Things to Do in Namibia in August

August Weather in Namibia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - vegetation is sparse after dry season, making animals easier to spot at waterholes. Elephants gather in large herds at Etosha's permanent water sources.
Ideal weather for camping and outdoor activities - daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F) are comfortable for hiking, while clear skies offer spectacular stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution.
Low tourist crowds compared to peak season (July) - accommodation rates drop 20-30% and you'll have famous locations like Deadvlei and Sossusvlei dunes more to yourself.
Excellent road conditions throughout the country - all major gravel roads are in optimal condition after maintenance during quieter months, perfect for self-drive adventures.

Considerations

Dramatic temperature swings require careful packing - morning temperatures can be 4°C (39°F) at desert camps, rising to 30°C (86°F) by midday, making layering essential.
Strong desert winds in afternoons can create sandstorms - particularly problematic for photography and camping between 2pm-5pm in the Namib Desert region.
Some seasonal camps close early in August - several private concessions in remote areas end operations by mid-month, limiting accommodation options in prime wildlife areas.

Best Activities in August

Etosha National Park Game Drives

August is prime time for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent waterholes during the dry season. Elephants, lions, and rhinos are most active during early morning (6am-9am) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm) when temperatures are comfortable at 18-25°C (64-77°F). Midday heat keeps animals resting, making them easier to find near water sources.

Booking Tip: Self-drive permits cost N$80 per adult, N$10 per vehicle daily. Book accommodation inside the park 6-8 months ahead as camps fill quickly. Private guided drives typically cost N$800-1200 per person and include expert wildlife spotting. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Sossusvlei Dune Climbing and Desert Photography

August offers perfect conditions for climbing the iconic red dunes - clear skies 90% of days and comfortable morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make the 300m (984 ft) climb up Big Daddy dune manageable. The contrast between orange sand and blue sky is most dramatic during winter months, ideal for photography.

Booking Tip: Park entry N$150 per person. Start climbing by 6am to avoid afternoon winds and heat. 4WD shuttle to Deadvlei costs N$170 return. Guided sunrise tours typically N$1200-1800 per person including transport from Sesriem. Book accommodation in Sesriem area 2-3 months ahead.

Damaraland Rock Art and Desert Elephant Tracking

Dry conditions make desert elephants more predictable as they follow established routes to seasonal water sources. The cooler August weather is ideal for hiking to ancient rock art sites like Twyfelfontein - temperatures stay below 28°C (82°F) even at midday. Clear visibility extends to 50km+ (31 miles), perfect for spotting wildlife across the desert landscape.

Booking Tip: Guided tracking tours essential for finding elephants safely - costs typically N$1500-2200 per person per day including meals and camping. Local community guides required for rock art sites (N$200 per group). Book through registered conservancy operators at least 3-4 weeks ahead.

Fish River Canyon Hiking and Rim Walks

August provides ideal hiking conditions with daytime temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) and no rainfall to make trails slippery. The 5-day canyon hike requires permits and good fitness for 85km (53 miles), but rim walks of 2-4km (1.2-2.5 miles) offer spectacular views without technical difficulty. Crystal clear air provides visibility across the entire canyon system.

Booking Tip: Full canyon hike permits N$200 per person, limited to 40 hikers per day - book 6 months ahead. Guided rim walks cost N$400-600 per person for half-day tours. Accommodation at canyon lodge fills quickly in August, reserve 2 months ahead. Medical certificate required for multi-day hikes.

Skeleton Coast Scenic Flights and Seal Colony Visits

August winds create perfect flying conditions for scenic flights over shipwrecks and desert landscapes. Seal colonies at Cape Cross are most active in winter months, with up to 100,000 fur seals visible. Cool temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) make walking among colonies more comfortable than summer months.

Booking Tip: Scenic flights typically N$3500-5500 per person for 2-3 hour trips, book 2 weeks ahead as weather can cause cancellations. Cape Cross entry N$60 per adult. Guided coastal tours including seal colonies cost N$2200-3200 per person full day. Morning flights offer best visibility and calmest conditions.

Windhoek Cultural Tours and Township Visits

Pleasant August temperatures make walking tours of Windhoek's townships and cultural sites comfortable throughout the day. Local markets are most active in winter months, and traditional music events peak during school holidays. Clear skies provide excellent conditions for photography of colonial architecture and street art.

Booking Tip: Township tours with local guides cost N$350-550 per person for half-day experiences. Cultural center visits N$50-80 entry. Book through registered community tourism operators for authentic experiences. Allow 4-5 hours for comprehensive cultural tours including transport.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Windhoek Arts Festival

Annual celebration featuring local and southern African artists, musicians, and performers. Outdoor evening performances benefit from cool August temperatures, with traditional dance shows and contemporary music concerts throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - desert camps drop to 4°C (39°F) at night, much colder than most expect

Layered clothing system - lightweight long-sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, and windbreaker for 26°C (47°F) temperature swings

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 8 at altitude with reflective sand intensifies exposure

Closed hiking boots with ankle support - essential for rocky terrain and protection from thorns in desert areas

Headlamp with red filter - preserves night vision for wildlife spotting and reduces impact on animals

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) - wildlife viewing distances often exceed 100m (328 ft) in open desert areas

Dust-proof camera bag and lens cleaning kit - afternoon winds create fine sand particles that damage equipment

Thermal underwear and warm socks - surprising essential for early morning game drives and camping

Quick-dry pants and long-sleeve shirts - protection from sun and thorny vegetation while maintaining comfort

Water bottles with 4L+ (1 gallon) daily capacity - dehydration happens quickly in dry desert air

Insider Knowledge

Fill up fuel tanks whenever possible - many towns have only one station, and remote lodges charge premium prices. Diesel is more readily available than petrol in rural areas.

Book internal flights 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices - Air Namibia alternatives are limited and August is popular with regional visitors from South Africa.

Carry Namibian Dollars, not South African Rand - while Rand is accepted, you'll get poor exchange rates and change in local currency you can't use elsewhere.

Plan activities for early morning and late afternoon - most wildlife is active when temperatures are below 25°C (77°F), roughly 6-9am and 4-7pm daily.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating night-time cold - many visitors pack only summer clothes and suffer in 4°C (39°F) desert temperatures

Driving too fast on gravel roads - corrugations and loose stones cause tire punctures, keep speeds below 80km/h (50 mph)

Booking only weekend accommodation - many lodges require minimum 2-3 night stays in August, limiting flexibility for short visits