At first glance, Namibia may seem like a dry and desolate country with not much in the way of wildlife, however, if you know what you are doing, you will see a host of endemic animals that will spark the imagination from black backed jackals and ostriches, to desert beetles that drink moisture from the dew that they trap on their legs.
Some of the ‘bigger hitters’ do also compete with the traditional east African safari destinations, with herds of desert-adapted elephants, rhino, lion, as well as the largest population of cheetah on the continent. Spotting these beasts to the backdrop that Namibia affords is truly a treat for any safari-goer. Damaraland is also one of the likely first places you will come across Namibia’s wildlife as it plays host to desert-adapted elephants and black rhino.
Namibia’s national animal, the Oryx, or Gemsbok, is a large antelope with long horns and a thick horse-like neck, short mane and compact, muscular body and elegant black and white markings that contrast with their fawn body. They can be found grazing in groups of 10-40 and are adapted to the arid savannah, such as the Namid or Kalahari Desert. There are currently approx 373,000 gemsbok in Namibia. Spot their large-hooved tracks in the sand, they may be surprisingly approachable although some can be aggressive.
Northwest Namibia is home to one of the two populations of desert-adapted elephants in the world. You can find them in the Kunene region, in Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast National Park alongside black rhino, giraffe and zebra. To survive the harsh desert environment these elephants have larger feed for ease of movement across the sand. They also have to travel longer distances to find water and so they have adapted to store water in their throats which they collect with their trunks so they can go a few days without a drink.
Similar to wolves and foxes, the black-backed jackal can survive in a harsh arid environment as their kidneys have adapted to survive without water. They can be seen feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits and they will hunt both alone and together in a team to take down large prey.
Louw Schoeman’s involvement in the Skeleton Coast has become a lasting legacy in Namibia’s conservation history. The families understanding of the complexities of the desert and the surrounding environment is something only revealed on a safari of this nature as you are accompanied by one of the brothers on a flying adventure into the dunes.
From 20150 per person
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Namibia on this short self-drive safari taking in the highlights of this stunning destination, staying in luxurious accommodation along the way. Journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Namibia from Windhoek to the Erongo Mountains exploring wildlife hotspots along the way. From spotting the magnificent elephants of Etosha National Park to searching for rare species in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, you will have the chance to encounter and photograph some incredible wildlife, with expert guides imparting their local knowledge to enhance your experience.
From 5500 per person
This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.
From 4205 per person
In northeast Namibia you will find the white-backed vulture. The vulnerable lappet-faced vulture is found in southern Namibia and they breed in the Namib Desert.
Namibia is one of the few countries where the critically endangered black rhinoceros can still be found in the wild. Conservation efforts have helped to stabilize their population, which now numbers around 2,000 individuals.
These small antelopes are common throughout Namibia, including the arid desert areas of the Namib Desert, the savannas of Etosha National Park, and the grasslands of the country's interior. They have a cinnamon-colored coat with a white face, underbelly, and rump. A dark brown stripe runs along their sides, and they have a prominent flap of skin on their back, which they can raise when they perform their characteristic high jumping behaviour. This behavior, known as pronking or stotting, is a way to deter predators and signal to the group. It involves springing into the air with all four legs extended and then landing on all fours.
Buffalo can be found in various parts of Namibia, including the Caprivi Region and Bwabwata National Park. African buffalo are known for their social behaviour and often live in large herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, typically led by dominant bulls. Buffalo herds are known to graze during the day and seek shelter from predators at night. They are herbivorous animals, primarily grazing on grasses, but they may also feed on other vegetation, depending on the availability of food in their habitat.
