While women are an integral part of the hunting fraternity, many may feel unsafe traveling to deepest, darkest Africa on their own or with a group of female friends. However, one destination stands out head and shoulders above the rest in terms of safety, stability, safari offerings, and overall experience. And that is Namibia.
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Key Takeaways
- Namibia is highly regarded by all hunters who visit this African destination
- For an African hunting trip, Namibia ticks all the boxes in terms of species, terrain, experiences, hospitality, and accommodation options
- Lady hunters are appreciated and treated well by the outfitter and their team, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable safari experience
- Various options are available in terms of types of hunts, locations, species, and overall experiences when on a Namibian hunting trip
Why Namibia Appeals to Women Hunters
Namibia appeals to and resonates with women hunters for many reasons. This African destination ticks all the boxes in terms of empowerment, stunning landscapes, tailored experiences, and unbelievable safaris. As a game hunting destination, Namibia attracts women hunters with its unmatched blend of safety, empowerment, and raw adventure, making it a top African safari destination. Let’s delve a bit deeper into what makes this African safari destination such a winner for women looking to hunt alone, or as a member of a ladies-only hunting group.
Safety
Namibia's safety record speaks for itself and stems from its political stability, low crime rate, and an incredible tourism industry that offers something for everyone in the Land of Sand, as Namibia is affectionately known. Unlike many higher-risk African nations, Namibia’s hunting concessions are found in remote, controlled areas with professional guides available around the clock. This peace of mind lets women focus on the thrill of the hunt and the overall experience, not worry, with many Namibian outfitters offering private, women-led teams for solo travelers.
Female Empowerment
Let’s be honest, stereotypes within hunting do exist. Hunting legends such as Danene van der Westhuyzen, Namibia's first female professional hunter with a dangerous game license, shatter stereotypes and provide a great inspiration for many fellow female hunters. Danene’s expertise inspires confidence, allows for mentoring and inspiration, and turns novice hunters into skilled huntresses, ready to face the thrill of a hunting trip in Namibia.
Ladies-only packages are a great option and growing in popularity. These female-only hunts include empowerment workshops on aspects such as rifle recoil management and ethical decision-making, allowing genuine growth opportunities for women within a male-dominated sport. Rising female bookings for hunting trips in Namibia are real, with some outfitters hitting more than 25% rise in this growing market.
Namibia’s Diverse Wildlife: Species Abound!
Did you know that Namibia is the only destination worldwide where the Cheetah can legally be hunted? And it is one of only two countries, along with South Africa, where all members of Africa’s Big 5 can be harvested. Namibia is renowned for its exceptional game and wide range of trophies, with healthy wildlife populations thriving.
Women have been seen to favor African plains game options, with species such as the Oryx (Gemsbok), Eland, Kudu, and Hartmann’s zebra often being top of their lists. A popular African plains game safari option is a customized 7-day itinerary targeting 5-7 species, allowing female hunters to choose their trophies and not have to adhere to the itineraries, which may not suit their wants or needs during the Namibian hunting trip.
Stunning Landscapes
If you’ve ever been to Namibia, you’ll know that this Land of sand is home to some picturesque landscapes. From the seemingly never ending Namib Desert to the lush Zambezi area, Namibia’s kaleidoscope of landscapes makes for some epic travels, experiences, and hunting trips. The iconic – and oh so recognized - red dunes of Sossusvlei are a great contrast to the country’s Kalahari region and Damaraland's rocky outcrops. Spot-and-stalk safaris on these open terrains suit a woman's agility, with minimal dense bush for easier navigation. Hunting in Namibia’s dry season, which runs from May to August, offers cooler temperatures in the region and also options in terms of visibility, while being perfect for long stalks without heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Affordability
Let’s be honest here, there may be a great destination out there to visit, but if its affordability is off the charts, how on earth will the average hunter afford it? Namibia is seen as being a value-for-money destination, with lower daily rates than many other African destinations, reasonable trophy fees, and customized hunting experiences allowing women to pick and choose their hunting itinerary.
There are many specials available, such as women-focused "ladies specials" Namibian hunting safaris, such as a 7-day safari including 5 trophies. These types of specials appeal to those on a budget who still want to experience a true hunting trip to Namibia and tick the boxes of great hunting and travel experiences. Hunts that offer a “no hidden costs option,” like observer fees, keep the destination alive to those wanting transparency and clear pricing…which also knowingly frees up money for tourist activities or other add-ons that may entice women hunters to visit the region. From spa sessions and pampering to quad biking and seal cruises, Namibia’s wide range of tourist activities provides a welcome add-on for lady hunters.
Conservation Role
Did you know that hunting in Namibia generates a large percentage of a hunting conservancy’s income, including funding anti-poaching programs, waterholes, healthcare centers, and schools? Namibia’s hunting model works well, is highly valued, and is held in high esteem by many within the hunting fraternity. Ethical hunters, both men and women, value this model, where communities vote on quotas, ensuring hunts preserve habitats over the exploitation of natural fauna and flora. Female rangers' involvement adds a layer of empowerment, as local wildlife and conservation programs train people within the community to protect the very species that women pursue, thereby creating a cycle of wildlife protection.
Luxury Accommodation & Home Comforts
Let’s be honest, a little bit of luxury never hurt anyone, right? After a challenging day hunting in Namibia’s diverse landscapes, female hunters can choose from a range of accommodation, including en-suite chalets or bungalows with enticing swimming pools, Wi-Fi for keeping in touch with friends and family, various lounges and chill areas to relax, together with farm-fresh cuisine, including local tasty ingredients such as venison, biltong, and droewors. Bring the family, kids can enjoy game drives while mom tracks some exceptional trophies, and dad relaxes next to the pool!
From Couches and Chaos to Kudu Hunting and Wildebeest Tracking
The thing about a Namibian hunting trip is that there is an experience just waiting for every hunter, whether as a beginner, intermediate, or veteran hunting enthusiast. Hunting safaris are the perfect time to learn more, from species identification and binocular use, to trigger squeeze and shot placement, with patient PHs and guides assisting where they can in making this an unforgettable experience for those with lighter builds. A safari provides a great opportunity to progressively build skills without pressure, as the hunting trip continues.
Cultural Immersion
A trip to Namibia is never complete without having the opportunity to engage with and be immersed in local culture. From tracking with San Bushmen in the Kalahari hunt, to visiting the local Himba Villages near Opuwo, Namibia, hunting trips like these provide women with the opportunity to engage with and forge real bonds and authentic connections with locals. It’s not just about a photo opportunity, but rather the opportunity to witness firsthand how others live, survive, and thrive in a land that can be quite harsh at times.
Health
Namibia is renowned for its first-world medical facilities, allowing women traveling to the country to have the reassurance that should they fall ill or require medical assistance, it does have excellent facilities. However, it is important to note that access to these might require quite a drive, especially when out in the veld or hunting in the arid plains so renowned for their plains game species.
Namibia has no mandatory vaccinations for general entry, regardless of nationality, as long as you're not arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country. If you are traveling from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, or any other high-risk country or spending more than 12 hours in transit there, proof of a yellow fever vaccination is strictly required for travelers over the age of one year. Namibia is also not a high-risk malaria area.
Packages
Can you think of a better way to hunt than to do so with your sisters, whether real or chosen, through life’s beauty and challenges that were thrown your way? Embark on a hunting safari, together with a female PH and tracker, for an unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime experience! From 5 days for a plains game hunt to a hunt for Cape buffalo or other dangerous game up to 14 days, it’s a journey not to be rushed or taken for granted. Enjoy hunting with a twist: Hunting safaris combined with hot air ballooning, spa sessions, or a simple classic meal under the African night skies!
Fotos for the Win
From epic wildlife and mesmerizing silhouette shots to make any traveler jealous, Namibia’s vast landscapes and diverse species make for iconic backdrops in this beautiful destination.
Ethical Standards
No night hunting or using vehicles for stalking aligns with women hunters’ values of integrity over guaranteed success. Quotas are there for a reason, and stop specific species hunting at sustainable levels, allowing huntresses guilt-free trophies and hunting trips.
A Quick Trip to or from South Africa
A direct two-hour flight sees a quick transfer from South Africa to Windhoek, allowing both South African huntresses to enjoy a Namibian hunting safari, while allowing huntresses in Namibia to visit South Africa and all it holds in terms of hunting safaris, cultural experiences, and tourist attractions.
Closing
Namibia is one of the destinations that just speaks to a person. From the very first research you conduct about this African country, you will see how special it is, and the well-established and ethically run hunting industry is the cherry on top. But do yourself a favor, don’t just believe me, check it out yourself. You won’t be sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hunt the Big 5 in Namibia?
Yes, all members of the Big 5 can be legally hunted in Namibia, and it is the only country, apart from South Africa, where this is possible.
When is the best time to go hunting in Namibia?
Namibia’s hunting season runs from the beginning of February until the end of November. While hunting is available throughout that time, the peak hunting season is during the cooler months, from about May to August. During this time, it is drier, and animals are more likely to be spotted around existing waterholes. The vegetation is also less, making glassing and spotting the animals easier.
As a female, is it safe to travel to Namibia?
Traveling to Namibia is a wonderful opportunity not to be missed! Namibia has been voted as one of Africa’s safest destinations to visit. The hunting grounds are well-established and run by reputable outfitters who are highly experienced in hosting hunters from around the world. Like South Africans, they are renowned for their exceptional hospitality, and together with a wide array of species and diverse landscapes, offer safe safaris hunting sought-after trophies in challenging terrain and conditions.