Loading...
  1. Home
  2. Parks
  3. Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namib-Naukluft National Park

As one of the largest parks in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft is a remarkable sight. The rocky escarpment of the Naukluft Mountains, leads to the breathtaking ocean of red sand dunes of the Sossuvlei. This vast red ocean is one of nature’s most extraordinary creations. Namib-Naukluft is generally visited for its spectacular landscape – not its wildlife viewing. While there are wildlife present in the park – such springbok, Oryx, Hartmann’s zebra, hyenas and smaller mammals – it is more suitable for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds.

  • Best Time to Go

    All year round. May-September (less hot)

  • Average Safari Cost

    $150 – $800 pp/day

  • Highlights

    The endangered Hartmann’s zebra, and over 200 bird species. The Naukluft Mountains and the spectacular vast ocean of red dunes in Soussevlei.

Why Visit Namib-Naukluft National Park?

The spectacular red dunes at Sossuvlei attract adventurers from around the world. The dunes are constantly reshaping with the shifting sands, and can look different from one minute to the next, leaving you in awe of nature’s artistic hand. Even a change in light can cause the character of the red dunes to change irreversibly.

The Naukluft Mountains are rocky and populated with the rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra, along with spotted and brown hyenas – though the elusive creatures are difficult to spot. It does, however, make for a good birdwatching destination, as the park is accessible during the breeding and migratory season from November until April. Birdwatchers can expect to see, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Spike-heeled Lark, Pale-winged Starling, and even the endangered White-backed Vulture.

Pros And Cons

There are no real adventures without some challenges. We hope that while you take in the great beauty of Namib-Naukluft, this stunning landscape will draw you in, and hold you spellbound, so that the downsides of this park will seem insignificant.
Pros
  • Exquisite desert landscape with red dunes and saltpans at Sossuvlei
  • Desert-adapted wildlife is very special in this beautiful setting
  • The park can be visited all year-round
  • There are good walking options for the Naukluft Mountains
  • Good variety of birds for birdwatching
Cons
  • Hot and dry climate

Best Time To Visit

Namib-Naukluft can be visited at any time of the year, as those who visit the park are there for the scenery and not the wildlife. The park is hot and dry, with very little rain, which is often welcome. The park is, however, most enjoyable during the winter months from May until September, when the weather is cooler.

Birdwatching would be best from November until April, as this is the migratory season, and the birds will be nesting in the park.

For more information on when to visit Namibia see when to visit Namibia.

Start your Namibia Adventure
Let’s Go!

Wildlife And Birds

The Namib-Naukluft cannot really be considered as a wildlife viewing destination, as the animals are few and not easily spotted. The Naukluft Mountains are least visited section of the park. It is home to the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, both the spotted and the brown hyena, and other small mammals such the Cape ground squirrel, meerkat and yellow mongoose.

Among the most commonly seen big mammals, there are Oryx and springbok, as they are desert-adapted animals and can live in the driest of conditions. Other desert-adapted animals include Ground pangolin, cheetah, leopard, aardwolf, the bat-eared fox and the Cape fox – although these animals are skittish and rarely seen. If you move closer to the river, however, you may be able to spot klipspringer, steenbok and troops of baboons near the river.

Rare Animals
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Hartmann’s zebra
  • Spotted Hyena
  • Brown Hyena
  • Leopard
  • Aardwolf
  • Cape fox
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Cheetah
  • Ground pangolin
Frequently Seen Animals
  • Oryx
  • Springbok
  • Baboon
  • Klipspringer
  • Steenbok
Birdwatching

Birdwatchers will love Namib-Naukluft, as it has over 200 bird species. There are some notable birds in Sossusvlei, including Dune lark, Rueppell’s bustard, Monteiro’s hornbill and Kopje warbler. However, this red desert is dry and birds will not be easy to spot.

The rocky Naukluft Mountains is a great birdwatching area. There are many more species available than at Sossusvlei and spotting them is much easier. From November until April, you can spot migrant birds here. Since the park rarely experiences precipitation, birderwatchers will be able to view the birds without any problems (although rain may be welcomed to ease the dry heat). Notable birds that can be seen at Naukluft Mountains include Pale-winged starling, Rosy-faced lovebird, Spike-heeled lark, and Orange River white-eye.

Endangered And Vulnerable birds
  • Secretarybird
  • Lappet-faced Vulture
  • White-back Vulture
  • Martial Eagle
  • Black Harrier
  • Ludwig’s Bustard
Endemic And Near Endemic birds
  • Rueppel’s Bustard
  • Mnteiro’s Hornbill
  • Dune Lark
  • Kopje Warbler
  • Orange River White-eye

    Getting There And Safety

    Located roughly 40km (25 miles) east of Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is the main entrance point into Namibia. Safari trip usually starts with a drive in a 4x4. Namib-Naukluft National Park can be explored independently or as part of a tour group.

    The park contains different sections, each with its own entry points. A 4x4 and permits are required for minor roads, while normal 2WD cars can be used on the main routes to the park, as well as those within it. The red dunes of Sossusvlei – main attraction of the park – can be accessed through the Sesriem entry point, and is located 360km (223 miles) from Windhoek.

    For more on flights and visas see our Namibia Safari - Complete Travel Guide.

    What To Pack

    Namibia is dry and hot country. The Namib-Naukluft is even drier, as there is hardly any Wet season in this region. Sunscreen and a sunhat are essential. If you are visiting during their winter months, May until October, it is worth noting that the nights and early mornings will be cold, especially in the desert and higher areas. Adding a few article of warm clothing is a good idea. Ensure that you have comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially if you are visiting the Naukluft Mountains. Remember to always carry a bottle of water with you.

    For more details about what to take with you on a safari see our Safari Packing List.

    Travel Insurance

    Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Namibia. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

    Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

    Safety Status
    If you are doing a self-drive tour, exploring the park independently, bare in mind that the park is large and distances between fuelling stops are very long. Fill up on food and fuel whenever you can, and ensure that you never run out of water. The park may not be noted for its wildlife population, but please exercise caution when driving, as there are animals in this park, including some large mammals. In case of emergencies, it is also a good idea to rent a satellite phone in Windhoek.
    Safety Precautions
    Ensure that you stay dehydrated and protected from the sun. Desert heat can be very intense. Keep a couple of bottles of water on you at all times, use sunscreen and wear a sunhat. To prevent sunburns, wear light material clothing, with long-sleeves
    Drinking Water
    Tap water is either purified or comes from a borehole and is considered safe to drink and refill your bottles.
    Flights

    If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to Namibia.

    If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to Namibia.

    For more details about flights see our Namibia Safari - Complete Travel Guide.