Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Because of the arid environment, wildlife numbers are relatively low in Namibia, but animals can still be easy to spot. All of the big predators are present, and lion is found across northern Namibia. Huge herds of animals, particularly elephant, can be seen in the Dry season (May to October) at Etosha Pan.
Wildlife Highlights
Damaraland and the neighboring Kunene region are home to a healthy population of desert-adapted elephants and lions, as well as a smaller population of black rhino (which can be tracked in the Palmwag region). The secretive brown hyena is sometimes seen lurking around seal colonies on the coast. Other marine wildlife includes the rare Heaviside’s dolphin and migrating southern right whale.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is best during the Dry season (May to October), especially from July onward, when animals gather near waterholes. This coincides with the busiest tourist season. Namibia is relatively dry throughout the year, but with the heat of summer comes a Wet season (November to April). Rainfall is generally heaviest from January to March, although December can be wet in the northeast. During the rains, vegetation grows throughout the region and wildlife tends to scatter and is harder to find.
