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Luxury Namibia Safari Holidays

The world's biggest sand dunes, unusual desert wildlife and epic self-drive & flying safaris

Namibia is a land of endless horizons, from blazing desert dunes to glittering celestial vistas across some of the darkest and clearest skies on Earth.

As one of the world’s least densely populated countries and with more wild animals than people, Namibia’s otherworldly landscapes will make you feel like you’re the only person on the planet.

A trip to Namibia contains such variety; from navigating the sand seas of the world’s oldest desert, with its burning orange dunes and iconic clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei,  to the haunting shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast. There's also a  wealth of oddities to explore, such as the abandoned diamond mining town of Kolmanskop, now half-submerged in sand.

Namibia is home to some of the harshest environments in the world, yet you'll still find an abundance of desert-adapted life. It is home to the famed "Big Five" (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), and the country is an emerging leader in conservation, having become the first African country to include the protection of the environment into its constitution. 

The country boasts some of Africa's best game viewing in protected areas such as Etosha National Park. The famous waterholes within the park can be dense with wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, oryx, wildebeest and zebras, while lions, leopards and cheetah roam nearby looking for an easy meal.  Critically endangered black and white rhinos are also well-represented within the park and you have a great chance of an encounter during your stay.

Namibia is home to diverse native cultures, including the San of the Kalahari (often called the world's most ancient tribe), the Herero (known for their distinctive colonial-influenced dress), and the Himba of Kaokoland (recognised for the red ochre cream used on their skin and hair). There are a number of cultural encounters which we can recommend in Namibia including interactions with the San (formerly Bushmen) of the Kalahari, believed to be the ancestors of all humans due to their high genetic diversity,  or a visit to a traditional Himba community in the extreme north west of the country. Wayfairer only recommends authentic visits with indigenous groups, which benefit the tribes or communities. 

With well-maintained roads, clearly mapped routes and so much to explore, Namibia is perfect for a self-drive safari, even for those who have never visited the continent before. Take a look at our Classic Namibia Holiday as a starting point. We also offer privately guided trips with expert local guides, for those who prefer not to drive, yet still want to experience Namibia up close.

A flying safari is a fantastic option for those short on time, as it cuts out long drives and offers a unique bird’s-eye view of this awe-inspiring country.

With unique cultural encounters, phenomenal wildlife viewing, and unparalleled landscapes, Namibia is a place that must be seen to be believed. 

Call us on +44 117 313 3300 to speak with our Africa Travel Specialists and begin planning your bespoke Namibia safari

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Example Namibia Safaris

View a selection of our favourite Namibia holidays designed by our specialists.

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Best times to visit Namibia

Namibia has two main seasons - the rainy season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). Thanks to the vast area of desert and cool coastal winds, Namibia has great temperatures all year round and can certainly be visited all year round.

The rainy season offers its own charms, and while it can get humid, visitors are rewarded with dramatic thunder and lightning storms over the desert, animals flourishing in the conditions and plenty of young animals which can mean exciting predator action. 

Etosha National Park is best visited in July to October, when herds of animals gather around the few remaining watering holes. During September and October the country tends to get more dusty, which can affect the clarity for photographers. Namibia also has its own Oktoberfest celebration due to its German heritage.

Where to go in Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is often top of most peoples tick-list, as it has some of the highest sand dunes in the world, with the tallest towering at over 324 metres high. Head west to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to enjoy the fresh coastal breeze and the colonial architecture in these interesting towns. Swakopmund is known as the adventure captial of Namibia and as well as sky-diving, sandboarding and quad biking they are excursions to explore the fascinating coastal-marine environment such as a scenic flights, gentle kayaking trips, catamaran tours or a specific birding or desert wildlife tour. 

Venture north to the famed Skeleton Coast, named by sailors for its terrifying currents and stark landscape and in the extreme north fly-in only camps promise elusive desert wildlife and remote cultural experiences. Inland the diffuse area of Damaraland has something to suit everyone including the largest mountain in Namibia and the ancient bushman engravings.  

North-east is the vast Etosha National Park, home to thousands of majestic animals, from the rare black rhino to colossal herds of zebra. The Caprivi Strip or the 'Zambezi Region' is found along a thin finger of land that projects east, bordered by Botswana and Angola and then Zambia it is completely different to the rest of the country well worth a trip if you have the time or on your return trip to Namibia.

At the other end of the country, the fringes of the red sands of the Kalahari give way to the Fish River Canyon, which is thought to be the second largest canyon in the world. It can be included in a trip within Namibia to up from South Africa. The quirky, harbour town of Lüderitz is the branching off point to see Namibia's colonies of African penguins and to visit the abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop.

Call us on +44 117 313 3300 to speak with our Africa Travel Specialists and begin planning your bespoke Namibia safari

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Meet our Africa Team

Call us on +44 117 313 3300 to speak with our Africa Travel Specialists and begin planning your bespoke Namibia safari

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