Etosha National Park Travel Guide
Namibia’s premier safari destination offers superb wildlife sightings, the shimmering Etosha Pan, and a selection of memorable luxury lodges.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife conservancies, the Etosha National Park is a highlight for most visitors to Namibia.
Stretched across 22 750 km² – at 8780 square miles, just larger than the state of New Jersey – the savannah and woodland habitats of Etosha offer some of southern Africa’s best game-viewing.
Etosha National Park, and the private reserves that surround it, together make up Namibia’s finest safari destination, and game drives here deliver memorable sightings year-round.
In the dry season the congregation of animals at the permanent waterholes provide incredible photographic opportunities, but the highlight of the Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast saltpan stretching across 5000km² (1900 square miles). Bone-dry in the winter, it is transformed by summer rains into a shallow lake attracting vast flocks of migrant birds.
The Park is also renowned for sighting endangered rhinoceros and cheetah, and is home to numerous antelope species rarely seen in other parts of southern Africa, including roan, dik-dik and black-faced impala.
On the private nature reserves adjoining the Park guests can enjoy guided walks and night drives, activities that are not allowed on national park land.
Some of the larger government-run rest camps inside the national park offer simple restaurants catering for self-drive visitors, but when staying at the region’s luxury lodges you will enjoy most of your meals in camp.
Lodge chefs take enormous pride in their culinary offering, from generous buffet breakfasts in the lodge to bush picnics enjoyed on extended safari drives. When the weather allows, the ‘boma dinner’ is always a highlight, with a barbecue-focused feast enjoyed in a dedicated outdoor dining area under the African night sky.
Whether you visit in winter or summer, the Namibian sun is harsh, so a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of high-factor sunscreen are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as safari activities may include bush walks. Light cotton clothing in neutral colours is best for safari drives, and aim to dress in layers. Winter mornings can be extremely cold, so a warm thermal fleece and windbreaker/jacket are advisable. Lodges typically offer a small ‘safari boutique’ selling souvenirs, clothing and personal basics, but don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and charging cables. A pair of binoculars is also useful on safari drives. Due to the remote nature of many lodges, ensure you have sufficient supply of prescription medication before departure.
The dry winter months from May to October are the best time to visit Etosha National Park. With the summer rains long gone, wildlife congregates at the permanent waterholes, offering incredible sightings and interactions.
The rainy season (November-April) is best for birders, as summer migrants flock to the saltpans filling with rain.
Etosha is an extremely low-risk malaria area, particularly during the dry winter months. If concerned about the risk, consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Stretched out along the Kunene River some 740-kilometres (450-miles) north of Windhoek, the Kaokoveld occupies the far north-west of Namibia. Getyour bearings with our handy travel planner maps…
It’s a long (six-hour) drive from Windhoek to Etosha National Park, and we recommend private charter flights as the best way to access the region. Charter flights are available from key destinations across Namibia, with airstrips situated both inside Etosha National Park and near to the luxury lodges on the border of the Park.
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