Namibia Safari Destination

Namibia is best visited during the dry season, which runs from June to October, but it can be visited all year. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha. The weather is generally pleasant and dry. Between December and March, some days will be humid, and rain will fall, usually in the form of localised afternoon thunderstorms. During the wet season, animals leave the waterholes and disperse throughout the park.

The best time to visit all parks, especially Etosha, if seeing wildlife is what you are primarily interested in, is during the Dry Season which is from May to October. Namibia is one of the most scenic countries in the world and can be visited throughout the year. During and after the Wet season, the colours will be at their most vibrant. The weather can be unbearably hot between October and February.

Despite its dryness, this area is thriving with wildlife that congregates around waterholes, making it ideal for incredible game drives. It is home to lions, elephants, black rhinos, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes, as well as flamingos. The country is incredibly good for seeing cheetahs, which are common, while the more enigmatic black rhino and brown hyena prefer coastal areas. A number of desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants and black rhinos, have made this desolate landscape their home; going on a tracking safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these endangered animals.

Damaraland is home to a healthy population of desert-adapted elephants, and in a similar environment, a smaller population of black rhinos can be tracked. The elusive brown hyena has been spotted lurking near seal colonies along the coast. The rare Heaviside's dolphin and migrating southern right whale are among the other marine wildlife. A safari around Sossusvlei is crucial, whether you drive yourself or join a tour. Here, look for gemsbok, mountain zebra, springbok, and ostrich, and climb the dunes for spectacular views.

Namibia is dry most of the year, but there are two rainy seasons. The rainy season lasts from November to December, with the major rainy season lasting from January to April. During the rains, vegetation grows throughout the region, and wildlife scatters and becomes more difficult to find. The best time to see animals at waterholes is at the end of the dry season (July-October). This falls during the busiest tourist season.

Namibia does not have as many resident birds as some other African destinations, with just over 650 species recorded, many of which are seasonal. However, the arid habitat is home to a large number of rare dry-country specials. Although the dune lark is Namibia's only endemic species (found only in Namibia), there are many near-endemics that are easier to see here than in neighbouring countries. From September to April, intra-African and Palearctic migrants are present.

Namibia's birdlife is at its peak from September to April, when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa arrive. Many resident bird species are nesting and breeding plumage at this time of year. Following heavy rains, the pans of Etosha and Bushmanland become a haven for aquatic birds, including flamingo flocks. Rains are mostly brief afternoon showers that have little impact on your trip. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing.

Nambia is a proud and passionate country, Known for its exotic meats, vibrant colours, and indigenous traditions. Namibian food is one of the most diverse and unique cuisines in the world. It is inspired by South African and German influences with a few traditional cultural twists and contains richness, heat, and a plethora of flavours. 
This delicious, festive dessert, literally "apple strudel," is filled with sweet, spiced apples and raisins in a flaky, sticky crust, with an apricot jam glaze that everyone will love. 
When visiting Namibia, pickled ham hock (pork shank/knuckle), usually cured and slightly boiled, is a must! Served with sauerkraut and spaetzle (egg noodles), eisbein tastes just as good as it looks. 
After the first summer rains, owawa are seasonal wild mushrooms that grow on and around termite mines. During their blooming season, food vendors usually sell these massive mushrooms by the roadside. 
Potjiekos, literally "small-pot food," is a Dutch-influenced dish. It is popular in South Africa and has been incorporated into Namibian cuisine.

Namibia's culture and customs incorporate elements of both African and European cultures. Although the country is rapidly urbanising, the majority of Namibians still live in rural areas and live in poverty.
Namibia's various cultures span an impressively diverse population, from the Bantu-speaking Ovambo and Herero tribes (the latter of which are admired for their colourful Victorian dress) to the Damara minorities and nomadic San Bushmen. German colonisation left its mark on Namibia, with German still being widely spoken and German architecture and cuisine prominent.
Namibians come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, mixed-race (Coloured and Rehoboth Baster), White Namibians (Afrikaner, German, Swedish, British, and Portuguese), Nama, Caprivian, San, and Tswana are the main ethnic groups.

Safari travellers visiting Namibia spend the majority of their time participating in organised safari activities with the assistance of trained tour guides. Such events are managed and organised by reputable organisations that seek to deliver a safe and secure experience for their guests.
Staying up to date on the vaccinations required for your Namibia safari is one of the most important pieces of safety advice for any safari.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prophylaxis against hepatitis A, B, typhoid, and malaria, as well as routine vaccines. For more information, consult one of the following guides:

• Scotland: NHS Fit For Travel Vaccination Guide
• Ireland Travel CLinic Vaccinations Guide
• Australia’s Travel Clinic

Please see the links below for travel advice on Namibia Safari Trips:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• EU member states

The majority of international visitors arrive at Windhoek's international airport, Hosea Kutako, via Johannesburg, South Africa, or Frankfurt, Germany. You can self-drive or take a bus from Botswana, Zambia, or South Africa if you are already in the region. Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is Namibia's main airport, located 40 kilometres/25 miles east of the capital, Windhoek. Travel to the next destination is by small plane or car. Many people prefer self-drive because of Namibia's excellent roads and safety. In most cases, your local tour operator will arrange airport pickup and all additional transportation as part of the tour.

FlyNamibia (Offers domestic flights from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo; its Safari Route Schedule connects Windhoek to Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and Etosha) (Offers domestic flights from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo; its Safari Route Schedule connects Windhoek to Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and Etosha)

• How to Apply E-Visa
• Namibia Tourism Board