Wildlife in Namibia

The jaw-dropping landscapes of Namibia – from the arid desert environments of Damaraland and Namib-Naukluft National Park to the lush waterways of the Zambezi Region – are home to a stunning array of wildlife. Animals like the iconic black-maned lions of the Kalahari, graceful oryxes, and playful meerkats can be seen in the harsh deserts to which they’ve adapted, while along the coast you can see the largest colony of Cape fur seals on earth.

Let’s dive into what animals you may see during a Namibia wildlife safari in some of the country’s iconic safari destinations.

Wildlife in Etosha National Park and Surrounds

Etosha National Park is a premier wildlife destination in Namibia. Four members of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos) can be spotted here along with herds of black-faced impala, zebra, and wildebeest spread across the grassy plains.

Birders certainly aren’t left out. The park boasts 340 species, of which a large portion are migratory species that arrive during the rainy summer season (November to April). Near endemic species to keep a lookout for include the bare-cheeked babbler, Monteiro’s hornbill, and white-tailed shrike.

Bordering Etosha is Ongava Private Game Reserve, a spectacular place to see both white and black rhinos, and Onguma Private Game Reserve, a place of regular big cat sightings.

Wildlife in Damaraland

Among the rugged mountains of Damaraland, in Namibia’s northwest, are roaming populations of desert elephants (which are incredibly rare – the only other place in the world you’ll find them is Mali) and desert-adapted black rhinos and lions. These unique species are a testament to the adaptability and diversity of Namibia’s wildlife.

Namibia’s most rewarding wildlife experiences include tracking black rhinos and elephants against spectacular desert backdrops.

When it comes to birdwatching in Damaraland, it’s a fantastic region to spot Namibia’s near-endemic species like Hartlaub’s francolin and Rüppell’s bustard along with raptor species.

Wildlife in Caprivi (Zambezi Region)

In far north-eastern Namibia, the Zambezi Region offers a different wildlife experience from the rest of the country, thanks to its heavy summer rainfall and flowing rivers. This is where you can see hippos and crocodiles, and it’s one of the only places in the country where buffalo occur. The abundance of antelope species are hunted by wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas. A highlight of this region is water-based wildlife viewing from boats. Birders can see waterbirds here, like the Pel’s fishing owl and African pygmy goose.

Wildlife on the Skeleton Coast

Stretching along Namibia’s northern coastline, the Skeleton Coast National Park has the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals. There are around 100,000 seals here year-round, and if you visit the reserve in November and December, you’ll see their tiny pups – and perhaps a stalking jackal.