Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier game viewing area, it is a vast wilderness that, while arid, supports the greatest variety and density of wildlife in the country. The park is know for its remarkably easy access and as part of a greater self driving circuit of Namibia. The two main ways to experience Etosha’s wildlife are either by self driving and staying at one of the campsites or lodges within the National Park or to stay at one of the more authentic private reserves that border the park.For the adventurous a combination of camping and a nice private camp is a fun way to experience this unique location.
Etosha is very different to everywhere else that we visit, even in the way that the game viewing is conducted, the best way to see wildlife in Etosha is to visit during the dry season and to stay close to the watering holes on which the wildlife rely.
Etosha National Park spans an area of 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 sq mi) and gets its name from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park. The Etosha pan (4,760 square kilometres (1,840 sq mi)) covers 23% of the area of the total area of the Etosha National Park.[2] The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros.
It is possible to visit Etosha year round but the game viewing is definitely at its best during the dry season, from June to October. This is because the wildlife must come to the permanent watering holes during this time rather than being spread throughout the park when the water is more abundant.
Easily accessed from the capital Windheok by road although it is often combined with areas such as Damaraland, Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast to make up part of a very classic Namibia self driving itinerary.
Game drives whether self drive or guided in the private reserves are the main attraction in Etosha, although nature walks and star gazing are also definitely on the up here among other things.
Top Etosha camps
Ongava Tented
Etosha, Namibia
Perfect for one of the most authentic safari experiences in the Etosha Area, this is a great camp offering good value that works well with either a camping stay in Etosha or a reserve in the East.
Mushara Outpost
Etosha, Namibia
Perfect for great value for such a high standard of accommodation, close to the park gates and great for those looking to self drive in Etosha .
Onguma Tented Camp
Etosha, Namibia
Perfect for combining with Ongava tented or Little Ongave to give a view of both the Southern and Eastern sides of the Etosha Area.
Little Ongava
Etosha, Namibia
Perfect for a luxury touch while on safari in Etosha, this is the top camp in the lovely Ongava private reserve and with only 3 suites it is incredibly exclusive.
Top Namibia itineraries
Classic Namibia Driving Itinerary
Classic Safari
Duration: 13 nights
Guide price: £3,280