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Etosha means the ‘Great White Place of Dry Water’ in the local Ovambo language of Namibia. The national park stretches 300 km east to west and 100 km north to south. It is a huge flat area of land, covering over 22,000 km² (8494 mi²). The wide open landscapes of Etosha amplify the sense of boundless space under vast African skies
Etosha National Park incorporates saline desert, savannah, and woodlands, but the Etosha Pan is the dominant feature. The pan is 130 km long and 50 km wide - a vast dry area that holds water during the summer. In summer the water attracts pelicans and flamingos, which breed there.
In the dry winter months, the Etosha Pan is an ethereal shimmering white spectacle. When the pan is dry the sheer volume of wildlife gathering at the many watering holes is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From herds of zebra, springbok, and eland, to giraffes, rhinos, and lions, not to mention the abundance of birdlife. Etosha is a wildlife safari wonderland.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier safari destination. Experiencing the white ghosts of Etosha, and the wilderness haven that it is today belies a turbulent past. Etosha National Park's history is one of hunter-gatherers, explorers, colonists, hunters, and the successful return of wildlife. It is an inspiring conservation success story.
- Extraordinary Wildlife Viewing around the numerous watering holes
- Rare night-time game viewing at floodlit watering holes
- Etosha is a haven for Black Rhino and an excellent place to see these cantankerous mammals
- Excellent self-drive destination with well-maintained infrastructure
- The wide range of places to stay in and around Etosha National Park caters for every budget
- Etosha’s vast landscape is scenic and accessible making it an excellent photographic destination
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Etosha National Park is an outstanding African safari destination. You can access it on a self-drive safari, and it has loads of accommodation options for any budget. Combined with the surreal wildlife-dotted landscapes Etosha is a must-visit Namibia safari destination.
During the dry season, Etosha’s game viewing is unparalleled. This is when many animals congregate at the watering holes dotted around the park. Some of the watering holes are man-made and floodlit for night-time wildlife watching.
The top attraction in Etosha National Park is watching wild animals at watering holes. You can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and other antelope species, as well as predators like leopards and lions.
Etosha has an abundance of both natural and man-made watering holes, each with a unique character.
The Okaukuejo Waterhole is famous for the night-time shenanigans of black rhinos as well as elephants. Lions frequent the Okondeka waterhole. Halali attracts elusive leopards. Sueda provides fantastic views across the Etosha Pan and is famous for its cheetah sightings.
Watching one of nature's great parades at the watering holes of Etosha is a special safari experience.
Etosha lies in the northern Kunene region of Namibia. The park is roughly a 6-hour (435 km / 270-mile) drive north of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.
The entire national park covers 22 270 km² (8598 mi²) of which 4,800km² (1853 mi²) consists of the Etosha Pan. The Etosha Pan is a large part of the park, measuring 130 km long and up to 50 km wide. It makes up about a quarter of the park's total size. Etosha Pan is the largest salt pan in Africa and is visible from space.
The pan was originally a lake formed by the Kunene River. Over time, geological shifts redirected the river to the Atlantic Ocean, leaving behind the immense salt pan. The Etosha Pan formed over 100 million years ago. Today it showcases dry baked alkaline clay, with salt springs forming hillocks used by wildlife as salt licks.
While the Etosha Pan dominates the eastern side of Etosha National Park, the western half features dolomite hills. Once closed to tourists, this remote western region is now accessible to all visitors.
Game drives in Etosha mostly explore the grasslands and plains near the southern part of the Etosha Pan. The drives typically go between Namutoni in the east and Okaukuejo in the west. The hills in western Etosha provide a unique landscape and more diverse wildlife than the area near Etosha Pan.
Visitors can enter Etosha National Park via four gates. King Nehale Gate in the north, Von Lindequist Gate in the east, Anderson Gate in the south, or Galton Gate in the southwest.
In total, there are 6 rest camps inside Etosha National Park. Then there are a few private reserves on Etosha’s borders, and a host of private safari lodges, hotels, and campsites outside the park.
The Etosha Pan dominates Etosha National Park, which also includes grasslands and woodland savannah. The grasslands spring to life during the wet season from November to April. These support 114 mammals, including 4 of the Big 5 animals (elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino). Remarkably, Etosha boasts the world’s highest concentration of endangered black rhinos.
In the dry season (from May to October) water becomes scarce in Etosha. This forces wildlife to gather at the numerous waterholes scattered throughout the park. For this reason, Etosha has a reputation for some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
These watering holes are a source of life and support a parade of herbivores throughout the day. Commonly sighted animals are elephants, the grey ghosts of Etosha, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, eland, springbok, and gemsbok. Etosha also boasts two near-endemic species, the Damara dik-dik and the strikingly beautiful black-faced impala.
Where herbivores travel, the predators are sure to follow and Etosha is no exception to the rule. There is a healthy population of both lions and hyenas in the park as well as elusive leopards and cheetahs. Other smaller predators include bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, and honey badgers.
In the rainy season, many birds come to Etosha, increasing the total number of bird species to about 340. Being a seasonal park, about a third of Etosha's birds are migratory. The highlight of this avian feast is the flamingos and pelicans that nest in the flooded Etosha Pan. There are 35 species of raptors including chanting goshawks, vultures, falcons, and eagles too.
Game viewing in Etosha National Park is best in the dry season. For bird watching and scenic landscapes, the rainy season is better, but the animals disperse. Plus, the thick vegetation makes even black rhinos hard to spot.
Namibia, along with South Africa, are the most budget-friendly safari destinations in Africa. These are broad cost guidelines. The price of a safari varies based on factors like length, season, and preferred level of comfort. For an in-depth discussion, you can read our blog post, How much does a Namibian safari cost?
Namibian Safari Costs*
*These prices are meant to give you a quick overview. For accurate and up-to-date safari prices, check out African Budget Safaris Namibia safari tours.
One of the reasons that Namibia is such an affordable safari destination is the comparatively low conservation fees for national parks. The Namibian Dollar is pegged to the South African Rand which makes the exchange rate extremely favourable. These are the conservation fees* for Etosha National Park per day. It is also worth noting that when visiting Etosha, children under 16 enter the park for free, making it a family-friendly destination.
*conservation fees were accurate at the time of publishing in February 2024. Check the current exchange rate for accurate US$ cost.
African Budget Safaris has 126 African safaris that visit Etosha National Park, from 3-day Etosha packages to 47-day Africa overland trips. These Etosha safari packages cater for a range of tastes, including private getaways and family-friendly vacations.
When planning your Etosha safari talk to an experienced safari agent. Our African experts have years of experience in the safari industry. We work with safari companies we trust. This helps us suggest options that match your preferences and requirements. Contact African Budget Safaris today to start planning your dream Etosha safari.
The best time to visit Etosha for exceptional game viewing is during the dry season from May to October. This is when the landscape dries out and animals congregate at the watering holes.
The wet season in Etosha, from November to April, is excellent for photographic safaris. This is when the landscape is lush, birds abundant, and afternoons punctuated by thunderstorms. At this time visitor numbers are low, but some parts of the park become muddy and difficult to access.
Although Etosha is mostly hot and dry, it is a seasonal destination. In the dry winter months, the temperature fluctuates greatly between night and day, and rain is a rarity. In summer, the bitterly cold nights and mornings abate, and rain usually falls in heavy afternoon thundershowers.
Located in the far north of Namibia, Etosha National Park is 435 km (270 miles) north of Windhoek. Self-drive safaris are a popular Namibia safari option. Driving to Etosha should take around 6 hours on good roads. Once in the park, the roads in the eastern section are navigable in a regular 2-wheel drive car.
In addition to self-drive safaris, visitors can join group safaris to Etosha, or arrange chartered flights.
People who fly into Namibia will arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). Located 40 km (25 miles) outside of Windhoek, visitors can rent 4x4s or 2-wheel drive vehicles at the airport.
Most visitors to Etosha National Park visit on self-drive safaris. You can explore the eastern section of the park by sedan vehicle. A 4x4 safari vehicle is thus not necessary, although it does provide good elevation for game viewing.
From the various camps in Etosha, visitors can embark on guided game drives in the morning, evening, or at night. Private lodges may offer walking trails or guided walking safaris.
Etosha has an abundance of accommodation options from camping to luxury lodges on the outskirts of the park. Within the park, Etosha has six rest camps.
Okaukuejo Rest Camp is Etosha’s most famous rest camp. Renowned for its flood-lit waterhole, Okaukuejo is Etosha’s largest camp and its administrative hub.
Located 17 km from Anderson Gate in the south of Etosha, Okaukuejo was once a military outpost. It has many lodges and camping options catering to all budgets. Amenities at Okaukuejo include a petrol station and shop. Onkaukuejo also has a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Visitors can book game drives with experienced guides. The main attraction is however the watering hole which is famous for its endangered black rhino sightings. It attracts diverse animals, especially during the dry winter season. And the watering hole it lit up at night.
Nestled among hills and koppies, Halali Camp gives wildlife enthusiasts a unique vantage point in Etosha National Park.
Positioned midway between Namutoni and Okaukuejo, Halali Rest Camp boasts a central location near popular waterholes. The thicker vegetation in this area attracts diverse wildlife, including leopards, rhinos, and elephants.
A short stroll leads to the camp’s floodlit waterhole which offers exceptional day and night game-viewing. Halali means 'the end of a hunt' in German. This name marks the transition from game hunting to eco-tourism in Namibia.
With the park's largest pool, Halali caters to active guests. It also serves as a strategic stopover, providing amenities like lunch, ice cream, drinks, and petrol.
Namutoni Camp sits within the walls of a German Fort that is over 100 years old. It offers a unique ambience and a variety of accommodation options.
Namutoni is in the eastern part of Etosha National Park, near the Von Lindequist Gate. The camp provides an elevated view of the King Nehale Waterhole which offers exceptional game viewing. The fort's walls also serve as a perfect spot for sundowners, adding a picturesque end to a day in the Namibian bush. Close to Fisher’s Pan, Namutoni is a haven for birding enthusiasts.
Namutoni has two restaurants, a craft shop, a pool, and a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. This makes it a perfect place to relax after game drives.
They built Fort Namutoni in 1902/1903 and later destroyed it. It underwent reconstruction in 1906. Since then it has become a significant part of Namibia's heritage. It became a national monument in 1950 and opened to tourism in 1957.
Olifantsrus Camp is Etosha’s newest camp. This camp offers a unique camping-only experience.
Located in the western section, this camp provides an intimate experience of Etosha National Park’s vast landscape. It is approximately 60 km from Galton Gate, 130 km from Okaukuejo, and 50 km from Dolomite Camp.
The western region is less explored and elusive species like black rhinos and black-faced impalas thrive. A double-story modern hide overlooks a manmade waterhole frequented by elephants. Olifantsrus has useful facilities such as an information centre, a snack kiosk, a kitchen, and clean bathrooms.
Onkosi Camp features an exclusive lodge that offers a low-impact safari experience.
The camp is in the remote northeast, close to Von Lindequist Gate. It is far from the busy self-drive safari routes.
The free-standing chalets face the expansive Etosha Pan and offer incredible views across this iconic feature. Run primarily on solar power, Onkashi Camp offers a secluded ambience, restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. They built the entire lodge on raised wooden platforms. Onkashi offers morning, evening, and nighttime game drives, and some of the best stargazing in Africa.
The Dolomite Camp is near Galton Gate in the far west of Etosha National Park. It is Etosha’s newest safari camp. The camp is in an area that recently opened up to visitors.
The camp sits on a small hill, overlooking the arid plains. It is an exclusive lodge with permanent tents, a restaurant, a bar, and rim flow swimming pool.
In this area the abundant watering holes attract elephants, black rhinos, leopards, lions, springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, and impala. The camp boasts prolific bird life, and the seasonal flora of Dolomite Hill is a plus for botanists. While Dolomite Camp is unfenced so that animals can roam freely, personal escorts ensure that guests are safe at all times. The camp offers game drives with experienced guides in this restricted area.
East and south of Etosha National Park are several private game reserves with lodges and camping. Beyond the private reserves, you'll find more places to stay, ranging from luxury five-star lodges to wilderness campsites.
Enjoy the advantage of having Etosha National Park at your doorstep while exploring the surrounding area. These safari resorts and lodges feature exclusive activities, swimming pools, waterholes, and more. Whether on a safari with friends, family, or solo, all travellers can find accommodation to suit their needs.
Etosha is a very seasonal destination. In winter, while the days are mild to hot, nights, evenings, and early mornings can get very cold. In summer, expect hot to hotter with cool to balmy mornings, evenings, and nights. When packing for your Etosha safari, it's a good idea to try and think in terms of layers, comfort, and colour.
On early morning game drives in open vehicles, you will need to dress warmly. Take a lightweight jacket, or fleece, long pants, and closed shoes.
Things do warm up quickly, so you'll want to shed layers. Make sure you wear something lightweight and cool underneath your jacket while on safari. A cool, breathable shirt with long sleeves and a collar is ideal. Zip-off trousers can easily convert from longs to shorts, leaving you cool and comfortable.
When evening falls and you head out on a game drive, think of this process in reverse. A small backpack comes in handy for shed clothing as well as carrying water, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Colour-wise, you want to keep your palette neutral for purely pragmatic reasons. Natural hues like beige, greens, browns, and khakis are best.
On an Etosha safari avoid wearing black, white and anything bright. White gets grubby very quickly. Black attracts mosquitoes at night and heat in the day. Bright colours (like yellow or red) can frighten animals and attract bees.
Closed comfortable shoes are best for your days on safari, and a good pair of sneakers or trainers are perfect. For time spent in camps and lodges, a pair of slip-slops or Crocs can be a comfortable addition.
Yes, it is. Namibia is one of Africa's safest safari destinations. Etosha included.
While Etosha is a great self-drive destination, many visitors opt for packaged tours. The guided tours offer added safety, convenience and the benefits of exploring with experienced guides.
Malaria is present in Etosha National Park. The dry season is a relatively low malaria risk time. This is from May to September. Summer rains from November to April bring more mosquitoes, increasing the risk of exposure to malaria.
You should visit a travel clinic well before your departure date. Malaria medication is readily available and effective against the disease.
In addition to malaria prophylactics, it is advisable to take preventative measures. Consider travelling in the dry, winter months. Use an effective insect repellent, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, and sleep under a mosquito net.
For more information about malaria, you can visit the UK’s NHS website or the CDC malaria information page.
Resorts in Etosha National Park accept debit and credit card payments. However, these systems work via wi-fi that occasionally goes down. When this happens, they only accept cash payments.
It is good practice to pay for your accommodation in advance. It is also advisable to take enough cash to pay for park fees, meals, drinks, snacks, fuel, game drives, and tips for excellent staff. They accept either South African Rands or Namibian Dollars.
Always ask for permission to take photographs of people. This can be a sensitive issue, and it never hurts to check in before you raise your lens.
This is the peak rainy season in Etosha National Park. Afternoon thundershowers often cool temperatures that otherwise rise above 40°C. The savannah is verdant making animals hard to spot, but birding is at its exceptional best.
March signals the close of the summer season in Etosha National Park. The vegetation remains lush and dense which makes wildlife viewing tricky. But the rains begin to subside and birding is still excellent.
May is a transition month when the vegetation is thinning and becomes less lush as temperatures continue to cool. The weather becomes increasingly dry, and migratory birds are departing for the warmer north. As the landscape dries, animals begin to congregate around the watering holes. May marks the beginning of the high season and demand is high.
This is the coldest time of year. While daytime temperatures are relatively mild, mornings, evenings, and nights can get very cold.
At this time, Etosha offers clear blue skies and exceptional game viewing. The landscape becomes parched and the Etosha Pan is at its arid best. The animals crowd around the watering holes, creating a show unrivalled anywhere on the continent.
September and October are the peak of the dry season. Game viewing is excellent around watering holes, and away from them, game animals are easy to spot. The weather begins to get hot, and the parched landscape is in dire need of rain, which usually falls around the end of October.
In a regular year, the rains begin to fall in November. This is one of Etosha’s hottest months. Wildlife is still abundant as the bush has not yet responded to the falling rains. November is a transitional month between the dry and wet season.
The most prominent feature of Etosha National Park is the expansive Etosha Pan. The remnants of a vast inland lake that once received water from rivers originating in the north and east.
One of these rivers, likely the Kunene, flowed southeast from the Angolan highlands into the pan. However, geological shifts around 12 million years ago altered the land's slope and redirected the course of these tributaries.
The Kunene River now flows westward from Ruacana Falls into the Atlantic. This shift caused the lake to gradually vanish under the intense sun, leaving behind a vast, flat, silvery expanse of sand. It now covers 4,800km² (1853 mi²), approximately a quarter, of the park's surface. Wind erosion has played a role in shaping the pan's landscape over time.
Etosha Pan is an arid environment with limited vegetation, due to the salt left by the ancient lake. If rains to the north and east have been substantial, the pan occasionally holds water for a few months during the rainy season. However, complete filling of the pan is a rare occurrence.
Beyond the Etosha Pan, the park is largely flat. The habitats range from mopane woodlands to expansive, virtually treeless plains.
In the east, around Namutoni, the landscape features attractive Makalani palms. The west showcases the Fairy Tale Forest, or Sprokieswoud in Afrikaans, known for the peculiar moringa trees. As one ventures further west, it becomes hillier, with mopane woodlands scattered across the open savannahs. This hilly habitat is picturesque but hosts lower concentrations of wildlife.
Etosha's modern history began in the 1850s when European explorers Charles Andersson and Francis Galton first visited the area. This initial discovery marked the beginning of a challenging period for the area's wildlife, as relentless game hunting ensued.
In 1907 Dr. von Lindequist (then governor of German South West Africa) took steps to address the escalating threat. He proclaimed three reserves in the Etosha area.
He established crucial park boundaries with his proclamation. These served to protect the land and preserve the seasonal migrations of its diverse fauna. These reserves formed the early foundation of conservation efforts in the region.
The boundaries set by Dr. von Lindequist remained intact for several decades, safeguarding Etosha National Park until the 1960s. However, during this period, the park underwent a size reduction, leading to its present dimensions. Despite this contraction, Etosha continued to thrive as a vital sanctuary for wildlife.
In recent years, the park's management established a conservation bridge that connects Etosha with the Skeleton Coast National Park.
The Skeleton Coast-Etosha Bridge site in the Kunene Region is a conservation bridge that links several concessions. It connects two national parks in the first “People’s Park” – a new conservation category. The 20 km wide “bridge” will facilitate the free movement of wildlife fostering a more sustainable ecosystem.
Ready to start planning your Etosha safari in Namibia?
For an affordable Private Safari in Etosha National Park, contact African Budget Safaris today. Our friendly travel experts are here to help you plan, choose, and design the best custom safari tailored to your unique needs and budget. Many of our African Safaris visit Etosha with other top destinations - from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, and beyond.
Use the Google map to explore Etosha National Park.
This 5 Day Affordable Etosha Lodge Safari spends three accommodated nights in Etosha National Park, game viewing on 4x4 safari drives and at camp waterholes at night. Includes an overnight at Waterberg Plateau and visit to Hoba Meteorite.
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A short Private Namibia Safari to Etosha and Swakopmund, the best safari and adventure destinations in Namibia. Travel in a 4x4 with a trained guide and stay in comfortable accommodation on this private tour at a great price.
Trip Style Etosha National Park Private Safaris
A very affordable Etosha Namibia Safari. This budget Namibia Camping Safari in Etosha National Park includes a full day safari and more, camping inside Etosha.
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A Private Namibia Safari to Etosha National Park, Namibia's best national park. Explore Etosha on guided game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle staying at comfortable accommodation inside the park.
Trip Style Etosha National Park Private Safaris
This 3-day Etosha Budget Lodge Safari takes you into Etosha National Park on an affordable wildlife safari offering comfortable accommodation and game viewing drives. Visit Etosha Pan and watch game at the camp's waterholes.
Trip Style Etosha National Park Private Safaris
An all-inclusive Budget Lodge Safari to Namibia's Etosha National Park - a gem for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, and Skeleton Coast. This affordable Etosha Lodge Safari is ideal as a short wildlife getaway!
Trip Style Etosha National Park Budget Safari Packages