Best camps for walking safaris in Namibia
See our comments on good places for walking and hiking in Namibia for ideas of camps and lodges like this, which offer general walking and hiking.
Meanwhile, one or two places in Namibia do offer 'proper' walking safaris - and between them they cover a wide variety of environments. Namibia doesn't have strong national standards for walking safari guides, and hence it's doubly important to take care about which lodges we recommend for walking safaris.
That said, with very open terrain, and generally low densities of big game, the risks of a close encounter with dangerous big game is generally a little lower than further east in Africa. (Don't be fooled; it's still possible.)
Speak to one of our Namibia specialists about where you can find great walking safaris in Namibia, accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$5,180 - US$7,070 per person
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$6,040 - US$8,990 per person
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp concentrates on tracking Namibia's desert-dwelling black rhino. Typically you'll start in a vehicle, then after finding the animals, will approach them on foot led by well-trained (and unarmed) guides. It's a thrilling experience!
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp offers guided walking safaris focusing on the smaller things you may miss from the safari vehicle, such as the vegetation, tracks and trails, birds and insects. Larger game may also be encountered.
Bateleur Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$6,100 - US$9,630 per person
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp offers guided walking safaris focusing on the smaller things you may miss from the safari vehicle, such as the vegetation, tracks and trails, birds and insects. Larger game may also be encountered.
Brown Hyena Self-drive
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$8,210 - US$10,350 per person
Onguma Tented Camp
A walking safari if a great way to experience a different side of the bush. Explore the Onguma Reserve with a professional guide from Onguma Tented Camp and focus on the smaller things on a bush walk.
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$7,710 - US$10,370 per person
Mundulea Reserve
Mundulea brings a very different perspective to a walking safari in Namibia, with one of the best guides in the business. The reserve boasts rare and unusual species, but walking safaris here are more about understanding the environment as a whole.
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Hoopoe Fly-in Safari
11 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$6,420 - US$9,630 per person
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari
9 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$10,590 - US$16,140 per person
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp concentrates on tracking Namibia's desert-dwelling black rhino. Typically you'll start in a vehicle, then after finding the animals, will approach them on foot led by well-trained (and unarmed) guides. It's a thrilling experience!
Monteiro's Hornbill Fly-in Safari
9 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$10,350 - US$14,930 per person
Safarihoek Lodge
Safarihoek Lodge offers guided walks for more adventurous guests. Begin with a short drive from the lodge before the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing Namibia’s animals big and small.
Goshawk Fly-in Safari
12 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$12,260 - US$20,270 per person
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp offers guided walking safaris focusing on the smaller things you may miss from the safari vehicle, such as the vegetation, tracks and trails, birds and insects. Larger game may also be encountered.
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$3,000 - US$5,370 per person
Safarihoek Lodge
Safarihoek Lodge offers guided walks for more adventurous guests. Begin with a short drive from the lodge before the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing Namibia’s animals big and small.
Best camps & lodges for Walking safaris in Namibia
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp concentrates on tracking Namibia's desert-dwelling black rhino. Typically you'll start in a vehicle, then after finding the animals, will approach them on foot led by well-trained (and unarmed) guides. It's a thrilling experience!
Mundulea Reserve
Mundulea brings a very different perspective to a walking safari in Namibia, with one of the best guides in the business. The reserve boasts rare and unusual species, but walking safaris here are more about understanding the environment as a whole.
Andersson's at Ongava
The focus of walking safaris from Andersson's is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's species. Lead by expertly trained, armed guides this a great way to experience the bush from a different perspective.
Ongava Lodge
Expertly trained, armed guides lead walking safaris from Ongava Lodge in the Ongava Reserve. The focus of these walks is often on tracking white rhino, although you may also see some of the reserve's wide variety of other game species.
Nkasa Lupala
Experience the lush environment of the Caprivi Strip on a walking safari from Nkasa Lupala. Led by a professional guide and an armed community ranger this is a great opportunity to experience the bush from a different perspective.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Experience the lush environment of Namibia's Babwata National Park on a walking safari from Nambwa. Led by a professional guide this is a great opportunity to focus on the small things and see the bush in a different light.
Safarihoek Lodge
Safarihoek Lodge offers guided walks for more adventurous guests. Begin with a short drive from the lodge before the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing Namibia’s animals big and small.
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp offers guided walking safaris focusing on the smaller things you may miss from the safari vehicle, such as the vegetation, tracks and trails, birds and insects. Larger game may also be encountered.
Onguma Tented Camp
A walking safari if a great way to experience a different side of the bush. Explore the Onguma Reserve with a professional guide from Onguma Tented Camp and focus on the smaller things on a bush walk.
Onguma Camp Kala
Want a break from Namibia's bumpy roads? Why not stretch your legs on a walking safari, accompanied by a guide from Onguma Camp Kala? It's a great way to see another side of the bush.
Onguma The Fort
A bush walks is a great way to stretch your legs and get closer to nature. Explore the Onguma Reserve with a guide and get closer to animals big and small on a walking safari.
Kazile Island Lodge
Led by a professional guide a walking safari from Kazile Island Lodge is great opportunity to focus on the small things and see things often missed from a 4WD.
Walking safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking safaris in other countries.
Botswana
Botswana isn't well known for walking safaris. This stems primarily from the lack of strong national ...
Kenya
Walking is prohibited in most of Kenya's national parks and reserves; driving is often the only option...
Tanzania
Tanzania classifies its wild areas in different ways, each with different rules - meaning that ...
Zambia
Zambia offers Africa's widest choice of reliably excellent walking safaris. Strict guiding exams ...
Zimbabwe
Walking can be a big part of a safari in Zimbabwe. Exceptionally high guiding standards due to ...
Where to see wildlife species in Namibia
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,422 sightings from 2,056 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,118 sightings from 3,424 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
661 sightings from 2,201 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
526 sightings from 1,230 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,971 sightings from 4,369 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,289 sightings from 4,066 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
92 sightings from 446 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,792 sightings from 3,370 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,806 sightings from 4,433 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,915 sightings from 3,260 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,355 sightings from 4,294 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
261 sightings from 1,655 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,117 sightings from 4,509 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
956 sightings from 3,010 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,671 sightings from 3,981 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,613 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 3,586 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
48% SUCCESS
1,553 sightings from 3,212 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,170 sightings from 4,958 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
536 sightings from 2,226 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
517 sightings from 2,237 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 367 observations
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