Namibia Safari Holidays

Namibia is incredibly safe to self-drive. Big open roads with very little traffic make it simple to drive and the epic scenery which seems to constantly change ensures it is one of the best road trips in the world.

Most visitors to Namibia spend around 12 days in the country. A classic Namibia trip features Sossulsvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha, which can be done in 12 days. We’ve also organised trips to Namibia for much longer – if you have the luxury of time then we can help you really get under the skin of this beautiful country.

Namibia is a year-round safari destination, but the best time really depends on what you want from your trip.

The dry season (roughly May–October) is usually considered the best for wildlife viewing. Water is scarce, so animals gather around waterholes, making sightings more predictable — especially in places like Etosha National Park.

The green season (November–April) brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and incredible birdlife. It’s also when you’ll see newborn animals, which can be very special — just expect wildlife to be more spread out.

If you want a balance of good wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, May and June are often a sweet spot.

Have a read through our guide: Best time to visit Namibia

Namibia isn’t about dense wildlife like parts of East Africa — it’s about unique, desert-adapted species and extraordinary landscapes.

You can expect to see:

Elephant (including desert-adapted populations in the northwest)

Lion (including desert-adapted lions in remote regions)

Black and white rhino (especially in private reserves and Damaraland areas)

Giraffe

Zebra

Oryx (gemsbok — Namibia’s national animal)

Springbok

Hyena

Cheetah (in some regions and reserves)

In places like Damaraland, sightings feel particularly special because wildlife survives in such harsh conditions.

Have a read through our guide on Namibia’s wildlife: Best Places to see wildlife in Namibia

Yes — especially if you love big landscapes, photography, and a sense of space and wilderness.

Namibia is:

Easy to navigate (good roads, well set up for travellers)

Politically stable

Low population density (so it never feels crowded)

It’s slightly less “classic safari” than Kenya or Tanzania — fewer huge herds — but the overall experience can feel more raw and adventurous. For many first-time safari travellers, that’s actually a huge positive.

Both can work — it depends on your travel style and confidence.

Self-drive works well if you:

Are comfortable driving long distances

Like independence and flexibility

Are confident planning logistics

Guided safaris are better if you:

Want deeper wildlife interpretation

Prefer everything handled for you

Want access to private reserves or specialist experiences

Want to avoid long drives on gravel roads

Many Wild Paths guests choose self-drive trips, it’s such a fantastic way of seeing Namibia.

Yes — Namibia can be brilliant for families.

Key reasons:

Low malaria risk in many areas (depending on season and region)

Less intense wildlife density can feel less overwhelming for younger children

Huge open landscapes and varied experiences (desert, coast, wildlife, culture)

Some camps and lodges have minimum age limits, but there are excellent family-friendly options — especially if you plan well in advance.

Yes, you need a visa to enter Namibia. It can be purchased online or on arrival – we will provide you with the information you will need.

Yes — Namibia is generally considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers.

Like anywhere:

Be sensible with valuables in cities

Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas

Follow local advice and camp/lodge guidance

In remote safari areas, safety risks are usually environmental rather than crime-related — heat, distance, wildlife.