July is midwinter in Namibia and the perfect time to visit the national parks and game reserves. Wildlife spotting, road tripping, and desert hiking are all excellent ways of experiencing Namibia this month. Read on to find out more about where to go and what to do.

Weather

July is midwinter in Namibia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere. Although there is regional variation in climate and conditions, the winter is generally dry, with no rain. And in most parts of the country, average temperatures are pleasant, in the 70s (Fahrenheit). Higher-altitude places, such as Windhoek, get a bit cooler, and temperatures in the deserts drop overnight to as low as 32°F (0°C). Meanwhile, the coast is always cooler than inland, and winters are particularly foggy along the Skeleton Coast. Bring warm clothes if you're planning to go on safari, as early mornings can be frigid.

Crowds & Costs

July, along with the rest of winter, is the peak season for travel to Namibia. The country is a popular safari destination, and national park areas get busy throughout the winter. June through August are the best times for game viewing, with vegetation sparser and animals gathering around the remaining watering holes. You'll want to make accommodation bookings well in advance. However, Namibia isn't as busy as some other east African safari destinations, and the only places that get really busy are Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, and Sossusvlei.

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Where to Go

The Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of the most popular game areas in the country and possibly the best place in Africa to see black rhinos. Centered on the large, salty Etosha Pan, the park is also home to flamingoes, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and ostriches. Winter is the best time to go on wildlife-spotting safaris because the animals are more visible as the vegetation that hides them in the winter is less dense. You can find a range of great accommodations around Etosha, including tented safari camps.

To enjoy a wildlife-viewing experience with fewer other visitors, you might want to check out the Ongava Private Game Reserve. It's right next to Etosha, but as it's a private reserve, the number of visitors is kept low and retains a more intimate atmosphere. This is an excellent destination for a more upmarket getaway, especially for couples wanting a romantic escape. Wildlife highlights include flamingoes, giraffes, and both white and black rhinos.

What to Do

Whether you have five days or five weeks, road tripping is the perfect way of experiencing Namibia and seeing a wide variety of landscapes, from deserts to wetlands. There are many route options. A fun, quick weeklong itinerary could start in Windhoek and continue to the striking red dunes of Sossusvlei, part of the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in Africa. Check out Sesriem Canyon, then head to Swakopmund on the coast, where you can admire the German colonial-era architecture, go dolphin watching, visit the Walvis Bay Wetlands, and ride horseback on the beach.

Active, adventurous travelers might want to hike in Namibia this season. Although the overnight temperatures can get very cold, daytime conditions are excellent. Fish River Canyon offers a challenging five-day route that follows the second-largest canyon in the world. Highlights include sandy river beaches, natural pools for swimming, and unforgettable sunsets. Hike in the cool of the early morning, and be entirely self-sufficient. Fish River Canyon is only open for hiking in the winter.

Traveling to Namibia in July? Check out these great itineraries

Namibia Desert Road Trip - 7 Days. See the highlights of Namibia on a weeklong road trip that offers plenty of freedom and flexibility. Take a sunset safari drive in the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, see the famous Red Dunes of Sossusvlei, go on a sunrise hike through Sesriem Canyon, see German colonial architecture in the oceanside town of Swakopmund, and more.

Namibia Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days. This epic 16-day road trip kicks off in the capital and makes its way to Gamsberg, the Atlantic coast, the Namib Desert, the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Naukluft Park, and the Kalahari Desert before returning to Windhoek.

More Helpful Information

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Namibia in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Namibia
How Many Days to Spend in Namibia