Namibia offers one a chance to encounter some of the world’s most exotic wildlife in their natural habitats and here are some key places to visit and the diverse creatures you will find there.
National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Many national parks here offer exciting game drives such as the popular Etosha National Park where you will see four of Africa’s ‘Big Five’; while you can’t see buffalos, you can observe elephants, leopards, rhinos and lions. Of course, there are also springboks, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and more. Those based at hotels in Namibia located in the capital, such as Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino, can alternatively visit the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary home to African wild dogs, lions, cheetahs and rhinos.
Kaokoveld
Located in northwestern Namibia, Kaokoveld (or Kaokoland) is known for its desert landscapes and those exploring this area have a chance to see some unique wildlife. Amongst the most captivating sights to be enjoyed here is the desert elephant; though it’s the same species as the African elephant, it has adapted to the harsh environment with different eating and drinking patterns too. This destination is also one of the best places to spot desert black rhinos which have thrived in the wilderness.
The Caprivi Strip
Bordered by nations like Zambia and Botswana, the Caprivi Strip is in the northeastern corner of the country; it’s known for its verdant floodplains and woodlands as well as being a convergent point for several rivers. Interestingly, it’s the only destination in Namibia where one can spot the Nile crocodile and the hippopotamus. Intrepid travellers heading here can also look forward to observing the roan antelope, African buffalo, elephant, tsessebe, reedbuck and hundreds of bird species.
Atlantic Coast
A great example of the diversity of the landscapes in Namibia is the Atlantic Coast home to quite different wildlife one would normally expect to see on African game drives. This part of the country is home to the Skeleton Coast where many ships once ran aground; amidst this setting is the Skeleton Coast National Park where you can observe one of the biggest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals on the planet! The ocean waters are also home to fish species like the Cape horse mackerel and the Heaviside’s dolphin.
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