Best 16 safaris in Namibia: our top picks

Namibia is one of those places where tourism really makes a difference. Over 20% of the country is managed through community-run conservancies, which means the money from visitors directly supports local jobs and helps protect wildlife like elephants, black rhinos, and desert lions. It’s a setup that puts communities at the center, and you can actually see the results on the ground. 

It’s not just about the animals either—the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the few places left with truly dark skies, so stargazing is worth coming here for. As interest in more responsible travel grows, Namibia shows how it can be done in a way that’s both practical and meaningful. Here are the best safaris in Namibia.
 

1. Grootberg Lodge

Grootberg Lodge sits right at the edge of the Etendeka Plateau, with wide views across the Klip River Valley. It’s fully owned by the ≠Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy, so staying here directly supports the local community. The main draw is heading out with guides to track desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos. You’ll also likely see oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra while you’re out. 

How to get to Grootberg Lodge

Driving from Windhoek takes around 4–5 hours on decent gravel roads, but you’ll need a 4x4 for the last stretch up to the lodge—it’s steep. Another option is flying into Twyfelfontein and arranging a transfer. The route itself is worth the trip, with plenty to see along the way.

When to visit Grootberg Lodge

June through October is best for wildlife since animals gather around water sources. It’s also a good time for clear nights and cooler temperatures. If you’d rather see greenery and birdlife, April and May are nice—things are lusher after the rains, though wildlife can be more spread out.
 

2. Damaraland Camp

Damaraland Camp is tucked into the Huab River Valley and works closely with the Torra Conservancy. It’s known for helping shape community-based tourism in Namibia. The camp is simple and quiet, set in a wide-open part of the country. You can track elephants, giraffes, and rhinos with local guides, take a walk through the desert, or visit a nearby Damara village. The red rock formations and dry riverbeds give the area a distinct look, especially in early morning or late afternoon light.

How to get to Damaraland Camp

You can fly into a nearby airstrip and get picked up or drive from Swakopmund—it’s about a 5–6 hour trip on gravel roads. A 4x4 is recommended, especially during rainy season when riverbeds can fill up.

When to visit Damaraland Camp

May through October is the driest time of year and best for tracking wildlife. July and August tend to be the most active months for predators. Between November and April, the rains start to shift the landscape—expect sudden storms, more birds, and, if you’re lucky, baby animals around February and March.

3. Etendeka Mountain Camp

Etendeka Mountain Camp is in a remote part of northwestern Namibia, set among ancient lava flows. It’s solar-powered and pared-back, with an emphasis on walking safaris and staying close to nature. You’ll likely see kudu, zebra, and oryx, and might catch desert elephants in the distance.

The guides are knowledgeable and good at explaining how this harsh environment supports such a range of life. It’s a great choice if you prefer simplicity, wide-open skies, and a quieter kind of experience.

How to get to Etendeka Mountain Camp

You’ll drive or fly to Palmwag first. From there, the camp arranges a 4x4 transfer through rocky terrain—it’s remote, and you’ll definitely want someone familiar with the route. Driving from Windhoek takes around 6–7 hours, or about 5 from Swakopmund.

When to visit Etendeka Mountain Camp

Dry season runs from May to October, which is ideal for walking safaris and seeing animals gather near water. November through April brings occasional rain, and the desert can briefly turn green, with migratory birds and wildflowers popping up. See our Namibia travel tips for more advice.

4. Wolwedans Dunes Camp

Wolwedans Dunes Camp sits deep in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, with just six tents raised on wooden platforms overlooking sweeping red dunes and open desert plains. The camp focuses on low-impact travel and runs entirely on solar power, with part of your stay directly supporting the NamibRand Conservation Foundation. 

You’ll likely see oryx, springbok, zebra, and a surprising variety of birds—over 170 species call this area home. Guided drives give you a closer look at how wildlife survives in such an extreme environment, and the team here also works on training Namibians in hospitality and conservation, so your visit has a tangible local benefit. This is one of the best things to do in Namibia.

How to get to Wolwedans Dunes Camp

Most people arrive via light aircraft from Windhoek, which takes around 90 minutes to reach the NamibRand airstrip. From there, a 4x4 transfer completes the journey to camp. If you prefer to drive, it's about 6–7 hours from Windhoek on gravel roads that are generally in good condition.

When to visit Wolwedans Dunes Camp

April to October is the dry season, which makes it easier to see animals gathering near water sources. You can usually see oryx and springbok any time of year, while zebra tend to move through in bigger numbers in early winter. If you’re interested in birds, November through April is the best time to catch migratory species. Stargazing is particularly good from June to August.
 

5. Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge is built right into the dunes of the Skeleton Coast, with cabins that look like shipwrecks scattered across the sand. The design is unusual but fits the eerie, foggy surroundings. 

You’re not here for the Big Five—this part of Namibia is all about seeing how animals like brown hyenas, jackals, and desert lions survive in harsh coastal conditions. The lodge also runs trips to nearby seal colonies, and sometimes you’ll spot whales offshore. Staff are from surrounding communities, and the lodge works with Skeleton Coast National Park on local conservation efforts.

How to get to Shipwreck Lodge

You’ll need to fly to Möwe Bay airstrip from Windhoek (about 2.5 hours by light aircraft). From there, the lodge picks you up for a 45-minute drive through the dunes. Because it’s inside a national park, self-driving isn’t an option, and most visitors include Shipwreck as part of a fly-in itinerary.

When to visit Shipwreck Lodge

The best conditions for wildlife watching run from March to November. Seal breeding season peaks around November and December. Brown hyenas are more active in the winter months (June–August), but jackals and smaller desert animals are around all year. If you're hoping to see whales, aim for July through November, when humpbacks migrate along the coast.

6. Etosha Heights Private Reserve

Etosha Heights sits next to the western edge of Etosha National Park and covers around 60,000 hectares of private land. It’s a good choice if you want to avoid the more crowded parts of Etosha but still see major wildlife. 

You’ll find elephants, lions, rhinos, and plenty of antelope, with the added benefit of being able to go off-road on guided drives. The reserve is involved in rhino protection work and helps support nearby communities.

How to get to Etosha Heights Private Reserve

Getting around Namibia can be a bit of an adventure. Driving from Windhoek takes about 4–5 hours, with the final stretch on decent gravel roads. Charter flights are available from Windhoek (about 1 hour) or Swakopmund (1.5 hours), landing directly on the reserve’s private airstrip. If you’re already in Etosha, the team can pick you up from Okaukuejo.

When to visit Etosha Heights Private Reserve

Wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from June to October, when animals gather around waterholes and are easier to find. You’ll see plenty of elephants in late winter, and zebras, springboks, and wildebeests are around most of the year. Predator sightings go up in early spring (September–October), and for birds, the green season from January to March is when migratory species and newborn animals are around, although animals tend to be more spread out then.

7. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

This lodge sits deep in the Namib Desert, with sharp, modern design that contrasts beautifully with the wide, open landscape. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private plunge pools, so you’re never far from the views or the heat. 

You’ll see oryx and springbok around regularly, and sometimes even cheetahs, but the real draw is the desert itself—specifically, the NamibRand Nature Reserve. It’s also one of the best places in Africa for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and official status as a Dark Sky Reserve. 

There's an on-site observatory and a resident astronomer who leads stargazing sessions. Sustainability is built into how the lodge runs—from solar energy to eliminating plastic—and they also work with nearby communities to support local education and artisans.

How to get to &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Most people fly in from Windhoek’s Eros Airport, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes in a small plane, landing directly on the lodge’s private strip. If you’re driving, it’s about 5 to 6 hours on gravel—doable, but a 4x4 helps. You can also arrange a transfer from the Sossusvlei dunes if you’re planning to visit those first.

When to visit &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

There’s wildlife year-round, with oryx and springbok usually visible from your room. From May through September, the weather’s cooler and better for exploring during the day. The rainy season (October to April) brings brief, intense storms that change the landscape fast. 

If you’re interested in plants or birds, quiver trees bloom in June and July and draw in a bunch of species. Stargazing is good anytime thanks to the lack of light pollution, but the Milky Way shows up best during the winter months.

8. Hoanib Valley Camp

In a remote stretch of northwestern Namibia, Hoanib Valley Camp is tucked into the Sesfontein Community Conservancy—one of the most isolated parts of the country. The camp has just six tents, designed to blend into the rocky desert terrain. 

Wildlife here includes desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and lions, and you might even see a black rhino. One of the highlights is the camp’s partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which means you can join tracking trips with researchers and learn more about conservation firsthand. 

The camp runs on solar power and has strong ties with local Himba communities.

How to get to Hoanib Valley Camp

You’ll probably fly in—most people come via a two-hour light aircraft flight from Windhoek, then continue with a drive to camp. You can drive the whole way in a 4x4, but it’s a long trip and pretty rough in parts. If you’re doing it yourself, just stay on the main track toward the plains, keep left at the fork, and keep going about 15 miles (30 kilometers) after the turn-off. For more safety information, see our Namibia travel health tips.

When to visit Hoanib Valley Camp

May to October is best for tracking animals, since the dry season pulls them in toward water sources. From December to March, it can actually rain, which totally transforms the desert—everything goes green and the Hoanib River might even run for a bit. That’s also a great time for birdwatching.

9. Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Plains Camp is home to the AfriCat Foundation, which works on big cat conservation. It's located between Windhoek and Etosha, so it’s an easy stop if you're driving between the two. 

The camp has 24 rooms with views of open plains and a central gathering area called The Barn. This is where meals are served and most social time happens. What sets Okonjima apart is its focus on research and rehabilitation—you can go on guided drives or walks to track leopards, cheetahs, and other predators. Your stay directly supports AfriCat’s work.

How to get to Okonjima Plains Camp

It’s about a three-hour drive north from Windhoek or four hours south from Etosha. There’s a clearly marked turnoff from the B1 highway. If you’d rather not drive, there’s a private airstrip, and the camp can arrange a transfer from there.

When to visit Okonjima Plains Camp

The dry months (May to October) are best for wildlife tracking, with cool mornings and warmer afternoons. You’re more likely to see leopards, cheetahs, and brown hyenas then. During the rainy season (November to April), the area greens up and gets quieter—wildlife is harder to find, but the landscape becomes a lot more photogenic, and bird activity picks up.

10. Serra Cafema Camp

Serra Cafema is one of the most remote places you can stay in Namibia, tucked away along the Kunene River right on the border with Angola. It feels like a riverside retreat in the middle of the desert—surrounded by mountains, dunes, and sand as far as you can see. 

The chalets are comfortable and open-air, with design touches inspired by the local Himba people. Days here are about variety. You’ll go out on boat rides to watch crocodiles glide through the water or hop on quad bikes and ride through the dunes where you might come across oryx and other desert wildlife. 

You can also join visits to nearby Himba communities, arranged in a way that respects their traditions. It’s a quiet, off-grid base for people who want to experience the contrast between desert and river life in a place that feels far away from everything.

How to get to Serra Cafema Camp

Getting here takes a bit of effort, but that’s part of the draw. You’ll need to take a small aircraft from Windhoek—usually a few hours depending on the route. Once you land in the Hartmann Valley, it’s about an hour’s drive through dramatic desert terrain before reaching the camp. That drive is a bit of an adventure in itself, with wide-open views and maybe even a few wildlife sightings along the way.

When to visit Serra Cafema Camp

June to October tends to be the best time if you’re hoping to see wildlife, since animals stick closer to the river during the dry season. You’ll likely see oryx, zebra, and other desert-adapted species. The green season runs from November to May and brings some rain, which adds more color and attracts migratory birds. Boat trips are possible all year, since the river usually keeps flowing even during drier months.

11. Little Ongava

Little Ongava sits just outside Etosha National Park, in a private game reserve that’s known for rhino conservation. The lodge only has three suites, and they’re spread out enough that it feels like you’ve got the place to yourself. 

Each one has a pool, outdoor deck, and lots of space to relax between game drives. This is one of the few places where you can track both white and black rhino on foot with a guide, which makes for a pretty unique experience. 

You’ll also get the usual game drive routine in both the private reserve and Etosha, with good chances to see elephants, lions, and plenty of plains animals.

How to get to Little Ongava

It’s about a four-hour drive north from Windhoek on well-maintained roads. You can also fly in by small plane to the reserve’s private airstrip—it’s around 90 minutes from Windhoek by air. 
Transfers from the airstrip are included, and it’s just a short drive to the lodge. Being right next to Etosha’s southern gate makes it easy to pair with other stops in the park or on a self-drive circuit.

When to visit Little Ongava

Dry season (May to October) is the best time to see animals, since they gather around the waterholes and the bush is less dense. The waterhole near the lodge can be active too. If you come during the rainy season (November to April), the scenery turns green, birds are more abundant, and you’ll have fewer people around—but animals are a bit more spread out.

12. Nambwa Tented Lodge

Nambwa is in the Zambezi Region, which used to be called the Caprivi Strip. It’s a completely different landscape from the rest of Namibia—greener, wetter, and more humid.

The Namibia accommodation itself is built into the trees along the Kwando River, and the raised walkways give you a chance to see elephants, buffalo, or even hippos walking below your tent. It’s part of a local conservancy, so the lodge works closely with nearby communities. 

Since it’s inside Bwabwata National Park, you’ll get access to both woodlands and wetlands, which means a wide variety of animal sightings. Boat trips, bush walks, and game drives are all possible, depending on the season.

How to get to Nambwa Tented Lodge

The fastest way is to fly to Katima Mulilo, then it’s about a two-hour drive through the park to the lodge. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can self-drive from Windhoek—it’s around 12 to 14 hours depending on your route, so most people break it up with stops along the way. Either way, the last stretch into the park feels like the start of the safari, with good chances to see animals before you even check in.

When to visit Nambwa Tented Lodge

From May to October, animals gather near the river, so game viewing tends to be more consistent. It’s a good time for seeing elephants, buffalo, and hippos. If you’re into birds, the rainy season (November to April) is worth considering. It’s quieter and everything turns lush, but you’ll want to be prepared for heat, humidity, and the occasional downpour.

13. Desert Rhino Camp

Set deep in the Palmwag Concession, Desert Rhino Camp is where you can actually track critically endangered black rhinos on foot with skilled local guides. This is a remote, low-impact camp built around a long-term partnership with Save the Rhino Trust, and the focus here is conservation first. 

You’ll head out each day by vehicle and on foot to help locate rhinos and other desert wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs—all adapted to this stark, rocky terrain. The camp keeps things simple but comfortable, with the added benefit of directly supporting local trackers and anti-poaching teams from nearby communities.

How to get to Desert Rhino Camp

Most visitors fly in from Windhoek to the Palmwag airstrip, then take a scenic 1–2 hour game drive into camp. If you’re driving yourself, a 4x4 is essential—especially for the final stretch. The gravel roads from Windhoek or Swakopmund are doable, but remote.

When to visit Desert Rhino Camp

The cooler, drier months from June to October are ideal for tracking, since it’s more comfortable to walk and easier to see wildlife through the sparse vegetation. During this time, you’ve got a good chance of seeing rhinos and other animals gathering around the few remaining water sources.

14. Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge sits on a rocky outcrop right next to Etosha National Park, with its own 30,000-hectare private reserve. It’s a good pick if you want access to Etosha’s famous game viewing but also the freedom to explore on off-road drives and night safaris that aren’t allowed in the park. 

The lodge has its own waterhole, which you can watch from the main areas and even some rooms—it draws in wildlife throughout the day. Ongava is well known for rhino sightings, and both black and white rhinos live here. They also support conservation work through the Ongava Research Centre and employ many staff from the surrounding area.

How to get to Ongava Lodge

The lodge is about a four-hour drive from Windhoek on decent roads, or you can fly into Ondangwa (then drive 1.5 hours) or directly to Ongava’s private airstrip. It’s only 4 miles (9 km) from the Anderson Gate entrance to Etosha, so it’s one of the easier safari lodges to reach.

When to visit Ongava Lodge

June through October is the dry season, when animals gather around waterholes and wildlife viewing is at its best—especially in August and September. That said, Ongava’s private land means you’ll see plenty year-round. The green season (November to April) brings lush scenery and lots of newborns.

15. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Tucked between remote valleys in Namibia’s northwest, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp gives you access to one of the most isolated parts of the country. You’ll explore a mix of desert and coastline, tracking desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and even lions that have figured out how to survive in this harsh landscape. 

The Skeleton Coast is where you'll find some of the best beaches in Namibia. They have a foggy, remote feel. Game drives often surprise people with how much wildlife is actually out here—oryx, springbok, hyenas (including the rare brown hyena), and more. 

The camp runs on solar power and supports local conservation efforts, including giraffe research and lion monitoring. Most of the staff are from nearby communities.

How to get to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

You’ll need to fly—small aircraft from Windhoek land at the camp’s private airstrip. It’s too remote for driving, and most people come as part of a fly-in safari. The flight itself is part of the experience, with incredible views of dunes, mountains, and dry riverbeds from the air.

When to visit Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Dry season (June to October) is the easiest time to see wildlife, especially around the few available water sources. Mornings often start with thick coastal fog, which gives the desert a surreal feel. From January to March, there’s a chance of brief rains—if you’re lucky, you might catch the desert bloom and see a burst of new life.

16. Camp Kipwe

Built right into the granite boulders of Damaraland, Camp Kipwe feels like it grew out of the landscape. With just nine dome-shaped bungalows, it keeps things small and relaxed. The main reason people come here is to track desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos—you’ll head out with guides who know the terrain inside out. 

You’re also close to Twyfelfontein, where you can see rock engravings that date back thousands of years, plus other nearby landmarks like Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

The camp works with the local Damara community, and meals are made with ingredients sourced from the region. There’s a plunge pool carved into the rock and a great deck for stargazing—good places to unwind after a long day. It’s low-impact, too, with thoughtful water systems built to work in the dry environment.

How to get to Camp Kipwe

You can drive yourself in—roads are gravel but well-kept, and it takes around 4–5 hours from Swakopmund or 5–6 from Windhoek. A 4x4 makes the trip smoother. There are also charter flights to the Twyfelfontein airstrip, and the camp can arrange pickup from there. Either way, the drive through Damaraland is a big part of the experience.

When to visit Camp Kipwe

Wildlife is most active from May through October, when elephants move through the dry riverbeds. July and August are the best for catching black rhinos on early game drives. For birds, head there between November and April when migratory birds show up. Lions do pass through too—usually during the driest months, around September and October—but sightings are rare.

For more inspiration, see our favorite self drive safaris in Namibia.