Hunting Safaris in Namibia General Information for the Hunters
Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa, has a rich and interesting history. At one time the British Empire took partial possession of Namibia and later the Germans colonized the country until the First World War. Namibia was then placed under the administrative rule of South Africa and was finally granted independence on March 21, 1990.
Since independence, Namibia has benefited from great political stability. It is an easy, safe and affordable hunting destination for a great plains game hunting safari up to a high end big five hunting safari. This is why it is so popular amongst hunters, second only to South Africa in the numbers of hunters who visit annually, averaging more than 5,000 international hunters per year. Namibia has become a favorite destination for first time hunters, family groups of hunters as well as long time African hunting veterans who appreciate the benefits of hunting in Namibia.
Hunting properties range in size from private land of a few thousand acres to million acre hunting concessions where hunters can discover a country and its wildlife that are among the most beautiful, varied and rich that Africa has to offer. The hunting areas are spread throughout the country from north to south. In the vast majority of cases, these are private areas managed by their individual owners or more professional larger hunting outfits.
The majority of the hunting in Namibia takes place on private game ranches which are found throughout the country. Safari hunting is allowed on private game ranches, conservancies where hunting is permitted and within government hunting concession areas which are only found in the North of the country.
In Namibia, the habitat of the hunting areas is composed of dense thorny savanna, shrub savanna and large semi-desert plains. The terrain in some hunting areas can be challenging, even mountainous. The relatively high elevation of the central plains in much of the country where many of the prime hunting areas are located can also cause hunting to be more strenuous for those who are not used to it.
Namibia along with South Africa are the only two countries in Africa where one can hunt the entire big five; Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino (White as well as Black Rhinoceros). Most of the plains game hunting safaris, as well as Leopard hunting, take place in the lower two thirds of Namibia. Leopards which can be found in many areas are hunted using bait. The use of dogs for hunting leopard is no longer permitted in Namibia. Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino are hunted on a limited basis and primarily in the Northern most part of the country, including the Caprivi Strip. Cheetah can be found throughout Namibia and can also be hunted.
Namibia is most well known for the availability of numerous species for plains game hunting. The most famous and emblematic animal of Namibia, the Oryx, is found throughout Namibia. The following species are also found in abundance in Namibia; Cape Eland, Greater Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Springbok and Warthog.
Trophy hunting may take place from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset during the hunting season and no hunting is allowed with artificial light. In Namibia hunting from a vehicle is permitted. There is no regulation controlling the number of days that a hunting safari must be, if there is a minimum it is set by the hunting outfitter.
Map of Namibia & of Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris
Our hunting territory is located in a malaria-free zone in the central region of Namibia (Otjozondjupa Region). Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris territory neighbors the Waterberg Plateau National Park, renowned for its multitude of rare and endangered species and majestic beauty.
Map of Africa showing the location of Namibia
Map of Namibia showing the location of Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris
Detailed Map of Namibia
Detailed Map of Ozondjahe Territory & the Waterholes
Namibia Hunting Season and Climate
Our trophy hunting season in Namibia opens in February and runs through November, being 10 months long it incorporates each of the four seasons. There are no particular months when plains game hunting is necessarily better, but time constraints or personal considerations such as weather, touring, wingshooting, bow hunting or specific seasonal activities might make a certain period of time more desirable to you. Keep in mind while pondering your dates for hunting in Namibia, that seasons in Namibia, since we are in the Southern hemisphere are opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere.
Located in the central high plains of Namibia at an elevation of 5200 feet (1600 meter), the temperature range can be rather extreme, typically varying 35° F (20° C) between daily highs and lows. During the early months of the hunting season, February to April, the occasional rainstorm can disrupt the clear sunny skies; although there may be heavy showers they are usually short in duration and typically occur in the late afternoon or evening.
The climate in Namibia is quite pleasant, we have low humidity and dry heat is much more tolerable and more conducive to hunting than is the case in most other destinations for hunting in Africa. Another benefit of the arid climate in our specific region is that Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris is in a malaria-free zone. With an absence of mosquitoes carrying malaria or yellow fever and no tsetse flies, overall we have a low insect population for Africa, which makes Ozondjahe a safer destination for hunters who wish to bring their family.
To properly prepare for your hunt in Namibia, click here to visit our Travel Information page.
