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Namibia - Things to Do in Namibia in February

Things to Do in Namibia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Namibia

25°C (77°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Green season transforms the landscape - Namibia's typically arid terrain actually comes alive in February with vegetation blooming across the desert, making wildlife photography particularly rewarding as animals congregate around seasonal waterholes. The Etosha salt pan often has temporary water pools that attract massive bird populations, including flamingos that can number in the thousands.
  • Dramatically fewer tourists than peak season (June-October) - you'll have iconic spots like Sossusvlei and Deadvlei practically to yourself during early morning shoots. Accommodations in prime areas like Swakopmund and Sesriem are typically 30-40% cheaper than winter months, and you can book quality lodges just 2-3 weeks ahead instead of the 6-month advance booking required in July.
  • Baby animal season across Namibia - February falls right in the middle of calving season for many species. You'll see newborn springbok, oryx, and zebra in places like Etosha and the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Predators are more active and easier to spot as they hunt vulnerable young animals, making for incredible wildlife encounters.
  • Comfortable temperatures for desert exploration - while February is technically summer, the 25°C (77°F) highs are far more manageable than the brutal 35-40°C (95-104°F) temperatures of December-January. Early morning hikes up Dune 45 or Big Daddy are actually pleasant rather than punishing, and you can explore Sesriem Canyon comfortably until around 11am before seeking shade.

Considerations

  • Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt plans - those 10 rainy days don't spread evenly across the month. You might get lucky with clear skies all week, or hit a patch where afternoon storms roll in around 3-4pm for three days straight. The storms are usually brief but intense, occasionally making gravel roads temporarily impassable and forcing tour operators to cancel afternoon desert excursions. Always have indoor backup plans.
  • Some roads become challenging or closed after heavy rain - Namibia's extensive gravel road network (roughly 80% of roads) can deteriorate quickly after storms. The C27 to Sossusvlei and routes in Damaraland sometimes close for 24-48 hours after significant rainfall. Self-drivers need to check conditions daily and budget extra time for detours. Inexperienced drivers should strongly consider guided tours during February rather than self-driving.
  • Heat and humidity combination feels more intense than the numbers suggest - that 70% humidity is unusual for Namibia and makes the 25°C (77°F) feel closer to 30°C (86°F). Coastal areas like Swakopmund stay cooler thanks to the Benguela Current, but inland destinations like Etosha and the Caprivi Strip can feel quite muggy, especially for travelers expecting Namibia's famous dry desert climate. You'll sweat more than anticipated during midday activities.

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Best Activities in February

Etosha National Park wildlife viewing

February is actually one of the best months for concentrated wildlife viewing despite being rainy season. The temporary waterholes fill up, but animals still need to visit the permanent springs and pans regularly, creating predictable viewing opportunities. Okaukuejo waterhole becomes particularly active from 4pm onwards as elephants, rhinos, and various antelope species come to drink. The green vegetation means animals are in better condition and more photogenic than the gaunt, dusty look they have by October. Bird watching peaks in February with over 340 species present including migratory birds. Morning game drives (6am-9am) offer the best light and animal activity before the heat builds.

Booking Tip: Self-driving is popular and gives you flexibility to wait at productive waterholes, but guided tours from lodges outside the park typically cost 800-1,200 Namibian dollars per person for a full day including lunch. Book accommodation inside Etosha camps (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni) at least 4-6 weeks ahead even in February as the three main camps have limited capacity. Daily park entry fees are around 150 Namibian dollars per person plus 50 per vehicle. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Sossusvlei dune climbing and desert photography

The iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei are magnificent in February, and you'll avoid the winter crowds that pack the sunrise viewing areas. Temperatures are perfect for the strenuous climb up Big Daddy dune (325 m / 1,066 ft high) - start at sunrise around 6am when it's cool, and you'll reach the top by 7:30am in comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) conditions. The occasional rain creates temporary pools in Deadvlei that reflect the dead camelthorn trees, offering once-in-a-decade photo opportunities. Afternoon storms usually hold off until 3-4pm, giving you a solid morning session. The softer light from occasional cloud cover actually enhances photography compared to the harsh winter sun.

Booking Tip: Gate opens at sunrise (roughly 6am in February). Stay at lodges inside the Sesriem gate area to access the dunes before day visitors arrive around 8am - this makes a massive difference in your experience. Lodges typically cost 2,500-4,500 Namibian dollars per night for doubles in February versus 3,500-6,000 in peak season. Self-driving is straightforward on the paved road from Sesriem gate to the 2x4 parking area (60 km / 37 miles), then you need 4x4 for the final 5 km (3.1 miles) to Sossusvlei. Guided tours including 4x4 shuttle typically cost 600-900 Namibian dollars. See current options in the booking section below.

Swakopmund adventure activities and coastal exploration

Swakopmund serves as Namibia's adventure capital and February offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. The coastal town stays remarkably cool (18-22°C / 64-72°F) thanks to the Atlantic's Benguela Current, providing relief from inland heat. This is perfect weather for sandboarding on the dunes just outside town, quad biking tours through the desert, or kayaking with seals at Walvis Bay Lagoon. The fog that rolls in most mornings creates atmospheric conditions for photography. Pelican Point kayaking tours get you within meters of Cape fur seals and often dolphins - the calm summer seas make this more reliable than winter months when swells can cancel trips.

Booking Tip: Swakopmund has dozens of activity operators clustered along Sam Nujoma Avenue. Sandboarding typically costs 600-800 Namibian dollars for a half-day, quad biking 800-1,200 for 2 hours, and seal kayaking 700-900 for a morning session. Book activities 2-3 days ahead, though last-minute bookings are usually possible in February unlike peak winter season. Most operators include hotel pickup. The town itself offers German colonial architecture, excellent seafood restaurants, and serves as a good base for 2-3 nights between desert and northern destinations. See current adventure tours in the booking section below.

Damaraland desert elephant tracking

February gives you a genuine chance to track the rare desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland on foot with experienced guides. These elephants have evolved to survive in one of Africa's harshest environments, and the February rains bring them out to seasonal water sources where tracking becomes feasible. The Huab and Aba-Huab riverbeds are prime areas. Unlike zoo-like wildlife viewing, this is authentic tracking - you might walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) following fresh signs before encountering a breeding herd. The experience includes learning about desert ecology, ancient rock art sites, and the conservation efforts protecting these elephants. Success rates run around 70% in February when water sources are predictable.

Booking Tip: This activity requires staying at lodges in the Palmwag Concession or Torra Conservancy area that employ trained elephant trackers. Guided walks typically cost 800-1,200 Namibian dollars per person for a half-day, though some lodges include it in accommodation rates. You need reasonable fitness for walking in sandy riverbeds in warm conditions. Book lodges at least 3-4 weeks ahead as the better properties have limited rooms. The nearest town is Khorixas, roughly 100 km (62 miles) from prime tracking areas. This pairs well with visiting Twyfelfontein rock art sites. See current Damaraland tours in the booking section below.

Skeleton Coast wilderness camping and seal colonies

The Skeleton Coast's otherworldly landscape of shipwrecks, seal colonies, and fog-shrouded beaches is particularly dramatic in February. Cape Cross Seal Reserve hosts up to 100,000 Cape fur seals during breeding season, and February falls right in peak pupping time - you'll see thousands of newborn pups alongside massive bulls. The sound and smell are overwhelming but unforgettable. Further north, the wilderness areas between Torra Bay and Terrace Bay offer completely isolated beach camping where you might not see another person for days. February's occasional storms create dramatic cloudscapes and rough surf that showcases why this coast earned its ominous name.

Booking Tip: Cape Cross is easily accessible as a day trip from Swakopmund (120 km / 75 miles north, paved road, entry around 120 Namibian dollars). For serious Skeleton Coast wilderness exploration, you need either a fly-in safari to remote camps (extremely expensive, 8,000+ Namibian dollars per person per night) or a self-drive 4x4 camping expedition with permits from Namibian Wildlife Resorts booked months ahead. Middle-ground option: guided multi-day tours from Swakopmund typically cost 3,500-5,500 Namibian dollars per person for 2-3 days including camping gear and meals. The northern Skeleton Coast Park requires special permits and convoy travel. See current coastal tours in the booking section below.

Caprivi Strip river safaris and birding

The Caprivi Strip (now officially Zambezi Region) offers a completely different Namibia experience - lush riverine forests, permanent water, and hippo-filled channels that feel more like Botswana's Okavango than typical Namibia. February is actually ideal here despite being rainy season because the rivers are full, birds are breeding, and the vegetation is vibrant green. Boat safaris along the Kwando, Linyanti, and Chobe rivers offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to drink. Over 450 bird species have been recorded here, including rarities like Pel's fishing owl. The humidity is intense (often 80%+) but temperatures stay moderate under tree canopy.

Booking Tip: The Caprivi requires commitment - it's 1,200 km (746 miles) from Windhoek in Namibia's far northeast panhandle. Most visitors fly to Kasane (Botswana) or Victoria Falls and drive in, or include it as part of a longer Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe circuit. Lodges range from budget campsites (200-400 Namibian dollars) to luxury river lodges (3,000-5,000 per night). Boat safaris typically cost 500-800 Namibian dollars for 2-3 hours. Malaria precautions are essential year-round but especially in February. Allow 2-3 nights minimum to make the journey worthwhile. See current Zambezi Region tours in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Windhoek Karneval (WIKA)

Windhoek's annual carnival celebration reflects Namibia's German colonial heritage with a distinctly African twist. The event features elaborate costumes, street parades through Independence Avenue, live music performances mixing traditional Namibian and German influences, and plenty of beer gardens. It's grown significantly over the past decade and now attracts participants from across Southern Africa. The main parade typically happens on a Saturday with related events spanning the surrounding weekend. This gives you a chance to experience Windhoek's social scene and cultural fusion that you won't find elsewhere in Namibia.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - not a heavy raincoat but something packable that dries quickly. February storms are brief (20-40 minutes typically) but intense, and you'll want protection during afternoon downpours. This is especially important for early morning game drives that might get caught in overnight rain still clearing at 6am.
Layers for dramatic temperature swings - mornings in the desert start around 15°C (59°F) while afternoons hit 25°C (77°F). Pack a fleece or light sweater for sunrise dune climbs and game drives, then strip down to t-shirts by 9am. Coastal Swakopmund stays cool all day so keep that fleece accessible.
High SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 is serious, and Namibia's high altitude (Windhoek sits at 1,700 m / 5,577 ft) intensifies sun exposure. You'll burn faster than expected even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities. Bring more than you think you need as it's expensive in Namibia.
Proper hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support - not sandals or casual sneakers. Climbing dunes in soft sand requires ankle stability, and rocky areas like Sesriem Canyon need grippy soles. The occasional mud after rain makes this even more important. Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters on Dune 45.
Neutral-colored clothing in breathable fabrics - khaki, olive, beige work best for game viewing and desert environments. Avoid bright colors and white which show dust immediately. Cotton and linen breathe better than synthetics in 70% humidity. Long sleeves and pants protect from sun and are required for some lodges at dinner.
Quality camera equipment with dust protection - Namibia's landscapes demand good photography gear, but February's combination of dust, occasional rain, and humidity threatens electronics. Bring lens cleaning supplies, waterproof camera bag or rain cover, and extra batteries as they drain faster in heat. Memory cards fill quickly shooting those dunes.
Reusable water bottle (1.5-2 liter / 51-68 oz capacity) - staying hydrated is critical even though February isn't peak summer heat. You'll drink 3-4 liters (101-135 oz) daily during activities. Water is safe in cities but lodges provide filtered water. Having your own bottle saves money and reduces plastic waste.
Small daypack (20-25 liter / 1,220-1,526 cubic inch capacity) - essential for carrying water, snacks, camera gear, and layers during day trips. Make sure it's comfortable for 2-3 hour hikes and has external pockets for quick access to essentials. Waterproof or with rain cover protects gear during unexpected storms.
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended) - transforms wildlife viewing from spotting animals to actually observing behavior. Even budget binoculars (150-300 Namibian dollars) make a massive difference at Etosha waterholes. Many lodges provide them but having your own means you control them during crucial moments.
Headlamp or flashlight - Namibian lodges and camps often have limited lighting, and you'll need hands-free light for navigating at night. Essential if you're camping. Also useful for spotting nocturnal wildlife around Etosha waterholes after dark. Bring extra batteries as they're expensive locally.

Insider Knowledge

Gravel road driving technique matters more in February than any other month - the combination of occasional rain and heavy tourist traffic in certain areas (like the C27 to Sossusvlei) creates corrugated washboard surfaces that can shake your vehicle apart if you drive too slowly. The counterintuitive solution: speed up to 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) where safe to do so, as this allows your vehicle to skim over the tops of ridges rather than slamming into each one. That said, slow to 60 km/h (37 mph) on corners and when you see oncoming traffic to avoid stone chips. After rain, slow way down as wet gravel becomes slippery and unpredictable.
Namibian time operates differently than you expect - locals joke about 'African time' but it's real. Restaurants take 45-60 minutes to serve meals even when not busy, shops close randomly for lunch breaks not posted anywhere, and fuel stations in small towns might close at 5pm or run out of diesel for days. Build buffer time into your schedule, fill up fuel whenever you see a station above half-tank, and carry snacks for long drives. The pace is frustrating initially but you'll adapt by day three.
Windhoek serves as a logistics stop, not a destination - most itineraries overnight in the capital coming or going, but there's limited reason to spend more than one night unless you're into museums. Use Windhoek for stocking up at Wernhil Park or Maerua Mall supermarkets (far cheaper than lodge shops), getting cash from ATMs (rural ATMs frequently run empty), and buying any forgotten gear at outdoor shops like Cymot. The craft markets at Post Street Mall offer better prices than tourist shops elsewhere but expect aggressive bargaining.
February is actually the secret best time for photography enthusiasts - yes, you risk afternoon storms, but the dramatic cloud formations, occasional rainbows over red dunes, temporary water reflections in Deadvlei, and lush green contrast against red sand create images impossible during dry winter months. Professional photographers increasingly shoot Namibia in green season specifically for this reason. The softer light from partial cloud cover beats harsh midday winter sun. Just protect your gear from dust and moisture.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating driving distances and times - Namibia is enormous (larger than France and Germany combined) with mostly gravel roads limited to 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph). Tourists routinely plan 400 km (249 mile) driving days thinking it's 4 hours like on highways back home, but it's actually 5-6 hours of concentration-intensive gravel driving plus fuel stops and photo stops. Limit yourself to 250-300 km (155-186 miles) maximum per day, or better yet 200 km (124 miles) to actually enjoy the journey rather than white-knuckling it.
Renting an inadequate vehicle - standard sedans are cheaper but limit you to paved roads only, meaning you'll miss Sossusvlei's final 5 km (3.1 miles), most of Damaraland, and numerous other highlights. You need a proper 4x4 with high clearance for Namibia, and in February the occasional muddy sections make this even more critical. Don't cheap out on the 2WD SUV compromise option - get actual 4x4 with low range. Expect to pay 900-1,400 Namibian dollars per day for decent 4x4 rentals.
Skipping comprehensive vehicle insurance and not documenting existing damage - Namibian rental companies are notorious for charging for pre-existing damage not properly documented at pickup. Photograph every scratch, dent, and windscreen chip from multiple angles before leaving the lot. Stone chips on windscreens are almost inevitable on gravel roads and can cost 3,000-8,000 Namibian dollars to replace. Pay the extra for full glass coverage and undercarriage protection - it's worth every dollar given the roads you'll drive.

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January

Travel guide for January

March

Travel guide for March

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Namibia

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