Etosha National Park
Waterhole wildlife watching in stark beauty
Etosha centers on a vast salt pan visible from space. During dry season, wildlife congregates at waterholes, creating exceptional viewing opportunities. The park is one of the few in Africa where self-drive safari works brilliantly.
Key Facts
Size
22,270 km²
Etosha Pan
4,760 km² salt pan
Established
1907
Rest Camps
5 main camps with waterholes
Park Fees
N$150 per adult per day (~$8)
Waterholes
30+ natural and artificial
Wildlife
Signature Species
High Probability
Moderate to Rare
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: July-October for peak waterhole activity
Dry Season
May-October
Wet Season
November-April
Is Etosha National Park Right for You?
Best for
Self-drivers, photographers, rhino seekers, those on Namibia circuits
What You Gain
- +Excellent self-drive infrastructure
- +Unique waterhole viewing
- +Good black rhino sightings
- +Affordable compared to many parks
What You Trade
- -Less intimate than private reserves
- -Waterholes can be crowded
- -Limited walking/night activities
- -Long driving distances
Want to visit Etosha?
We'll build an itinerary around your preferences
Activities
Available
- Self-drive safari
- Guided game drives
- Night drives
At some camps
- Waterhole viewing
Floodlit at night
Practical Information
Getting There
Drive from Windhoek (4-5 hours) or fly to park airstrips
Typical Stay
2-3 nights, moving between camps
Itineraries Including Etosha
Namibia Highlights
10–14 days
Namibia Self-Drive Adventure
12–18 days
Namibia Skeleton Coast Expedition
12–16 days