Looks Like I won a online auction for a plain game hunt in Namibia. The hunt is only 1 1/2 hour from Windhoek. Available dates are the middle of June or later Oct/early Nov.

I have read up on temps, rainy season, grass, leaves, etc. The pH seems to think either time would be fine. I am leaning toward June, but would like any thoughts from those that have been there - done that.

It looks like airfare for later would be a bit cheaper, but not a dealbreaker.

I spend a good bit of time in Namibia every year. If those are the choices, I'd pick June. Here's why:

1. Temps will be a bit more moderate/comfortable compared to Oct/Nov.

2. The "rut" is dependent on when the annual rains end. With the wide variety of species and they all tend to have longer ruts then typical US whitetail. June will put you in pretty much somewhere the middle of the rut for just about all of them. Oct/Nov, very few bulls chasing hot cows. Up side is, by Oct/Nov, if you can stand the rapidly rising temps, the species tend to be down out of the mountains more and bunched up in herds more as opposed to early season where they tend to be more scattered into singles or groups of 2-3.

3. Vegetation (grasses) will have turned brown by then and the height is dependent on the rains. Could be just knee high or less or above your waist. Either case will still be good vis for gemsbok and bigger regardless.

Depending on the direction from Windhoek, a 1 1/2 drive could have you in "mountains" NW, the high plateau area around the airport NE or the rolling "low lands" generally to the S.

I've only been in June, but we loved it. Moderate temperatures and good hunting.

I've been there in June & August only so can't advise on Oct/Nov.
June was quite cold at night but warmed up quickly after the sun rose.
Since it was my first safari I thought everything was great!
Hunting was excellent with large amounts of game seen.
Personally, I'd rather be cool than hot.

Five trips in the last 13 years to Namibia (3), RSA, Zimbabwe. I have hunted Apr/May, June, July, August, Aug/Sept. My favorites are Jun-Jul-Aug. Temps are cool/cold in mornings and warming up to very pleasant temps in the late morning and afternoon. Dry conditions and pleasant. Animals are well scattered and hunting is great.

April was very warm, and occasional rain every other day. Lost a couple hunting days to weather. Sept was hot and dry, but animals were ganged up and using water holes heavily. This would be a good time for archery hunting from blinds.

October and november will be hot. June will have chilly nights but they have blankets and the days will be mild to warm. Go in june and take a light jacket for a more comfortable hunt.

June

June is the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of December and October-November is the equivalent of April-May. Which months would you prefer to hunt deer and elk?

I will be going in June to Namibia this year. I was looking at June or July, really not a big change.

Something new... I have not tried June before and decided to give it a try.

I have done April, May, September, October & November. They all have Pluses and negatives.

Looks like June is the winner. Thanks to all, I have requested the dates.

June is the go.

I've hunted Namibia 6 times.

Unless you want to hunt Kudu in the rut.

I've been hunting in NW Namibia twice during August. Nice, mild weather, though 2018 a cold front dropped the weather below freezing. My Africa hunting friend says that late September/October can be unbearable hot at night. Flip a coin and good luck on the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
June is the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of December and October-November is the equivalent of April-May. Which months would you prefer to hunt deer and elk?

Oct-Nov is not like April-May in the US. It is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy hotter. I've hunted Namibia in both Oct and Nov, and it was really hot, 105 F to 114 F for daytime highs.

I have also had 2 trip to Namibia during June. June is a great time to go.

As others have said, it will be HOT in October/November.

I remember on one trip to the Caprivi in late October it reached 128 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest part of the day.

It was regularly hotter than 110 degrees.