I have an opportunity to book my first safari with a PH in Namibia. He is already booked for all of 2006 and all of 2007 except for the last two weeks in April. I need to get back with him quickly as he has other clients ready to take that slot if I don't want them.
Is April a poor choice for a safari in Namibia or any safari for that matter? Is it too close to the end of the rainy season? Is it too dense with vegitation to make for an enjoyable hunt? Thanks, ScottW

There are many experienced Namibia hunters here on AR; I'm sure everyone will have an opinion and good advice. We just booked out 2007 leopard hunts for last 2 weeks of April and first week of May at Reno SCI. Our friends and PH's assured us that while it would still be warm, and more humid (better for the dogs, and first shot at cats that season) the hunting for PG would be good also. The wives will be more inclined to use the pools, also.

Where in Namibia are you considering, as that location will have a profound effect also. The area we hunt gets more scattered storms in the mountains, and lots of run-off to the dams, than steady "rainy season" moisture. Also, early May is the beginning of the kudu rut, and might provide you with excellent opportunities. We hunted July last year and June this year; it was very cold every morning and about 60-70 during day in July. It was cool in morning and 70-80 in June. The water holes were drying up later in the season, which made it more attractive to see lots of animals. Early season hunting might make it much more enjoyable for spot-and-stalk, with better cover to assist. Good luck on your decision

It will be hot north of the Tropic of Cancer and in the southern part of the country it will be cooler.

Your not going at the ideal time. There are plenty of PH's in Namibia, PM me with who you are going with.

I went in the first week of August and left on the 15th last year. I hunted in the Khomas mountains and in the Kalahari.

I have done some research and there are a few I can reccomend, and few I would recommend against.

Scott- I have hunted up next to Bushmanland in late April. It is a really good time for kudu. The condition of the bush can vary alot from year to year we were told. There can still be standing water in the bush. Of the 2X I have hunted Namibia(the other was mid-June) I prefered the early hunt. Every time we saw kudu cows there seemed to be a couple of bulls in tow.

Scott
I went in early mid to late May and hunted in Central and Northern Namibia. As has been pointed out, there can be a good bit of variation in the bush and availablility of water. I specifically timed my hunt to hit the kudu rut. It worked out very well for me. I think the PH is more important than the time.

define what part of Namibia you are going to first as there are several different "best times " to go in the same country.
I prefer late August in northern Namibia it is a dry time at end of their winter. More animals near what water is left, leaves are not out too thick as of yet. But at that time of year gemsbok will be carrying their offspring as well as many other species doing the same. the predatorsa know this as well.

It's going to be a bit warm still in April.

The reports I am getting from all of my PH's over there say they are getting lots of rain now. I think June, July, August are best personally.

Problem with August is they have been shot at a lot.

I will go in June or May of 2007, at minumimum no later than July 15th.

How is the huntingweather in middle of october? is difficulty? earlier is fullbooked. Shall i take october or wait? How is the rest of the year? Nov, dec?

If it was me, I have spent my whole life living in both extremes of heat and cold. I would go.

For a Swede that might have a problem when the thermometer broke 110 F, you might want to think about that.

Roolig, someone in Namibia has room this year. I didn't book my hunt until a month out and there were still plenty of choices.

In '03 we hunted Namibia in mid-April and it seemed like a great time to me. The weather was great, 50's (F) at night and up to 80's (F) in the daytime.

We were told June was the kudu rut and that would be neat to see; but we had no problem seeing lots of bulls and taking a couple nice ones.

Kyler

Namibia is generally good from April to September, except Caprivi, which is not good until about June/ July. With the amount of rain received over most of the country, the northern parts will however be very thick till late in the year. In a good year like this year, I would reccomend the Kalahari, as it is the most beautiful it can be.

I hunted at the end of last September just south of Etosha. It was cool at night and in the 90's during the day. There were very few leaves out yet so visibility was good in the brush. Since it was so hot and dry there were very few bugs out which was nice and the waterholes were busy with game.