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Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Wolwedans Desert Lodge


25°5’47.6"S 15°58’9.8"E

About Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Wolwedans Desert Lodge is situated on the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of 2,100km² located ...

... in the Namib Desert in southern Namibia. Built along the top of a dune plateau and overlooking the desert in all directions, this is the most substantial property in the Wolwedans Collection.

Wolwedans Desert Lodge feels very luxurious and we've enjoyed superb food here on our visits over the years. The lodge's open design allows visitors to get the most out of the spectacular views from its perch atop the dunes, both during the day and at night. But for us the real luxury of Wolwedans is the sense of space and tranquillity, enhanced by exploration with a passionate, knowledgeable guide.

Our view

Wolwedans Desert Lodge feels very luxurious and we've enjoyed superb food here on our visits over the years. The lodge's open design allows visitors to get the most out of the spectacular views from its perch atop the dunes, both during the day and at night. But for us the real luxury of Wolwedans is the sense of space and tranquillity, enhanced by exploration with a passionate, knowledgeable guide.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Accommodation

9 chalets, 1 suite

Children

Best for 14+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Wolwedans Desert Lodge

81 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


95%
81 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
63
Good
15
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs LfromBirmingham

Arrived 3 Oct 2022, 2 nights

"Wolwedans Desert Lodge review"

"We really enjoyed our trip to Wolwedans …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms TCfromFlorida

Arrived 28 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Wolwedans Desert Lodge review"

"Taking the costs into consideration, I was rather disappointed with the room, …" Read Ms TC’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs OfromN Ireland

Arrived 26 Apr 2022, 2 nights

"Wolwedans Desert Lodge review"

"What an amazing location! Great views.. beautiful landscape.. excellent drives.. …" Read Mr & Mrs O’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs DfromLondon

Arrived 1 Sep 2019, 3 nights

"The Perfect Finale at Wolwedans"

"An excellent finale to our amazing trip. …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Dr NfromEdinburgh

Arrived 25 May 2019, 2 nights

"Wolwedans Dunes Lodge review"

"Amazing elevated setting with lovely public areas. …" Read Mr & Dr N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs F.fromParis

Arrived 15 May 2019, 3 nights

"Wolwedans Dunes Lodge review"

"the suite was marvellous..the cooker was perfect and the guide also.. …" Read Mrs F.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

AmigosfromSpain

Arrived 15 Sep 2018, 2 nights

"Wolwedans Dunes Lodge review"

"The location... is incredible.. views have to be seen to be appreciated …" Read Amigos’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr J.fromLondon

Arrived 6 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Wolwedans Dunes Lodge review"

"Unfortunately our stay was severely affected by very cold weather and our room …" Read Dr J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

T & Tfromwoodside

Arrived 15 Jul 2018, 2 nights

"Super awesome!"

"This place is a bunch of superlatives. …" Read T & T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs TfromReading

Arrived 6 Jul 2018, 3 nights

"Stunning introduction to Namibia"

"We were bowled over by the incredible location of this place. …" Read Mrs T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Wolwedans Desert Lodge reviews

Safaris visiting Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
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.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 5 other areas

US$9,150 - US$10,090 per person

Read more about the Brown Hyena Self-drive

Wolwedans Desert Lodge: Our full report

Wolwedans Desert Lodge is situated on the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of 2,100km² located ...

... in the Namib Desert in southern Namibia. Built along the top of a dune plateau and overlooking the desert in all directions, this is the most substantial property in the Wolwedans Collection.

Wolwedans Desert Lodge, formerly Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, is one of four camps in the Wolwedans Collection, the others being Wolwedans Dune Camp, Wolwedans Plains Camp and the luxurious Boulders Camp.

Accommodation at Desert Lodge is made up predominantly of wooden chalets, one suitable for a family, but there's also a separate and more secluded suite.

  • Nine wooden chalets are built on stilts above the dunes, surrounded by wooden split-level decks, with built-in benches, relaxing sunloungers and canvas directors' chairs. The bedrooms are stunning: solid wooden beds draped with mosquito nets and made up with high-quality linen. Canvas blinds, which form the wall panels, can be rolled up to reveal magnificent views of the surrounding desert. Stargaze from your bed, then wake to a front-row view of the sunrise! Alternatively, you can request for your bed to be moved onto your veranda so that you can sleep under the stars. The spacious room is also kitted out with a luggage rack, writing desk and comfortable seating.

    Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, flush toilet and twin handbasins. Complimentary soaps, lotions and small vanity kits are thoughtful extra touches.
  • The family chalet is in the same style as the other wooden chalets, but has two bedrooms sharing the bathroom and other facilities. The second bedroom is separated from the master room by a canvas wall, which would make it ideal for families with small children.
  • The larger one-bedroom Mountain View Suite is located a little away from the others, making it more private and secluded. Further benefits of this slightly more costly suite include a private guide and vehicle, as well as a private valet. Guests here also have a small kitchenette and their own chef, so they can choose to dine in their suite if they prefer, rather than at the lodge. The suite also comes with its own private plunge pool.
Sandy paths and walkways over the dunes connect the chalets to the hub of the camp, a collection of canvas-and-wood rooms built on a large wooden platform and open to the surrounding desert. Here you'll find a comfortable bar and lounge with leather armchairs, a separate library, and two dining rooms. Dinner is usually hosted in the dining rooms around large communal tables, although the individual tables used for breakfast and lunch can be requested for dinner as well. The dinner menu is often presented by the chefs in their mother tongue, followed by the English translation and sometimes a traditional song. The food is excellent.

A special feature of Wolwedans Desert Lodge is the chilled, subterranean wine cellar, which houses a selection of really good wines, and is also used for wine tasting or – on request – candlelit private dinners, perhaps for a honeymoon or anniversary.

Sundown is particularly memorable at Desert Lodge, as the evening light hits the Losberg Mountain across the dune plains in front of the camp and turns it a magnificent red. Taking advantage of this are the various 'sundowner' decks that surround the main area. On the tea deck, guests are welcome to help themselves to tea, coffee and cookies during the day, and in front is an open deck with a fireplace, which – as we discovered on one stay in June – makes a cosy spot on a chilly evening for a bit of stargazing after dinner. In 2012, the NamibRand was designated as a 'dark sky reserve' by the International Dark-Sky Association, with little or no light pollution, so the stargazing on a clear night is excellent.

There is also a swimming pool, set in another large wooden deck built up on stilts to the rear of the camp. Comfortable sunloungers and hammocks shaded by canopies are the perfect place to relax after a refreshing swim.

Activities at Wolwedans Desert Lodge focus on exploring some fascinating facets of the Namib – said to be the world's oldest desert. A two-night stay usually begins with an afternoon nature drive, which leads into sundowners. This is followed by a full-day excursion to explore the further reaches of the reserve, and includes an alfresco picnic lunch and nature walks. Alternatively, for visitors who'd just like to sit back and take in the magnificent surroundings, there is the option of a morning and afternoon drive, split by time at the lodge. On our last stay, our guide was excellent and knowledgeable, with a real passion for the area; he really succeeded in bringing the desert alive for us, knowing when to share, and when simply to allow us to enjoy the tranquillity, scenery and space. There is also the option of an early-morning Bushman walk, lasting around 1.5-2 hours and guided by members of the Khoisan people. Although we have not done one of these walks, we gather that they are entertaining trips, with the guides explaining their interpretation and use of the environment around them.

For an extra cost, Wolwedans Desert Lodge also offers massages, which can be even taken in the dunes. Scenic flights and hot-air ballooning can booked, too, although the distance involved to the hot-air ballooning launch site makes for a very early start. The lodge also offers weddings – as witnessed by the wedding photos displayed on the walls in the lounge.

Geographics

Location
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
We recommend at least two nights at Wolwedans Desert Lodge in order to fully explore and appreciate the desert surroundings.
Directions
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is situated about 400km south-west of Windhoek. From the main gate of the reserve, follow the signs for about 20km to the Wolwedans reception at Wolwedans farmhouse. Your guide will meet you here and transfer you the short distance to the lodge after you've checked in. There is an airstrip at the farmhouse for those on a fly-in trip.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Cuisine is a big part of any stay at Wolwedans, and a matter of pride for their chefs. On our most recent visit in October 2016 we only had the chance to sample the lunch, but on a previous stay, in June 2014, we found it very difficult to find fault with the meals.

A substantial breakfast is available before heading out on the day's activities. Guests are invited to select as many items as they would like from the menu, which included cereal, fruit salad, yoghurt, bread rolls and toast, cold meats, cheese, pancakes, and oats or porridge, as well as a hot cooked breakfast. Drink options included fruit juices, hot chocolate and cappuccino, in addition to filter coffee and tea.

Lunch is usually a picnic laid out in the desert during a full-day activity. When we had lunch at the lodge in October 2016 we had three plated courses: a tasty cheese and onion spring roll, followed by a light chicken and couscous salad, and finished by a fluffy chocolate mousse in a filo pastry cup.

A four-course dinner is served at around 8.00pm, although this could be as late at 9.00pm in summer. On our last stay we started with a delicate olive tapenade with roasted peppers and pesto, followed by beef roulade with aubergine and horseradish sauce. The main course was fillet of fish served with ratatouille, and it was all rounded off by a delectable white and dark chocolate mousse served in a homemade pastry basket. The portions were very reasonable, not too big, and the whole meal was delicious!
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Most drinks are included at Wolwedans Desert Lodge. The exceptions are premium-brand or imported spirits and vintage wines/champagne, which will cost extra and are paid for locally.

Water is drinkable from the taps.

Special interests

Honeymoons
The landscapes of the NamibRand Reserve seem to inspire romance and a sense of wellbeing: perfect for a honeymoon in Namibia. It's easy to steal time alone in this spectacular and remote setting, especially in the secluded Mountain View Suite.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia
Riding holidays
For those keen to explore part of Namibia on horseback ,Wolwedans Desert Lodge is a fantastic option. Approach herds of oryx, climb sand dunes and soak in the vistas of the NamibRand Reserve with an expert guide.
See ideas for Riding holidays in Namibia
Cultural Experiences
It's hard to comprehend survival in the wilderness of the NamibRand without refrigeration or water on tap. But take a guided walk from Wolwedans Desert Lodge, and learn how Namibia’s Khoisan peoples and their culture thrived in this desiccated landscape.
See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Namibia
Luxury
The food at Wolwedans Desert Lodge is outstanding and can be enjoyed at charming indoor and outdoor dining areas with lovely views on the surroundings. A pool with shady sun loungers and a comfy outside lounge are terrific locations to enjoy a luxurious safari experience.
See ideas for Luxury in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Wolwedans Desert Lodge welcomes children over the age of six years old.
Property’s age restrictions
The minimum age limit is six years old.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
Cots and highchairs can be provided on request. The lodge will also put an extra bed in a chalet for a child aged 6–12 to share with his/her parents. The family chalet offers accommodation suitable for a family of four.
Generally recommended for children
Wolwedans Desert Lodge has quite an adult atmosphere and would suit older children with an interest in the natural environment. We believe that families are likely to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the Wolwedans Private Camp more, because meals and activities can be tailored to suit the whole family.
Notes
The pool is unfenced and as the lodge is mostly raised on stilts there are some unfenced drops. Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Wolwedans Desert Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Oryx

100% success

Zebra

90% success

Giraffe

11% success

Wildebeest

11% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Meerkat

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There are no plug points in the chalets, but there is a communal charging station in the main area. Visitors will need to bring their own adaptors.
Communications
There is a telephone and WiFi in the main reception building, and intermittent cellphone reception.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The showers are plumbed in, and Desert Lodge has flushing toilets.

Sustainability

Wolwedans Desert Lodge sustainability

Offering organic dishes from farm to plate

Comprising of nine chalets, each with a private verandah offering panoramic views of the Namib Desert, Wolwedans Desert Lodge provides all the comforts of a permanent establishment, whilst maintaining the feeling of an authentic tented camp. Owning and carefully managing its own organic garden reveal the lodge’s dedication to nature conservation and staff training.

Picked daily straight from the desert garden, Dune’s organic home-grown fruits and vegetables do not only enhance guests’ culinary experiences but also significantly reduce the lodge’s carbon footprint. Additionally, Dune is committed to enhancing its staff’s employability skills, and therefore sends its gardeners at the Namibian Institute of Culinary Education where they receive professional training. A firm believer that the cost of education should not be a barrier to education, the lodge offers the training for free or requires the participant to pay only a small fee, with the majority of the costs being covered by external grants or donations.

Looking into the future, Dune Lodge plans to start producing its own eggs, increase the crop variety, and hire an executive gardener. The final aim is to turn the garden it a self-sustaining business, therefore increasing employment opportunities and financial benefits for the local community.

See more great sustainability projects in Namibia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
The closest doctor is in the town of Mariental. In a medical emergency, guests would be flown by light aircarft to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Wolwedans is largely protected by its remote location, but a team of staff members sleeps on site (near the main area) at night and an air horn is provided in each chalet to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are strategically placed around the camp and at the entrance to each chalet, as well as in the bathroom.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is available at an extra charge.
Money
The lodge does not offer a currency-exchange facility. A safe is provided in each chalet for storing valuables.
Accepted payment on location
Payments in Namibian dollars and South African rands, or by Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at Wolwedans.

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Wolwedans Desert Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Wolwedans Desert Lodge.


Excursions from Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Wolwedans Desert Lodge. Talk to us: these 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% (84 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)

Other lodges in NamibRand Nature Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Wolwedans Dune Camp

Wolwedans Dune Camp

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Tok Tokkie Trails

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

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Kwessi Dunes

Kwessi Dunes

Kwessi Dune Lodge is a new property in the NamibRand Nature reserve promising to offer a luxurious stay in the wonderfully remote NamibRand Reserve.


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Wolwedans Boulders Camp

Wolwedans Boulders

Hidden away in a remote corner of the NamibRand enjoy good food and attentive service at the exclusive Wolwedans Boulders Camp.


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Wolwedans Plains Camp

Wolwedans Plains Camp

With just three bedrooms, private chef and private guide, Wolwedans Plains Camp offers for peace and seclusion in a stunning setting.


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When to go to NamibRand Nature Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Wolwedans Desert Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve


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 20ºC/70ºF) 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 40ºC/100ºF, 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

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