Untamed Kunene
The rugged terrain of this north-western region is home to a variety of specially-adapted species of mammals. Surviving against all odds in seemingly impossible terrain and climates, these creatures have adapted to thrive with little to no ‘luxuries’ of easy-living. Desert-adapted elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion are rare and wonderful sights to behold on a safari through the region. Go on a tracking experience on foot, or join a special game drive with experienced guides for the best opportunities to explore the wildlife of the region. There, elephants have learnt how to preserve trees by not stripping their bark, so that the trees may live longer. They walk for hundreds of kilometres for water and can survive on much less than their counterparts in other parts of the country. The region is also home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhinoceros in the world. Further west, along the Skeleton Coast, the now-famous desert lions roam. They are no different from other lions in Namibia, but have adapted their hunting skills to their harsh surroundings. Brown hyena also roam the tumultuous shores of the Atlantic coastline and feed off prey such as seals, of which there are thousands in colonies all along the coastline.
Shy and Nocturnal species to spot
Nocturnal, agile and downright sneaky, here is a list of five mammals you are not too likely to see on safari. But they are here in Namibia, so keep your eyes peeled.
Pangolin – The only mammal wholly covered in scales, for protection against predators. When threatened, pangolins will curl into a tight ball and use their sharp-scaled tails to defend themselves. They are currently the world’s most trafficked mammal.
Brown hyena – One of Africa’s rarest large carnivores, they occur throughout Namibia but are most commonly found in the Namib Desert along the coastline.
Aardvark – A nocturnal mammal that spends its days in cool underground burrows dug with its powerful feet and claws. Aardvarks can dig into the rock-hard clay of termite mounds to get to their meal of choice – termites.
Bat-eared Fox – This small mammal is known for its enormous ears (which can be over 13 centimetres long). These foxes are insectivores, with termites making up 80% of their diets.
Honey Badger – Pound for pound, this small yet tenacious carnivore has a reputation for being the most fearless animal in Africa.