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Namibia Budget Safari Tours

4.6/5  –  253 Namibia Reviews

Budget travelers love Namibia, thanks to its generally low prices, diverse safari attractions and excellent safety record. There’s so much to see here, including wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, Damaraland and the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip). Also popular are the astonishing sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei. There is also Fish River Canyon, Africa’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’. The largely straight path through the country makes it easy to get around. With the makings of what could be southern Africa’s most diverse safari experience, Namibia is ideal for your next budget safari.

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1-20 of 22 cheap tours, packages and holidays to Namibia
 

6 Questions About Namibia Budget Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

Why should I choose Namibia for a budget trip?

“Namibia is an excellent choice for a budget holiday in part because the cost of living is generally quite low and this can filter through into the costs of a safari. An excellent network of campgrounds makes Etosha National Park one of the most accessible of Africa’s top-ranked wildlife reserves. Namibian campsites are usually fenced, unlike those in Botswana’s national parks, so nervous sleepers will get a better night’s rest. A Namibia budget safari will take you from private reserves (most have well-priced camping zones) to the rugged charm of Damaraland (with its desert-adapted lions and elephants) or the beautiful sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei. Budget safari packages ensure that these world-class attractions are accessible to the budget traveler. Hiking the canyons of the south is similarly economical. Although flying into the Namibian capital Windhoek can be expensive, as its popularity grows, ticket prices should fall. It’s also possible to travel here by land if you’re on a longer southern African adventure. As a general rule, Namibia is usually safer than South Africa and cheaper than Botswana. This makes it a natural choice for a budget safari if you want to visit southern Africa.”

1

What is included in a budget Namibia safari?

“Most safari packages will include transport from Windhoek (or wherever the safari begins) and for the duration of your stay. Some will include three meals a day, although you may be expected to contribute to the preparation of meals. If meals aren’t included, you may be asked to provide an extra payment to cover the cost of purchasing supplies. Accommodations should also be included. If you’re on a camping safari, always ask whether you need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and cooking stove. This is usually only the case for the cheapest safari options. Drinks typically cost extra. You should always ask exactly what is included when you’re booking a safari. If some packages appear cheaper than others, make sure that you’re comparing like for like.”

2

What are the pros and cons of a self-drive budget safari?

“The advantage for budget travelers in taking a self-drive safari in Namibia is that once you have paid for your vehicle, you’ll pay very little more for food and accommodations. Buying food and preparing your own meals is inexpensive on a cheap Namibia safari. Camping fees are also low, especially when you consider that all of the camping equipment you need is included in the cost of your vehicle. That said, petrol can be a major extra cost (depending on how far you plan to travel). The cost of a Namibia self-drive safari is unlikely to be cheaper than an organized budget safari if you’re traveling alone. Vehicles cost the same whether you are traveling alone or in a group of four. If you can resolve the cost issue, there are many advantages to a Namibia self-drive safari. If you’re driving your own vehicle, you’re in control of your trip, including where you go and how long you stay there. That said, freedom isn’t absolute. Many campsites, especially those in national parks, require bookings weeks or months in advance, so you may still find yourself locked into an itinerary. If you’re the one driving, you’re the one responsible for making decisions and solving problems. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective and level of experience. But help is rarely more than a satellite phone call away, and most Namibian trails don’t require 4x4 driving experience.”

3

Can you describe a typical day on a Namibia budget trip?

“A budget safari in Namibia focuses on looking for wildlife. If you’re staying in a tented camp, hotel or lodge, the time in between wildlife viewing, meals and village excursions will be your own time for relaxation. Most Namibia budget tours, however, involve a real camping experience, and this usually means that you’ll play a role in making sure that camp life runs smoothly. On arrival at each new camp, you’ll help to set up, including your own tent and the communal tents (kitchen, toilet etc.). When it comes time to move on, you’ll help to take down the tents and pack everything into the vehicles for the next leg of the journey. While in camp, every safari-goer is expected to help with the preparation of meals and cleaning up afterwards. Each day, you’ll likely go on an early morning and a late afternoon game drive to take advantage of the times that animals are most likely to be active. Lunch is usually a simple meal, often taken as you move from one campsite to the next. After dinner, campfire festivities and conversation round off the safari day.”

4

What type of accommodations can I expect?

“At the lower end of the scale, there are dome tents with room for just two and a thin mattress on the hard African earth. There are variations on the theme: sometimes those tents sit atop an elevated platform, sometimes they have more space. The next step up, at least out in the parks, reserves and wilderness areas, is the semi-permanent safari tent. Sometimes called the Meru-style tent, it has a proper bed. It might also have an en suite bathroom and outdoor shower, as well as a small deck, sitting area and desk. Four-walled accommodations, in the form of a lodge or guesthouse, are also found in most Namibian towns. These offer greater protection from insects and wild creatures wandering through camp, but lack the atmosphere of being able to listen to the night sounds of Africa. Accommodations on Namibia tours vary, and the differences are usually reflected in the price: the less you pay, the simpler the accommodations. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is a government-owned organization that provides accommodations in many of the country’s parks. It usually has affordable campsites and comfortable (if bland) rooms and bush chalets. The latter falls more into the mid-range category for accommodations.”

5

How much will this safari cost?

“Namibian budget safaris begin from as little as US$130 per person per day. This price usually assumes that you will be traveling on a twin-share basis. For solo travelers, the cost can be higher, beginning at around US$165 to US$195 per person per day. Prices can, of course, go much higher again. For each increase in price, you should expect a corresponding rise in comfort levels, services or other benefits. Variables in a budget safari package include where you sleep and how many people will be traveling in your party. Other factors are the number of guides and drivers looking after you, and the quality of food, transport and other services.”

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Namibia Reviews

4.6/5 253 Reviews
Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Unspoilt wilderness and unique and stunning landscapes offering a variety of contrasting safari expe
5/5

A hauntingly beautiful country that stretches along the west coast of southern Africa, with wide open spaces, big skies and some of the earth's most mystical and vivid sunsets, any visitor is blown away by the way Namibia ‘looks’ –...

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Expert
Mike Unwin  –  
United Kingdom UK

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

Harsh beauty
5/5

Namibia breaks the mould. Its rugged rock and desert landscapes provide a quite different backdrop – and thus different visitor experience – from any other African safari destination. For many, the country’s attractions are as much...

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Mariana  –  
Bulgaria BG
Reviewed: Nov 18, 2024
Amazing desert colours, the night sky heavy with stars
5/5

Mighty nature that grabs you and make you feel as small as any grain of the desert sand. Amazing desert colours and velvet vibe of the sunset touching not only the eyes, but the soul too. The night sky was heavy with stars that seemed to...

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Mark  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Nov 7, 2024
Brilliant Contrasts
5/5

Our recent journey to Namibia ranked as one of our best international trips. It is a country of great contrasts and scenic beauty, especially for those who appreciate stark features of nature. Namibia is an outstanding destination for...

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Andrew Reynolds  –  
South Africa ZA
Reviewed: Nov 5, 2024
We experienced a raw, scenic beauty driving through the deserts and wildlife rich regions of Namibia
5/5

From entering Namibia at the Orange River, to The Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Grootberg, Etosha and Kalahari, we enjoyed unique landscape and wildlife experiences. I can highly recommend Namibia as an incredible country and destination.

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Maxie Oosthuysen  –  
South Africa ZA
Reviewed: Nov 2, 2024
Beauty untold
5/5

My trip to Namibia was absolutely a fantastic experience from the word go. The tour was well planned and we had an excellent, informative guide. We stayed at really wonderful guestfarms and lodges and the food was really great. Namibia is...

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