Located on Africa’s west Coast, Namibia ticks all the boxes for a diverse and challenging hunting safari. From Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, to the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, this “land of sand” offers a challenging, yet rewarding, hunting safari. Add to this an array of exquisite hunting lodges in Namibia to enjoy and enthrall visitors, and you have the full package just waiting to be unwrapped.
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Key Takeaways
- Situated on Africa’s west coast, Namibia is a sought-after destination offering a wide array of landscapes, species, and hunting experiences to enjoy during a Namibia hunting safari.
- Namibia is the only destination worldwide where each member of the Big 5 can be hunted.
- It is also the only African country where the cheetah can be legally harvested.
- In terms of accommodation, a variety of hunting lodges in Namibia are available. From top-notch luxury lodges to “roughing it” in the bush in tents, there is sure to be something that takes your fancy.
- While some lodges offer more amenities and activities for hunters and non-hunters to participate in, other lodges are more remote and unable to offer a wide range of activities or amenities due to their rural location.
Hunting in Namibia
A land of vast contrasts and unbelievable beauty, Namibia is a melting pot of colors, people, experiences, and activities waiting to be enjoyed. The country offers incredible and varied hunting opportunities for those wanting to experience hunting in Africa at its best. It provides a range of safaris across diverse landscapes to challenge hunters and test their skills, while offering exceptional trophies and rewards.
Namibia’s focus on hunting is on fair chase, and the country has a wide range of species to harvest, including African plains game, dangerous game, specialty game, and African cats. The country is alive and bustling with great hunting prospects and is renowned for its wide array of African plains game trophies. Namibia is solidly confirmed as one of Africa’s top destinations for Big Five and plains game hunting, with the government focusing on tourism and the sustainable utilization of wildlife resources.
Namibia is also the only country where every member of Africa’s Big 5 can be hunted. It is also the only country where a hunter can legally harvest the iconic cheetah. This alone makes Namibia a sought-after destination.
Hunting Lodges in Namibia
During your hunting safari, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some unique accommodation: From 5* hunting lodges to rustic tented camps, or even charming farmhouses, there are various options available. Let’s take a closer look.
Luxury Lodges
The word “luxury” here is a dead giveaway, and it’s very simple: Expect the best of everything in this accommodation option!
Luxury Hunting Lodges Usually Include:
• Accommodation: These lodges are 5*, offering their clientele a taste of Africa at its best! Rooms and suites are large with solid wood king-size beds, exquisite en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans or air conditioning, fireplaces, and many modern amenities. They are generally spacious stone-and-thatch properties.
• Dining and Hospitality: Expect gourmet dining options including local and international cuisine, prepared by the resident chef.
• Guides and Staff: From the concierge through to the PH on your game hunting safari, you will be well taken care of throughout your trip.
• Location: These hunting lodges in Namibia are usually constructed on private land and reserves, offering spectacular viewing of water holes or picturesque scenes over the African savanna.
• Additional Facilities: Many of the top-class luxury reserves also have a spa onsite, while Wifi, a bar, swimming pool, games rooms, and so forth are quite standard.
Luxury Tented Camps
Tented camp lodges used during hunting safaris effortlessly blend comfort and luxury with the rugged wilderness, offering visitors the experience of a true African expedition.
Tented Hunting Camps Usually Include:
• Accommodation: These types of hunting lodges in Namibia offer well-furnished and equipped safari tents with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and sometimes even a private “stoep” (veranda). They ooze rustic charm but tick the boxes in terms of modern amenities, including electricity and hot showers.
• Dining and Hospitality: A chef prepares meals that often feature local delicacies or meat from recent hunts, and these are served in communal dining areas. Your meal options may well include delicacies from previous hunts prepared on the braai (BBQ) – buffalo backstrap is particularly tasty!
• Staff: Experienced professional hunters and trackers accompany guests, providing expert guidance for the hunt and ensuring safety.
• Location: These camps are situated in remote areas close to or within private game reserves or hunting concessions.
• Additional Facilities: These camps often include fire pits, communal lounges, and outdoor seating areas for hunters to socialize. Depending on the camp, there may also be opportunities for game viewing drives or walking safaris during non-hunting times.
Rustic Tented Camps
Rustic tented camps are found in remote areas of the country and offer basic but comfortable tented accommodation. This type of accommodation allows the hunter to experience firsthand the thrill of being immersed in the African bush.
Rustic Tented Hunting Camps Usually Include:
• Accommodation: Basic, yet comfortable accommodation
• Dining and Hospitality: Hearty, tasty, and nutritious meals often featuring game meat (venison) that has been harvested during previous hunts. You can also expect to tickle those tastebuds with a braai or two featuring venison and other meats.
• Staff: Experienced professional hunters and trackers accompany guests during their African hunt.
• Location: These camps are situated in remote areas, allowing hunters to fully immerse themselves in the hunting safari experience.
• Additional Facilities: These rustic tented camps often feature a communal seating or outdoor seating area, as well as a fire pit.
Farmhouse Accommodation
These charming stays are usually undertaken in a converted farmhouse and are often family run. You can expect exceptional Namibian hospitality and a range of tasty cuisine highlighting the area’s heritage and culture.
These stays usually include:
• Accommodation: Farm style accommodation could consist of a small number of bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms within the farm house, or farm buildings and cottages that have been converted and upgraded. Some properties may offer large family cottages.
• Dining and Hospitality: Expect meals that include local ingredients, whether from a hunt or locally grown, with a focus on hearty, tasty, home-cooked goodness. Meals may also feature meat from recent hunts. Braais, or BBQs, are very popular, and meat is served with a variety of scrumptious side dishes to complement it.
• Staff: Experienced professional hunters and trackers are set to accompany guests on their safari. This type of accommodation is often family-run and will see various family members fulfilling tasks.
• Location: These farmhouse stays are found throughout the country.
• Additional Facilities: Farmhouses often include additional “homely” touches, such as a trophy room, indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing and socializing, a pool, garden area, or even a games room. While WiFi is usually readily available, the focus remains on the hunt and the Namibian experience.
What Activities Can Observers Enjoy at a Hunting Lodge in Namibia?
There are numerous activities that non-hunters or observers can enjoy while the hunting party is out for the day, although it must be noted that it all depends on where the hunting lodge is situated as to the type of activities that can be enjoyed, as well as the type of lodge itself and how involved they would be in arranging such outings or activities.
• The lodge may have a swimming pool, spa, games room, or entertainment area for guests to enjoy and relax during the day.
• Day Trips and local tours can be arranged, all dependent on where the hunt is taking place in the country. For example, visiting Windhoek for some shopping or experiencing its wide range of heritage and cultural offerings, or a day at Swakopmund to enjoy a delightful dolphin cruise or an interesting desert tour, the options are endless.
• Some lodges may be quite remote, and day trips may not be an option, but activities such as game drives and wildlife viewing could be arranged. Guests can relax while enjoying breathtaking views of the local scenery and the tranquility of the African bushveld. These drives take place at sunrise or sunset, providing remarkable photographic opportunities.
• Some properties arrange visits to local villages or communities, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience local cultures and traditions firsthand.
• Other lodges may offer guided nature walks or bird watching experiences. Namibia is home to a large variety of feathered friends, making this experience very rewarding.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan you hunt the Big 5 in Namibia?
Yes, the Big 5 can be hunted in Namibia. Namibia is the only destination worldwide where all members of the Big 5, namely the lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant, and rhino.
Can you hunt cheetah in Namibia?
Yes, cheetah hunting in Namibia is legal, with Namibia being the only country worldwide where this African cat can be legally hunted.
What animal species is Namibia renowned for?
Namibia is famous for many species, but one of the most iconic is the gemsbok, also known as the oryx. This striking antelope is renowned for its beautiful, long, straight horns.
Can you hunt African plains game in Namibia?
Namibia is renowned for its diverse and abundant African plains game species, which can be hunted across the country depending on their natural habitats. From the majestic Greater Kudu, often referred to as the King of spiral-horned antelopes, to the Blue and Black Wildebeest, Roan, Sable, Klipspringer, Giraffe, Waterbuck, and Blesbok, Namibia’s varied landscapes provide ideal environments for a wide variety of plains game. The country is also home to unique endemic species such as the Damara Dik-Dik and the Black-faced Impala. This extraordinary diversity, combined with Namibia’s distinctive ecosystems, makes it a premier destination for plains game hunting.
Conclusion
Namibia is a diverse hunting destination offering hunters a choice of hunting locations, species, landscapes and terrain, as well as accommodation options. But whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed when hunting in Namibia.
Check out our range of available Namibia hunting safaris on the website under the Find A Hunt tab.