Complete list of 18 national parks in Namibia

Ai-Ais Hot Springs

Bwabwata

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Daan Viljoen

Dorob

Etosha

Hardap

Khaudum

Mangetti

Mudumu

Namib-Naukluft

Naute

Nkasa Rupara

Popa Falls

Skeleton Coast

Sperrgebiet

Von Bach

Waterberg Plateau

Namibia National Parks

Ai-Ais Hot Springs is located at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. The park features natural hot springs and dramatic desert landscapes. The springs reach temperatures of up to 60°C and are rich in minerals, making them popular for their therapeutic properties.

Bwabwata National Park spans the Caprivi Strip between the Kavango and Kwando rivers. The park serves as an important migration corridor for African elephants. It features both woodland and riverine habitats, supporting diverse wildlife including buffalo, roan antelope, and numerous bird species.

Cape Cross Seal Reserve is home to one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies in the world. The reserve protects up to 200,000 seals during breeding season. It also has historical significance as the site where Portuguese explorer Diego Cão planted a cross in 1486.

Daan Viljoen Game Park is located in the Khomas Hochland mountains near Windhoek. The park is home to various antelope species, zebras, and over 200 bird species. It offers hiking trails and is popular for day visits due to its proximity to the capital.

Dorob National Park covers much of Namibia's central coastal region. The park protects the Namib Desert's unique coastal ecosystem and includes extensive dune fields and gravel plains. It's an important area for coastal birds and desert-adapted wildlife.

Etosha National Park is dominated by the Etosha salt pan, visible from space. It's one of Africa's great wildlife parks, home to large populations of elephants, lions, rhinos, and numerous other species. The park features unique desert-adapted wildlife and excellent game viewing around its waterholes.

Hardap Recreation Resort is centered around Namibia's largest dam. The park provides important habitat for water birds and various game species. It's popular for water sports and fishing, while also protecting several endemic plant species.

Khaudum National Park is one of Namibia's most remote parks, featuring pristine Kalahari sandveld. The park is home to large elephant herds and numerous predators including lions and wild dogs. It offers true wilderness experience with challenging 4x4 trails.

Mangetti National Park protects dense savanna woodland habitat. The park is an important conservation area for rare species like roan and sable antelope. It represents a crucial wildlife corridor in northern Namibia's ecosystem.

Mudumu National Park lies along the Kwando River in the Zambezi Region. The park features dense riverine forest and mopane woodland habitats. It's home to large populations of elephants, hippos, and various antelope species, along with excellent bird watching opportunities.

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. The park includes part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range. Its most well-known feature is the Sossusvlei area, where high orange sand dunes surround vivid white salt pans.

Naute Recreation Resort is centered around the Naute Dam, which is one of the largest reservoirs in Namibia. The area offers opportunities for water sports and fishing. The surrounding landscape features typical Namibian savanna vegetation.

Formerly known as Mamili National Park, Nkasa Rupara is Namibia's most densely populated wildlife park in terms of wildlife per square kilometer. The park consists primarily of swamps, floodplains, and seasonal channels. It is home to large herds of elephants and numerous species of antelope.

Popa Falls is actually a series of rapids on the Okavango River. The park protects the unique riverine environment and serves as an important tourist stopover. The falls drop about 4 meters over a series of rock ledges, creating a spectacular sight.

The Skeleton Coast is named after the numerous shipwrecks found along its shores. The park extends from the Ugab River to the Kunene River, featuring a harsh but beautiful environment where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The northern section is one of the most remote areas in Namibia.

Sperrgebiet means 'prohibited area' in German, as it was originally a diamond mining area. The park contains some of the most unique desert flora in the world. It encompasses a variety of landscapes from coastal desert to mountain ranges.

Von Bach Recreation Resort is centered around the Von Bach Dam. The resort is popular for water sports and fishing activities. The surrounding area features typical highland savanna vegetation and is home to various antelope species.

The Waterberg Plateau Park is characterized by its distinctive table mountain formation. The plateau rises about 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The park is an important sanctuary for rare and endangered species including white rhino and buffalo.