Desert safaris in southern Africa are a very different kind of safari from the classic Big Five bushveld experience.
Deserts, often seen as empty and lifeless, are full of unique plants and animals adapted to survive in tough conditions. These safari desert destinations are about space, silence, and stark beauty. For true peace and seclusion in a surreal environment, desert safaris are the ideal escape.
Why Go On a Desert Safari?
Spectacular scenery: The play of light at sunrise and sunset over the towering red dunes in the Kalahari or the lunar-like mountains in the Richtersveld is kaleidoscopic, shifting colours from reds to golds to purples.
Unparalleled stargazing: With almost no light pollution, deserts in southern Africa are some of the best stargazing spots on the continent. The Tankwa Karoo and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are especially famous for Milky Way views that seem close enough to touch.
Unique wildlife: Animals here are specialists and have evolved to thrive in arid conditions, even megafauna like desert-adapted elephants in the Kaokoland and Damaraland regions, where you can see them trudge along the Hoanib, Huab, and Ugab riverbeds of northwest Namibia.
The Palmwag Concession in Damaraland is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in Africa.
Other animals you can expect to see are oryx (gemsbok), springbok, meerkats, bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, and even black-maned Kalahari lions.
You could spend your time in sheer wonder, but desert safaris are also great for the more active. Guided walks reveal the hidden life of the desert in its tiny plants, tracks in the sand, and nocturnal creatures.
Cultural immersion: The Nama in the Richtersveld and the San in the Kalahari share unique desert knowledge, storytelling, and traditions. Desert safaris can include visits or guided walks with them, adding a cultural dimension to your wilderness experience.
Top Destinations
Namibia is a great place to experience desert safaris. It’s home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Here, you can go on 4×4 dune tours or try sandboarding, adding a bit of excitement to your safari desert adventure. The Namib Desert stretches right up to the Atlantic Ocean along the Skeleton Coast, offering stunning views and a striking landscape.
South Africa‘s Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is another beautiful desert safari destination with extraordinary desert plants and rugged mountains.
On the Namibian side of this transfrontier park lies the spectacular Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. The park’s dramatic scenery offers incredible hiking and is home to desert-adapted wildlife, including Hartmann’s mountain zebras and jackals. Here, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and learn about the local Nama people and their traditional way of life.
In the Spring, from late July to early October, the Namaqualand flower season is one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural events. The wildflower blooms in Namaqua National Park are at their peak from mid-August to mid-September.
Is a Desert Safari Right for You?
A desert safari in Africa, like a trip to Namibia, is perfect for special occasions. For couples, it’s especially romantic. The desert’s peace and the thrill of exploring it together make for a memorable journey. If you’re a seasoned safari goer looking to explore off the beaten track during your next African vacation, a safari desert escape is the perfect unique journey that will show you a different side of the continent (along with the unusual wildlife species that call it home).
In short, go on a desert safari in southern Africa if you want a safari that’s raw, wild, and elemental. Yes, you can spot animals, but you can also experience vast silence, surreal beauty, and survival in one of the harshest yet most captivating environments on Earth.
Choosing your perfect African experience can be overwhelming. Discover Africa specialists will guide you to the ideal desert adventure.
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