Namibia Desert Wildlife
Namibia
Rolling red dunes towering over an ancient desert landscape, dense shrubs and oases – Namibia is an enchanting place of romance and mystery, captivating explorers since they first stumbled onto her shore. An unforgiving terrain, this beautiful and arid expanse is surprisingly rich with life, some of which is found nowhere else on earth.
Etosha
If you are planning luxury Africa travel, Namibia‘s wilderness is an ever changing landscape, with an array of habitats and vegetation – rich populations of game are abundant, despite the harsh conditions. Etosha is a magnificent free roaming wildlife area, with contrasting landscapes of wide open savannah, dense bushveld, and a barren salt pan. Stretching over a distance of 22 750km², Etosha is one of the most impressive and unique safari destinations in Africa.
Here are our top 3 recommendations for an Etosha escape:
- Ongava Lodge – Ongava Lodge is perched on a hill in the Ongava Game Reserve, set on the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.
- Little Ongava – One of Namibia’s most exclusive Safari lodges, little Ongava lies on a rocky outcrop, offering a spectacular view over an active waterhole.
- Onguma Tented Camp – Onguma Tented Camp can be found among 85,000 acres of Namibian wilderness in the Onguma Reserve.
Ongava Lodge Dining
Little Ongava Lodge
Onguma Tented Camp Etosha
Sossusvlei
Another major desert attraction, situated in one of the biggest National Park’s in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft, is Sossusvlei – characterized by the huge red dunes that surround it, some reaching up to 400 meters high. A gateway to this picturesque desert, Sossusvlei is a top choice for photographic enthusiasts, with spectacular sights to behold.
Our top 2 luxury desert retreats in magical Sossuvlei are:
- Little Kulala – Little Kulala is a luxurious desert retreat situated in a private Wilderness Reserve in the Sossusvlei.
- Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a luxury haven surrounded by awe-inspiring dunes and rocky outcrops.
Wildlife
Namibia is one of the most exclusive safari destinations in Africa, and will have you spellbound by her breath-taking and desolate wilderness. Conservation is ingrained in Namibia, it is the first country on the continent (and one of a few in the world) to include protection of its environment within its constitution. If you are travelling to this magical wilderness, keep your eyes peeled for these specially adapted species of desert wildlife:
Lion:
Rare and beautiful, Namibia’s specially adapted desert lions roam the plains of Etosha, and are often spotted stalking game, or relaxing at the watering hole.
Gemsbok:
Long horns and tan coloured hide, the Gemsbok is ideally suited to Namibia’s desert landscape. Able to live on very little water, with a taste for wild desert lemons, these creatures are in their element in this harsh terrain.
Elephant:
Namibia’s desert elephants are majestic beasts, specially evolved to survive in this unforgiving terrain. Resourceful creatures, these desert elephants dig into dry river beds, to extract water from subterranean flow.
Namibia Safari – Desert Elephants
Little Ongava Game Drive Rhino
Ongava Lodge Lions
Gemsbok
So, when is the best time to go? Namibia has a temperate climate, and is generally pleasant for visitors all year around.
- December to March: Mostly dry, these months see a small amount of rain and some sporadic thunderstorms.
- April and May: The greenest time of year, with fresh and clear skies.
- June to August: The cooler months, the landscape is also dry so wildlife spotting at watering holes is plentiful. Desert nights can fall below freezing.
- September and October: Warming up again, the game viewing is most plentiful, but the horizon can get dusty.
An enchanting safari destination with unique creatures and sights to behold, a holiday to Namibia’s top attractions is one for the bucket list. Greatest Africa are Southern Africa luxury travel specialists, ready to guide you in the perfect escape to this fascinating land. Contact Greatest Africa today for a tailor made itinerary.
