When it comes to Namibia big game hunting, you will go far to find another destination so prepared for hunters targeting these trademark game hunting trophies. In fact, Namibia is the only African country to include conservation and environmental protection in its Constitution!
Namibia is actually one of the few countries where all members of the Big 5, namely the Cape buffalo, rhino, lion, elephant, and leopard can be hunted.
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Why Choose Big Game Hunting in Namibia?
Often referred to as “the land of contrasts,” Namibia provides game hunting enthusiasts with the perfect big game hunting destination, offering a variety of species, hunting locations, excellent accommodation as well as pre-and post-hunt tourism activities for the entire family.
The area is renowned as a wildlife haven, with various game species available to hunt, including the endemic, black-faced impala and the Damara dik-dik. There are many big game antelopes, specialty animals, and African plains game to hunt, depending on what the hunters’ preferences are.
But first and foremost on the list is, of course, Africa’s trademark animals, the Big 5.
Namibia At A Glance
- Capital City: Windhoek
- Population: Approximately 3 million people
- Country Size: 318,261 sq mi (34th largest country in the world, second most sparsely populated)
- Currency: Namibian Dollar
- Languages: English, Afrikaans, German, Portuguese, African languages dialects of local tribes and cultural groups
- International Airports: Two (Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek and Walvis Bay International Airport in Walvis Bay)
Namibia lies on the Atlantic Ocean in the East and shares its borders with neighbors South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola.
Namibia consists of five main geographical landscapes:
- The Kalahari Desert
- The Namib Desert
- The Bushveld
- The Central Plateau
- The Great Escarpment
A Big 5 Hunting Safari in Namibia
When hunting in Namibia, many hunters target the Big 5 or one of the species. The Big 5 include Africa’s trademark animals, such as the African lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape Buffalo. All these animals can be hunted in Namibia.
Namibia’s vast landscape provides a welcome variety in hunting terrain for hunters, but the most popular location for hunting in Namibia must certainly be the Caprivi Strip. Situated in Namibia’s Northeastern corner, the Caprivi Strips sees four countries meet Namibia along one narrow strip of land, approximately 280 miles long. The four countries bordering Namibia’s Caprivi Strip are Botswana to the South, Zimbabwe to the East, and to the North both Zambia and Angola.
This lush, green area with its waterways and streams provides a stark contrast to much of Namibia’s other desert-like landscape. The area is teeming with wildlife, including the Big 5. It is home to many animal species, reptiles, (including some monster crocodiles!), fish as well as bird life.
Known to some as Africa’s gentle giant, the elephant can be anything but, and some consider an adult elephant bull one of the most dangerous animals to hunt, which explains its inclusion in Africa’s Big 5! They are the world’s largest land animal, weighing in close to 7.5 tons, with a shoulder height of 11.2 feet. And if you think that you are going to outrun it, think again, as it can reach speeds of up to 25 mph!
Elephant hunting in Namibia occurs in the North-Eastern parts of the country, between the Kavango and Bushmanland areas.
An interesting side note here is that there aren’t any physical fences or deterrents to stop elephants moving between countries in the Caprivi Strip, so they can move freely between Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia.
The Lion
Nothing says “dangerous game hunting in Africa” quite like a lion does and lions are available for a hunting safari in Namibia. When it comes to top game hunting trophies, the lion is top of the list. They are fierce and aggressive, yet there is something almost mystical about this apex predator who can down a man with a single swipe of his paw. And let’s not forget the lioness, because out of the two, she is far more aggressive, cunning, and downright irritable! Not even the male messes with a lioness when she is annoyed!
Both sexes make coveted game hunting trophies, perfect for any big game hunter looking for a challenging hunting adventure. The quality of a lion game hunting trophy is determined by the length of the body and mane, as well as the size of the lion’s head.
The Leopard
Leopard hunting safaris in Namibia are strictly controlled by the government, who oversee the issuing of tags and licenses. They are extremely popular targets, due to their beautiful pelt, but as mentioned, the overseeing of tags and hunts are closely monitored and restricted. Leopard hunting in Namibia, or anywhere worldwide for that matter, is challenging. The leopard is an extremely shy, elusive, and alert prey – and did I mention dangerous?
This nocturnal member of the cat family is actually considered the most dangerous cat to hunt worldwide to hunt and when wounded, it becomes the stuff nightmares are made of. Stories abound of hunters meeting their match with wounded leopards, with stitches and scars to show for their encounter or worse…
The Cape Buffalo
The Cape buffalo’s reputation precedes it, and perhaps knowing what you are getting yourself into, is a good thing in this case. The Cape buffalo is seen as one of the most aggressive, stubborn, and dangerous animals to target when enjoying big game hunting in Namibia.
With nicknames like “Africa’s Black Death” and “The Widow Maker,” you have an idea of what you are dealing with on a Cape buffalo hunting safari! They are known to take on lions who attack them or the herd and are notorious for holding grudges, with stories of them targeting game hunters who have hunted members of the herd. They are responsible for the death of many hunters, sporting a large set of horns that they use not only to defend themselves but also to fight and attack.
Weighing up to 2,000 pounds with a bad attitude and an impressive set of horns that can do major damage, a Cape buffalo hunting safari in Namibia is going to be memorable, to say the least. My advice? Ensure that your shot placement is 100% spot on and be ready for the follow-up. You know what they say – A buffalo needs a couple of bullets to take it down – and then a couple more to convince it that it’s dead!
The Rhino
Yes, the second largest land animal is available for big game hunting in Namibia! Namibia is home to two species of rhino, both of which may only be hunted in Namibia and South Africa.
The two species are:
- The square-lipped rhino, known as the white rhino
- The hook-lipped rhino, known as the black rhino
To say that rhino hunting in Namibia is an exciting pastime would be a huge understatement. This dangerous member of the Big 5 may not be able to see well, but they do have excellent hearing and sense of smell. A walk and stalk hunt targeting this huge animal is going to be nerve-racking, to say the least – Are you up for the challenge?
How Many Days is a Big Game Hunting Package?
Hunting and targeting specific species vary according to the destination and whether they are being hunted alone, or whether other animals are also being targeted. In some instances, the hunt may allow for other species to be targeted.
For example, since a leopard is hunted at night, a 14-21 day leopard hunt will see the hunter sitting at the lodge for much of that time during the day, should they not choose to add additional game, such as some African plains game, to the hunting package.
Typical lengths of hunts for African big game hunting species are as follows:
- Lion: 7 days
- Leopard: 14-21 days
- Elephant: 14-21 days
- Cape Buffalo: 7-10 days
- Rhino: 7 days
Is it Safe to go Hunting in Namibia?
Yes, game hunting safaris in Namibia are safe. A quick access route for most travelers is to land in Windhoek, at Hosea Kutako International Airport from South Africa. Another popular route would be via South Africa, landing in Botswana, and then a riverboat ride into Namibia’s Caprivi Strip.
Your outfitter will again be waiting for you and will take you to from the airport to emigration where you will exit Botswana. They will be with you all the way, transferring you to the final destination of your game hunting camp or lodge.
What Tourist Attractions Should I Visit While Big Game Hunting in Namibia?
Namibia is truly mesmerizing, and it offers a wide variety of activities and adventures for tourists – apart from game hunting in Namibia of course! Namibia allows you to be as active as you like, or should you prefer to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by, this stunning African gem has you covered as well! There are many attractions that we can list, but I have chosen some of my favorite go-to places in Namibia to share with you.
Windhoek
From a cultural and tourism perspective, Windhoek as the capital has many touristy things to do or places to visit, including:
- City Tour including all the highlights of the city.
- Visit to the National Museum of Namibia.
- Namibia Craft Centre for curios and traditional gifts.
- Christuskirche – Iconic landmark in the center of town and an old German Lutheran church.
- Katutura Township Tour.
- Iconic dinner experience at the famous Joe’s Beer House.
Etosha National Park
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Etosha is Namibia’s flagship national park. It offers tourists a wide array of wildlife to view, including 114 mammal species, more than 400 little feathered friends, as well as reptiles, and even a fish species! Take the opportunity to explore this famous national park, it is well worth a visit.
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
These two coastal towns should be a definite on any trip to Namibia! Combining the hustle and bustle of tourist towns, together with quaint shops and restaurants where you want to sit and relax with an ice-cold drink, they provide the backdrop for an exciting Namibian adventure! Whether it be sandboarding or quad biking amongst the dunes, or perhaps even a site-seeing trip on a boat, accompanied by a resident seal, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time here.
Fish River Canyon
The world’s second-largest canyon (after the US’s Grand Canyon), and Africa’s biggest canyon, it is renowned for spectacular views that seem to carry on forever!
Kalahari Desert
This enchanting desert landscape can transform into an abundance of Spring flowers, grass, and blossoms after some well-timed rains. No words or images can do this area justice or capture its beauty, it leaves a person breathless, speechless, and awe-inspired by its spellbinding beauty, calm and quietude. You leave the area feeling refreshed and renewed by nature’s gift.
Skeleton Coast National Park
This park provides great opportunities for game viewing, angling, and photography. It’s a little piece of paradise where you can view the desert-dwelling elephant, amongst others, and take the opportunity to really just relax and rewind.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is renowned for its majestic red star-shaped dunes, and it is truly a breathtaking sight to behold. There is something about being in the desert…the quiet, the magnificence of nature, together with the beautiful views that will have you returning time and again.
While you are in the area, be sure to visit Big Daddy, Sesriem Canyon, and Deadvlei. If you’re feeling particularly active, pack some closed shoes and take a mini hike up Big Daddy, standing at 25m, it is the tallest dune in the area and the second tallest dune in Namibia.
Namibia: An Inspiring Big Game Hunting Destination
For any hunter considering a hunting safari in Namibia, I would certainly recommend it. While it is renowned for the Big 5 game animals available for hunting in Namibia, there are so many other species that can also be targeted, including specialty game, as well as a huge variety of African plains game that will fit nicely together with Big 5 game hunting safaris.
The Namibian government provides the backdrop for remarkable hunting opportunities that are carefully monitored and regulated. Combine this with exceptional wildlife in terms of both species and quality trophy animals, beautiful and varied hunting destinations, quality outfitters, and hunting professionals, an array of pre-and post-hunt tourism activities, and you have a winning package!
It is no wonder that Namibia is considered one of the top African hunting destinations. See further information about Namibia or learn more about dangerous game hunting.
Author: B. Hershensohnn