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Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park

mystifying camel thorn trees in Deadvlei.

a great guide brings the desert to life.

Oryx in white socks

The Namib Sand Sea - a world heritage site.

nature' s untamed garden.

spectacular views beckon you outside

bask in the soft afternoon sun.

feast your eyes on stunning backdrops.

discover hidden rock pools and waterfalls

take your pick of hiking trails.

explore off the beaten track.

home to the Hartmann's mountain zebra

Quiver trees commonly grow on steep slopes.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Sculpted apricot dunes roll as far as the eye can see, the quintessential desert sands unbroken, unspoilt, untouched.

To visit the Namib-Naukluft is to marvel at nature’s grandeur; to visit Sossusvlei at dawn is the picture-postcard image come true.

Time spent in the Namib, one of the oldest deserts on earth, is richly rewarded. Time to savour the beauty of the landscape; time to take in the space and the silence; time just to be.

Climb up along the ridge of the dunes and surrender to the sheer scale of the place, an ant-like human among great waves of sand. Gaze at the skeleton trees on Dead Vlei, their ancient water source cut off half a millennium ago. Seek out the shade of Sesriem Canyon, perhaps taking a cooling dip in one of the natural pools. Or drift above it all in a hot-air balloon.

With all eyes on Sossusvlei, it’s easy to forget the wider picture of this national park: desert trails; the spectacular private NamibRand Nature Reserve; the Naukluft Mountains.

Starkly different, yet every bit as majestic as the desert, the mountains tower over ravines and verdant valleys. Statuesque aloes, euphorbias and quivertrees guard the rocks, where dassies cavort under the watchful eye of black eagles and lanner falcons. Crystal-clear springs trickle down to create verdant oases below. Movement might trigger a glimpse of mountain zebra, oryx or klipspringer. Humans are rare.

Yet these mountains are superb for hiking, from short walks to full-day excursions and more. Explore on horseback if you prefer, staying at traditional guest farms whose hosts have long welcomed visitors. You’ll even find a winery here.

And high above, as darkness falls over the mountains and the desert, Namibia’s magnificent night sky comes into its own: a captivating backdrop for a night spent under the stars.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Best safaris in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Embark on an unforgettable holiday in Namib-Naukluft National Park, a dramatic environment that’s home to some of Namibia’s rarest animals.

Enhance your adventures in this region with visits to Etosha, Damaraland or the Skeleton Coast.

Consider our suggested holidays, such as the Caracal Self-Drive Safari, Hoopoe Fly-In Safari, Flamingo Fly-In Safari, Bateleur Fly-In Safari, Black Wildebeest Self-Drive Safari, and the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari. Then – as all our trips are tailormade – contact us to create a safari that fits you perfectly.


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Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$7,720 - US$10,390 per person

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Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,830 - US$4,330 per person

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Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

11 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.

US$6,440 - US$9,650 per person

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Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$10,250 - US$13,500 per person

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Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

US$5,190 - US$7,080 per person

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Bateleur Fly-in Safari

7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.

US$6,110 - US$9,650 per person

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Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,470 - US$4,460 per person

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Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,810 - US$11,230 per person

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Most recent reviews of our safaris to Namib-Naukluft

Click below to browse all 1074 reviews from Namib-Naukluft National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
1074 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1042
Good
32
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
H family from Surrey

Arrived 21 Sep 2024, 16 nights

"My Sep 2024 trip"

"a wonderful holiday, faultlessly organised …" Read H family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs B from Avon

Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 18 nights

"My Sep 2024 trip"

"A great holiday which fully met our expectations. …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Paul and Jo from Bath

Arrived 14 Sep 2024, 12 nights

"My Sep 2024 trip"

"The trip was fantastic..it was just the best experience. …" Read Paul and Jo’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms R. from San Giuliano T.

Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 14 nights

"A fantastic holiday, beyond our expectations"

"Everything was perfectly organized …" Read Ms R.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

B & N from San Diego

Arrived 23 Jul 2024, 14 nights

"Namibia July 2024"

"Overall, this was one of the best experiences of our lives. …" Read B & N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

K&R from Yorkshire

Arrived 8 Jun 2024, 20 nights

"My Jun 2024 trip"

"The trip was fantastic and we would thoroughly recommend Namibia to anyone. …" Read K&R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs R from Syderstone

Arrived 11 Aug 2024, 23 nights

"My Aug 2024 trip"

"Outstanding! We can’t wait to go again! You do a fantastic job! …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr W from Lincolnshire

Arrived 8 Aug 2024, 19 nights

"My Aug 2024 trip"

"cannot fault the service from Expert Africa....a truly marvellous memorable trip …" Read Mr W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs C from Bucks

Arrived 9 Aug 2024, 17 nights

"My Aug 2024 trip"

"an excellent itinerary, as we have come to expect from the Expert Africa team! …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs M from Hampshire

Arrived 23 Jul 2024, 11 nights

"Our first Namibia trip July 2024"

"we found the itinerary arranged.... by Expert Africa to be top class …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Namib-Naukluft National Park reviews

Where to stay in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namib-Naukluft National Park offers diverse accommodation options, from luxury lodges to rustic retreats, offering the superb mountain and desert settings for which this park is renowned.

Perfect for exploring Sossusvlei's iconic dunes and the park's vast wilderness, the options run from secluded lodges with panoramic views to eco-friendly camps or charming farm stays. Each provides a unique experience, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both.

Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best.


Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge

The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.


92% (358 reviews)
Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge

The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.


97% (219 reviews)
BullsPort Lodge and Farm

BullsPort Lodge & Farm

A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.


90% (196 reviews)
Sossus Dune Lodge

Sossus Dune Lodge

One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.


89% (142 reviews)
Desert Homestead

Desert Homestead

With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.


91% (107 reviews)
Zebra River Lodge

Zebra River Lodge

Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.


91% (94 reviews)
Little Kulala

Little Kulala

A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.


98% (74 reviews)
Rostock Ritz

Rostock Ritz

The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.


89% (45 reviews)
Barkhan Dune Retreat

Barkhan Dune Retreat

Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.


94% (40 reviews)
Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.


92% (34 reviews)
Namib Outpost

Namib Outpost

About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.


97% (20 reviews)
Dead Valley Lodge

Dead Valley Lodge

Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.


88% (19 reviews)
Desert Camp

Desert Camp

Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.


93% (15 reviews)
Desert Quiver Camp

Desert Quiver Camp

Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.


98% (10 reviews)
Elegant Desert Lodge

Elegant Desert Lodge

Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.


74% (7 reviews)
Corona Guest Farm

Corona Guest Farm

In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.


97% (7 reviews)
Namib Desert Lodge

Namib Desert Lodge

Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.


100% (3 reviews)
Sonop

Sonop

Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.


100% (3 reviews)
Camp Sossus

Camp Sossus

Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.


100% (2 reviews)
Le Mirage Lodge

Le Mirage Lodge

Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.


80% (2 reviews)
Desert Hills Glamping Camp

Desert Hills Camp

Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.


90% (2 reviews)
Desert Grace

Desert Grace

A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.


100% (1 review)
The Nest at Sossus

The Nest

Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.


No reviews yet

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Our traveller’s wildlife sightings in Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park offers a unique wildlife experience, showcasing species adapted to its harsh desert environment.

Relatively common sightings in the park include oryx, springbok, wildebeest, giraffes and meerkats, while pangolin and aardvark, although present, are more elusive. Predators such as jackals and both brown and spotted hyenas are found here, while klipspringers and rock hyrax thrive in the mountains.

Hartmann's mountain zebra, a subspecies uniquely suited to the park's rugged terrain, is a particular highlight - commonly seen here, but something of a rarity. These and other species contribute to the park's rich biodiversity, making it an unusual but exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Click on a species below for more information on the top locations in Namib-Naukluft for wildlife sightings, or see our interactive map showing the best locations for individual wildlife species in Namibia. Read how this wildlife survey works.


Oryx

85% success

Zebra

38% success

Wildebeest

25% success

Brown Hyena

12% success

Giraffe

7% success

Meerkat

7% success

Spotted Hyena

3% success

Leopard

1% success

Cheetah

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Aardvark

0% success

When to go to Namib-Naukluft National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Namib-Naukluft in Namibia


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Namibia in January

January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.

Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.

  • Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
  • Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
  • Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
  • Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
  • Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Namibia in February

February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.

Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.

  • Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
  • The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
  • Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
  • Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Namibia in March

March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.

Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.

  • Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
  • Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
  • Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
  • Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
  • Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Namibia in April

Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.

With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.

  • Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
  • Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
  • Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
  • Migrant birds have started to leave
  • Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Namibia in May

By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.

Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.

May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.

  • Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
  • The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
  • Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
  • Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
  • Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Namibia in June

Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.

Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.

Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.

  • Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
  • Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
  • “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
  • Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
  • Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Namibia in July

Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ÂşC/70ÂşF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.

As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).

  • Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
  • Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
  • The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
  • Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
  • A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Namibia in August

August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.

It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.

Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.

  • Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
  • Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
  • Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
  • Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
  • A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Namibia in September

September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.

In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.

  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
  • Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
  • Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
  • High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Namibia in October

Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ÂşC/100ÂşF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.

In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.

  • Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
  • Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
  • The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
  • It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
  • Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Namibia in November

November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.

Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.

  • A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
  • With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
  • Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
  • Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
  • Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Namibia in December

December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!

Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.

Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.

  • Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
  • Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
  • A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
  • Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
  • Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

Namib-Naukluft National Park: In detail

Namib-Naukluft National Park

If your picture of the desert includes enormous Lawrence-of-Arabia dunes, vast gravel plains, towering mountain ranges and deep sculptured canyons, then your image is of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Covering almost 50,000km², it is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and protects one of the oldest deserts on earth (South America’s Atacama Desert being the other contender for this title). The Namib Desert’s scenery is stunning, and its wildlife fascinating; you just need to make the time to observe it. It’s easy to explore the contrasting landscapes by yourself. The roads are spectacular, so make sure you leave plenty of time to stop, take photographs and have a picnic surrounded by space and silence.

Jutting out into the desert are the impressive Naukluft Mountains. Whilst the high plateaux and mountainsides tend to be rocky and sparsely vegetated, the ravines and valleys are verdant. This area receives few visitors but is peaceful, beautiful and ideal for serious hiking.


The Naukluft Mountains

An hour’s drive northeast of Sesriem, the main escarpment juts out into the desert forming a range known as the Naukluft Mountains. In 1968 these were protected within the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park – to conserve a rare breeding population of Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Shortly afterwards, land was bought to the west of the mountains and added to the park, forming a corridor linking these mountains into the Namib National Park. This allowed oryx, zebra and other game to migrate between the two, and in 1979 the parks were formally combined into the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Geology of the Naukluft Mountains
The uniqueness of the area stems from its geology as much as its geographical position. Separated from the rest of the highlands by steep, spectacular cliffs, the Naukluft Mountains form a plateau. Underneath this, to a height of about 1,100m, is mostly granite. Above this base are alternating layers of dolomites and shales, with extensive deposits of dark limestone, rising to about 1,995m. Over the millennia, rainwater has gradually cut into this massif, dissolving the rock and forming steep kloofs, or ravines, and a network of watercourses and reservoirs – many of which are subterranean. The name Naukluft, which means "narrow ravine", is apt for the landscape.

Where these waters surface, in the deeper valleys, there are crystal-clear springs and pools – ideal for cooling dips. Often these are decorated by impressive formations of smooth tufa – limestone that has been re-deposited by the water over waterfalls.

Flora and fauna of the Naukluft

Receiving occasional heavy rainstorms in summer that feed its network of springs and streams in its deeper kloofs, the Naukluft supports a surprisingly varied flora and fauna. Its high plateau and mountainsides tend to be rocky with poor, if any, soil. Here are distinctive euphorbia, acacia, commiphora and aloe plants (including quivertrees – which are found in a dense stand in Quivertree Gorge). Most are low, slow-growing species, adapted to conserving water during the dry season. The variations of slope and situation result in many different niches suiting a wide variety of different species.

Down in the deeper kloofs, where there are permanent springs, the vegetation is totally different, with many more lush, broad-leaf species. Wild, cluster and sycamore figs are particularly prevalent, whilst you should also be able to spot camelthorn, buffalo thorn, wild olive and shepherd’s trees.

The Naukluft has many animals, including large mammals, though all are elusive and difficult to spot. Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, kudu and klipspringer are occasionally seen fleeing over the horizon (usually in the far distance). Steenbok and the odd sunbathing dassie are equally common, and springbok, warthog and ostrich occur, but are more often found on the plains around the mountains. The mountains should be a classic place for leopard and the smaller cats – as many small mammals are found here – but these are almost never seen.

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and a useful annotated checklist is available from the park office. The Naukluft are at the southern limit of the range of many species of the northern Namib – Rüppell’s parrot, rosy-faced lovebirds and Monteiro’s hornbill all occur here, as do species typical of the south like the Karoo robin and chat. In the wetter kloofs, watch for species that you wouldn’t find in the drier parts of the park, like the water-loving hamerkop, brubru and even African black ducks. Raptors are usually seen soaring above. Black eagles, lanner falcons, augur buzzards and pale chanting goshawks are common.

Sesriem and Sossusvlei area

When people speak of visiting the Namib Desert, this is often the area they mean. The classic desert scenery around Sesriem and Sossusvlei is the stuff of postcards – enormous apricot dunes with gracefully curving ridges, invariably pictured in the sharp light of dawn with a photogenic oryx or feathery acacia adjacent.

Sesriem and Sossusvlei lie on the Tsauchab River, one of two large rivers (the other being the Tsondab, further north) that flow westward into the great dune field of the central Namib, but never reach the ocean. Both end by forming flat white pans dotted with green trees, surrounded by spectacular dunes – islands of life within a sea of sand.

Sesriem Canyon
About 4km from Sesriem, following the signs left as you enter the gates, is Sesriem Canyon. This is a narrow fissure in the sandstone, 30m deep in places, carved by the Tsauchab River. It was used by the early settlers, who drew water from it by knotting together six lengths of hide rope (called riems). Hence it became known as ses riems.

For some of the year, the river’s bed is marked by pools of blissfully cool water, reached via an easy path of steps cut into the rock. It’s a place to swim and relax – perfect for the heat of the day. At other times, though, the water can be almost stagnant and definitely not a place to bathe – except for the large frogs that are marooned in these pools. It’s also worth following the watercourse 500m upriver from the steps, where you’ll find it before it descends into the canyon – another great place to bathe at times.

Sossusvlei area
The road from Sesriem to Sossusvlei is soon confined into a corridor, flanked by huge dunes. Gradually, this narrows, becoming a few kilometres wide. This unique parting of the southern Namib’s great sand sea has probably been maintained over the millennia by the action of the Tsauchab River and the wind.

Although the river seldom flows, note the green camelthorn, Vachellia erioloba, which thrives here, clearly indicating permanent underground water. Continuing westwards, the present course of the river is easy to spot parallel with the road. Look around for the many dead acacia trees that mark old courses of the river, now dried up. Some of these have been dated at over 500 years old.

Dead Vlei is an old pan with merely the skeletons of trees left – some over 500 years old. Many consider it to be more starkly beautiful than Sossusvlei.

Sossusvlei & Nara Vlei is as far as the pans extend. Beyond here, only tall sand dunes separate you from the Atlantic Ocean. Most years, the ground here is a flat silvery-white pan of fine mud that has dried into a crazy-paving pattern. Upon this are huge sand mounds collected by nara bushes, and periodic feathery camelthorn trees drooping gracefully. All around the sinuous shapes of the Namib’s (and some claim the world’s) largest sand dunes stretch up to 300m high. It’s a stunning, surreal environment.

Perhaps once every decade, Namibia receives really torrential rain. Storms deluge the Naukluft’s ravines and the Tsauchab sweeps out towards the Atlantic in a flash flood, surging into the desert and pausing only briefly to fill its canyon.

Floods so powerful are rare, and Sossusvlei can fill overnight. Though the Tsauchab will subside quickly, the vlei remains full. Miraculous lilies emerge to bloom, and the bright yellow devil thorn flowers (Tribulus species) carpet the water’s edge. Surreal scenes reflect in the lake, as dragonflies hover above its polished surface. Birds arrive and luxuriant growth flourishes, making the most of this ephemeral treat.

These waters recede from most of the pan rapidly, concentrating in Sossusvlei, where they can remain for months. While they are there, the area’s birdlife changes radically, as waterbirds and waders will often arrive, along with opportunist insectivores. Meanwhile, less than a kilometre east, over a dune, the main pan is as dry as dust, and looks as if it hasn’t seen water in decades.

Individual dunes afford superb views across this landscape, with some of the best from “Big Daddy”. It’s a strenuous climb to the top, looking out across to “Big Mama”, but the climb, followed by a long walk, are rewarded by the spectacle of Dead Vlei laid out below – and the fun of running down the slip-face to reach it.

History of the Namib-Naukluft National Park

The park has grown gradually to its present size. In 1907 the area between the Kuiseb and Swakop rivers was proclaimed as Game Reserve No 3. Later, in 1941, it was augmented by the addition of Sandwich Harbour. In 1956 the Kuiseb Canyon and Swakop River Valley were added, along with the Welwitschia Plains, and in 1968 the park was renamed the Namib Desert Park. In 1979 a large area of what was the protected Diamond Area No 2 was added, including Sesriem and Sossusvlei, and the park was officially joined to the Naukluft Park, creating the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Most recently, in 1986, the rest of Diamond Area No 2 was incorporated, taking the park’s southern boundary as far south as the main road to Lüderitz, and increasing its area to its present size of 49,768km2 – larger than Switzerland, or about the same as Maryland and New Jersey combined.

Natural environment of the Namib-Naukluft

Though much of the interest in the Namib-Naukluft national park is the wildlife, the area’s geology and landforms are also fascinating and well worth understanding. The four basic types of environment found here, and some of their highlights are:

Sand Dunes
Dunes are everybody’s idea of a desert, and generally thought of as being bare and lifeless. Whilst this is not inaccurate for many deserts, the Namib is sufficiently old for endemic species to have evolved. Various grasses grow on some of the more stable dunes, but most of the vegetable matter comes from wind-blown detritus. This collects at the bottom of the dunes, to be eaten by fish-moths (silver-fish), crickets and the many tenebrionid beetles – or tok tokkies, as they are known – near the base of the food chain. Particular tenebrionid species occur in specific environments, with those in the coastal fog belt adapting ingeniously to harness the available moisture.

These then provide food for spiders, geckos, lizards and chameleons which, in turn, fall prey to sidewinder snakes. Rare Grant’s golden moles eat any small beetles or larvae that they can catch, and birds are mobile enough to move in and out of the dunes in search of the smaller animals. Endemic to this region is the dune lark, which is seldom found outside the dune areas.

River Valleys & Pans
The river valleys that run through the Namib are linear oases. Though dry on the surface, their permanent underground water sustains trees and bushes, like the camelthorn, Vachellia erioloba, and nara melon, Acanthosicyos horrida, found in the middle of the great dune sea at Sossusvlei. Other common river-valley trees include the ana tree Faidherbia albida, the shepherd’s tree, Boscia albitrunca, easily identified by its white trunk; the wild green-hair tree, Parkinsonia africana and the marvellously weeping false ebony, Euclea pseudebenus.

The lush vegetation found in these valleys makes them a favourite for numerous insects and birds, as well as larger mammals like oryx, kudu and springbok. These are the most likely areas to find nocturnal cats from leopard to caracal, especially where the rivers cut through mountains rather than dunes.

Gravel Plains
Throughout the desert, and especially north of the Kuiseb River, the Namib has many expansive, flat plains of rock and stone. These come alive during the rains, when they will quickly be covered with tall thin grass and creeping yellow flowers, attracting herds of oryx, springbok and even Hartmann’s mountain zebra. During drier times there are fewer large mammals around, but still at night black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the occasional aardvark forage for termites, while bat-eared and Cape foxes scavenge for insects, reptiles, and anything else edible. Spotted hyena and even the rare brown hyena are sometimes recorded here. Both leave distinctive white droppings, but only the sociable spotted hyenas make such eerie, mournful calls.

Resident larger birds include ostrich, secretary birds, Rüppell’s korhaan and Ludwig’s bustard, while enthusiastic birdwatchers will seek the pale, apparently insignificant Gray’s lark (amongst other larks), which is endemic to the gravel plains of the Namib.

Inselbergs & Mountain Outcrops
Throughout the Namib there are mountains, often of granite or limestone. Some, like many between Sesriem and Sossusvlei, have become submerged beneath the great dune sea. Others, especially north of the Kuiseb River, jut up through the flat desert floor like giant worm casts on a well-kept lawn. These isolated mountains surrounded by gravel plains are inselbergs (from the German for "island-mountain") – and they have their own flora and fauna. Euphorbia, acacia, commiphora, zygophyllum and aloe species are common, whilst the succulent lithops (often called living rocks, for their pebble-like shape) occur here, though less frequently.

Many inselbergs are high enough to collect moisture from morning fogs, which sustain succulents and aloes, and with them whole communities of invertebrates. Temporary pools in crevices can be particularly interesting, and there’s a whole microcosm of small water creatures that lay drought-resistant eggs. These survive years of desiccation, to hatch when the pools do finally fill.
The open land affords perfect perches for raptors: lappet-faced vultures, greater kestrels and red-necked falcons are typical of this environment. Also watch for sandgrouse, which congregate at water around dusk and dawn, and other well-camouflaged foraging birds.

The Gamsberg Plateau

One dominant geological feature just east of the Naukluft Mountains is the Gamsberg Plateau, a 2,347m-high sandstone table mountain that is part of the Khomas Hochland Mountains. The night sky here is exceptionally clear, with very little pollution of any kind (light or otherwise), making it one of the best places on earth from which to study the stars. Making the most of this, the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, which owns a 6km² area of the plateau, has built an observatory here.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve

South of Sesriem the NamibRand Nature Reserve protects a beautiful area of desert. Low dune fields cut into the desert plains, with mountains visible in the distance. At sunrise the contrast of the ochre sand, yellow grasses and long dark shadows make for spectacular photography. It’s a magical, captivating place. With a number of lodges within the reserve we have split this off into its own distinct area.

To do justice to this region and explore the mountains and the dunes properly, stay for three nights. With more time, it's best to split your stay between Sesriem and either the Naukluft Mountains or the NamibRand Reserve.

Map of Namib-Naukluft National Park

Choices for where to stay in Namib-Naukluft National Park


Reference map

Namib-Naukluft National Park: Safaris

Embarking on a safari in the Namib-Naukluft National Park offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Namibia's most iconic landscapes: a vast expanse of desert, mountains and unique wildlife.

To enhance your Namibian experience, consider combining a trip here with visits to other remarkable areas such as Etosha National Park or Damaraland, as well as the vibrant capital, Windhoek.

Among our most popular holidays in the Namib-Naukluft are the Caracal Self-Drive Safari, which allows you to explore at your own pace, and the Hoopoe Fly-In Safari, offering a bird's-eye view of the stunning terrain. For those seeking a blend of luxury and adventure, the Flamingo Fly-In Safari and Bateleur Fly-In Safari provide exceptional aerial perspectives and exclusive lodgings. Alternatively, the Black Wildebeest Self-Drive Safari and Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari offer a mix of driving and flying, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of this magnificent region.

These are just ideas; we'll always tailor-make a trip for you so do give us a call.


Showing 1-12 of 14
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
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Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,830 - US$4,330 per person

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Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

11 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.

US$6,440 - US$9,650 per person

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Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

US$5,190 - US$7,080 per person

Itinerary image

Bateleur Fly-in Safari

7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.

US$6,110 - US$9,650 per person

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Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,470 - US$4,460 per person

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Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,810 - US$11,230 per person

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Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$4,940 - US$6,050 per person

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Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

US$3,010 - US$5,390 per person

Itinerary image

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

US$6,050 - US$9,010 per person

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Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,220 - US$10,370 per person

Itinerary image

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$7,720 - US$10,390 per person

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Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,420 - US$8,600 per person

Showing 1-12 of 14
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Our best 23 lodges and safari camps in and around Namib-Naukluft National Park

With its blend of luxury and adventure, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is a prime destination for safari and wilderness enthusiasts.

Distributed through the park are lodges of many styles that provide easy access to its stunning landscapes: the towering red dunes of the Sossusvlei area, and the rugged Naukluft Mountains, which offer breathtaking hiking trails.

Typically you can expect a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern comfort from these lodges, often incorporating natural materials and eco-friendly designs that blend seamlessly with the environment. Among the most sought-after are Kulala Desert Lodge, renowned for its private access to Sossusvlei, and Sossusvlei Lodge, celebrated for its panoramic views and luxurious amenities.

Whether you seek solitude in the desert or the thrill of outdoor activities, Namib-Naukluft National Park's lodges can provide an unforgettable safari experience.


Showing 1-12 of 23
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge

The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.


92% (358 reviews)
Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge

The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.


97% (219 reviews)
BullsPort Lodge and Farm

BullsPort Lodge & Farm

A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.


90% (196 reviews)
Sossus Dune Lodge

Sossus Dune Lodge

One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.


89% (142 reviews)
Desert Homestead

Desert Homestead

With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.


91% (107 reviews)
Zebra River Lodge

Zebra River Lodge

Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.


91% (94 reviews)
Little Kulala

Little Kulala

A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.


98% (74 reviews)
Rostock Ritz

Rostock Ritz

The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.


89% (45 reviews)
Barkhan Dune Retreat

Barkhan Dune Retreat

Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.


94% (40 reviews)
Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.


92% (34 reviews)
Namib Outpost

Namib Outpost

About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.


97% (20 reviews)
Dead Valley Lodge

Dead Valley Lodge

Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.


88% (19 reviews)
Showing 1-12 of 23

Excursions in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Optional, extra day-trips and excursions that are possible while you’re staying in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Talk to us: these excursions are usually best arranged before you go.


Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Half day, including breakfast

Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.

More about Ballooning
95% (80 reviews)
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Full day, including lunch

Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried.

More about Hoodia excursion
97% (89 reviews)
Scenic flights in Namibia

Scenic flights in Namibia

Variable, depending on the flight

Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.

More about Scenic flights
94% (7 reviews)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Namib-Naukluft National Park FAQs


When is the best time to visit Namib-Naukluft National Park?

The best time to visit Namib-Naukluft National Park is during the cooler months from May to September. During this period, daytime temperatures are more manageable, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and nights can be cold. This season also has minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and photography. Avoid the extreme heat of the summer months from October to April, when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F).

Find out more detail about the best time to visit this area in the When to Go section.

How do I get to Namib-Naukluft National Park?

The park is accessible by road and air. The nearest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. From here, you can hire a car or take a guided drive for the drive of approximately 350km (217 miles) to Sesriem, the park's main entrance, via the C19 and C27. Alternatively, charter flights are available to airstrips near the park, where lodge guests are usually met by their hosts.

Are there guided tours available for Namib-Naukluft National Park?

Most lodges offer guided trips for their guests. In addition, various tour operators run guided excursions within the park, from day trips to multi-day safaris, and from luxury tours to budget-friendly group trips. As well as major attractions, such as Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, tours can be arranged into the Naukluft Mountains. Experienced guides provide valuable insights into the park's geology, flora and fauna. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

What activities are available in Namib-Naukluft National Park?

Close to Sossusvlei, dune climbing is popular, notably including Dune 45 and Big Daddy, while photography is a must, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Hiking trails in the Naukluft Mountains offer varying levels of difficulty - with horseriding also possible. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are additional attractions, with guided tours enhancing the experience. Visitors can also explore Sesriem Canyon, go on scenic drives, and indulge in hot-air balloon rides.

How big is Namib-Naukluft National Park?

This huge park covers an area of approximately 49,768 square kilometers (19,215 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. The park encompasses diverse landscapes, including part of the Namib Desert, the Naukluft Mountains, and an extensive coastline that stretches as far north as Swakopmund. Its vast size allows for a wide range of habitats and geological features, contributing to its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

What should I pack for a visit to Namib-Naukluft National Park?

With typically hot, shadeless days and cool nights, you’ll need to pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime, with the addition of warmer layers for the evenings. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Bring sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent. A reusable water bottle is crucial for staying hydrated. Binoculars and a camera are useful for wildlife viewing and photography. If you’re driving yourself, basic first-aid supplies would be sensible, as would a detailed map and a GPS device.

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