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Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia
Walking safaris in Namibia

Getting close to game on foot with a train guide is an amazing experience.

Meeting Ongava's rhinos on foot

Namibia walking safaris

Best camps for walking safaris in Namibia

Namibia has some of Africa's most dramatic scenery and many great hikes and walking trails: it's an amazing country for walking. However, most don't offer what we like to think of as a walking safari, because what little game lives in these areas is often incidental to the walking.

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.

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.


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.


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.

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.


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.


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.


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!


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.


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

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!


97% (116 reviews)
Mundulea Reserve

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.


99% (85 reviews)
Andersson's at Ongava

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.


95% (21 reviews)
Ongava Lodge

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.


92% (163 reviews)
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

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.


92% (37 reviews)
Nambwa Tented Lodge

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.


95% (23 reviews)
Safarihoek Lodge

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.


95% (41 reviews)
Ongava Tented Camp

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.


93% (156 reviews)
Onguma Tented Camp

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.


93% (104 reviews)
Onguma Camp Kala

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.


97% (43 reviews)
Onguma The Fort

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.


96% (41 reviews)
Kazile Island Lodge

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.


70% (2 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Walking safaris in Africa

Walking safaris elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking safaris in other countries.


Walking safaris in Botswana

Botswana

Botswana isn't well known for walking safaris. This stems primarily from the lack of strong national ...

Walking safaris in Kenya

Kenya

Walking is prohibited in most of Kenya's national parks and reserves; driving is often the only option...

Walking safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania

Tanzania classifies its wild areas in different ways, each with different rules - meaning that ...

Walking safaris in Zambia

Zambia

Zambia offers Africa's widest choice of reliably excellent walking safaris. Strict guiding exams ...

Walking safaris in Zimbabwe

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

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

Where to see oryx in Namibia

Cheetah

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

Where to see cheetah in Namibia

Black Rhino

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

Where to see black rhino in Namibia

White Rhino

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

Where to see white rhino in Namibia

Elephant

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

Where to see elephant in Namibia

Lion

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

Where to see lion in Namibia

Meerkat

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

Where to see meerkat in Namibia

Buffalo

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

Where to see buffalo in Namibia

Giraffe

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

Where to see giraffe in Namibia

Hippo

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

Where to see hippo in Namibia

Spotted Hyena

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

Where to see spotted hyena in Namibia

Brown Hyena

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

Where to see brown hyena in Namibia

Leopard

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

Where to see leopard in Namibia

Wild dog

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

Where to see wild dog in Namibia

Wildebeest

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

Where to see wildebeest in Namibia

Pangolin

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

Where to see pangolin in Namibia

Aardvark

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

Where to see aardvark in Namibia

Eland

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

Where to see eland in Namibia

Zebra

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

Where to see zebra in Namibia

Roan antelope

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

Where to see roan antelope in Namibia

Sable antelope

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

Where to see sable antelope in Namibia

Sitatunga

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

Where to see sitatunga in Namibia

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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