Written by Megon Venter

Are you trying to figure out how to make the most of your Namibian experience without sacrificing your whole budget? One of the aspects you should consider is whether you want to make your own way or have an experience curated for you. A major part of this is knowing the difference between national parks and private game (wildlife) reserves. 

The main similarity between national parks and private game reserves is that they are both dedicated to conservation, so no matter which you choose, you’re always supporting wildlife. So now that the similarities are out of the way, we’re here to break down the differences between the two, specifically in Namibia, so that you have all the info you need to plan the most epic exploration possible. 

Experience

Namibia is a sparsely populated country but the one place you are likely to see other travellers is big wildlife hotspots such as Etosha National Park. Things can get congested if there is a particularly special sighting but generally national parks are quite extensive, allowing you to roam far on its endless roads. 

Private game reserves, on the other hand, are home to more luxury establishments. These give you a guided experience (by an expert tracker) on an open safari vehicle, sometimes treading lightly off-road to get closer to wildlife. However, you will also be joined by around 6-8 other guests every morning and evening. But there’s no need to be anti-social as this can be a very welcoming addition to your trip as opposed to travelling alone through the country.

Game-Viewing

In terms of wildlife, Namibia is known for its unique desert-adapted animals but that doesn’t mean that they’re easy to find! This is where you can benefit from the knowledge of a specially trained expert tracker who can show you the secret wildlife spots on a guided safari drive or walk. These guides are part and parcel of a more high-end experience, typically found in a private game reserve. 

This isn’t to say that you won’t get lucky and find some amazing sightings off the beaten track while travelling on your own through one of Namibia’s national parks. In fact, there is also a chance that you may see more animals away from the more popular roads.

Affordability

National parks generally have more affordable accommodation options, but in certain cases, you will need to bring along your own food. Supermarkets aren’t always close by though, so you will need to plan ahead. It also depends on which national park you visit as some, like Etosha National Park, have a much wider range of accommodation due to their popularity and immense size.

Private game reserves are home to more luxury lodges, which tend to be all-inclusive. Here is where you’ll get pampered with daily meals, G&Ts and adventures prepared for you. The only catch is that this kind of accommodation comes at a higher price point for all these lush add-ons. 

Opening Hours

Both national parks and private game reserves have opening hours ranging from 6 am to 8 pm The main difference is that you can’t enter a private game reserve unless you have booked accommodation or tours there in advance. National parks, in contrast, are open to the public and you can choose to enter and leave (within the opening times) without staying in any of the lodges that the park offers.

Activities

A big perk of exploring a national park as opposed to a private game reserve is that you’re not limited to a certain route or time limit when exploring. Because you are your own guide, you can venture to the furthest reaches of the park that you wouldn’t necessarily see on a game drive with other people.

As private game reserves come hand-in-hand with luxury lodges, there are always plenty of activities to fill your day. What’s more is that you don’t need to plan anything yourself. Depending on the lodge, these amazing outings could include:

• Birdwatching

• Cultural tours

• Quad-biking

• Stargazing

• Walking safaris

• Day and Night Game Drives

• Swimming

• Fishing

Access

Because private game reserves generally require you to be staying at one of the luxury lodges inside, you might also need to arrange additional transport. Unsurprisingly, given Namibia’s expansive wilderness, some of the lodges are quite remote and therefore could include a long drive from the main gates. 

National parks, on the other hand, have several gates to enter and you can access them quite easily, depending on where you are coming from. 

Whether you opt for a more pre-planned adventure in a game reserve or an unexpected journey in a national park, you’re bound to have an amazing time in Namibia. Feeling confident about the differences between national parks and private game reserves? Read more about your Africa adventure to kickstart your tour planning on our blog or head straight to: The Namibian Pocket Guide