Namibia's best walking holidays
Across most of this vast wilderness, relatively low wildlife densities allow you to explore walking trails on your own. Set out with an expert guide, however, and you’ll often gain a deeper insight into the little things you might miss on your own - as well as a greater understanding of Namibian culture.
Many camps and lodges take advantage of their spectacular surroundings, offering marked trails that allow guests to explore on foot – as well as to escape the "African massage" of nature drives!
Namibia’s exceptional scenery and natural beauty may be the biggest draws for hikers, but if walking in wildlife areas appeals, take a look at our suggestions for
walking safaris in Namibia.
No matter what your aim, we typically recommend planning any walking trip to Namibia between June and September to avoid the worst of the harsh desert sun. Happily, these months coincide with the best time for wildlife watching as well.
We can of course tailor-make your trip to suit your specifications, but to get you started we’ve included below some suggested itineraries, taking in the very best of walking in Namibia.
Best camps & lodges for Walking in Namibia
Mundulea Reserve
Walks at Mundulea are usually led by Bruno, who we rate as one of the best guides in Africa. His passion for nature and conservation, broad knowledge of topics from geology to local politics, and ability to enthuse you, make for a Namibian walking experience that’s hard to match.
Tok Tokkie Trails
Tok Tokkie Trails offer a superb package between Mar-Nov of a 3day/2night walk in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Sleep under the stars, see flora and fauna of the desert landscape and stay at simple overnight camps – a great option for some walking in Namibia.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Namibia’s Spitzkoppe Massif has long been a fantastic destination to explore on foot. The picturesque mountains, which hide ancient Bushman art, are often accessed via steep paths which, with the opening of Spitzkoppen Lodge, are now much easier to explore
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Bullsport Guest Farm, in the Naukluft Mountains, offers fantastic variety for those interested in walking in Namibia. Eight well-marked trails (the Quiver Tree Gorge Trail is our favourite) lead through the farm and surrounding area, with stunning scenery.
Canyon Lodge
Hiking at Canyon Lodge offers views across the plateau towards Fish River Canyon; in winter (Apr–Aug) the 'morning walk' covers 6km with a knowledgeable guide. For those after gentler walking in Namibia the “sunrise walk” (year-round) may appeal.
Waterberg Wilderness
The walks at Waterberg focus on the plateau itself, offering views of the superb scenery on the way up and the chance to explore the top. The walks are usually 3-4 hours, and we think they’re well worth the degree of energy and effort required.
Kalahari Red Dunes
Perhaps the best way to explore and understand an environment is on foot. Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge offers a range of walking experiences in the Namibian wilderness, from short self-guided trails to the guided, overnight “Trans-Kalahari” trail.
Fish River Lodge
For those after more serious walking in Namibia, Fish River Lodge offers a 74km guided canyon hike during between Apr– Oct. With an experienced guide and chef, the first night is spent at the lodge, with 3 nights camping and 4 days hiking.
Desert Horse Inn
Klein-Aus Vista reserve has seven walking trails, ranging from 4km to just over 20km, so makes a good choice for guests interested in hiking in Namibia. Note that April to mid October, when it is cooler, is the ideal time for hiking.
Eagle's Nest
Set in beautiful surroundings, the Klein-Aus Vista reserve is a great place for walking in Namibia. From Eagles Nest, guests have the option of seven self-guided walking trails, ranging from around 4km to just over 20km.
Rostock Ritz
Rostock Ritz offers some lovely walking in Namibia, with over 60km of self-guided trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Walking here you can enjoy the Namib Desert, gravel plains, mountain ranges and deep canyons.
Ondudu
The walking opportunities from Ondudu Safari Lodge rank amongst the best in Namibia. The vast rocky landscape is easily explored on guided or self-guided walking trails and the views are certainly worth the effort.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is a great base for walking in Namibia. A normal day at the camp might include a 2–4 hour walk, an afternoon game drive, and possibly a short hike up one of the area's mountains.
Etendeka Walking Trail
The stunning scenery, expert guiding and raw wilderness experience of the Etendeka Walking Trail promises to be one of the most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences in Namibia.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge is nestled in the picturesque Tsaris Mountains and offers fantastic walking in Namibia. Walks range from 2½ hours to a full day.
Walking elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking in other countries.
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.
70% SUCCESS
1,554 sightings from 2,225 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
1,203 sightings from 3,646 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
715 sightings from 2,354 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
576 sightings from 1,340 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
4,227 sightings from 4,643 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
3,498 sightings from 4,322 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
97 sightings from 473 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
2,959 sightings from 3,552 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
4,076 sightings from 4,745 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
3,080 sightings from 3,442 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
2,507 sightings from 4,576 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
283 sightings from 1,791 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
2,262 sightings from 4,803 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
1,016 sightings from 3,164 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
2,850 sightings from 4,238 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
65 sightings from 3,836 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
81 sightings from 3,794 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.
49% SUCCESS
1,672 sightings from 3,404 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
4,440 sightings from 5,279 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.
25% SUCCESS
586 sightings from 2,356 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.
24% SUCCESS
560 sightings from 2,372 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
72 sightings from 380 observations
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