Etosha is the most famous safari park in Namibia, but it is not the only place where you can make a safari. Namibia has a variety of ecosystems and reserves that offer completely different experiences.
Damaraland: desert elephants and black rhinos
Damaraland is the most important area for safari outside the classic parks. Desert elephants move along dry riverbeds looking for water. The black rhinos are present in the local preservancies, including Palmwag and Etendeka.
The experience is completely different from Etosha: there are no gates, there are no fences, only open landscape and wildlife in its natural territory.
Private conservancies
Namibia has a system of conservatives managed by local communities very developed. Some of the most important for safari are:
- Palmwag Concession: Black rhinos in a private reserve in Damaraland. Exclusive safaris with dedicated guides.
- Etendeka Mountain Camp: in the Damaraland area, pure wilderness with unconfined fauna.
- Ongava Game Reserve: private reserve bordering Etosha to the south. Black and white rhinos, a more exclusive experience than the main park.
Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
Zambezi Region is a completely different ecosystem from the rest of Namibia. Green and river environment, abundant fauna: elephants in large numbers, buffalo, hippopotamus, crocodiles, lions, leopards and an extraordinary variety of birds.
Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu and Mamili are the main protected areas. The safari here is done by jeep and often also by boat.
Namib Rand Nature Reserve
The largest private reserve in southern Africa, near Sossusvlei. Orici, zebras of the mountains, cheetahs, leopards and a dark sky reserve among the darkest in the world. A safari experience in the desert completely different from Etosha.
Skeleton Coast: coastal fauna
On the Skeleton Coast the safari is of different type: colonies of seals, lions and hyenas of the desert, oryxes on the sand, a marina. It is not the classic safari but it is a unique fauna experience.
Redland Council
Etosha is often the heart of the safari in Namibia, but those who have more days available discover that the country offers much more. Desert elephants in Damaraland or green safari in the Zambezi Region are experiences that remain.
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FAQ:
Where to go on safari in Namibia besides Etosha?
In the Damaraland for the elephants of the desert, in the Zambezi Region for green safari, in private conservatories and on the Skeleton Coast for seal colonies.
Can you see rhinos in Namibia?
Yes, Namibia has one of the largest populations of black rhinos in the world. The Conservancies of Damaraland and Palmwag are the best areas.
What is a conservancy in Namibia?
A Conservancy is an area managed by local communities for the conservation of fauna and territory. They combine responsible tourism and economic benefits for communities.
Is the Zambezi Region suitable for safaris?
Yes, Zambezi (formerly Caprivi) offers green safaris with bufaloes, hippopotamuses, elephants and a great variety of fauna. It's very different from Etosha.
Can you see desert elephants in Namibia?
Yes, in Damaraland and Kaokoland live elephants adapted to life in the desert. They are famous for their unique resistance and behavior.
When to go on safari in the Zambezi Region?
The dry season (May-October) is the best. The water recedes and the animals concentrate near the rivers, making sightings easier.
What animals can you see in Damaraland?
Elephants of the desert, black rhinos in preservancies, oryxes, zebras of the mountains, leopards, giraffes and a great variety of birds.
