How recent heavy rains have transformed Namibia

Not just an isolated shower, but sustained heavy downpours in early March which were thanks in part to Tropical Cyclone Jude.

The impact on Namibia has been widespread and transformative on both the landscape and wildlife. So much so, that if you visited Namibia before the rains and returned now, you’d hardly recognise the place.

How much rain has fallen recently?

Headline-making levels of rain have been measured across the country. Here are just a few rainfall readings in areas of Namibia that are popular with tourists:

643mm in the Zambezi Mubala Camp and Lodge
571mm in the Namibian capital of Windhoek
364mm at Etosha Safari Camp

Other areas have received more modest but no less welcome amounts of rainfall, including 39mm in the Gondwana Kalahari Park and 35mm at the Namib Dune Star Camp.

The rain has typically fallen in brief but intense downpours that have soaked the ground to such an extent that temporary lakes have been created. Also, the sight of rainbows has become commonplace as the sun eventually breaks through the clouds.

It should also be mentioned that flooding has occurred in many areas, including in Walvis Bay, Lüderitz and Swakopmund, and our hearts go out to those who have been affected.

Why is this rain such big news?

To appreciate the changes that 2025’s unexpected weather conditions have brought, it’s important to remember that in 2023/24 great swathes of Namibia saw severe drought and below average rainfall, requiring emergency drought relief in many areas. Land was parched, rivers ran dry, wildlife suffered. And in many regions of the country, it has been a decade or longer since heavy rain has been seen.

What’s changed?

It’s fair to say that many parts of Namibia look like they’ve had a facelift. Formerly parched areas of land are now blooming, with the scenery changed beyond recognition in places. Rivers such as the Swakop and Fish that had run dry are now flowing for the first time in years. And what was once dusty, desert terrain is now more verdant than ever.

Areas up and downstream from the Hardap Dam were devoid of water earlier in the year. Now they are virtually unrecognisable, the landscape transformed.

These new conditions have created new habitats, leading to an increase in wildlife as vegetation grows in areas that were previously barren. The change isn’t something we can really do justice in a few photographs. We recommend you come and see the new Namibia for yourself.

Specific examples of recent changes

Sossusvlei
‍This area located deep in the Namib Desert is now home to a temporary lake as well as its famous red sand dunes. Springbok, oryx and other wildlife are visiting the area to drink, creating opportunities for photographers and wildlife spotters that simply weren’t possible before the rains. The Tsauchab River, usually a non-event when it comes to water, is also now flowing.

Other Areas of the Namib Desert
‍It’s not often that a desert produces grass, flowers and colours that are anything but sandy beige. The recent rains have changed all that, with many areas carpeted in green, with the Namib Lily growing in abundance across the plains, putting on a rarely seen spectacle of pink and red hues. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Etosha National Park
‍Usually waterless, the Etosha Pan is now a shallow lake attracting all kinds of birdlife including flamingo. The surrounding savannah is now covered with vegetation that’s feeding mammals including elephant, zebra and giraffe. Their presence has in turn attracted predators including lion and cheetah, giving visitors rare opportunities to see a magnificent variety of wildlife across the park.

Northern Namibia
‍Here, the Kunene is flowing with a ferocity not seen for generations. Water is tumbling over cliff edges at Epupa Falls, putting on a show that photographers will be eager to capture. And normally dusty and desolate surroundings in this region now resemble tropical locations.

What this means for you

If you’ve already booked a visit to Namibia in early 2025, you’re in for a rare treat – the chance to see a landscape and its wildlife transformed. Animal lovers and nature photographers will see sights rarely witnessed in this part of the world.

If you haven’t booked, yet but want to return to Namibia to see the country at its blooming best for what could be the last time for many years, now is a good time for a return visit. With the usual dry and hot weather expected to return, we can help you book a trip at short notice and see for yourself the incredible changes this rare weather event has caused.

Whenever and however you book your return, please listen out for official updates on the weather and local travel conditions, and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers unless you are advised that it is safe to do so.