Namibian Wildlife Safety Guide
Essential information about animals, snakes, scorpions and safety tips for your Namibian adventure
Green Elephant UIS
Featured Partner - Uis, Damaraland
Emergency Contacts
Medical Emergency: 061 205 911
Police: 10111
Snake Bite Unit (Windhoek): 061 234 911
Poison Information: 061 203 9111
Large African Animals
🐘 Elephants
Desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland and Kunene regions.
Safety: Keep 25+ meters distance
Behavior: Gentle but protective of young
Where: Damaraland, Kunene, Etosha
🦏 Rhinos
Black and white rhinos in Etosha and private reserves.
Safety: Never approach on foot
Behavior: Can charge if threatened
Where: Etosha, private conservancies
🦁 Lions
Apex predators mainly in northern regions.
Safety: Stay in vehicle, never exit
Behavior: Mostly nocturnal hunters
Where: Etosha, Caprivi, Kalahari
🐆 Leopards
Elusive nocturnal cats throughout Namibia.
Safety: Rarely seen, avoid hiking at night
Behavior: Solitary and territorial
Where: Mountainous areas, farms
🐃 Buffalo
Dangerous when in herds or wounded.
Safety: Extremely dangerous on foot
Behavior: Unpredictable, protective
Where: Caprivi Strip, water sources
🦛 Hippos
Most dangerous animal in Africa.
Safety: Never swim in hippo waters
Behavior: Territorial, fast on land
Where: Kavango, Zambezi rivers
Venomous Snakes of Namibia
🐍 Black Mamba
Highly venomous, aggressive when threatened.
Appearance: Dark interior mouth, olive-brown body
Habitat: Rocky outcrops, savanna
Danger: Extremely venomous, fast-moving
Action: Do not approach, call emergency immediately
🐍 Puff Adder
Most common cause of snakebite in Africa.
Appearance: Thick body, chevron patterns
Habitat: Grasslands, rocky areas
Danger: Sluggish but strikes when stepped on
Action: Watch where you step, wear boots
🐍 Cape Cobra
Highly venomous, various colors.
Appearance: Yellow to dark brown, hooded
Habitat: Coastal regions, fynbos
Danger: Neurotoxic venom
Action: Keep distance, avoid sudden movements
🐍 Boomslang
Tree snake with potent venom.
Appearance: Large eyes, green or brown
Habitat: Trees, bushes
Danger: Hemotoxic venom
Action: Check trees before camping
Snake Bite First Aid
DO:
- • Keep victim calm and still
- • Remove jewelry before swelling
- • Clean wound gently
- • Get to hospital immediately
- • Call +264 61 234 911
DON'T:
- • Cut the wound
- • Suck out venom
- • Apply ice
- • Use tourniquets
- • Give alcohol or caffeine
Scorpions & Spiders
🦂 Thick-tailed Scorpion
Most dangerous scorpion in Namibia.
Appearance: Large, thick tail, dark color
Habitat: Under rocks, in crevices
Danger: Potentially fatal sting
Prevention: Shake out shoes, check bedding
🕷️ Button Spider
Namibian black widow spider.
Appearance: Black with red markings
Habitat: Dark corners, outdoor toilets
Danger: Neurotoxic bite
Prevention: Check dark spaces first
🕷️ Violin Spider
Recluse spider with necrotic venom.
Appearance: Brown with violin marking
Habitat: Undisturbed areas
Danger: Tissue necrosis
Prevention: Wear gloves when cleaning
Wildlife Safety Prevention Tips
Accommodation Safety
- • Check bedding before sleeping
- • Shake out shoes and clothes
- • Keep tent zipped closed
- • Use mosquito nets
- • Store food in sealed containers
Hiking & Walking
- • Wear closed shoes and long pants
- • Make noise to warn animals
- • Carry a walking stick
- • Never reach into dark spaces
- • Stay on marked trails
Vehicle Safety
- • Never exit vehicle near wildlife
- • Keep windows closed in game areas
- • Don't feed animals
- • Maintain safe distances
- • Have emergency contacts ready
Need More Information?
Contact Green Elephant UIS for expert guidance on wildlife safety and Namibian