife will be harder to spot and some days will be humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Read more about when to go to Namibia.
The Cheetah's Global Guardian. Since 1974, Dr. Laurie Marker has been a tireless campaigner for the welfare of Acinonyx jubatus, the cheetah In helming the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) for almost three decades, Dr. Marker has helped to identify the key dangers facing the species, and what can be done to combat them. From beginning her zoological career in an Oregon safari park during the 1970s, she has become a leading figure in felid conservation and has published more than 80 scientific papers, most relating to the conservation of the animal that’s closest to her heart. First visiting Namibia in 1977, Dr. Marker relocated there in 1991 in order to better serve the needs of the country's cheetahs.
Read more about Laurie Marker
The saviour of Namibia's Forgotten Fauna, Maria is the founder of the Rare & Endangered Species Trust and a key figure in the research and conservation of Namibia's lesser-known species, including the Cape pangoli.
Read more about Maria
Founded in 1991, the non-profit AfriCat Foundation is set on Okonjima Farm and is dedicated to long-term conservation projects that are designed to protect Namibia’s large carnivores, particularly cheetah and leopard.
Read more about the Foundation
Forming a section of the oldest desert in the world, the experience of venturing into this wilderness via private flying safari is one that is unlike any other on the continent, as you pass over extraordinary lunar-like sand formations, with expert guides that take you into remote areas where it feels pristine and unchartered; silent yet intriguingly powerful.
Read more about the Skeleton Coast
Head east from Etosha and you enter a narrow tract of land, the Caprivi Strip, that nestles in the far northeast section of the country in the heart of Africa. Here you will find a Namibia of a different kind; wide tropical rivers flow fervently, vegetation thrives on river banks and in luscious national parks and wildlife sightings shift from desert-adapted animals to the grazing mammals more commonly found in the neighbouring countries of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Read more about Caprivi StripEllen was fantastic yet again - responsive, thoughtful, and made our safari work to our specifications. Our overall experience was great and we had an excellent guide alongside wonderful accommodations; especially Onduli Ridge and Wolwedans. NWS are always reliable!
It was an advantage to have a specialist who had lived in this part of the world. She listened to what we were hoping to get from our trip and came up with an itinerary. She wasn't pushy and made small changes easily to suit us.
Service and attention from the destination specialist were good and I visited some very beautiful places on my trip which were supported by the brilliant guides I received on my trip.
Ellen looked after us really well throughout and 11 stars for our guide, Tim! He was professional, knowledgeable, paid excellent attention to detail and was good company too.
A 10/10 trip! I'd love to travel again
Absolutely, Namibia is an excellent destination for safaris. Its diverse landscapes, including the iconic sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the wildlife-rich parks like Etosha National Park, offer incredible opportunities to observe a wide variety of animals in their natural habitats. The country's commitment to conservation and well-managed tourism infrastructure make it a top choice for both first-time and experienced safari-goers. Whether you're interested in spotting the Big Five, unique desert-adapted species, or stunning desert scenery, Namibia's safaris promise unforgettable experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Check out our Namibia wildlife guide for detail on animal spotting opportunities.
For a safari in Namibia, opt for neutral-toned clothing like khakis and browns to blend with the environment. Pack lightweight, long-sleeved attire for sun and insect protection, and don't forget a wide-brimmed hat. Closed-toe, comfortable shoes are essential. Layering is key for chilly mornings and evenings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a rain jacket might be needed. Respect local customs with appropriate attire for cultural visits. Binoculars, camera gear, and swimwear complete the essentials for an unforgettable Namibian safari experience.
Namibia is a fantastic destination for families, offering limitless adventure opportunities and great value for money.
Many lodges and camps will only accept children 12 years and over, but there are some that are specific family accommodations that cater your younger children. Get in contact with us to find out how we can tailor a trip for your family.
As part of the Terms and Conditions of your safari with Natural World Safaris it is essential that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance when making final payment for your safari.
Your insurance should be inclusive of full medical cover including costs of emergency repatriation, cancellation and travel delay.
Namibia is a safe and captivating destination for tourists, offering a stable political environment and relatively low crime rates. Its diverse natural wonders, from the Namib Desert's dunes to Etosha National Park's wildlife, provide ample exploration opportunities. The friendly and welcoming nature of the Namibian people further adds to the sense of safety for visitors. Just remember to follow standard safety precautions and stay informed about any travel advisories for a secure and enjoyable trip.
The amount of luggage you can bring to Namibia will depend on your chosen safari type and how you will be travelling.
For fly-in and guided driving safari departures the luggage limits are between 12 and 20kg per person and soft bags must be used to minimize luggage damage. Any excess luggage can be safely stored with us in our Windhoek office, or in Maun or Kasane if you are flying into the Okavango Delta.
Tap water is purified in hotels, lodges and other public places so is safe to drink. If you are worried about drinking the tap water, bottled water is available to purchase throughout Namibia.
Two litre bottles of water are available in the supermarkets which are great if you are on a self-drive safari. If you need to purify water yourself, you can do this by boiling it if you have gas, or by using purification tablets. Vitamin C tablets are good for disguising the taste.
Safety is often a concern, but Namibia boasts a notably low crime rate against tourists, offering a secure environment. The roads are well-maintained and sparsely travelled, making self-navigation straightforward. A local mobile phone is provided with lodge contacts and ground operator details for support. Maps, guidance, and essential information are supplied before departure, ensuring a seamless experience. Car handover and thorough checks occur in Windhoek, with comprehensive insurance covering various aspects. Lodge coordination and emergency assistance are facilitated through provided mobile phones. Optional GPS and Sat phone hire enhance your journey. Namibia's self-drive safaris combine ease, safety, and exploration.
