Namibia is a land of stunning contrasts. Indeed, the rugged beauty of its landscapes meets the diverse and fascinating wildlife that calls it home. Whilst spotting the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos) is certainly a highlight of any luxury safari in Namibia, this incredible country has so much more to offer beyond these iconic animals.
From playful pinnipeds to the planet’s fastest land animal, Namibia is home to intriguing array of wildlife species. They are well worth seeking out, and in this article we’ll shed light on where to find them.
We’ll also touch on some of Namibia’s most luxurious accommodation options. The best hotels, camps and lodges where safari goers can get up close and personal with scores of incredible mammals and birds.
Cheetahs
Namibia is home to the largest population of free-roaming cheetahs in the world, making it an excellent destination for cheetah sightings. These graceful cats – planet’s fastest land animal – can be found in several regions of the country. And this includes the iconic Etosha National Park and the Central Highlands.
One of the best places to see cheetahs up close in Namibia is the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works to conserve the country’s large carnivores. The foundation runs a cheetah rehabilitation program, where injured or orphaned cheetahs are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Safari goers can tour the foundation and see these animals as well as learn about the foundation’s important conservation work.
Seals
If your safari in Namibia transports you to the country’s central coast you are in for an epic wildlife treat. The area surrounding Walvis Bay is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. Indeed, there is an estimated population of over 200,000!
The colony is a fascinating sight to behold, with the seals congregating on rocky outcroppings and sandbars along the shoreline. Safari goers can observe the seals from a distance, or take boat tours to get closer to these creatures.
The Cape fur seal colony in Namibia plays an important role in the local ecosystem. Actually, they provide a source of food for predators such as jackals and hyenas. The seals also help to maintain a healthy marine environment by consuming a variety of fish species and other marine organisms.
Pelicans and Flamingos
Complementing the extraordinary Cape fur pinnipeds, Namibia’s coastal areas are also home to pelicans and flamingos. These stunning birds can be spotted in large flocks along the shorelines and in the lagoons of country’s central coast.
The aptly named Pelican Point, a narrow strip of land that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, is arguably the best place to spot pelicans. Visitors can take boat tours to observe these graceful water birds up close. Cormorants and Terns are two other fascinating waterbirds that reside here. Watching these species take flight and dive into the water in search of food is a truly unforgettable experience.
In addition to its abundant wildlife, Pelican Point is also known for its picturesque lighthouse and the opportunity to explore shipwrecks that dot the coastline. A must-see during a safari in Namibia
Desert-adapted Antelope
Desert-adapted wildlife are rife in Namibia, and this includes the fascinating desert-adapted antelope. They are commonly found in the country’s more remote Northern regions such as Damaraland.
One of the most famous species of desert-adapted antelope is the oryx, also known as the gemsbok. These striking antelopes are characterised by their long, pointed horns that can be used to defend themselves against predators and they’ve also developed a specialised nasal system that helps them conserve water.
Other desert-adapted antelope species found in Namibia include the springbok, which are known for their spectacular “pronking” displays, and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, which have distinctive stripes that help it blend into its rocky desert habitat.
Meerkats
No visit to Namibia would be complete without spending some time with these charismatic little creatures. Meerkats are small members of the mongoose family, and are famous for their curious and social behaviour.
Several luxury lodges in Namibia offer guided tours to see meerkats up close. These tours typically involve sitting quietly in the desert while a family of meerkats goes about their daily routine, allowing you to observe their fascinating mannerisms and social interactions.
The Best Luxury Lodges for Wildlife Encounters
If you’re looking to experience the best of Namibia’s wildlife in style and comfort, we recommend first getting in touch with a trusted safari operator. These operators can devise bespoke itineraries that encompass stays at some of the nation’s most prestigious luxury abodes… And those with an excellent rep for epic wildlife encounters.
For example, booking a safari in Namibia with SecretNamibia offers luxury safari travellers the chance to reside at Serra Cafema, a luxurious oasis in the heart of the Namib Desert. Here, you can observe desert-adapted wildlife such as the Hartmann’s mountain zebra and gemsbok. While the lodge offers luxurious amenities such as private plunge pools, stunning bedrooms, and fine dining experiences under the stars.
Situated on the eastern border of Etosha National Park, Onguma Tented Camp is another popular choice with luxury safari travellers. The camp offers a unique opportunity to observe Etosha’s diverse wildlife up close. Alongside plentiful Big Five viewing opportunities, you can also spot rare species such as the black-faced impala. Onguma’s luxurious amenities include outdoor a sparkling swimming pool and a lounge with stunning views of the nearby waterhole.
Finally, located on the picturesque Pelican Point peninsula near Walvis Bay, Pelican Point Lodge offers the chance to observe marine wildlife such as pelicans, flamingos, and Cape fur seals. The lodge’s luxurious amenities include spacious rooms with stunning ocean views and a fantastic seafood restaurant.
