Namibia Mammal safari

Your Namibia Mammal safari overview

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable African safari? Whether it’s your very first adventure or you’re aiming to tick rare and elusive mammals off your list, Nature Travel Namibia’s bespoke 14-Day Namibia Mammal Safari is the perfect choice. Carefully crafted by experts, this exciting journey includes world-class parks, private reserves, luxury accommodations, and iconic attractions. Best of all, you’ll enjoy exceptional chances to encounter the Big Five—and many other rare species—in their natural habitats.

Experience Namibia’s Spectacular Habitat Diversity

Namibia is one of Africa’s most diverse countries, and this safari captures it all. First, explore the lush riparian forests of the Caprivi Strip. Then, marvel at the vast, arid deserts and the towering red sand dunes of central Namibia. Later, soak in the beauty of Walvis Bay’s stunning lagoon along the Atlantic coast. Each location offers dramatic landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters that promise to take your breath away.

Go Beyond Traditional Game Drives

But there’s more. This Namibia wildlife tour goes beyond the typical game drive experience. In select areas, you’ll have the chance to join night drives and guided bush walks. While big mammals are often seen from the comfort of a vehicle, exploring on foot adds an exciting, up-close dimension. These intimate walks allow you to discover hidden wildlife treasures and venture where vehicles simply cannot go.

Special Mammal Encounters Await

Although the safari highlights Namibia’s rare and elusive mammals—such as unique rodents and small carnivores—spotting them can be challenging. For serious enthusiasts, we offer the option to travel with a research student. Their expertise greatly improves your chances of sightings and provides fascinating insights into Namibia’s incredible biodiversity.

Why we love this safari:

Not only will you get the chance to see some truly iconic mammals, you can look forward to Etosha National Park. The world-renowned Park is home to an abundance of wildlife.

We will explore Damaraland for unique desert adapted mammals, roaming and surviving the harshest conditions. A night drive at Okonjima is a must to experience the conservation of mammals in their natural habitat. And then, a boat cruise from Walvis Bay offers another view at finding mammals in the coastal areas. Get ready for a truly memorable journey into the heart of Namibia. Your Namibia Mammal Safari awaits!

Talk to our expert team to book this unique Namibia Mammal safari or to get more information and a quote.

What can you expect on this Namibia Mammal safari?

DAY 1 | Windhoek to Okonjima

Welcome to Namibia! After meeting you at the airport or your hotel in Windhoek, we’ll set off for Okonjima Lodge, located near Otjiwarongo in central Namibia. This beautiful lodge will be our first stop, offering the perfect introduction to your African adventure.

Upon arrival, we’ll settle in with a delicious lunch. You’ll have time to relax, freshen up, and soak in the stunning surroundings before we head out for our first afternoon activity—an exciting Leopard tracking experience with the lodge team.

During the tracking drive, we’ll search for the elusive Leopard. But that’s not all—you might also spot Kirk’s Dikdik, Common Eland, Hartebeest (caama subspecies), White Rhinoceros, Mountain Zebra (hartmannae subspecies), Common Rock Hyrax, Gemsbok, Yellow Mongoose, Greater Kudu, Giraffe, and Springbok. Some of the carnivores in the area wear radio collars, helping the lodge’s research efforts and giving us a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into their secretive lives.

Later, we’ll pause in the bush to enjoy a refreshing sundowner drink, a classic safari tradition. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge, where you can relax around the fire and share stories of the day’s adventures. A wonderful dinner, prepared by the talented lodge staff, awaits. This first evening promises a true Namibian welcome, setting the perfect tone for the rest of your safari.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After dinner, we’ll head out on an exciting night drive. Keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal species like the Honey Badger, Cape Porcupine, Brown and Spotted Hyena, Southern Lesser Galago, Southern African Spring-hare, Aardvark, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Black-backed Jackal, and even the elusive Caracal.

DAY 2 | Okonjima Nature Reserve

Today promises another exciting day at Okonjima Reserve. We’ll spend the full day exploring, combining game drives and guided walks to search for some of the fascinating resident mammal species.

This morning, we’ll set off early to maximize our chances of spotting wildlife. Some of the smaller mammals we’ll be targeting include the Dassie Rat, Woodland Dormouse, and Bushveld Sengi. We’ll also keep a lookout for a variety of Gerbils, such as the Bushveld Gerbil, Cape Gerbil, Hairy-footed Gerbil, and Highveld Gerbil. Every encounter offers a glimpse into Namibia’s lesser-seen but equally impressive wildlife.

As the day warms up, you’ll have some choices. You might opt for a well-deserved siesta, relaxing during the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, we can arrange a visit to the famous AfriCat Centre. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn more about Namibia’s free-roaming predators—including Lion, Leopard, and Hyena—and how the foundation works to protect them on private cattle farms.

The centre also runs a fascinating rehabilitation program where you can see some of these incredible animals up close. Their current research focuses on lesser-known species like the Pangolin and Brown Hyena, helping to deepen our understanding of these elusive creatures.

Later, we’ll head back to the lodge for sundowner drinks, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. A delicious dinner will follow, where you can share stories of the day’s sightings.

After dinner, the adventure continues with another night drive. This is our chance to spot nocturnal mammals such as the Southern African Hedgehog, Damara Mole Rat, Four-striped Grass Mouse, Large-eared Mouse, Namaqua Rock Rat, Cape Pouched Rat, Black-tailed Tree Rat, Red Veld Rat, and the tiny but fierce Lesser Red Musk Shrew.

DAY 3 | Heading norths towards Grootfontein

After an early morning walk around the lodge, we will set off on our journey north. Our destination for tonight is a comfortable lodge near the town of Grootfontein.

Although today is mostly a travel day, the drive promises some exciting roadside wildlife sightings. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Chacma Baboon, Gemsbok, Greater Kudu, Hartebeest (caama subspecies), Steenbok, and the ever-charismatic Common Warthog. Every stretch of the road offers the chance for a surprise encounter!

By mid to late afternoon, we should arrive at our charming lodge. After settling in, we’ll take some time to explore the surrounding area on foot. This relaxed walk gives us a great opportunity to spot some of the region’s smaller mammals.

Species we’ll be looking for include Smith’s Bush Squirrel, Acacia Rat, Red Veld Rat, and the elusive Southern Lesser Galago. You might also catch sight of the African Savanna Hare, Bushveld Gerbil, and the tiny Desert Pygmy Mouse.

Later, we’ll return to the lodge to freshen up and relax. Dinner will be prepared by the welcoming lodge staff, offering a cozy end to a full day.

Get ready—tomorrow we venture even further east, into the beautiful riverine and broadleaf woodlands of the Caprivi Strip!

DAY 4 | Exploring the Rich Woodlands of Mahango National Park

After a quick early morning coffee and a short walk, we will continue our journey east. Our route will take us through the broadleaved woodlands between Rundu and Mahango National Park.

We plan to arrive around lunchtime. After settling in, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. You can either explore the riverine woodland around the lodge or join an exciting game drive in Mahango National Park.

The beautiful habitat surrounding the lodge is ideal for spotting Shortridge’s Mastomys (Multimammate Mouse) and Smith’s Bush Squirrel. These small mammals are often active during the cooler parts of the day.

Mahango National Park promises exceptional game viewing. Our main mammal targets include the magnificent Sable and Roan Antelope, the striking Topi (tsessebe subspecies), the graceful Southern Lechwe (leche subspecies), African Buffalo, and the secretive Bushbuck. Keep in mind, this will be the only opportunity to see these species during this safari.

Moreover, the Caprivi Strip is home to fascinating smaller carnivores. Look out for Common Genet, Central African Large-spotted Genet, Banded Mongoose, Marsh Mongoose, White-tailed Mongoose, African Civet Cat, Slender Mongoose, and the playful Common Dwarf Mongoose.

Throughout the day, we will also search for other small mammals like the Acacia Rat, Red Veld Rat, Swamp Musk Shrew, and the Natal Mastomys (Multimammate Mouse).

After dinner, for those who are keen, we’ll head out again for a night walk. This gives us another exciting chance to spot nocturnal species and experience the bush after dark!

DAY 5 | Mahangu and Buffalo National Parks

oday offers a full day of unforgettable wildlife exploration in Bwabwata National Park, covering both the Mahangu and Buffalo Core Areas. This remote park, located in northeastern Namibia, is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Known for its large buffalo herds and abundant hippopotamus populations, Bwabwata never disappoints.

As we traverse the park, we’ll be on the lookout for a wide variety of species. These include African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Plains Zebra, Impala, Common Duiker, Greater Kudu, Giraffe, and Warthog. The park’s diverse habitats—from riverine woodlands to floodplains—create ideal conditions for a rich safari experience.

Depending on the day’s sightings and conditions, we’ll either enjoy a packed lunch in the park or return to the lodge for a relaxed meal overlooking the river. This stretch of the Okavango River is home to massive Nile Crocodiles and plenty of hippos. Keep an eye out for Bushbuck and Vervet Monkeys, regular visitors around the lodge. With a bit of luck, we may even spot an elephant from the comfort of the deck.

As the day winds down, we’ll head out on a sunset dinner cruise on the Okavango River. Our journey begins at 17:30, as we glide quietly across the water in search of two elusive mammals: the African Clawless Otter and the Spotted-necked Otter. We’ll stop on a river island to enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks around a crackling bonfire. From here, you’ll have a stunning view of Bwabwata National Park across the river—an ideal spot to watch wildlife gather at the water’s edge as the sun sets.

After sunset, we’ll return to our boat and enjoy a leisurely dinner on the river, drifting slowly back to the lodge under the stars. On a recent trip, guests witnessed a Leopard drinking at the riverbank just meters from the boat—an unforgettable moment that perfectly captures the magic of this experience.

DAY 6 | Etosha National Park East

We’ll begin the day with a fresh cup of coffee or tea, taking in a breathtaking sunrise over the Okavango River. This peaceful start often comes with a surprise—African Wild Dogs have been spotted hunting from the lodge’s viewing deck, and on a recent trip, a Leopard made a rare appearance.

After this memorable start, we’ll prepare for a travel day as we head south toward Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier game reserves. If time allows, we can enjoy a short early morning game drive in Mahangu before we leave the lush Caprivi and Okavango regions behind.

As we journey south, you’ll witness a dramatic change in landscape and habitat. The tropical broadleaf woodlands gradually give way to mixed woodland, eventually transitioning into classic acacia savannah. Along the way, we’ll stop regularly to stretch, take in the scenery, and look for new bird and mammal species that thrive in the changing environment.

By mid-afternoon, we expect to arrive at our comfortable lodge near Etosha. If time permits, we may head out on a brief afternoon game drive. However, after a long day on the road, many guests enjoy a leisurely walk around the lodge gardens instead. Keep your eyes peeled for the relaxed troop of Banded Mongooses, always entertaining to watch.

The lodge grounds are also home to Egyptian Slit-faced Bats and the elusive Southern Lesser Galago, often seen just after sunset. In the early evening, we’ll gather for a sundowner drink, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars—a perfect way to end the day on safari.

DAY 7 | Etosha National Park East

Today, we dedicate our time to exploring the eastern section of the iconic Etosha National Park. This area is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and offers excellent chances to spot rare and endemic species.

Our wildlife search will focus on some of Namibia’s most sought-after mammals. These include the endemic Kirk’s Dik-dik (Namibian subspecies), African Elephant, Lion, Black Rhinoceros, and Leopard. We’ll also look for Spotted Hyena, Black-backed Jackal, Black-faced Impala (another unique subspecies), Red Hartebeest, Springbok, and Greater Kudu. Of course, we won’t miss the striking Gemsbok, Namibia’s national animal.

This region of Etosha is known as one of the best places in Namibia to see Cheetah, and we’ll visit all our favorite hotspots for a possible sighting.

One fascinating interaction we’ll hope to witness is between Honey Badgers and Pale Chanting Goshawks. These birds follow the badgers, hoping to snatch an easy meal when prey escapes the badger’s digging. It’s a rare but incredible sight—something we’ve seen here before.

After lunch, our afternoon will be spent visiting well-known waterholes. These spots are great for observing wildlife as they come to drink. We might catch a herd of elephants at Groot Okevi or Tsumcor, or spot Common Eland at Chudop or Klein Namutoni. As the sun sets behind us, these waterholes offer unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Once we return to the lodge, we’ll unwind, enjoy a relaxing sundowner drink, and end the day with another delicious Namibian dinner under the African sky.

DAY 8 | Etosha National Park South

Today is a bit of a travel day, but the stunning scenery will make up for it. You will start with a private road transfer to Windhoek (where you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch) followed by a private chartered flight into Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The delta stands as a testament to nature’s ingenuity, transforming the arid Kalahari Desert into a lush, waterlogged oasis via a dynamic ecosystem dubbed “the river that never finds the sea”. This vast inland delta spans 6,000 to 15,000 km², swelling to three times its permanent size during seasonal floods. The delta’s defining feature (the seasonal flooding) is a spectacle driven by the Okavango River, which originates in Angola’s highlands and spreads 11 cubic kilometres of water annually across the vast area of the delta. Peaking between June and August, this flood transforms the delta during Botswana’s dry winter, creating a labyrinth of waterways, islands and lagoons. The high temperatures of the region cause rapid evaporation, resulting in cycles of rising and falling water levels.

A short road transfer will bring you to your lodge in the far north of the Delta, where you will be welcomed with a spacious suite on an elevated wooden deck, complete with indoor-outdoor showers and a plunge pool overlooking verdant floodplains. It is the ideal place to experience the wonder of nature and intimate wildlife encounters.

A perfect way to introduce yourself to the Delta will be a guided sunset mokoro excursion; you will glide silently through the Delta’s waterways where Hippopotamuses grunt, Nile Crocodiles lurk and birdlife dazzles. A truly magical experience.

To end the day you will indulge in a lantern-lit dinner on a private island, toasting the Delta’s wonders with a glass of Champagne!

DAY 9 | Etosha National Park South

Today, we continue our Namibia safari adventure as we travel to the central region of Etosha National Park. This area promises a full day of exciting game viewing.

Early in the morning, we’ll stop at two reliable waterholes. These spots often deliver fantastic sightings of Spotted Hyena coming in to drink, while Lions are sometimes seen crossing the plains after their nightly hunt.

While Etosha is world-famous for sightings of Black Rhinoceros, today we’ll visit an area where we also have a chance to see the White Rhinoceros—our only opportunity for this species on the tour.

Around midday, we’ll break for lunch at Halali Resort. This stop gives us a moment to rest and also visit the camp’s waterhole, another excellent spot for wildlife activity.

By mid to late afternoon, we reach Okaukuejo Resort, one of the park’s most iconic camps. Its flood-lit waterhole is renowned for nighttime wildlife viewing. Regular visitors include African Elephants, Black Rhinos, Giraffes, and often Lions.

During our drives in the Okaukuejo area, we’ll be watching for a wide range of species. These include Brown and Spotted Hyena, South African Ground Squirrel, Yellow and Slender Mongoose, Gemsbok, Greater Kudu, Springbok, Black-backed Jackal, Common Warthog, Leopard, Lion, and—if luck is on our side—Aardwolf and Honey Badger.

After dinner at the resort, we’ll spend time at the camp’s waterhole. Tonight, we’ll also look for the elusive Bushveld Sengi, which has been recorded in the area. With luck, we might hear Lions roaring or even witness them drinking under the stars—a truly unforgettable way to end the day.

In addition to large game, this part of southern Etosha is great for spotting smaller mammals. We’ll keep our eyes open for Namaqua Rock Rats, Desert Pygmy Mouse, Cape Scrub Hare, Bicolored Musk Shrew, Bushveld Gerbil, and the Red Rock Rat.

DAY 10 | Brandberg Region

This morning begins with an early breakfast and a short, refreshing walk around the lodge. Afterward, we head south toward the rugged beauty of Damaraland, where we’ll spend one unforgettable night.

As we travel, the landscape gradually transforms. Rocky outcrops and desert plains signal our arrival in one of Namibia’s most scenic regions. Along the way, we start searching for desert-adapted animals that thrive in this harsh environment. These species have evolved to survive in the arid conditions of northwestern Namibia.

For those interested in cultural heritage, there’s an optional detour to visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please let us know in advance if you’d like to include this—it’s a longer route but well worth it for history enthusiasts.

Once in Damaraland, we’ll explore a region rich in desert-adapted wildlife. Highlights include Desert-adapted Elephants, Black Rhinoceros, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Lions, Springbok, Gemsbok, Giraffe, and Steenbok.

If we’re lucky, we may encounter the famous Desert Elephants of the Ugab River, known for their incredible ability to move through this dry landscape in search of water and food.

We’ll also be on the lookout for smaller, lesser-seen mammals. These include the agile Klipspringer, elusive Common Genet, Desert Pygmy Mouse, Dassie Rat, Rock Hyrax, and the Black-tailed Tree Rat.

Damaraland offers a completely different safari experience—one that reveals the resilience and wonder of life in Namibia’s wild desert.

DAY 11 | Erongo Mountains

This morning, we begin our day exploring the Brandberg area, known for its dramatic landscapes and fascinating wildlife. After enjoying some early sightings, we’ll make our way toward the Erongo Mountains, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by rugged granite outcrops and peaceful wilderness.

Along the way, keep an eye out for some of the region’s more common mammals. These include the Dassie Rat and Common Rock Hyrax, often seen sunning themselves on boulders. If luck is on our side, we may also spot elusive species such as the Black Mongoose, Slender Mongoose, Central African Large-spotted Genet, Steenbok, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Leopard, or even a Caracal.

Upon arrival at our Erongo lodge, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and settle into our rooms. Once rested, we’ll head out again—this time with a focus on the area’s small and secretive mammals.

We’ll search for Cape Hares, Bushveld Sengi, Bushveld Gerbil, Namaqua Rock Rat, and Western Rock Sengi. The Dassie Rat is also commonly seen in this region. By carefully scanning the crevices between granite boulders, we hope to spot the rarely seen Pygmy Rock Mouse, a real gem for any small mammal enthusiast.

This part of Namibia’s wildlife safari offers a unique experience. It’s not just about big game—it’s about discovering the incredible diversity of small mammals in the Erongo Mountains.

DAY 12 | Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

After an early morning walk around the Erongo Mountains, we’ll look for any special species we may have missed. Then, after a hearty breakfast, we begin our journey westward to the coast.

By midday, we’ll arrive in the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy some time to settle in. Later in the afternoon, we head to the nearby Walvis Bay Lagoon—a Ramsar wetland of international importance. This area is famous for hosting thousands of migratory waders, including flamingos, sandpipers, and plovers. It’s a must-visit for any birding enthusiast visiting Namibia.

As the sun begins to set, we return to Swakopmund for sundowner drinks with a view. Afterward, we’ll head out to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

While in this area, we’ll also be on the lookout for a variety of fascinating small mammals. Key species include the Four-striped Grass Mouse, Namib Round-eared Sengi, Littledale’s Whistling Rat, and the near-endemic Southern Pygmy Gerbil.

This coastal stretch of Namibia offers a refreshing change of scenery, paired with unique wildlife viewing opportunities—making it a perfect midway stop on your Namibia safari adventure.

DAY 13 | Walvis Bay and Windhoek

We begin our day early, starting with a warm cup of coffee. Soon after, we head to the Walvis Bay Harbour for a morning boat cruise—a highlight of our coastal stay.

During the cruise, we’ll search for some of Namibia’s fascinating marine mammals. Key species to watch for include the South African Fur Seal, Heaviside’s Dolphin, and Bottlenose Dolphin. With some luck, we might also spot Bryde’s Whale, Humpback Whale, or even the elusive Killer Whale (Orca).

Please note: Whale sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed, but every outing offers exciting possibilities.

After the cruise, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch in Walvis Bay before beginning our journey back to Windhoek. This scenic drive marks the final stretch of our Namibia wildlife safari.

Upon arrival near Windhoek, we’ll settle in for our last night at a peaceful private reserve just outside the city. We’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the unforgettable moments of the trip.

DAY 14 | Departure

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we will make our way to the airport where you will take your return flight home.
(Depending on your departure flight time, there is an option to do game drive with the lodge on their grounds)