Travel Seasons – Namibia

Namibia boasts more than 300 days of sunshine every year

Namibia

With more than 300 days of sunshine, Namibia is an excellent destination throughout the year. Some days may be humid and rainy, while others may feel drier and hotter, but generally, the climate is warm and pleasant. During the dry winter months (May to October), game viewing is generally better as there are more animals visiting waterholes, and with its clear skies and cold temperatures, it makes for truly fantastic stargazing. Birding and botanical safaris are particularly popular during the rainy season (November to April). However, National Parks offer spectacular wildlife experiences throughout the year. 

Dry Season – May to October

  • May – day temperatures minimum of 24°C to a maximum of 28°C
  • June to August – day temperatures minimum of 21°C to a maximum of 25°C
  • September – day temperatures minimum of 22°C to a maximum of 27°C
  • October – day temperatures minimum of 23°C to a maximum of 29°C

Green Season – November to April

  • November/ December – day temperatures over 30°C
  • January/ February – day temperatures 30-35°C / over 40°C in the deserts
  • March/ April – day temperatures minimum of 25°C to a maximum of 30°C

Wildlife viewing

There is no better way to experience Namibia’s wildlife than through its various National Parks. Etosha National Park – Namibia’s flagship Reserve – lacks buffalo (though they are in the nearby Waterberg Plateau and Zambezi Region/Caprivi) but more than compensates for this with its abundance of elephants and lions. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see the black rhino, observe waterholes both day and night and see the magnificent cheetahs roam the plains. Featuring an intriguing lunar landscape of massive deserts, sweeping sand dunes, and seascapes, Namibia is a country abundant in natural resources. It offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa. Unlike the savannahs and rainforests that cover much of the rest of the continent, Namibia’s interior presents an altogether different perspective.

Best time for viewing wildlife

  • Excellent – June to October 
  • Good – May, November
  • Possible – December to April

Summary

Every single month is worth a journey to Namibia. The best time to visit Namibia depends on your activities. For travellers who prefer to avoid the intense heat of high summer (December to March), travelling during the winter months is a good option (May to August). Visiting the Caprivi Strip between November and April is great for bird watchers, while the best time for safari-goers is from June to September.  Due to the dry vegetation, animals need to visit permanent water holes resulting in perfect game viewing and photographing opportunities. Most visitors prefer to travel during the months May to October. It hardly ever rains, and you can enjoy the uninterrupted sunshine, except at the coast that can be foggy in the morning. The climate is moderate and does not get extremely hot during the day.

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Inside Scoop

Unique accommodation options in Southern and Eastern Africa - be inspired by some of the amazing adventures you do not want to miss.

Travel throughout Botswana on a mobile safari
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Travel the Okavango Delta by houseboat
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Spend a night in a treehouse overlooking a private waterhole in the bush
Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana

Tracking elusive and endangered pangolins and aardvarks at a private reserve
Northern Cape, South Africa

Spend a night at a private castle set on a beach near Plettenberg Bay
Knysna, South Africa

Take part in a Guided Walking Expedition through a Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Explore the NamibRand Nature Reserve on a 3-day hiking trail
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Get lost in the beauty of a lodge that resembles an ancient shipwreck
Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Spend the night in a quirky Airstream Trailer in the outskirts of Cape Town
Elgin Valley, South Africa

ZULA Bucket List

Creating memories

We offer unmatched activity options when traveling to Southern or Eastern Africa. Read up here on a few highlights and check these off your bucket list.

Desert Elephant Sleep-Out
Get up close and personal with desert-dwelling elephants and the elusive black rhino because seeing both the elephant and rhino in the desert can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is a truly amazing opportunity for anyone who gets the chance to participate and view these beauties up close. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Sesfontein, Namibia

Photographic Hides at Mashatu Lodge
Experience wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities like never before because this game reserve homes impressive big cats and giant Baobab Trees. There are also undulating plains that offer out of this world photographic opportunities for any level of photographer. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Overnight in a Dream Cruiser
Experience the African bush like no other while sleeping under the stars in a luxurious land cruiser because you can fall asleep to the sounds of Namibia’s bush, which is as vast and eerie as its surroundings. You can expect the usual amenities synonymous with safari luxury. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary accommodation in the same area or add to any program as an extended stay.
Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia

Pony Trekking in Lesotho
Experience a traditional and scenic Basotho pony trek on horseback because Lesotho has great pride in horses, and the Basotho people pride themselves on being great horsemen. These ponies have been bred for generations as an ideal form of transportation. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Nyane, Lesotho

Cheetah Tracking at Samara
Track the fastest land animal on foot in one of the most beautiful locations because tracking cheetahs in the Karoo is a thrilling experience that you will never forget. Unlike other activities, it is completely unique and offered by very few reserves. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Samara Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Walking Trails Camp in Kruger
Get the full safari up close to wildlife with a specialised walking experience through the African bush because walking safaris offered by Simbavati are led by the most knowledgeable guides. Four tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, make this an intimate and secluded experience. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary accommodation in the same area or add to any program as an extended stay.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Cape Malay Cooking Safari
An authentic, traditional South African cooking experience in the Bo-Kaap district of Cape Town because the tour includes guided walking tours of historical sights in the centre of the Bo-Kaap, cooking demonstrations, a full course traditional meal, and hotel transfers. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Cape Town, South Africa

Helicopter Flight & Balloon Safari
Experience a bird's eye view on the African skyline in two very different and unique ways because the combination of an incredible helicopter flight, and the experience of an age-old Balloon Safari, in one of Africa’s great wilderness destinations, epitomises the very best of game viewing. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Bushman Walk through the Desert
Explore the Kalahari's open plains with authentic descendants of the San Bushmen because most camp staff members in the Kalahari area are from San Bushmen clans in the region, which allows you to gain insight into their culture through their dress, their language and their activities. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Helicopter Flight over the Falls
Witness one of the seven wonders of the world at its most magical, with the flight of the angels because the helicopter flies over the falls in a figure of eight, giving you the best possible view. As you continue, you will be able to see game as you fly over the Zambezi National Park in Africa. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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