Etosha National Park

Home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes

Overview

Etosha National Park in Namibia is a stunning wildlife reserve known for its vast salt flats and abundant wildlife. Established in 1907, it’s one of Africa’s oldest and largest national parks, covering over 22,000 square kilometers. Etosha is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s climate is semi-arid, with hot days and cooler nights, offering a comfortable setting for exploration. Its landscape features expansive salt pans, grasslands, and savannas, providing a unique backdrop for safari adventures. Explore the park’s wonders on game drives, witnessing the beauty of African wildlife in its natural habitat. Etosha National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Things to Do

Wildlife Viewing: Etosha National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes. Enjoy game drives and guided safaris to spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Bird Watching: With over 340 bird species, Etosha is a paradise for bird watchers. Look out for flamingos, eagles, and ostriches among the park’s diverse avian population.

Visit Waterholes: The park’s numerous waterholes provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Spend time at the waterholes to observe animals as they come to drink and cool off.

Nature Walks: Explore the park on foot with guided nature walks, allowing you to experience the park’s flora and fauna up close and learn about the ecosystem from experienced guides.

Stargazing: Etosha’s clear night skies offer fantastic stargazing opportunities. Marvel at the Milky Way and constellations while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the African wilderness.

What to See

Etosha Pan: The vast Etosha Pan, a salt pan visible from space, dominates the park’s landscape. During the dry season, the pan shimmers with heat mirages, creating a surreal and captivating sight.

Wildlife: Etosha is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (leopard, buffalo, elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes.). Keep an eye out for these iconic animals during your visit.

Okaukuejo Waterhole: Visit the Okaukuejo Waterhole, one of the most famous waterholes in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially at night.

Etosha Ecological Institute: Learn about the park’s conservation efforts and research at the Etosha Ecological Institute, where you can also see rehabilitated animals before their release back into the wild.

Fischer’s Pan: Explore Fischer’s Pan, a seasonal waterhole known for attracting a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, during the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season (May to October) when wildlife viewing is at its best. The cooler months of June to August are particularly ideal for game viewing, as animals gather around waterholes.

Getting there

By Air: The nearest airport to Etosha National Park is in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. From Windhoek, you can take a domestic flight to Ondangwa Airport, located near the park.

By Road: Etosha National Park is easily accessible by road from major cities in Namibia. The park’s main entrance is located off the main road between Outjo and Okaukuejo, making it convenient to reach by car or tour bus.

Where to Stay

Mid-range accommodation

Etosha Village

Etosha Village is a mid-range accommodation located just 2 kilometers from the Anderson Gate entrance to Etosha National Park. The lodge offers chalets and family rooms with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private patios. They have a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

Mokuti Etosha Lodge is set in a natural environment with abundant wildlife. The lodge offers luxury rooms, chalets, and suites with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private patios. They have a spa, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and game drives.

Safarihoek Lodge

Safarihoek Lodge is located on the private Ongava Game Reserve, adjacent to Etosha National Park. The lodge offers luxury safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and outdoor showers. They have a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and game drives.

Luxury accommodation

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is a luxury lodge located on the private Onguma Game Reserve, adjacent to Etosha National Park. The lodge offers spacious suites with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks with views of the reserve. They have a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and game drives.

Little Ongava

Little Ongava is a luxury lodge located on a private game reserve adjacent to Etosha National Park. The lodge offers spacious suites with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks with plunge pools. They have a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and game drives.

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge is a luxury lodge located on the private Ongava Game Reserve, adjacent to Etosha National Park. The lodge offers spacious rooms and chalets with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks with views of the reserve. They have a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and game drives.