What’s the Difference Between a Safari in South Africa and Namibia?
Written by Zeldi Smulders
If you’ve narrowed your safari destination choice down to Southern Africa, you might be wondering how a safari in South Africa compares to a safari in Namibia? In this blog, we’ll compare the wildlife, scenery, costs, and more of South Africa and Namibia to help you discover which is best for your next trip. Read on to learn more about the unforgettable luxury or affordable African safaris in some of the best safari destinations in the world.
Table of Contents
Wildlife
No matter which of these countries you choose to visit on a safari, you can be sure that you won't be let down by the wildlife you will encounter, which is of course one of the most important aspects of any such adventure.
In South Africa, your wildlife viewing options are far-reaching. You can seek out the well-known Big 5 — lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and rhinos — and have plenty of spots to do so, like the famous Kruger National Park. There’s also classic wildlife like hippos, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, baboons, multiple species of antelope, the endangered wild dog, and so many more to watch out for. Additionally, you can look forward to excellent birding opportunities and expect to spot various seaside creatures near the coast, such as African penguins and migratory whales.
Namibia also offers the opportunity to see the Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos in Etosha National Park, and buffaloes in the Zambezi Region. The country boasts the largest black rhino population in the world as a result of successful conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Other noteworthy wildlife to see in this country include kudus, oryxes, zebras, giraffes, springbucks, hyenas and jackals. Due to its unforgiving arid terrain, Namibia features some fascinating creatures, such as desert-adapted elephants and rhinos. Namibia is also a marvellous spot for bird watching, boasting more than 700 species of birds, and the Skeleton Coast is home to a baffling number of Cape fur seals.
Best Time to Visit
When on safari in South Africa or Namibia, game viewing is best in the dry winter months from May to October. During this time, the vegetation is thinner and wildlife congregates around the scarcer water sources, making them easier to spot. Temperatures are also cooler, making outdoor activities more comfortable. Popular destinations like Kruger and Etosha fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. The summer months bring plenty of newborn young and with the increase in rain, the vegetation will be thicker.
South Africa’s climate varies between regions and can range from moderate and dry to hot and humid. The south coast has a Mediterranean climate with wetter winters and fantastic outdoor weather in the summer from November to March. The northeastern coast, on the other hand, has a subtropical climate with humid summers ideal for birding.
Namibia is hot and dry in most areas but has a few exceptions, like the lush Zambezi Region, which has humid summers with plenty of birding opportunities. During the May to July winter months in Namibia, the daytime temperatures can be pleasant, however, it is important to pack a warm layer as the nights can become very cold.
Accommodation
From luxury lodges to basic camping sites, South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation options, including plenty of family-friendly accommodation and top sustainable stays. South Africa offers seclusion on safari in the form of private lodges and reserves, where you can enjoy the wildlife without interruption. You’ll also find lodges known for being high-end and exclusive like Kruger’s Singita Sabi Sands. While South Africa boasts many 5-star stays, there is also a lot of variety for different budget groups and you are sure to find something that suits your needs.
Namibia typically provides stays that make the most of their natural surroundings and the fact that they are uncrowded. Its offer comprises a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges and resorts to rustic camping and budget-friendly self-catering accommodation as well as various unique stays combining luxury and sustainability. Visitors to Namibia can also choose from a selection of guesthouses and even private villas. It is also known to offer an indulging experience with attentive service, like Etosha’s Onguma the Fort.
South Africa and Namibia caters to different preferences and ensures an extraordinary adventure with the level of comfort and excitement you're after. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for different budget ranges:
Entry-level
What you get: Campsites, basic accommodation, self-catering accommodation, closer proximity to other people; usually outside of reserves or national parks.
Mid Range
What you get: More private accommodations, glamping, B&Bs, lodges, inclusions such as amenities and some meals; can be located in more private reserves and national parks.
High-end
What you get: Private accommodation in exclusive and/or remote locations, luxury safari lodges, and complimentary amenities, meals, drinks and activities.
Luxury
What you get: Quality is the name of the game here – completely private accommodation with complimentary activities and amenities including drinks and meals; greater attention to detail in highly sought-after, secluded locations; private chauffeurs, butlers, guides and chefs.
Costs
Both South Africa and Namibia offer entry-level safaris and luxury safaris. You can certainly get value for money in both countries, and each of them are generally less expensive than going on safari to East African and other southern African countries, like Botswana. The cost of a safari will vary depending on the type of safari you book and the length of your stay. Here is a brief overview of costs per person, per night, that does not include activities (with the exception of activities included in higher range safari lodge prices):
| Country | Entry-level | Mid Range | High-end | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | From EUR 50 p.p. | From EUR 100 p.p. | From EUR 500 p.p. | From EUR 1500 p.p. |
| Namibia | From EUR 50 p.p. | From EUR 100 p.p. | From EUR 500 p.p. | From EUR 1500 p.p. |
Note: In Namibia, both Namibian Dollars (NAD/ N$) and South African Rand (ZAR/ R) are acceptable as they have the same exchange rate.
The prices can be influenced by factors such as:
The remoteness of the location and whether the stay is in a private game reserve or a national park.
The season you choose to visit, with the popular period being between May and October due to the dry winter season being the best time to spot wildlife.
The method of travel with the choice to rent a vehicle and do a self-drive safari or make use of transfers and luxury fly-in options.
Experiences
South Africa can be more family-friendly and affordable with easily accessible safaris and beach and bush safari combos. It also offers malaria-free safari options, including game reserves in Eastern Cape, Garden Route and Klein Karoo. Between its national parks, stunning environment, and remarkable wildlife, no matter where you go, you will be able to enjoy the wonders of nature with its accompanying (endless list of) activities. Africa’s southernmost country is a place where you can find it all; from bustling cities to arid landscapes, from towering mountains to lush forests, from pristine beaches to top-notch wildlife reserves.
Namibia provides unique experiences that allow you to connect with nature with a real feeling of remoteness and spaciousness. Experience a hot-air balloon ride that takes you above the dramatic Namib Desert, gaze at pitch-dark open skies with incredible constellations in Sossusvlei, cruise down the Zambezi in the midst of hippos and crocodiles in an untamed environment, experience the abundant wildlife and exhilarating game drives at Etosha National Park, along with many more adventure activities and malaria free-options like Sossusvlei to add to your Namibia itinerary.
Scenery
South Africa is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the expansive savannah to the lush forests, and rugged coastlines with sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs and majestic mountains. The scenery in South Africa is varied and stunning, boasting 8 major land biomes and offering a variety of habitats for its wildlife, more so than Namibia.
Namibia is known for the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, and offers striking scenery while on safari. Its primarily arid landscapes offer stark vistas consisting of sweeping plains, deserted beaches, and towering sand dunes, excluding the secret, lush Zambezi Region bordering Botswana.
Sustainability
South Africa is renowned for its stunning safari destinations that showcase remarkable sustainability features. In South Africa's safari parks, such as Kruger National Park, a strong emphasis is placed on conservation efforts and responsible tourism. The parks implement various sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly accommodation options, waste management systems, and wildlife protection programs. Visitors can partake in eco-sensitive game drives, guided by knowledgeable local rangers who prioritise animal welfare and environmental conservation. Additionally, South Africa's safari experience goes beyond wildlife encounters, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the surrounding communities.
Namibia, known for its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers an extraordinary safari experience with a strong focus on sustainability. The country has pioneered conservation efforts, and its safari lodges and reserves prioritise eco-friendly practices. Namibia promotes responsible tourism through low-impact accommodations that blend harmoniously with the natural environment, utilising renewable energy sources and employing sustainable construction materials. The safari activities in Namibia revolve around preserving its delicate ecosystems and wildlife, with a focus on promoting understanding and appreciation for the local biodiversity. Through community-based tourism initiatives, Namibia empowers local communities to actively participate in conservation and benefit from the sustainable tourism industry, ensuring a well-rounded and environmentally conscious safari experience.
Ease of Travel
In both South Africa and Namibia, most commonwealth countries do not need a visa to enter. Find out the exact requirements for South Africa here and for Namibia here.
South Africa boasts multiple safari options from its major cities, including Cape Town (read how to include a safari into your trip to Cape Town), Durban and Johannesburg, from which Kruger National Park is a 5-hour drive away. The country is also larger with a bigger population and more cities and towns with more international and domestic airports, making fly-in safaris very easy.
For Namibia, the capital city, Windhoek, is the starting point of your adventure with its famous Etosha National Park about a 4-hour drive away. While the country’s main roads are tarred, there are many gravel roads in between. You need to be better prepared and take precautions like carrying extra water in the car as sometimes options to stock up are limited and you can count on long travel distances between destinations.
Both countries offer excellent self-driving opportunities. Public transport isn’t very reliable in either country, but lots of lodges offer transfers to get you where you need to be. Luxury fly-in safaris, on the other hand, can help you avoid spending a lot of time on the road. We recommend planning for 10 - 14 days in South Africa or Namibia to see all the top sights without feeling too rushed. To find out more specifics of travel logistics check out our Namibian Pocket Guide and South African Pocket Guide.
Which one will you choose?
South Africa safari: awe-inspiring landscapes & prolific wildlife or Namibia safari: formidable wildlife & dramatic scenery
A safari in South Africa and a safari in Namibia both offer special experiences. South Africa offers a variety of wildlife, landscapes, stays, and activities, while Namibia is known for its vast landscapes, intriguing wildlife, and otherworldly experiences. Both countries offer a wealth of wildlife and stunning scenery that can be enjoyed on unforgettable safari adventures. If you can’t choose, why not combine them for the best of both?
Book a safari to South Africa and Namibia with Viatu and do so with ease with customisation options that allow you to plan your ideal safari. Prepare to be amazed by the possibilities of safaris in Africa.
