The Waterberg Plateau rises up out of the surrounding Namibian savannah while its brick-red magnificence looms towards the heavens, reaching a height of 420m. Mother Nature’s castle walls in the form of the plateau’s rock-face have created a flourishing sanctuary for fauna and flora in the area. The 41 000ha Waterberg Plateau National Park encompasses its namesake and the surrounding land. 

The table of the plateau is largely inaccessible, its natural fortifications providing the perfect environment for some of Namibia’s endangered species to be relocated to a place of refuge from predators and illegal hunters. The reintroduction programme has been incredibly successful and poaching has since been eliminated. The park is home to Black and White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Roan antelope, leopard, cheetah, numerous birds of prey and the country’s only breeding colony of Cape vultures. 

Visitors can enjoy this unusual part of Namibia by staying at any of the privately owned lodges nearby or at the rest camp within the park’s borders. Avid trekkers will be pleased to note that the park is home to nine unguided hiking trails along the base of the plateau; otherwise, it can be summited by three different trails that are led by a park ranger.

Waterberg Plateau Highlights

  • About 300km north of Windhoek en-route to Etosha National Park, an excellent stopover destination to break the journey 
  • Teeming with wildlife and home to successful introduction of endangered species
  • Nature lovers paradise with a variety of hiking trails, guided or un-guided throughout the park
  • Diversity of habitats supports a variety of mammals, fauna and bird life
  • Various accommodation options in the area with private lodges also offering a range of activities 
  • Waterberg Rest Camp available for those wanting to stay within the National Park

Best time to go
Waterberg Plateau

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Waterberg Plateau

  • A Rhino Africa Travel Expert will match accommodation to your specific requirements – whether you're honeymooners seeking private villas in Sossusvlei, families with teenagers wanting adventure-focused lodges near Swakopmund, or photographers prioritising properties with optimal light and exclusive access. 

    Namibia offers everything from intimate desert camps to luxury lodges with private conservancy access. We consider your travel style, interests, and the experiences you're after, then recommend properties that deliver on those priorities while maintaining the high standards our guests expect.

  • A tailor-made Namibia safari typically ranges from $100–$1,500 per person per night, depending on accommodation level, transport mode, and season. Luxury fly-in safaris with private conservancy access sit at the higher end.

  • Daily flights from South Africa and Botswana land at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport. Charter flights connect destinations such as Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, and Etosha for luxury fly-in safaris. Find more details on how to get to Namibia.

  • Etosha National Park delivers four of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino) plus giraffe, cheetah, and two zebra species. Desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland and Cape fur seals on the Skeleton Coast showcase unique adaptations. Learn more about Namibia's wildlife.

  • Nationals from numerous countries – including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and most European Union member states can enter Namibia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must have at least six months' validity beyond your planned departure date and at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Visa requirements change periodically, so we recommend verifying current regulations with the Namibian embassy in your country before travel. Our Travel Experts provide up-to-date guidance as part of your journey planning, though final verification remains your responsibility.

  • Namibia is a popular self-drive destination, though road conditions can be challenging, especially on gravel. We recommend a 4x4 vehicle and advise against driving at night. Driving is on the left, with speed limits of 120 km/h on tarred highways and 60-80 km/h in towns.

  • English is Namibia's official language and is widely spoken in tourism and hospitality. German remains common in Swakopmund and Windhoek due to colonial history. Find out more about Namibia's fascinating cultures.

  • Pack layers for the desert's ever-changing temperatures – lightweight clothing for warm days and a jacket for chilly evenings. Neutral-coloured clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

  • Yes. The Caprivi Strip links easily with Botswana's Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, as well as Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls. South Africa also neighbours Namibia, so it’s simple to add Cape Town or other South African cities by road or a short flight. East Africa is within reach, too. And flight connections through Windhoek make multi-destination journeys seamless.

  • We recommend 10 to 14 nights for a fuller Namibia journey, allowing time for desert, wildlife, coast, and cultural depth. Seven nights is the minimum for a more focused trip.

    • Currency: The Namibian Dollar (N$) is Namibia’s official currency. Notes come in N$10, 20, 50, 100 and 200, with coins including N$5 and cents.

    • Cards and Rand: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, with American Express and Diners Club accepted in some places. The South African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted in Namibia.

    • Exchanging money: You can exchange currency at banks and bureaux de change throughout Namibia.

    • Duty-free allowances (18+): You may import 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine or 1 litre of spirits, 50ml perfume or 250ml eau de toilette, plus gifts up to N$3,000 without paying customs duty.

    • Currency limits: Import/export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. Import/export of foreign currency is unrestricted.

    • Banking hours: Banks are generally open 09:00–15:30 weekdays and 09:00–11:00 Saturdays. 

  • Before you travel, speak to your doctor and take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers all planned activities on your Namibia holiday.

    A few key health notes to keep in mind:

    • Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccinations for Namibia unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever area. In that case, you’ll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.

    • Malaria: Risk is medium in Northern Namibia, especially Etosha National Park and the Caprivi Strip, and low to none in most other regions. Risk is generally highest in the rainy season (October to May).

    • Medical care: Advanced medical services are mostly concentrated in main towns and cities, so planning ahead matters if you’re travelling remotely.

    • Check your boosters: Ask your medical practitioner which routine vaccinations and boosters you should update before travelling to Africa.