Waterberg Plateau Park
Overview
Namibia Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Waterberg Plateau Park is a scenic wildlife-viewing and hiking destination. The park’s sandstone massif, which looms over the surrounding grassland savannah, was protected as a breeding ground for threatened species such as white rhino, roan, sable and tsessebe. Self-drive is prohibited, but guided game drives are possible. There are nine short, self-guided walks available, as well as multiday trails.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Many big safari animals are present in the park, including both white and black rhino. Several rare antelope species can be encountered, such as sable and roan, and eland, greater kudu and tsessebe are also present. Brown hyena and leopard are the main predators, although both are very difficult to see. There are no lions or elephants.
Scenery
Waterberg Plateau Park takes in a 50km/31mi-long, 16km/10mi-wide sandstone plateau that offers excellent views over the surrounding desert plains. The massif gets its name from the many springs that trickle down the red sandstone cliffs. The plateau features wooded areas as well as acacia bush and thick undergrowth.
Activities
Guided game drives can be booked through Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Self-drive safaris are not permitted. Waterberg has nine short walking trails close to the resort accommodation area. More challenging are the two four-day, 42km/26mi hiking trails: the Waterberg Unguided Hiking Trail and the guided Waterberg Wilderness Trail. Advance bookings through Namibia Wildlife Resorts are required for both.
Weather & Climate
The elevated Waterberg Plateau experiences a cool, practically rain-free winter, which corresponds with the Dry season (May to October), and a hot summer with occasional rain, which marks the Wet season (November to April). The Dry season can get very cold in the early morning (5°C/41°F), so bring warm clothes if you’re visiting anytime from late May to early August.
Best Time To Visit
The drier months from July to September occur during the middle of Waterberg Plateau’s high season, but it’s worth paying extra for the great wildlife viewing that characterizes this period. There’s less foliage for the animals to disappear into, and they’re not as scattered as they are when the weather turns hot and wet.
Want To Visit Waterberg Plateau?
Safari Tours to Waterberg Plateau
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![14-Day Namibia Highlights - Self Drive]()
14-Day Namibia Highlights - Self Drive
$4,015 to $4,345 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City), Twyfelfontein (Rock Art), Damaraland, Etosha NP, Waterberg Plateau, Hosea Kutako Airport (End)
Impala Tours
5.0/5 – 75 Reviews
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![8-Day Budget Camping Guided Safari]()
8-Day Budget Camping Guided Safari
$2,127 to $2,339 pp (USD)
Namibia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Windhoek (Start), Spitzkoppe (Damaraland), Cape Cross (Seals), Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art), Himba Village (Cultural Village), Etosha NP, Waterberg Plateau, Windhoek (End)
People Tours And Safari
4.8/5 – 78 Reviews
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![12-Day Ultimate Namibian Northeast Adventure]()
12-Day Ultimate Namibian Northeast Adventure
$8,250 pp (USD)
Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 20 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Waterberg Plateau, Khaudum NP, Mahango GR (Bwabwata NP), Bwabwata NP (Zambezi Region), Nkasa Rupara NP (Zambezi Region), Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)
PEA Tours and Safaris
5.0/5 – 14 Reviews
