Best time to visit Namibia

By
DavidMilosevic
97
854

Introduction

Namibia is a country in the southern end of the African sub-continent and I officially known as the Republic of Namibia. Geographically, it has land borders with Angola and Zambia in the north, the Atlantic coast on the western side, South Africa on the South, and Botswana on the east. In the entire sub-Saharan African region, Namibia is the driest country with an average rainfall of 350mm per annum and thus depends largely on groundwater sources.

namibia
Namibia Desert

With a population of just 2.6 million inhabitants, is a sparsely populated country with its economy dependant on tourism, agriculture, and mining. Tourism contributes 15% to the country’s GDP and creates thousands of jobs for locals. Namibia is host to beautiful wildlife, and therefore, ecotourism is one of the major reasons tourists flock here.

Why visit Namibia?

Namibia is an excellent year-round tourist destination and sunny days average around 300 days per year which is excellent. Due to its dry and arid landscape, the climate will generally be pleasant but dry. Namibia gets very low rainfall per year, and it can be a boon for the tourism sector but not the locals. Compared to the rainfall levels in even its eastern neighbors, Namibia gets only a fraction of it all. The resulting climate of the very arid country will be naturally dry. The high season will typically last from the month of June through October. October is the driest season.

Habitat

Most of the wildlife is habituated to the low water, arid landscape, and hot climate conditions. They have naturally adapted themselves to survive in desert conditions. Even the same species survive in low water conditions compared to the ones where rainfall is quite good. During the hot season, a lot of the water sources will dry out, and the wild animals will be drawn to one of the available waterholes. It is also a vast country with different climate zones, and weather can be unpredictable. Places like Skeleton Coast, Walvis Bay, etc., will experience cloud cover and foggy conditions on certain occasions in the early mornings. Places like the Caprivi Strip are a sub-tropical climate and thus will be lush green throughout the year.

Partially covered by the Namib desert, the sand-dune filled and the apricot-colored country is a favorite among tourists. So if you enjoy the sights of wildlife, road tripping, extreme sports, desserts, arid landscape, spectacular scenery, and more, Namibia is the place for you.

Due to 300 days or 10 months of beautiful sunshine and low rainfall, this country is accessible to tourists all-round the year. It also offers a lot of different sights throughout the year. It’s up to you when you want to travel and what you prefer to see and do. We will share details of all the seasons below so that you can make an informed choice.

Shoulder Season – September to October 

One of the best times to visit the country is between September to October. October is the best season of the year for budget tours. Namibia is an expensive country to travel to, and I am sure a lot of people don’t want to break their banks. These three months are essentially a shoulder season when prices are still low, great weather, and low tourist numbers to keep the crowds low. You can see and do pretty much the same activities like the ones in other seasons, and we have discussed them in some detail in the “Summer Season” section below. Temperatures will be in the range of 12 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Summer season – November to March

November is a key month that will see a lot of transition w.r.t the weather. Temperatures will steadily rise and will the humidity levels. It’s during November that the first spells of rain will fall. If you have made it at that point, you will be lucky to experience thunderstorms across the desert. You can consider this period to be the rainy season in Namibia. Though it can slightly rain other times of the year, this is the period when the country gets its maximum amount of rainfall of the year. But don’t go by the name of the season because it does not rain hard or heavy or even drizzly. These rains are different, and you will see quick spells of sharp storms that are over in no time, which does not even affect your day’s activities.

Even if they do, watching the rainfall in the arid dry landscape is a spectacle you should not miss. It suddenly brings peace and joy to the communities and also the wildlife after a full year of dry weather. After the quick spell is over, you can re-join the group for the remainder of the game-viewing tour. When the landscape turns green with small sprouts all over the place after the rainfall, the view is worth a million as nature leaves you spell bound. Even in Namibrand and Sossusvlei, you will see the desert plains turn lush green. You can go for the game-viewing by boat tour in Kaokoland when the Kunene River floods after the rains. If you head to Caprivi, even the bird watching will be a great tour.

Tourism

With high temperatures and rainfall, the humidity increases and can make a few uncomfortable. Therefore, you will see many locals and tourists in these months traveling to Swakopmund to enjoy the coastal weather and get a respite. This quiet coastal town will also have lagoons with a large number of flamingos at this time of the year. It’s peak tourist season there, and crowds will swell up. This is also a good time to do the Skelton coast flying safari, which will fly you over a lonely deserted beach surrounded by the high sand dunes that are rippled in the wind so close to the sea. You will also be able to spot remnants of ancient ships semi-buried in the sand. It’s a must-do.

Tourist’s numbers will swell in this season as everything is suddenly in demand. Expect prices to shoot up, and availability of accommodation and tours, unless booked well in advance, may be subject to availability. Temperatures will be in the range of 17 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Shoulder season – April and May

Shoulder seasons are always special in Namibia as they bridge the weather between two seasons, making it pleasant and comfortable. The weather remains moderate, and the prices, the lowest of the year in any shoulder season. So if you are looking for discounts and offers of any kind, this is the best season for you. There is no offseason in Namibia, as tourists find something interesting all through the year. April and May give you the best of hot and cold weather, and you will enjoy a mostly dry and green landscape. You can visit Etosha National Park, which has a lot of saltpans, wildlife, and water holes. Salt pans are huge and the size of a country like Holland. The sights are startlingly beautiful and unbelievably calm and real. It’s a photographer’s heaven. Temperatures will be in the range of 13 to 23 degrees Celsius

Please Note: Imagine how beautiful the saltpans would look when they transform into a lagoon when full of water. This is when the birds like pelican and flamingos arrive in droves. This is what we mean when we say Namibia is a year-round destination. Just pick the season that appeals to you. 

Winter season – June to October

Summers is the peak season in Namibia, with the maximum crowds converging to get a glimpse of the wildlife, which is so easy to spot during these months. These months are ideal for the excellent temperatures and pleasant weather, the best in the entire year. You must visit the Etosha National Park, which is Namibia’s hotspot during these winter months. All the vegetation is slowly drying out by now as all the rainfall has long gone and extreme dryness has set in. Waterholes will have all the different species of wildlife converge in the hundreds throughout the day and is a spectacle in itself. The sight of hundreds of animals along the water quietly sipping the water and keeping an eye out for the predators is a sight to behold in itself.

Tourism

Not just the wildlife, even the sand dunes of Sossusvlei are amazing. In the background of bright blue skies, the blood-red color of the sand dunes and their iconic wind ripped surface looks beautiful. It looks as if someone has drawn a live painting in front of you and is simply unbelievable. And imagine watching the landscape with a bird’s eye view on a Hot Air Balloon on one of those early mornings or even on an airplane. Even the most favored activity of stargazing is unrivaled with the absolutely clear skies in Winters. You can indulge in some self-drive safaris or head over to Damaraland to watch the rare desert elephants, endangered Rhino near the last remaining water on the river bed. Other Damara activities include visiting the 260 million-year-old Petrified Forest or galloping across the desert on horseback. Pretty interesting!

Temperatures will be in the range of 7 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Important tips

  • If you have ever traveled to a desert country, you would know how fickle the weather and weather conditions can be. They can change completely in just a few minutes. This dramatic change can be exciting for some and disturbing for others. Not everyone is pleased to see such unreal sudden change. Many can fall sick as well. Even on normal days, the terrible heat in the daytime can lead to cold and chilly nights when you want to cuddle in a blanket and followed by morning fog and cold weather.
  • The key is to be prepared for eventualities no matter what. It’s a dessert and expect it to be hot in the day and chilly at night. Pack your glasses, sunblock, hats, linens, some layers for the night, a warm coat just in case.
  • Carry good shoes as the varied landscape can take a toll on your footwear too. Shoes must be good to hold up to hot weather, sand dunes, hiking rocky terrain, or traversing the plains. Don’t forget a swimming costume and swimming trunks to enjoy the sea and the sands.
  • To block the sun and heat, a Sarong is best recommended as its light and does the job pretty well. In addition, you can use it in multiple different ways.
  • Carry your best cameras, as these are some of the best sights and sounds you will experience. Nothing comes close to nature and gets as real as these trips.
  • Carry as many extra batteries as you have, because the remote camps will have only basic charging facilities. And you do not want to miss out on that one spectacular dreamy shot.
  • You will be exposed to the harsh desert condition. Carry a medical aid kit, including plasters, bandages, roller gauze, painkillers, mosquito (also insect and bug) repellents, antiseptic cream or wipes, and anything more you think necessary.
  • Carry a few ziplock bags to pack in your essentials, especially camera gear, and seal it shut. The wind coupled with dust, and sand can damage your gadgets. This will keep it weather safe.

Summary

Namibia is an untouched beauty, a world within itself. It is so beautiful, magnificent, and also with an undisturbed landscape that probably has not changed for thousands of years. Check the pictures if you don’t believe and you will be hooked on to it, as it’s far more beautiful in real. Namibia is a safe country to travel to, better developed than the other African countries in the continent, with spectacular landscapes and mind-blowing views in the dry desert is surely going to take your breath away. What are you waiting for? Plan the trip, pack up your bags and leave! Here’s wishing you happy and safe travels.

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

No posts to display

97 COMMENTS

  2. Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with almost
    all significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .

  3. Hello friends, how is all, and what you want to say regarding this article, in my view
    its really amazing in support of me.

    Also visit my webpage; slot game ace333; Efren,

  13. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite
    enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and may
    come back later in life. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work,
    have a nice evening!

    Also visit my web page – blackjack game

  14. Νormally I Ԁo not read article on blogs, however I
    wouⅼd like tⲟ say that tnis wгіte-up very pressured me to
    try and doo so! Your writing style hass been amazed
    me. Thank you, very gгeaat post.

  15. I rarely drop comments, however i did a few searching and wound up here Best time to
    visit Namibia | Wander & Wish. And I actually do have
    2 questions for you if it’s allright. Could it be only me or does it appear like some of the remarks look as if they are left by brain dead people?
    😛 And, if you are posting on other sites, I would
    like to follow everything fresh you have to post. Would you make a list of
    every one of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

    My blog … Jolt Alpha Review

  17. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this
    site. Reading this info So i’m happy to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny
    feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most surely will make certain to
    do not forget this website and give it a look on a continuing basis.

    Stop by my web site … Slimingo Keto Pills

  22. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
    The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Kudos

    Here is my page – CoolEdge Portable AC Review

  23. Hello exceptional website! Does running a blog like this take a massive amount work?

    I’ve very little expertise in computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or tips for
    new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic
    however I simply had to ask. Many thanks!

    Here is my site; Green Earth CBD Gummies

  26. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And
    i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things,
    The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great
    : D. Good job, cheers

  27. Thanks for your own hard work on this site. My mother enjoys
    getting into investigation and it’s easy to see why. Almost all know all
    concerning the powerful form you present very useful things via this
    website and therefore attract participation from other people about this concern and
    our own princess is certainly being taught a lot.
    Take pleasure in the rest of the year. You are always performing
    a very good job.[X-N-E-W-L-I-N-S-P-I-N-X]I’m extremely inspired along with your writing skills and also with the layout to your weblog.
    Is that this a paid topic or did you modify
    it your self? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing,
    it is uncommon to see a nice weblog like this one
    today.

    Also visit my site :: Vinyasa Cream

  29. Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your
    blog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact
    loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your feeds or even I success you get entry to constantly quickly.

  32. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.

    Chat soon!

  33. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your site provided us with valuable info to work
    on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful
    to you.

  34. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time
    and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy
    reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  35. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I
    ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup.

    Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  37. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about
    this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  45. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all
    is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
    pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Many thanks scoliosis surgery https://0401mm.tumblr.com/ scoliosis surgery

  46. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  48. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this web site. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.

  49. Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.

  52. Just want to say your article is as amazing. The
    clarity to your submit is simply excellent and i could suppose you are an expert in this subject.
    Fine along with your permission let me to snatch
    your RSS feed to stay updated with coming near
    near post. Thanks one million and please continue the
    gratifying work.

  54. The very core of your writing while appearing reasonable initially, did not settle very well with me personally after some time. Somewhere within the sentences you managed to make me a believer unfortunately just for a while. I still have got a problem with your leaps in assumptions and you would do nicely to help fill in those gaps. When you actually can accomplish that, I would definitely be amazed.

  55. I genuinely enjoy reading through on this web site, it holds good blog posts. “Dream no small dreams. They have no power to stir the souls of men.” by Victor Hugo.

  56. You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at.” by Jimmy Demaret.

  57. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you

  59. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  61. Excellent post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Many thanks!

  63. I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  65. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking the time and
    actual effort to produce a very good article…
    but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  66. Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I would
    like to say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do it!
    Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very
    nice post.

  67. Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
    I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss
    and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers
    would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

  69. Very good site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any
    discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
    I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get
    responses from other experienced individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

    Thanks a lot!

  71. I’m extremely inspired together with your writing talents as neatly as with the layout in your weblog.
    Is that this a paid subject or did you modify
    it your self? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it is
    rare to see a great weblog like this one nowadays..

  74. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am inspired!
    Extremely helpful info specially the final section :
    ) I deal with such info much. I was looking for this
    certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  79. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have
    you share some stories/information. I know my readers would enjoy your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  80. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

  81. May I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody who genuinely knows what they are talking about
    over the internet. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important.

    More and more people should read this and understand this side of your story.

    It’s surprising you are not more popular since you surely possess the gift.

  83. I’m now not positive the place you are getting your info, however great topic.
    I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more.

    Thank you for great information I was in search of this information for
    my mission.

  85. Simply wish to say your article is as surprising.
    The clearness in your post is just great and
    i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  86. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.

    I think that you ought to write more about this issue,
    it might not be a taboo matter but usually people do not talk about these issues.
    To the next! Kind regards!!

  87. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook
    group. Chat soon!

  90. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
    Nevertheless just imagine if you added some
    great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest
    in its field. Superb blog!

  91. Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was
    wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because
    I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking
    at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point
    me in the direction of a good platform.

    Also visit my web blog: special

  93. I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative web sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.

  94. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

  96. Hey there terrific website! Does running a blog such as this take a large amount of work?
    I have no understanding of computer programming but I had been hoping
    to start my own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please
    share. I know this is off subject however I just needed to
    ask. Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my blog post … tracfone coupon

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here