The Top 7 Things to Do on a Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas

The Top 7 Things to Do on a Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas

Here are the Top 7 Things to Do on a Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas. From Namib desert safaris, Wild horse riding, Skeleton Coast Safari, and Damara Elephant Safari, to gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Let’s plan your ultimate Namibia Safari and Rwanda Primates journey.


Recent tourism statistics reveal an extraordinary trend: tourists combining a Namibia safari with Rwanda's gorilla experiences has increased by 45% in the past year! As a wildlife photographer who's captured both the stark beauty of a Namibia safari and Rwanda's misty mountains, I can attest that this combination offers Africa's most diverse wildlife encounters. A Namibia safari presents vast desert landscapes and abundant wildlife, while Rwanda adds the thrill of intimate primate encounters. This fusion of experiences has become the holy grail of African adventures, with a Namibia safari serving as the perfect complement to Rwanda's lush highlands.

Wild Horses Riding on Your Namibia Safari

For those seeking an extraordinary perspective, horse riding during your Namibia safari offers an unmatched way to explore the desert landscapes. A Namibia safari on horseback allows you to venture into areas inaccessible by vehicles, creating intimate encounters with desert-adapted wildlife. The unique experience of a Namibia safari on horseback brings you closer to nature while minimizing environmental impact.


Expert equestrian guide Thomas Weber, who has led countless horse-riding expeditions during Namibia safari adventures, shares, "There's something magical about approaching a herd of zebra or desert elephants on horseback. The animals perceive you differently than they would a vehicle, often allowing for closer encounters during your Namibia safari experience." The Namib Desert's varied terrain provides opportunities for both novice and experienced riders, with trails winding through ancient riverbeds, along the base of towering dunes, and across vast gravel plains.


Multi-day horse riding safaris have become increasingly popular additions to a traditional Namibia safari itinerary. These expeditions often include mobile camping under the stars, adding another layer of adventure to your Namibia safari. A recent participant, Sarah Thompson describes her experience: "Galloping across the desert during my Namibia safari, with oryx running alongside and the wind in my hair, was simply unforgettable. The connection you feel with the landscape is profound." Professional operators ensure well-trained horses suitable for different skill levels, comprehensive safety briefings, and support vehicles for comfort and convenience.

Visiting the Skeleton Coast on a Namibia Safari

The mysterious Skeleton Coast presents one of the most unique experiences during a Namibia safari, where the harsh Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert in a dramatic display of natural forces. A Namibia safari along this remote coastline reveals haunting shipwrecks, sprawling seal colonies, and an unexpected abundance of desert-adapted wildlife. The ethereal landscape of this portion of your Namibia safari has earned it the local name "The Land God Made in Anger," though its stark beauty tells a different story.


Expert guide David Thompson, who has led Skeleton Coast expeditions for over two decades, shares an incredible perspective on this unique Namibia safari experience: "What makes a Namibia safari to the Skeleton Coast so special is the incredible contrasts. You might spot desert lions prowling among shipwrecks, or witness desert elephants walking through fog-shrouded dunes. It's unlike any other safari destination on Earth." The region's notorious fog banks, created by the cold Benguela Current meeting the hot desert air, sustain a surprising array of life and add an atmospheric element to your Namibia safari adventure.


Flight safaris offer a spectacular way to appreciate the vastness of this coastal wilderness, with light aircraft soaring over the countless shipwrecks that gave the coast its ominous name. On the ground, your Namibia safari reveals remarkable adaptations of desert wildlife. Desert-adapted lions, brown hyenas, and unique plants like the Welwitschia mirabilis - some specimens over 1,500 years old - showcase nature's resilience in this harsh environment. Expert desert ecologist Dr. Maria Gonzalez notes, "A Namibia safari to the Skeleton Coast demonstrates how life finds a way to thrive in even the most challenging conditions. The interconnected ecosystem here is as complex as any tropical rainforest."

Experiencing the Damara Elephant on a Namibia Safari

A Namibia safari in Damaraland offers an extraordinary opportunity to encounter one of Africa's most remarkable adaptations: the desert-dwelling elephants. Unlike any other elephant experience on your Namibia safari, these unique pachyderms have evolved to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The specialized focus of a Namibia safari in this region provides intimate encounters with these remarkable creatures, who can go several days without water and traverse vast distances across the desert landscape.


Dr. Keith Robertson, who has studied these elephants for over 15 years, shares his insights about this unique Namibia safari experience: "What makes tracking Damara elephants so special is witnessing their incredible adaptation to desert life. During your Namibia safari, you'll observe behaviors not seen anywhere else in Africa - from their careful treatment of fragile desert vegetation to their extraordinary knowledge of hidden water sources." The elephants' ability to traverse the rugged terrain of Damaraland has earned them the nickname "desert ghosts," as they seem to appear and disappear among the rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds.


This specialized Namibia safari experience usually begins at dawn when trained guides follow ancient pathways and recent tracks to locate the herds. Sarah Williams, a desert elephant specialist, explains: "A Namibia safari focusing on Damara elephants isn't just about viewing wildlife; it's about understanding an entire ecosystem. These elephants are ecosystem engineers, maintaining ancient migration routes and water sources that benefit numerous other species." The experience often includes tracking on foot at a safe distance, allowing you to observe the elephants' social interactions and feeding behaviors in their natural habitat.


Expert guides during your Namibia safari will point out how these elephants have physically adapted to their environment, with wider feet for walking on sand and the ability to detect underground water sources. The experience often includes visiting the dry riverbeds of the Huab and Ugab Rivers, where these magnificent creatures dig for water - a behavior passed down through generations. This unique aspect of your Namibia safari provides insight into one of nature's most remarkable adaptation stories.

Namib Desert Safari Through the World's Oldest Desert

A Namibia safari through the ancient Namib Desert offers an otherworldly experience in a landscape that has remained unchanged for over 55 million years. Your Namibia safari adventure here takes you through towering red dunes, stark gravel plains, and mysterious fairy circles, creating an experience that feels more like exploring Mars than Earth. The unique landscape of this Namibia safari destination has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and continues to baffle scientists with its remarkable features.


Dr. Lisa Peterson, a desert ecology expert, shares her perspective on this extraordinary Namibia safari experience: "The Namib isn't just a desert; it's a living laboratory of adaptation and survival. During your Namibia safari here, you'll encounter organisms that exist nowhere else on Earth, from the fog-harvesting Namib Desert beetle to the mysterious 'fairy circles' that dot the landscape." The desert's famous red dunes, particularly in Sossusvlei, reach heights of over 300 meters, making them among the highest in the world and a highlight of any Namibia safari itinerary.


The early morning experience of climbing Big Daddy or Big Mama dunes during your Namibia safari rewards adventurers with breathtaking views across endless waves of sand. Professional photographer Michael Chang explains: "The interplay of light and shadow during a Namibia safari in the Namib creates otherworldly scenes, especially at dawn when the dunes catch fire with the rising sun. Dead Vlei, with its stark white clay pan and dead camel thorn trees against the orange dunes, provides some of the most photogenic scenes in Africa."


Wildlife viewing during your Namib Desert Namibia safari reveals fascinating desert specialists. The endemic dune lark, sidewinding adders, and numerous gecko species demonstrate remarkable adaptations to this extreme environment. More surprisingly, desert-adapted oryx, springbok, and even desert elephants can be encountered in certain areas, adding an unexpected wildlife dimension to your Namibia safari experience. Conservation researcher Dr. James Miller notes: "A Namibia safari in the Namib showcases nature's incredible resilience. These animals and plants have evolved extraordinary strategies to thrive in one of Earth's most challenging environments."


The remote Hartmann's Valley and enigmatic Skeleton Coast sections of your Namibia safari reveal how the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique ecosystem where fog-dependent species thrive. Here, your Namibia safari guide will demonstrate how life depends on the moisture from fog rolling in from the cold Benguela Current, sustaining an intricate web of desert life.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Transitioning from your Namibia safari to Rwanda's mountains offers an incredible contrast in landscapes and wildlife encounters. The Volcanoes National Park houses twelve habituated gorilla families, each offering unique personalities and dynamics. The experience builds anticipation as you hike through bamboo forests, following expert trackers who interpret subtle signs of gorilla activity.


Dr. Jane Matthews, a primatologist with 15 years of experience, explains, "After the expansive views of a Namibia safari, the intimate nature of gorilla encounters provides a perfect contrast." Groups are limited to eight people, ensuring minimal impact on these endangered primates while maintaining the intimacy of the experience. These face-to-face encounters often last an hour, though the memories persist for a lifetime.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

Deep in Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest, chimpanzee trekking offers another primate highlight after your Namibia safari. Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts over 400 chimpanzees, and tracking them through the forest canopy provides an exhilarating experience. Unlike the contemplative gorillas, chimpanzees are highly active and vocal, offering dramatic displays of natural behavior.


Their complex social structures and tool use fascinate primatologists and visitors alike. The contrast between the silent observation of a Namibia safari and the dynamic energy of chimpanzee encounters creates a rich tapestry of wildlife experiences. Treks typically begin early morning when chimps are most active, with success rates exceeding 90%.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Completing the primate trilogy after your Namibia safari, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park provides encounters with these playful and endangered creatures. These vibrant primates, with their distinctive golden-orange fur, inhabit the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes.


Trekking to find them is generally less strenuous than gorilla treks, making it an excellent activity for acclimatization. Their acrobatic displays and social interactions offer fantastic photography opportunities, providing yet another contrast to the stationary wildlife viewing of a Namibia safari.

Best Time to Go for Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas

The optimal time for a Namibia safari falls between May and October when wildlife concentrates around waterholes. These dry winter months offer comfortable temperatures and excellent visibility. For Rwanda's gorilla experiences, while available year-round, the dry seasons of December-February and June-September provide the most comfortable hiking conditions.

How to Get There for Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas

International flights arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek for your Namibia safari, with convenient connections to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Light aircraft transfers often feature during a Namibia safari, connecting major attractions efficiently. Rwanda's gorilla destinations are accessible by road from Kigali, with transfers typically taking 2-3 hours.

Can I See the Big Five on a Namibia Safari?

Yes, a Namibia safari offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, particularly in Etosha National Park. Lions, elephants, and rhinos are frequently sighted during a Namibia safari, while leopards and buffalo require more patience and expert tracking. The unique desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland add another dimension to your Namibia safari experience.

Where to Sleep, Eat and Drink on Namibia Safari and Rwanda Gorillas

Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to tented camps during your Namibia safari. Standout properties include &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Onguma the Fort in Etosha. In Rwanda, premium options like Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla's Nest offer world-class comfort and service.

Booking a Namibia Safari with Rwanda Gorillas

Ready to experience the diverse wonders of a Namibia safari combined with Rwanda's primate encounters? Our expert team at Dav Safaris specializes in crafting seamless itineraries that maximize your experience across both destinations. We handle all logistics, from permit acquisition to accommodation bookings, ensuring your focus remains on the extraordinary wildlife encounters ahead.


Contact us today to start planning your ultimate African adventure. Whether you're dreaming of endless desert horizons during a Namibia safari or intimate gorilla encounters in Rwanda's mountains, we'll create a journey that exceeds your expectations. Don't wait - the most sought-after accommodations and gorilla permits book months in advance!

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