Namib-Naukluft National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Namib-Naukluft National Park is primarily visited for its spectacular desert scenery, but visitors might also spot some desert wildlife. Gemsbok and springbok are among the most easily seen animals. These desert-adapted antelope can even be found in the driest areas of the park. Closer to the rivers, you can find klipspringer, zebra, steenbok and troops of baboons.

ElephantNone

GiraffeNone

HippoNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraRare

WildebeestNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

LeopardRare

CheetahVery Rare

HyenaRare

Wild DogNone

Wildlife Highlights

The Naukluft Mountains are a less-visited section of the park. This area is more lush and home to additional species, including the endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra. Smaller creatures include meerkat, yellow mongoose and Cape ground squirrel. Both spotted and brown hyena are present, and you might well come across their distinctive white droppings. Keep an eye out for brown hyena in the Sossusvlei area around sunrise.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

As wildlife viewing is hit-and-miss throughout the year, Namib-Naukluft can be visited at any time. However, the most pleasant time to visit is during the cooler months, from May to September. The park receives very little precipitation, so when it does rain, it is usually welcome.