With its otherworldly landscapes and majestic wildlife, visiting Namibia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ve rounded up the best Namibia safaris to make planning your dream trip even easier.

We’ll make a bold statement: Namibia is the most underrated country in Africa.

Don’t believe us? From picturesque coastlines and desert to impressive wildlife and vibrant towns, this stunning country has it all. And taking a safari is the best way to soak up everything Namibia has to offer.

While most of the safaris in Namibia are not just wildlife-based, the ones we’ve featured below include typical safaris. But, we’ll be honest, you can see wildlife on the road almost anywhere in Namibia. These tours blend wildlife with epic desert landscapes and Namibia’s unique culture.

Namibia Guided Safaris

For those of you seeking a classic safari experience, taking a guided tour in Namibia is the best way to go. Ranging from around 7 to 20 days (though we’ve spotted safari tours that extend to a month and beyond) these experiences allow you to spot some of the most incredible wildlife in Africa.

Classic Namibian Guided Safari

The desert elephants in Damaraland are one of the (many) reasons you need to take a Namibian safari.

This 16-day safari across Namibia is a stellar offering if you’re a first-timer. Not only do you get to see much of Namibia’s eclectic wildlife, but you also get to experience some of the country’s most incredible landmarks. 

Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, and Waterberg are just some of the epic stops on this trip. You can even meet the Himba people in the north to learn a little bit more about Namibian culture. Although seeing the desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland is definitely the highlight. 

Another thing we adore is that the accommodation throughout this Namibia safari tour is stunning. Stays range from rustic-style, but extremely luxe, campsites to highly-rated hotels.

7 Day Kalahari and Sossusvlei Desert Explorer Safari

Namibia boasts four distinct desert systems; this tour covers the most popular two.

Short on time but don’t want to skip out on the entire experience? This 7-day safari in Namibia is an excellent option. It’s also ideal if you are apprehensive about committing to a long tour. 

We’ll warn you: this is a jam-packed week filled with the likes of the Kalahari Desert, Namib Desert, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund. You’ll get to experience both the desert and the sea on this trip through southern Namibia.

We also really love that you get to spend two full days exploring Etosha National Park, as this gives you plenty of opportunity to spot many of the Big Five.

Like most of the safari tours, this one starts in Windhoek. We recommend taking a couple of days to explore the capital before you head out on your adventure.

12-Day Classic Namibia Camping Safari

This epic camping safari is perfect if you’re looking for a unique experience in Namibia. 

Kick things off by exploring wildlife at Okonjima and Etosha, before stopping off at the Skeleton Coast. Next up, swing by the likes of Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, and the majestic Fish River Canyon. This stellar tour ends with a night at the Quiver Tree Forest. 

Featuring the best of Namibian wildlife, culture, and desert landscapes, this is an unforgettable adventure. And, even better, accommodation is camping, so it’s ideal for the budget-conscious traveller.

Namibia Fly-In Safaris

A fly-in safari is one of the most popular experiences in Namibia. You’ll typically board a small aircraft to access remote and less accessible areas of Namibia. These tours are usually more expensive than other kinds of safari, but are often extremely luxe.

Ultimate Namibia All Inclusive Luxury Safari

Soar over Namibia in style with a luxurious fly-in safari offering.

It’s no secret that the tours in Namibia tend to be luxurious. And this offering from Secret Namibia is no exception. 

Get ready to spend 17 days adventuring (and relaxing!) in exotic paradise. Stops include biggies like Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, and Etosha, as well as some rarer gems like Sandwich Harbour and Kaokoland.

This tour really offers something for everyone, with hot air balloon safaris, nocturnal game drives, catamaran cruises, and quad biking all included. There are even optional extras including spa treatments and helicopter flights available to make your experience even more memorable.

This one comes with a mega price tag, but it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Namibia’s wild side.

9-Night Ruppell’s Korhaan Fly-in Safari

Luxury experiences and fly-in safaris go hand in hand. But there’s something special about this Ruppell’s Korhaan tour. 

Spend just over a week exploring the best of Windhoek, Damaraland, and the Skeleton Coast. Better yet, you can marvel at the dramatic landscape from above.

Highlights of this safari include heading to the Desert Rhino Camp to track the largest free roaming population of black rhino, as well as getting to meet the Himba tribe and see their village.

Accommodation comes in the form of some of the most opulent campsites in Namibia, including the beautiful Serra Cafema near Kaokoland. We also love that this tour guarantees you get to see an abundance of wildlife, from elephants to the oryx.

Namibia Highlights Fly-in Safari

Just seven days is enough to see plenty of Namibia’s incredible wildlife.

This short-but-sweet tour lets you see the best of Namibia in a whirlwind seven days. Don’t panic, though. The fact that this is a fly-in safari means you have plenty of time to explore Etosha National Park, Damaraland, and Sossusvlei.

As well as the main destinations you expect on a Namibia tour, we love that this offers unique stops. Like Twyfelfontein, where you can see ancient rock drawings carved into caves. Though you won’t stop there, you’ll also get to soar over destinations like Conception Bay and Sandwich Harbour.

This tour is excellent value for money; you can choose your level of luxury in terms of accomodation. Opt to save some cash and go standard (which, by any means, is more than comfortable) or go all-out with a superior tour. 

Namibia Self-Drive Safaris

Looking for total independence throughout your Namibian safari experience? Opt for a self-drive Namibia safari, where you can explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Namibia using a private vehicle.

Best of Namibia Self-Drive Tour

Thanks to it’s sparsely populated landscape, Namibia is one of the best places to stargaze in the world.

Want to see the best of Namibia on a 16-day tour? This Namibia self-driving tour is an epic offering that takes you from the Kalahari to Namib Desert.

Traverse the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, and Etosha, encountering wildlife such as big cats. The itinerary includes visits to Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Sossusvlei, and Dead Pan. Plus, you’ll get to experience the breathtaking Sossusvlei red dunes and the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as Namibia’s adventure capital. 

The journey concludes at Okonjima Nature Reserve with a night at AfriCat Foundation, highlighting Namibia’s conservation efforts.

We love that, before you head off, you get given a travel diary that covers absolutely everything you need to know about your tour.

Etosha Self-Drive Adventure

If you’re short on time, consider this 8-day self-driving tour of Namibia’s best wildlife spots. 

Your adventure kicks off at Okonjima Nature Reserve during a stay at Okonjima Plains Camp in Namibia’s southwest. This desert paradise, boasting diverse wildlife, hosts one of the world’s largest cheetah populations.

Then, the rest of the tour is spent travelling around Etosha National Park. Embark on a morning visit to AfriCat, before heading to Mushara Camp for a three-night stay. The next couple of days are spent at your leisure, exploring Etosha National Park on game drives or relaxing at the lodge. 

Namibia Highlights Self-Drive Safari

Self-driving in Namibia = complete freedom.

If we had to pick any self-driving safari in Namibia, we’d have to pick this one. Namibia Experience have put together such an incredible itinerary jam-packed with unique spots.

As well as the standard places like the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, you’ll also get to see the Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Waterberg Plateau, and the rock art at Brandberg. Over the span of 13 days, you’ll navigate yourself around some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife destinations.

Better yet, optional extras include quad biking and a day trip to the seal colony at Cape Cross. See why we’re itching to book this tour?

Namibia’s Shorter Safaris

Many of the safaris we’ve mentioned in this guide are longer than a week. While that’s definitely an incredible experience, we understand that you might not have that much time to spare. 

So, if you’re looking for a magical safari experience packed into just a couple of days (and, in some cases, a few hours), these are the ones we recommend.

Etosha National Park: Full or Half-Day Game Drive

Namibia is home to two of the four different types of Zebra.

Tom Safari Namibia is one of the most recognisable tour providers in the country, thanks to their logo’s cheeky nod to Jurassic Park. And we love that they offer short excursions to help you get the most out of your safari experience.

This one-day game drive takes place in Etosha National Park, allowing you to witness the majesty of its inhabitants. Expect to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and plenty of other animals as you trundle through the park in your four-wheel drive.

Ben, the main tour guide is truly knowledgeable and will spend the entire trip giving you a complete rundown of the wildlife here. If you opt for the full-day tour, you’ll get two drives with a delicious lunch in the middle of the day (though, sadly, that’s not included in the price.)

Safari From Windhoek

Witness Namibia’s otherworldly landscapes as you zip around in your safari vehicle.

If you’re in Windhoek but want to make time to get out into nature, this fabulous tour is a great option. Lasting only 5 hours, this is perfect if you only have half a day spare on your Namibia trip.

With return transportation from your hotel included, you’ll be whisked away to Durstenbrook Game Farm to spot the likes of giraffes, antelopes, and hippos (which are quite the rarity in Namibia.)

End the day by sipping sundowners atop a mountain as the sun sets. Sounds like bliss, right?

Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

Head to Walvis Bay to see this cheeky Pelican and his friends.

If you would rather see marine life than desert life, you need to book this Walvis Bay Catamaran tour.

Head out on a luxury boat and spot the ocean’s Big Five: whales, dolphins, mola mola, leatherback turtles, and seals. Your first stop is Pelican Point, home to a whopping 60,000 playful seals.

If you’re visiting between July and November, you’ll also be able to see the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale. Dolphins and sea birds are also often spotted on this tour.

Did we mention that drinks and snacks (we’re talking champagne and oysters) are included?

3-Day Express Safari

Etosha National Park is home to the world’s largest Black Rhino population.

If you’re visiting Namibia on a budget (we promise it’s possible), this express safari is an unmissable addition to your itinerary. Starting in Windhoek, you’ll travel to Etosha National Park and then on to Swakopmund.

Across just three days you’ll get to experience what makes a Namibian safari so special. From witnessing elephants and cheetahs to camping in luxury accommodations, this tour comes highly recommended.

Along the way, you’ll get to interact with the Himba, Herero, and Damara tribes, as well as take a pit stop at the Skeleton Coast to swoon over its otherworldly beauty.

Namibia Safaris: Top Tips

Best Time of Year for a Namibia Safari

Wondering when to visit Namibia? The dry season (May to October) is our top pick. This is the best time for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

June to August are winter months with cooler temperatures, especially at night. During the day, temperatures are pleasant, making it a popular time for tourists.

Note that July and August are peak tourist months, so popular parks and accommodations may be busier (and more expensive.)

Park Fees

Park fees in Namibia can vary, and it’s important to check whether they are included in your tour package or not. For longer tours, they usually are. But, if you’re embarking on a half-day or one-day tour, you will likely need to pay this separately.

Tipping

Remember to add tipping into your Namibia safari budget as it is expected for guides, drivers and hotel staff. As a general rule, allot around a total of $10-15 per day. Though, you might need to save even more if you are on a luxury tour with specialised guides.