Budget Etosha National Park Lodge Safari

A excellently-priced short Safari to Etosha National Park, Namibia's top game park. 

Explore Etosha National Park, a wildlife haven that supports an amazing variety of wild animals including the white rhino and endangered black rhino, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe and numerous species of antelope, as well as an impressive 340 species of birds. Stay near Etosha Park in en-suite, twin share rooms at a comfortable yet affordable safari lodge.

Venture onto the mighty Etosha Pan with its amazing shimmering horizons and wide-open spaces to experience the inspiring beauty of Africa. This Budget Etosha Park Lodge Safari will introduce you to some of the amazing animals that make Africa famous - a must visit for any traveller in Namibia. 

Day 1: Windhoek to Lodge at Etosha National Park

We depart from a selected backpackers lodge in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, at 8:30am on day one of this budget Etosha Lodge Safari.

Driving north to Etosha Park we stop at Otjiwarongo along the way and enjoy a road side lunch before entering Etosha National Park.

We make our way into Etosha via the Anderson Gate embarking on an afternoon game drive to some of the waterholes nearby. Our game drive takes us in search of Etosha's wildlife especially the predators, as well as zebra, giraffe, elephant and rhino.  

Just before sunset we arrive at our affordable Namibian lodge near the gates of Etosha National Park. Accommodation is in twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide and after our first exciting day on safari in Etosha an early night is recommended. (D)

Day 2: Etosha National Park Game Viewing

Today we leave our safari lodge at sunrise heading for Etosha early to ensure that we reach the gates as they open. We explore Etosha Park on a game drive stopping for a light breakfast in the mid-morning. 

Our game drive takes us halfway across the vast Etosha Park in search of an array of African wildlife, including four of the Big Five (lion, rhino, leopard and elephant) as well as the abundance of plains game found in this wilderness area. We visit many waterholes along the way to our next stop in Etosha, Halali Camp. Halali offers a cool retreat from the heat and we rest here during the hottest part of the day. Your safari guide will prepare a delicious lunch while you take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax at the camp's waterhole. 

After lunch our exploration of Etosha Park continues with a visit to the expansive Etosha Pan. We stop to walk on the flat pan and experience the immenseness of this 4500 sq km saltpan (seasonal).  We then continue back to Okaukuejo camp calling into some well-known waterholes and leaving the park before sunset. We stay near Etosha in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide and we again retire early. (BLD)

Day 3: Lodge near Etosha to Windhoek or Swakopmund

On day three we have a leisurely breakfast at our affordable lodge before driving south towards Swakopmund via Outjo and Omaruru. Your guide serves a light lunch en-route to Swakopmund or Windhoek.

If you are returning to Windhoek then we will transfer you from Karabib to Windhoek with a light roadside lunch en-route and a short stop at the Okahandja Craft Market. We arrive in Windhoek in the late afternoon bringing this Budget Etosha National Park Lodge Safari to a close.

In Windhoek you will be dropped at your accommodation or airport transfers can be arranged through African Budget Safaris with advance notice. (BL)

Swakopmund Tour ending  – Our vehicle will continue it's journey from Etosha to Swakopmund for an early  afternoon arrival and a light road side lunch en-route. Additional accommodation (own expense) and shuttle bus (own expense) back to Windhoek can be arranged through African Budget Safaris in advance.

Etosha Lodge Accommodation

Our preferred Etosha Lodge accommodation is located near Etosha National Park, just 2 km outside the game reserve. We stay in twin share permanent tents featuring reverse cycle air-conditioning, as well as private shower and toilet facilities and an outside sitting area.  

Each spacious safari style tent is fitted with interior lighting, twin beds, good quality linen and extra blankets. Small sleeper couches can be used for children under 12 years, however we recommend booking an extra bungalow for children around this age for comfort. Camp facilities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a bar, dstv, and a small shop and restaurant. Although Namibia doesn't have an official rating system, the lodge near Etosha is considered the equivalent of 3 star accommodation.

Our other Etosha lodge options are all located within 25km of the Anderson gate on the western side of Etosha National Park and will be of similar standard.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, situated in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, is renowned as one of the best game reserves in Africa.

Covering 22,270 km² this vast game park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and even one species of fish. The unusual terrain of Etosha Park supports rare and varied wild animals and birds making it a unique safari destination.

The national park is dominated by the arid Etosha Pan, at about 5 000km², with 'Etosha' meaning place of dry water or great white place. The expansive silvery-white salt pan is an awe-inspiring sight with its wide horizons and shimmering mirages stretching into the distance.

Etosha Park hosts four of Africa's Big Five, including both white rhino and endangered black rhino, as well as lion, leopard and elephant. Other wildlife include giraffe, cheetah, zebra and various antelope species, such as black-faced impala, tssesebe and gemsbok. 

Namibia Tour Vehicles

9 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

6 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

4 seater: 4x4 station wagon with fitted seat belts and air-conditioning. Used for small groups of 2 or 3 people (guaranteed window seat).

12 seater: 2WD Custom Built Safari Vehicle with large drop slide windows and 12 forward facing seats offering excellent front vision. Fitted with lap belts, a pop top roof and an inverter for charging cameras, ipods and cell phones, as well as a usb port on the stereo to play own music.

Please Note:

• This Etosha Safari can be combined with the Sossusvlei Dunes Safari to join the 6 day Dunes and Wildlife Safari – a fully accommodated safari visiting the 2 main highlights of Namibia. The combination Namibia safari includes 1 night of accommodation in Swakopmund and departs every Tuesday.
• This safari to Etosha does not visit Namutoni Camp at all as it is closed to non-resident visitors or on payment of a very high daily fee, which has not been included in the cost of this safari. Sleeping bags or bath towels are not necessary but please bring swim wear and pool towels, especially during the summer months.

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