If you’re dreaming about an African safari in Namibia, you’re not alone. This gem of southern Africa has dramatic desert scenery, untamed coastlines, and some of the most unique wildlife experiences on the continent. Yet, while Namibia is breathtaking throughout the year, the optimal time to visit Namibia depends on what you’re looking for in your adventure. Whether it’s game sightings, photography, bird-watching, or simply traveling to exquisite places like Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, and Etosha, every month brings something slightly different.
At Reon’s Tours, we travel along a variety of routes – from the wind-swept coastlines of Lüderitz to the yellow dunes of the Namib Desert, the cultural heritage of Otjiwarongo, and the isolation of Divundu. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you plan the ideal safari, tailored to your passion and the time of year.
January – Green, Lush, and Tranquil
January is squarely in the middle of Namibia’s wet season. The scenery is brought to life with lush greenery, providing a dramatic contrast to the usually dry landscape of the country. There are frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but these provide a welcome respite from the dry climate. While dense greenery can sometimes make wildlife sightings more difficult, this is one of the best periods for birdwatching. Migratory birds make their presence known in great numbers, particularly around water-abundant spots such as Popa Falls and the rivers surrounding Divundu. The southern part, around Grunau and Fish River Canyon, also becomes prettier with the addition of flowering plants. Though some animals might go further into the bush, you can still spot young antelopes and newborn calves since this is one of the best birthing seasons for most animals.
February – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
February marks the beginning of the rainy season, characterized by colourful landscapes and serene surroundings. It’s a quieter season for tourism, making it perfect for those who prefer solitude and nature in its most unadulterated form. The weather is dramatic, with dark thunderclouds against the red dunes of Sossusvlei and ancient clay pans of Deadvlei creating stunning contrasts. This month is best for birdwatchers. Species such as the carmine bee-eater, African jacana, and kingfishers are simple to catch around the verdant waterways of the Kavango region. The Waterberg Plateau also attracts antelopes and small predators due to the abundance of food. Despite big predators becoming less visible, the experience that this African safari in Namibia brings remains serene, intimate, and alive.
March – End of the Green Season
As March arrives, the rains start to slow. The landscape remains green, but the roads begin to dry out, making travel easier between places such as Swakopmund, Grootfontein, and the national parks inland. With clearer skies and pleasant temperatures, it’s an ideal time for photography, particularly in Damaraland, where dramatic rock formations and desert-dwelling animals, such as the oryx and springbok, are set against a lush background. Wildlife is less elusive as they begin moving back to open areas. You may even notice elephants and hunters in the central regions, such as Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb, as water sources shift.
April – Pleasant and Vibrant
April brings a comfortable combination of the colorfulness of the green season and the ease of the dry season. There is little rainfall, and the days are typically warm and sunny with chilly nights. It’s the best time to visit areas such as Lüderitz and the ghost town of Kolmanskop, as cooler weather ensures easier walking tours. The area surrounding Fish River Canyon is also superb during this season, with excellent clarity and high animal activity. Large animals, of course, are perhaps at their lowest water sightings in Etosha; yet, springboks, giraffes, and zebras, in dispersed conditions of open veldt, remain viable sightings. April’s charm lies in its balance—nature remains lush, but travel is not difficult or harsh.
May – Start of Safari Season
May marks the de facto start of the season for African safari in Namibia. Nature begins to dry, wildlife starts to congregate around the surviving waterholes, and the temperature becomes milder. Early morning cool is ideal for walking the dunes of Sossusvlei or trekking through Sesriem Canyon. In Etosha, animals tend to congregate near water points, making game drives more rewarding. The air is fresh and blue with excellent light for taking pictures, whether you’re visiting Windhoek’s environs or driving to the coast via Mariental and Keetmanshoop. It’s a great time to drive long distances without the heat or crowds.
June – Dry Air and Clear Sightings
June marks the onset of Namibia’s winter. Days are sunny and clear while nights are pretty chilly, particularly in desert regions. This is one of the best periods to observe wildlife throughout central and northern Namibia. In Etosha, you will have good opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes near major waterholes. The southern parts, such as Fish River Canyon and Keetmanshoop, offer excellent hiking and spectacular night skies for stargazing. Damaraland’s desert elephants and rugged landscape, too, find themselves a peak attraction at this time. With vegetation already on the decline, the landscape receives a touch of green, making it ideal for game driving and photography sessions.
July – Peak Game Viewing
July is one of the best periods for game viewing in Namibia. The grass is parched, animals are grouped around waterholes, and the skies are forever blue. This is the moment to discover Etosha in its entirety, where you can see dramatic moments of predators stalking prey at the waterholes. Mornings are cold, but the cool weather is ideal for ascending dunes in the Namib Desert or taking scenic drives in Damaraland. Places on the coast, such as Swakopmund, are also pleasant with cooling sea breezes. It’s an excellent month for beginner safari tourists as wildlife sightings are assured and the climate is predictable.
August – High Season and High Activity
August is peak season for Namibia. With fine weather and wildlife sightings, this is the ideal time for most tourists to book their dream safari. Elephant herds can often be seen along riverbeds in the northeast, and desert lions and black rhinos are commonly viewed in the more arid terrain of the northwest. The trip from Windhoek via Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and into Etosha is especially worthwhile this time of year, offering a combination of desert landscapes, coastal charm, and traditional safari experiences. With great demand, booking early with Reon’s Tours guarantees a smooth and unforgettable journey.
September – The Sweet Spot for Safaris
September is an ideal time to embark on an African safari in Namibia. The climate is dry and warm, and the animals are at their highest concentration. In Etosha, sightings of lions, hyenas, and elephants are not unusual, even within a short drive. Flamingos start arriving in the salt pans, providing an extra dimension of beauty to the already breathtaking scenery. In the Waterberg Plateau and Otjiwarongo region, conditions are ideal for walking safaris and nature photography. With less dust than October and just as much wildlife, September hits a sweet spot for both comfort and animal activity.
October – Heat and High Drama
October is the hottest month in Namibia, but it’s also one of the most exciting for game viewing. Animals are parched for water and so often converge in huge groups at waterholes. This presents perfect conditions for dramatic encounters, such as predator stalking. Drives in the early morning and late afternoon are most productive. Etosha is the favorite choice for those seeking electrifying wildlife encounters, while Sossusvlei offers surreal landscapes that are best viewed at sunrise. Although the heat can be stifling, rewards for serious safari enthusiasts are unrivaled.
November – First Rains and New Beginnings
When the first rains begin to fall in November, the landscape undergoes a change once again. Grasses begin to grow, and trees flower with renewed vigor. It’s a transition month—wildlife is still seen, but begins to break up a little as water becomes more plentiful. This marks the start of the birthing season, so you may see newborn antelopes and foals of zebras. With fewer tourists, November is also an excellent time for tranquil drives and less crowded parks. Places such as Swakomund and the coastal roads are particularly serene and rejuvenating this month.
December – Green Growth and Baby Animals
December is a month full of life. Although it rains increasingly often, it generally rains in brief, forceful showers in the late afternoon, allowing lots of time to get out and about in the morning. This is the time of new beginnings—baby animals dot the landscape, and fields and woodlands are fresh green and alive. Bird enthusiasts will thrill to the excitement as migrant birds return to streams and wetlands. Although game spotting in dry regions is somewhat diminished, the scenery and atmosphere compensate, providing a clean, optimistic sensation to the beginning of the rainy season.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Month for You?
Namibia is a land of contrast and rhythm. Winter’s dry, dramatic game drives are a precursor to the colorful and peaceful beauty of the summer rains. Every season has something to offer. If you intend to view as much wildlife as you can, visit between June and October. If you want greenery, birds, and fewer tourists, then January through April is the best time.
Whatever your travel goals, Reon’s Tours is here to craft a journey that fits your schedule and interests. Whether it’s the windswept coast of Lüderitz, the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, or the thrilling wildlife of Etosha, we’ll make sure your African safari in Namibia is one you’ll never forget.