Written by Nina van Zyl

A visit to Namibia is never complete without seeing its majestic game, elusive critters and distinctive birds. But then the question is of course, where to begin to have the best chance of seeing them all? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the top 5 places to spot wildlife in Namibia.

1. Etosha National Park

We had to start with the big one first, and when we say big, we mean it. Etosha National Park is so large, it could have been its own small country. This means that within its boundaries there are tons of animals roaming around, including 4 of the Big 5. We’re talking lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Not to mention those that didn’t make the list, like cheetahs, hyenas, springbuck, gemsbuck, giraffe and kudus. There’s birdlife galore too, and you won’t ever be bored spending the day parked at a waterhole, watching the continuous comings and goings of the park’s inhabitants, from those arriving by air to the ones legging across the planes. Etosha may not “have it all”, but it comes pretty close.

2. Damaraland

Another well-known spot in Namibia is the area known as Damaraland. This vast stretch of desert and semi-desert stretches up from the Spitzkoppe to Sesfontein and across from the Skeleton Coast practically to Etosha National Park. Damaraland is known for the famous desert-adapted elephant that call it home, as well as the similarly named desert lions, whose population is continuously replenished from nearby Etosha. Damaraland is also a fantastic place to see the endangered black rhinos, but be careful not to get too close, these guys are known to charge vehicles with zero provocation.

3. Zambezi

Perhaps one of the lesser famous areas in Namibia, the Zambezi nonetheless is as, if not more, deserving of recognition as one of the top wildlife spots in the country. What makes the Zambezi quite unique is that it is a completely different ecosystem from most of the rest of the country. The high rainfall here means lush vegetation, extensive waterways and animals galore. You are likely to spot elephant munching their way through the tall grass, as well as hippos lazing the day away in the rivers. The 5th member of the big 5, the buffalo, is also present in these parts. And we haven’t even mentioned the exotic and colourful birdlife! The Zambezi is most definitely worth a visit.

4. Waterberg Plateau Park

Rising up out of the flat expanse of central Namibia, the Waterberg Plateau is an extraordinary ecological habitat. The park was originally envisioned as a kind of sanctuary for endangered and vulnerable animal species, protected from poachers by its high vertical cliffs. This proved so successful that many of the park’s animals are sent across the country to help other populations. A game drive around the top of the mountain could mean sightings of Cape buffalo as well as black rhino. But even along the foot of the mountain, you are likely to see the cute little antelope called Damara dik-dik, if you sit still long enough.

5. Namib Naukluft National Park

Sossusvlei, located in the Namib Naukluft National Park, is perhaps the most well-known of all Namibia’s hotspots, and with good reason. The stunning orange dunes under a wide blue sky make for exceptional photographic memories. When it comes to wildlife, the stars of the show aren’t as out there as in some of the other places on this list. Except perhaps for the gemsbok, the stylish antelope that are known to stand dramatically atop a dune ridge. Other animals you might need a little more patience to spot, like tiny tok-tokkies (a type of beetle), geckos, snakes and chameleons. The Namib is also the home of Namibia’s only truly endemic bird species, the Dune Lark. The best way to spot animals in this area is on foot, slowly and surely.

With all the animals you are bound to see, a trip to Namibia is a no-brainer. Get started with planning your trip right here, with our best tips, insider info and everything else you may need to make it the journey of a lifetime.