best safari lodges in etosha national park

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Etosha Safari Lodges, Game Lodges & Tented Camps

Search our collection of the 14 best etosha safari lodges, game lodges & tented camps, destinations, comfort level, property types.

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Dolomite Camp

Etosha National Park Namibia

Nestled in the Dolomite outcrops of the pristine western Etosha National Park, Dolomite Camp offers...

Etosha Mountain Lodge

Namibia Etosha National Park

Etosha Mountain Lodge, set in its own Reserve, is designed in the typically Namibian style...

Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia

Namibia Kunene Region Etosha National Park

Tap toes to an African beat in the novel Oshebeena Bar and relax at this...

Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Sip on a drink while watching the ruby sun dip into the mopane woodland. Perched...

Halali Camp

Strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, Halali is situated at the base of a...

Little Ongava

Designed for privacy, luxury and an intimacy with the land, Little Ongava is arguably Namibia’s...

Mushara Bush Camp

Mushara Bush Camp is situated a mere 10 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of...

Mushara Lodge

Located just 8 km from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern boundary of Etosha...

Namutoni Rest Camp

Namutoni is located on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. It centres on an...

Okaukuejo Rest Camp

Famous for its floodlit waterhole, Okaukuejo Rest Camp is also the administrative centre of Etosha....

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge is one of Namibia’s premier lodges on one of the country’s most important...

Ongava Tented Camp

Immersed in the African Mopani bush, Ongava Tented Camp is a natural extension of this...

Onguma Tented Camp

In the local Herero language, Onguma means, “the place you don’t want to leave.” With...

Villa Mushara

Villa Mushara is situated a mere 8 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of the...

Etosha National Park Accommodation 

Etosha National Park remains one of the top spots to see the black rhino and is superb for elephants, lions and the rare black-faced impala. With a bird checklist of 340 species, it’s a birdwatcher’s dream. Not only that; waterhole-based wildlife create excellent photographic opportunities .

Although Etosha is well suited to DIY safaris, Etosha National Park accommodation is some of Africa’s finest, featuring luxury Etosha National Park safari lodges, world-class game lodges and spectacular tented camps.

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ETOSHA SAFARI LODGE

Join us at this stylish lodge overlooking a vast expanse of mopane woodland. Space is an attractive element at Etosha Safari Lodge with its lavish view, spacious deck- and dining-area and airy rooms with private verandas. It's the place to open doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, 'Place of Legends'.

This is where stories were woven into the Hai//om mythology of the origin of Etosha's chalky pan, how Elephant saved the world with his generosity of spirit and the many tales about the animals below and the stars above that are part of the cycle of life in Etosha. Explore the national park with our knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Early morning or late afternoon visits, in accordance with the Andersson Gate times, provide the best game viewing.

And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to relax, dive into the cool waters of the pools or indulge in quality food and wine - and peace. The lodge, only ten kilometres from the Park's central entrance and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Okaukuejo, offers top grade Etosha accommodation with easy access to the Park. Days of animal wonder are balanced with comfort and care, creating an exceptional Etosha experience. Dine under a dome of stars on the outside veranda, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the red orb of the sun sink gracefully into the landscape from the sunset deck. The day couldn't be better. As the stars begin their celestial show, soft beds and animal dreams begin to call - and the anticipation of a good tomorrow. Etosha, the heart of the country, is beckoning with the immense beauty of the natural world.

Half Day Game Drive into Etosha National Park

N$ 1320.00 pp.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, and ...

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, and entrance fees to the National Park are included. Departing morning or afternoon. Approx. 5-6 hours.

Season 2025: 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2025 N$ 1250.00 pp

Full Day Game Drive into Etosha National Park

N$ 1950.00 pp.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, and entrance fees to the National Park are included. Approx. 9 hours.

Season 2025: 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2025 N$ 1650.00 pp

Guided Walk (2 - 3.5km) 

N$ 385.00 pp.

Enjoy the discovery walk through the mopane woods and learn about the indigenous plants, birds and other ...

Enjoy the discovery walk through the mopane woods and learn about the indigenous plants, birds and other wildlife. Refreshments included. Morning or afternoon, duration 1-2 hours.

Season 2025: 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2025 N$ 425.00 pp

Children are most welcome at all our venues. Children up to 5 years old are free of charge; for children between the age of 6 and 13 years we charge 50 per cent of the B&B rate.

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N$ 2795.00 pp sharing B&B

The rooms are located on a hillock, overlooking magnificent views. Rooms are open plan with two beds, en suite bathrooms (showers), a small veranda, air-conditioners and tea/coffee facilities.

Family Rooms

The rooms are located on a hillock, overlooking magnificent views. Rooms are open plan with four beds, en suite bathrooms (showers), a small veranda, air-conditioners and tea/coffee facilities.

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Bookings for Namib Dune Star Camp can only be done via reservations at the moment.

Please contact reservations here: +264 61 427 200 or [email protected]

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Talk to an expert +44 203 405 6666 Lines open now

waterholes are worth multiple visits.

half and full day game drives offered.

Burchell's zebra and red hartebeest aplenty

get up close on guided activities.

great photography at eye level

Etosha is home to four of the big 5

nature walks with experienced guide

track wildlife afoot with an experienced ranger.

black and white rhino are found in Etosha

a bush walk in the cool of the day

sundowners in the soft twilight

Etosha National Park

Shimmering in the heat, the vast white space of Etosha Pan radiates an other-worldly impression that throws wildlife into sharp relief.

Giraffes in near silhouette pace around the edge; after good rains, startlingly pink flamingos seem to hover above the water. It’s an extraordinary sight. For months on end the silvery pan itself is brittle dry, but the surrounding grasslands are a fertile feeding ground for huge herds of springbok, particularly striking as they “pronk” high in the air. Zebra, too, are numerous, along with kudu, oryx, blue wildebeest and elephant, while for the rare black-faced impala, Etosha is home. Never far behind are the predators. Lion often use the roads as their thoroughfares, sharing them with visitors, while open grasslands are the domain of cheetah; wooded areas of leopard. Ostriches, secretary birds and kori bustards stalk the plains; high above, birds of prey are on constant look out. As the year wears on, so the land dries up and the wildlife-rich waterholes that line the southern shores of the pan prove a magnet for increasingly parched game. Linked by a network of easily navigated roads, these waterholes are the perfect vantage point for visitors, too. Select your spot, park up and watch the ever-changing parade of animals coming to drink, or – for elephants – to bathe and have a good splash around. Stay within the park, at Okaukuejo or Halali, to spend an evening relaxing outside. The big attractions are waterholes, where a pantheon of animals venture into the circle of light to strut and fret their time around this floodlit stage. Elephants, lions and leopards are regulars – but black rhino dominate, often giving visitors an enthralling view of their social interactions. With its excellent road infrastructure, Etosha was designed for the self-driver, but exploring on a game drive gives the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide. By no means essential, but sometimes desirable.

Etosha National Park: in detail

Best safaris in Etosha National Park

Namibia’s top wildlife destination, Etosha National Park is a must for safarigoers in this most varied of countries. Combine your adventure with visits to Damaraland , the Namib-Naukluft and the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay for a truly diverse experience.

Popular holidays in Etosha include the Caracal Self-drive Safari , Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari , Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari , Cape Fox Guided Safari and Chongololo Self-Drive Safari .

As all our trips are tailormade, contact us and we will help you to create a safari that fits around you.

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,760 - US$4,220 per person

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

US$6,260 - US$10,510 per person

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,580 - US$10,940 per person

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$4,810 - US$5,890 per person

Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

US$2,930 - US$4,680 per person

Brown Hyena Self-drive

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,010 - US$10,100 per person

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,310 - US$7,550 per person

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$3,600 - US$4,410 per person

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Most recent reviews of our safaris to Etosha

Click below to browse all 1274 reviews from Etosha National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.

Arrived 11 Aug 2024, 23 nights

"My Aug 2024 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Arrived 8 Aug 2024, 19 nights

Arrived 9 Aug 2024, 17 nights

Arrived 23 Jul 2024, 11 nights

"Our first Namibia trip July 2024"

Arrived 21 Jul 2024, 25 nights

"My Jul 2024 trip"

Arrived 26 Jun 2024, 22 nights

"My Jun 2024 trip"

Arrived 4 Jun 2024, 23 nights

"Fantastic June 2024 Namibia Self Drive Trip"

Arrived 10 Jul 2024, 13 nights

Arrived 17 Jul 2024, 14 nights

"Jul 2024 trip"

Arrived 19 Jul 2024, 14 nights

"My Jul 2024 trip - Botswana & Namibia"

See all Etosha National Park reviews

Where to stay in and around Etosha National Park

Take your pick from a range of lodges in and around Etosha, where comfort meets adventure – and wildlife.

Within the park, consider Halali Camp's rustic allure, or the fort-like Namutoni Camp , while just on the boundary there's the exclusive luxury of Ongava Lodge or the peaceful Mushara Bush Camp . These and many more offer a diversity of style and budget to suit almost every traveller.

Ask us for tailored details to match you with the lodges that best suit your preferences.

Okaukuejo Camp

Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.

Halali Camp

The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.

Mushara Bush Camp

The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.

Ongava Lodge

With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.

Ongava Tented Camp

Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.

Onguma Tented Camp

Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.

Mushara Lodge

Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.

Dolomite Camp

Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.

Onguma Bush Camp

For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.

Namutoni Camp

Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.

Hobatere Lodge

To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.

Mushara Outpost

Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.

Onguma Camp Kala

For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.

Onguma The Fort

The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.

Safarihoek Lodge

At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.

Onguma Forest Camp

From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.

Taleni Etosha Village

Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.

Etosha Safari Lodge

A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.

Little Ongava

The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.

Etosha Safari Camp

Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.

Andersson's at Ongava

With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.

Mountain Lodge

In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.

Etosha Oberland Lodge

A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.

Vreugde Guest Farm

Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.

Villa Mushara

Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.

Etosha King Nehale

A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.

Safari House

The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.

Toshari Lodge

Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at Etosha Gateway Lodge.

Onkoshi Camp

Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.

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Our traveller’s wildlife sightings in Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, teeming with a diverse array of species.

Renowned for one of the largest populations of endangered black rhinos, it offers a unique chance to observe these majestic creatures.

Predators like lions, cheetahs and leopards, along with spotted hyenas, roam the park, each with unique hunting strategies. Designated a Lion Conservation Unit since 2005, Etosha is pivotal in protecting lion populations, ensuring their roars continue to resonate across the savannah.

The rare black-faced impala contributes to Etosha's rich wildlife tapestry, while zebras abound – including the mountain zebra in the park's western dolomite hills.

Click on a species below for more information on the top locations in Etosha for wildlife sightings, or see our interactive map showing the best locations for individual wildlife species in Namibia. Read how this wildlife survey works.

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When to go to Etosha National Park

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the sparse vegetation and limited water sources make wildlife congregate around waterholes, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities. The temperatures are also more moderate, making it comfortable for safaris. While the rainy season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and migratory birds, it can be challenging for game viewing as animals are more dispersed. Roads can also become muddy and difficult to navigate. Each season offers a unique experience, so consider your priorities when planning your visit.

Namibia in January

January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers. Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.

• Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
• Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
• Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
• Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
• Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Namibia in February

February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging. Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.

• Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
• Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
• The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
• Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
• Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest

Weather in February

Namibia in March

March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses. Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.

• Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
• Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
• Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Namibia in April

Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance. With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.

• Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
• Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
• Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
• Migrant birds have started to leave
• Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes

Weather in April

Namibia in May

By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography. Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates. May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.

• Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
• The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
• Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
• Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
• Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Namibia in June

Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated. Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy. Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.

• Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
• Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
• “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
• Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
• Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains

Weather in June

Namibia in July

Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold. As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).

• Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
• Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
• The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
• Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
• A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha

Weather in July

Namibia in August

August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools. It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings. Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.

• Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
• Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
• Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Namibia in September

September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists. In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.

• One of the best months for wildlife viewing
• Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
• Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
• Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
• High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.

Weather in September

Namibia in October

Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive. In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.

• Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
• Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
• The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
• It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
• Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October

Weather in October

Namibia in November

November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young. Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.

• A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
• With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
• Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
• Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
• Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month

Weather in November

Namibia in December

December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain! Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage. Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.

• Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
• Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
• A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
• Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
• Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot

Weather in December

Etosha National Park: In detail

Translated as the “Place of Mirages”, “Land of Dry Water” or the “Great White Place”, Etosha is an apparently endless pan of silvery-white sand, upon which dust-devils play and mirages blur the horizon.

The surrounding Etosha National Park – one of Africa's best game reserves – protects both this vast shallow bowl, the size of Holland, and the surrounding bush. It excels during the dry season when huge herds of animals can be seen amidst some of the most startling and photogenic safari scenery in Africa. For most of the year, the park’s many waterholes are ideal places just to sit quietly, observing and photographing game from the comfort of your car. Follow the rhythm of the animals: rise at dawn to watch them feed in the cool morning; relax during the midday heat; and venture out on safari again in the late afternoon.

Etosha is so special because of the concentration of waterholes that occur around the southern edges of the pan. As the dry season progresses, these increasingly draw the game. In fact, the best way to watch animals in Etosha is often just to sit in your vehicle by a waterhole and wait.

Etosha was really designed for visitors on self-drive safari holidays; that's how most people visit here, helped by the park's good roads and signposts. If you prefer to be guided around by a professional safari guide, then it's usually better to stay in one of the private camps or lodges.

Wildlife of Etosha

Predators in etosha, birds of etosha, history of etosha national park, landscape of etosha, map of etosha national park.

Choices for where to stay in Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park: Safaris

Imagine embarking on a holiday where the untamed wilderness of Etosha National Park becomes your playground.

This Namibian gem offers a superb safari experience, where every sunrise brings the promise of thrilling wildlife encounters – and the adventurous can drive themselves. To expand your Namibia horizons, consider adding in the rugged beauty of Damaraland , the serene landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft , or the cultural richness of the Caprivi Strip .

Etosha National Park boasts a variety of popular safari suggestions tailored to different tastes. Caracal Self-drive Safari offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, while the Hoopoe Fly-in Safari provides a bird's-eye view of the park's stunning terrain. For a blend of both, the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari is an excellent choice. Other notable options include the Black Wildebeest Self-Drive Safari and the luxurious Bateleur Fly-In Safari .

These are just ideas; we'll always tailor-make a trip for you, so do give us a call .

Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

11 days • 4 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.

US$6,270 - US$9,400 per person

Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

US$5,050 - US$6,900 per person

Bateleur Fly-in Safari

7 days • 4 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.

US$5,950 - US$9,400 per person

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,380 - US$3,880 per person

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

US$5,890 - US$7,840 per person

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$7,520 - US$10,120 per person

Our best 30 lodges and safari camps in and around Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park offers an array of places to stay, from the simplest campsite to the most luxurious of safari lodges.

Scattered both within and around this iconic wildlife park, these lodges and camps provide strategic vantage points for wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness the park's diverse fauna.

Within the park, the most sought-after locations include the central hub of Okaukuejo , renowned for its floodlit waterhole, to the serene Halali , and the eastern gateway of Namutoni . More upmarket is the park's own Dolomite Camp .

Fringing the park's boundary, many lodges sit within their own private reserves, including the family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp , Onguma Tented Camp and the exclusive Ongava Lodge .

Whether you seek rustic simplicity or luxurious comfort, there are plenty of options to consider within a range of budgets for an unforgettable safari adventure.

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Etosha National Park FAQs

Most visitors have questions about planning a trip to Etosha National Park, whether it’s about how to get there, how long to stay, or the feasibility of self-drive safaris. Safety concerns and packing tips are also frequently discussed. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we recommend browsing through our list of frequently asked questions to gather all the essential information you need for your adventure.

How do I get to Etosha National Park?

How many days should i spend in etosha national park, are self-drive safaris possible in etosha national park, what should i pack for my etosha safari, are there any safety concerns when visiting etosha national park, other areas in namibia.

Namib-Naukluft

Swakop' & Walvis Bay

Central Highlands

Caprivi Strip

Southern Namibia

Fish River Canyon

Skeleton Coast

Luderitz & Aus

Waterberg Plateau

Bushmanland

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Search lodges in Etosha National Park

Find the lodges that appeal to you the most, featured lodge destinations, destination inspiration for your trip – find a lodge, the best lodges in etosha national park, check out our selection of great lodges in etosha national park, review score.

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Onguma Forest Camp

With garden views, Onguma Forest Camp is situated in Namutoni and has a restaurant, room service, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and terrace. The lodge features both WiFi and private parking free of charge. Great waterhole with lots of Kudu, Steenbock and giraffe

Etosha Oberland Lodge

With Etosha National Park Anderson Gate reachable in 10 km, Etosha Oberland Lodge offers accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a bar. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge. Service and staff were impeccable

Mokuti Etosha

Guests can also enjoy the Spa Wellness Centre with many spa treatments to choose from, or they can simply enjoy the steam room & jacuzzi after a workout in the gym. The 24-hour reception staff can arrange game drives, night drives, sky safaris & give information on the walking trails and bushmen bushwalks. Guests can also enjoy our reptile park and our beautiful conservation area. Beautiful and pristine grounds.

Anderssons at Ongava

Set 2.4 km from Etosha National Park Anderson Gate, Anderssons at Ongava offers an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The lodge offers a seating area with a TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, slippers and shower. Incredible waterhole with the hide for excellent animal sightings. Beautiful lodge. Game drive activities were fantastic.

Ongava Lodge

Situated next to the Etosha National Park, Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in rock-and-thatch chalets . The property boasts panoramic views over the camp's waterhole. Each of the suites at Ongava Lodge is equipped with air-conditioning, and features a seating area and a balcony. The en suite bathrooms are fitted with a shower and a hairdryer is provided for your comfort. Super friendly team, we felt at home

Toshari Lodge

Guests at Toshari Lodge are greeted into a tranquil setting with a warm welcome and a refreshing drink. The lush garden is the home to many native birds and includes an outdoor pool and herb garden. The lodge offers guided game drives including a lavish picnic lunch with sparkling wine upon request. This venue offers intimate lodges decorated in an African style. You can find natural cosmetics in the rooms (including mosquito repellent). There are 3 swimming pools, one located in the main area offering drinks and meals. The staff was nice, smiling, and offering excellent service. We took advantage of laundry service that was at a reasonable price and very high standard. Breakfast offers local options, similar to a buffet dinner with a braai and an amazing dessert station. Lodges are located 27 km away from the main gate to Etosha National Park.

Hobatere lodge

Otjovasandu

Providing a restaurant, Hobatere lodge provides accommodation in Otjovasandu. Guests at the lodge can enjoy a Full English/Irish breakfast. Guests can also relax in the garden, beside the outdoor swimming pool, on the sun terrace, or in the shared lounge area. amazing location, great friendly staff, good food

Gondwana Etosha Safari Lodge

Gondwana Etosha Safari Lodge is set in Okaukuejo, just 10 km away from the Anderson Gate into Etosha National Park. Gondwana Etosha Safari Lodge has 3 outdoor pools, located between the rooms. Guided game drives into Etosha National Park can be arranged for a surcharge. The Lodge is a beautiful setting and very close to the Etosha Nat Park. Very friendly and dedicated staff who manage to offer the best. Excellent service and excellent food. Safe parking for the car provided. A must be place to experience the natural beauty of Namibia. Safari trips can be arranged by the reception, where questions are welcome!

Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa

Situated 39 km from the Etosha National Park, Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa is located 97 km from Outjo. The lodge boasts a restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by a lush bush. At Eagle Tented Lodge the restaurant serves a selection of dishes and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, or on the terrace while watching the sunset over the bushveld. everything I wanted and more. just perfect. amazing staff

Epacha Game Lodge & Spa

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, Epacha Game Lodge & Spa is nestled within a 21 000-hectare private reserve and is 39 km from the Etosha National Park and 97 km from Outjo. At Epacha Game Lodge & Spa there is a restaurant and bar. Guests can relax on the sun loungers which surround the pool. The staff was extremely helpfull. We forgot something important on departement and they solved the problem. Big rooms with all amenities.

Most booked lodges in Etosha National Park this month

Lodge in namutoni.

Popular with guests booking lodges in Etosha National Park

Lodge in Okaukuejo

Emanya@etosha, eagle tented lodge & spa, epacha game lodge & spa, lodges that guests love in etosha national park, onguma tamboti campsite.

9.3 Wonderful 323 reviews

Excellent location when you are visiting Etosha from the north Food was really amazing Amenities were perfect for our kind of stay (tented) Staff either at the lodges or the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to

8.7 Excellent 165 reviews

The staff were amazing, friendly and attentive. The activities were great and informative. Food was one of the best in Namibia. We were sad to leave as everything was perfect, the lodges are beautiful and clean.

9.3 Wonderful 212 reviews

nice lodge, wonderful staff, perfect safari possibilities, perfectly sitzated

8.8 Excellent 131 reviews

The property was absolutely beautiful! the lodges and main house was stunning. The pool area and bar had such a nice setting and the spa was amazing also. What really made the stay super special was the amazing staff who really took care of us and made us all smile

it’s one of the nicest lodges we’ve seen with a grand central structure including pool fronting some hillside villas. the evening game drive was fabulous with plenty of giraffe, zebra and springbok to look at.

Etosha Trading Post Campsite

9.2 Wonderful 653 reviews

excellent location, 10 min drive away from the Anderson Gate. no restaurant on site when I went but they arranged for us to go to their neighbouring lodge for food. excellent shop with camping essentials. lovely private facilities such as toilet and shower. staff were very helpful in arranging a safari drive which was 1500 NAD per person, although Etosha is easy to self drive (which we did the next day to save a bit of money)

8.5 Very Good 344 reviews

Everything about Etosha Safari Lodge is perfect. Great chalets, clean and well maintained. Lots of space between the mosquito net and the bed. Lovely friendly staff. Delicious food.

8.8 Excellent 1,275 reviews

Toshari Lodge is just off the tarmac road that heads straight to the Anderson Gate entry to Etosha Park and as such is relatively convenient. It's still 25 kms from the gate... The lodges that are closer to the park gates appear, in general, to be more expensive so Toshari was a good compromise. It's a comfortably spacious hotel. Breakfast is good and is served from 6 am which means you can get started early and to the gates of Etosha by 7 am.

Well-kept and designed lodge with a great main-building/restaurant area. All installations and buildings blend in well to the surrounding and the garden-like area. Spacious and comfortable rooms. Very friendly cooks and waiters at the restaurant compared to many Namibian lodges. Buffet-style diner with large selection of different foods.

Eldorado Lodge

8.5 Very Good 424 reviews

Exceptional value for money compared to other lodges around. Friendly staff, clean rooms and excellent food! As a family run business we recommend them whole heartedly.

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Best Places to Stay in Etosha National Park & Nearby (Namibia)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 15, 2023

One of the highlights of any trip to Namibia is without a doubt a visit to Etosha National Park. The park is so big, however, that you will quickly face the same question as we did: how much time do you need and what is the best place to stay in Etosha.

In this guide, we share some tips on where to stay in Etosha National Park and the best area to stay nearby.

How Much Time do You Need to Visit Etosha National Park

How much time you need to visit Etosha will depend on your interests and the time you have. If seeing African animals is the main reason for your visit, you will obviously want to spend more time in Etosha than somebody who does a standard 2-week road trip covering all the main landmarks of Namibia .

An absolute minimum time you need in Etosha is, in my opinion, two days. Ideally, you spend 3-4 days in Etosha or even more.

We spent 4 nights and 4 days in Etosha on our 27-day long Namibian trip (here you can find our complete Namibia trip itinerary ) and it was the right amount of time for us. We could have stayed longer as – obviously – there is no way to see the whole park in such a short time. On the other hand, we saw plenty of wildlife in Etosha during that time and it didn’t feel like we were missing something when we left.

And while Etosha was not the only place we visited in order to see wildlife in Namibia, it was definitely the best one.

Where to Stay in Etosha

There are many different options when it comes to accommodation in and around Etosha National Park. It can be difficult to choose… Obviously, I cannot comment on all of them, but I will tell you about the lodges we stayed at, why we chose each particular place, our experience, and our recommendation for your trip to Etosha.

We stayed at three different lodges in Etosha. Two of them are inside the National Park and are state-owned: Dolomite Camp on the Western Side of Etosha and Okaukuejo Camp in the middle of the park. We also stayed at the beautiful privately-owned Mushara Lodge at the Eastern entrance of the park.

We chose each of the places for a different reason. Dolomite Camp because – at the time we booked – staying there was the only way to see the Western part of the park. Okaukuejo – for its famous waterhole. Mushara Lodge – for the luxury. If I were to go back, I’d do it differently – read further.

Review of Dolomite Camp in Etosha

Dolomite camp is beautifully located on top of the hill on the Western side of Etosha National Park. It’s a nice place with a pool, two restaurants, a bar, and lovely tented rooms. The food at the restaurant is good, but the service is totally inadequate. It’s a state-ran place and you feel it in every detail.

There is one serious drawback to the place – it’s a total logistic disaster. It’s one of those places where design comes before customer experience.

Upon arrival, you leave your car at the bottom of the hill from where you are completely reliant on 2(!) golf carts for everything you and 50 other guests do. Whether to go to your room, to the restaurant, or to the reception – you need to use a golf cart every time. I already mentioned that there are just two carts and over 50 guests + staff that all also use these golf carts for getting around.

Depending on where your room is located, you might need to walk for 15-20 minutes to the reception area where all the facilities are located. On top of that, the place is not fenced and in principle, you are not allowed to walk alone in the evening. We ended up doing just that – we walked to our room after dinner as one of the two cars didn’t show up after more than 20 minutes waiting, and the driver of the second car was nowhere to be found.

Checking out in the morning was a complete nightmare too because everyone was leaving at around the same time. We ended up waiting for almost an hour for a car to pick up our baggage. I will spare you more details, but if you want to keep your sanity and good mood, this is really not the best place to stay in Etosha.

Our experience at the Dolomite Camp was not the best one, and based on it, I would not recommend staying there.

On top of that, the Western Side of the park is not that impressive and you don’t see much wildlife because of the dense vegetation. AND Western part of Etosha is now open to everyone, so you don’t have to stay at the Dolomite Camp in order to see it.

Review of Okaukuejo Camp in Etosha

Our second hotel – Okaukuejo camp – was the least luxurious of the three, but if I were to go back to Etosha, it would be for this place .

It’s a National Park camp with all the facilities you need, but it’s still a government-managed camp and not a luxury hotel . There is a small shop, a restaurant, a petrol station (which usually has petrol – make sure to tank whenever possible), and various types of accommodation including camping facilities.

If you have a possibility to book premium waterhole chalets, don’t hesitate. Especially the big ones, with a balcony on the first floor. We booked our trip almost a year in advance and none of the waterhole chalets were available. But you might have more luck, depending on your flexibility and the time you travel. Waterhole chalets are also the only ones that can accommodate a big family.

We had two separate rooms for the five of us and our rooms were less than a minute walk from the waterhole. The accommodation was ok, but it was very simple and basic. To us, the room didn’t really matter that much, because we traveled to Etosha for the experience. But we also loved the private luxury lodges where we stayed at in other places – it’s also an experience in itself… Anyway, back to Okaukuejo…

There are two main reasons why Okaukuejo is the best place to stay in Etosha:

• Okaukuejo has the best waterhole in the whole of Etosha and you can literally spend day and night watching animals like you do on National Geographic or the Discovery Chanel.
• If you stay at Okaukuejo, you are inside the park , so you can see the animals at sunrise and at sunset without having to worry about the opening hours of the park gates.

You can inquire about the Okaukuejo accommodation here – official NWR website . But you should know that this place fills up more than a year in advance…

Good to know: You don’t have to stay at Okaukuejo in order to see the animals at the waterhole. But you will be sorry if you don’t stay here at least one night. I heard many disappointed people telling others how they regretted having to leave and not being able to stay for the sunset.

TIP: If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, maybe you could just book one night at Okaukuejo for the experience and spend the other nights at the beautiful and more luxurious lodges just outside the park. Further below, you can find some best alternative suggestions for a place to stay, but first, I want to tell you more about Okaukuejo.

What’s so special about Okaukuejo waterhole

There is no better way to tell you what makes Okaukejo so special than sharing some of our experience…

You wake up in the morning and rush to the waterhole just before the sun rises. Sky colors light pink and you stand there all alone. Except, you are not alone…

All of a sudden you see three lions drinking at the waterhole and you realize they have been there all the time. How is it possible you haven’t seen them before?! And why in the world did you leave your tripod in the room?!

The rest of the day you sit on one of the many benches surrounding the waterhole watching the never-ending parade of wild animals. You don’t have to spend hours in a car on bumpy roads. You just sit there and let the animals come to you.

We saw herds of zebras, around 30 elephants, but also countless antelopes, giraffes, and many other animals.

I don’t know if there is any other place in the world where you can see so many wild animals in such a safe, comfortable, and effortless way. That’s why Okaukuejo is simply the best place to watch safari animals in Etosha. Needless to say that it’s a perfect place for families with young children to see the African animals up close.

After dinner, you go and check the waterhole one last time before going to bed. A herd of elephants is back again, but there are three new visitors as well – Black Rhinos seem to prefer the dark hours.

Don’t feel like going to bed just yet? Bring a warm blanket or a sleeping bag and join the other travelers who choose to spend the whole night at the waterhole. It’s lit, so no worries if you don’t have night-vision binoculars.

We didn’t stay at the waterhole the whole night, but any time we visited, it was always full of action and never the same…

Review of Mushara Lodge

The last place we stayed at in Etosha was the luxurious Mushara Lodge , located at the Eastern Side of the park. Mushara is located just outside the park gates (8 km from the Von Lindequist Gate) and they offer multiple Etosha safari tours for their guests throughout the day. Of course, you can also just go and explore the park on your own.

We didn’t see to their budget-friendlier accommodation Mushara Bush Camp so I cannot comment on it, but the lodge was just beautiful. We had a family house with a cozy living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it felt like a home away from home. It’s not cheap, though, but it’s totally worth it – everything about this place is a 5-star experience.

If you are looking for a more comfortable, luxury place to stay in Etosha and a place that’s run by a family and not state employees, I can definitely recommend Mushara Lodge. But there are also many other comparable accommodation options near Etosha – see below.

Conclusion & More Great Places to Stay in Etosha

Stay at the Okaukuejo Camp for the best animal-viewing experience or at one of the private lodges outside the park for the luxury. Ideally, you should combine the two: spend 1-2 nights in Okaukuejo and at 2-3 nights at one of the luxury lodges near Etosha.

It’s a very different experience, but no visit to Africa would be complete without staying at a really nice luxury lodge .

Most of our best memories from Africa are related to one or the other really special lodge we stayed at. Take my word for it, it’s worth the money.

If you are looking for a place to stay near Etosha, the lodges just outside of Okaukuejo gate are probably the best price/quality Etosha accommodation with an excellent location . Staying here means that you can easily visit Okaukuejo waterhole, from the moment the park gate opens at sunrise till it closes at sunset.

Here are some highly-rated and most-recommended luxury lodges close to Okaukuejo:

• Little Ongava  
• Ongava Lodge
• Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa
• Okutala Etosha Lodge
• Etosha Village

TIP: Using the map below, you can search for the best deals for lodges and accommodations just outside of Etosha NP and a short drive from Okaukuejo . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

If you are looking for a place to stay at the Eastern entrance of Etosha, close to the earlier mentioned Mushara Lodge, Mokuti Etosha Lodge is also a wonderful alternative.

Good to know: Namibia lodging is scarce and quality accommodation in and near Etosha is very scarce. So make sure to book your Etosha lodge as soon as you know your travel dates.

More information for traveling to Namibia:

• Namibia Itinerary
• Best Places to See in Namibia
• Namibia with Kids
• What I Wish I Had Known Before Traveling to Namibia
• Namibia Packing List
• How to See Himba and Other Tribes in Namibia

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Sunday 20th of August 2023

Your posts are spectacular! Thank you!

Could you let me know how you booked the Okaukuejo Camp? I only see an option to send them an inquiry.

Saturday 26th of August 2023

@Jurga, thank you. Figured it out and got the premier waterhole chalet for 3 nights!!

Friday 25th of August 2023

Hi Roque, you have to book it via a travel company that works with them or directly which is a cumbersome process indeed. If I recall well, we had a travel agent book it for us. In any case, you have to book it LONG in advance, especially if traveling in the peak season.

Friday 7th of January 2022

I am so happy I stumbled upon your website with so much insight and helpful information for traveling with kids. We are an American family living in Portugal for the next year and have 4 children (ages 4, 8, 10, and 12). We are interested in doing a trip to South Africa since it appears to be a shorter plane ride and perhaps a bit more affordable to do from Europe. This would be our first time. I'm thinking of doing this in April during their 2 week spring break to possibly even save more money during off season. I have a few questions for you: If you had to choose between Cape Town, or Namibia, which one would you choose? Would you try to squeeze them into one vacation? I think we want to minimize driving as much as possible, so we would fly from Cape Town to Namibia if we did that (however, more expensive). Also, how many safari rides would you suggest doing on a trip to Africa to get great overall experience? The beach in Cape Town looks amazing, but I think we are hoping for more of safari type of vacation since we have been to beautiful beaches here in Europe (Azores and Algarve). I know our kids would love to see the penguins at Boulder's Beach, feed elephants, and go zip lining, but I'm not sure if that's worth a trip to Cape Town. And if we did Cape Town I'm thinking it would only be for a few days to just do those things if that makes sense. Any advice you can offer would be so helpful! Thank you for putting so much work into this amazing resource!

Saturday 8th of January 2022

Hi Kathleen, it's really a tough choice between the two. My first thought - for the first trip to Africa and with 4 kids that age - is to go to South Africa. Cape Town and the entire Garden Route is amazing, and you can easily fill 2 weeks there and still not see everything. The only thing you won't have is a really good safari experience. I mean, there are some game reserves and Addo Elephant NP is probably the best place for a safari in that region, but you can't compare it to Kruger NP or to Etosha NP in Namibia. So if you are really interested in safari, then Namibia is probably better for that. But if you don't like to drive a lot and are looking for more variety, then the Cape Town area - Garden Route is much better. Driving distances in Namibia are big and you'll have to spend lots of time in the car if you want to see the main places. I also don't think I'd do both in 2 weeks. It's definitely possible, but you won't do any of the two destinations justice with just a week at each, and - as you say - it will be much more expensive. But if you want to get a taste of both places, it can definitely be done. For the travel budget, Namibia will likely be much more expensive and also much more difficult to get accommodations for a family of 6. You'll likely need at least 2 rooms everywhere (most places have rooms for 2, max 3 people). South Africa is easier to arrange a trip to and you can very easily just book everything yourself and there will be plenty of accommodations for a big family. Also, in Namibia, you need a 4x4 and I have no idea if they even have somewhat affordable cars for 6. In South Africa, you can just rent a bigger van or so. There is really not one simple answer and so much depends on your preferences, travel style, and - this year - also travel restrictions (keep in mind that at this moment, there's still an obligatory +-10-day quarantine in most EU countries if you return from that region). One more thing - Easter holidays are not a low season in South Africa. They also have a school break and it's quite busy everywhere. I think, this year, their vacation is from +-17/3 to 5/4. So if you decide to go, book asap. For Namibia, April is the end of the rain season, which can impact some of the roads, especially in the north of the country. But for the main places you'd probably go to in 2 weeks, it should be ok (you do need a 4x4 there, either way). What I'd do when we go back to S-A with our kids and have two weeks, is plan a one-way road trip between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town (fly to/from those airports) and do the entire Garden Route, plus Addo Elephant NP. But another option - for a better safari - is to fly to Johannesburg first, visit Kruger from there for 4-5 days (travel days included), get back to Johannesburg, and then fly to Cape Town and spend the rest of the vacation in that area. If you go to Kruger (or to Namibia in April), check the malaria situation too. Hope this helps a bit and doesn't confuse you even more. :) There's really no one 'best' way to do this, so do what feels right for you. Good luck with the planning!

Esmeralda van Stee

Monday 28th of September 2020

What an informative and detailed blog this is! I couldn't agree more on your review of Okaukuejo and Dolomite! We also stayed in Halali Restcamp and had a similar experience there. The waterhole gave us some of the best wildlife sightings in many years of traveling Africa!

Before entering the park we stayed in Etosha Safari Lodge (as mentioned above) just outside the gate and we highly recommend it!. Usually we combine the state camps with private lodges. And however we are not that keen on the bigger lodges, this one was a pleasant surprise. Part of the very family friendly Gondwana collection and with nice accommodation, very good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. They also have a more low key camp called Etosha Safari Camp which is also really nice!

They both did organised safaris which were ok though we prefer to drive ourselves.

Saturday 3rd of October 2020

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience, Esmeralda. I'm sure it will be very helpful to our readers researching where to stay in Etosha. And who knows, maybe we ourselves will go back again too. It was such a beautiful road trip!

Cameron Braithwaite

Sunday 13th of October 2019

Thanks for all this info and hard work. We are going to do some traveling to Africa with my 4 kids 5,5,6,9 and would appreciate anymore info or insight you can provide on Okaukuejo - what type of room to stay in and what other activities we should do while in the area.

Monday 14th of October 2019

Hi Cameron, if you can, get a waterhole-view chalet - those are the best ones and also the only ones that will fit the whole family. That being said, they are usually booked up a year in advance. If you want to stay at Okaukuejo camp itself, you'll often just have to take whatever they have and will probably have two separate rooms for a family of 6. Alternatively, a much more luxury option is to stay just outside the park, where you have a much bigger choice of accommodations and most offer better value. For example, Onduri lodge has a 6-p chalet (not cheap though) and Sasa Safari Camp has very cheap family bungalows that can accommodate 6. Here you can find more options for Okaukuejo accommodation. It means that you won't be able to visit the park before sunrise or after sunset though, but in exchange, you'll have more luxury, maybe a pool (keep in mind that pools are freezing cold in the Namibian winter - June-Aug), and you are still very close to the park for safari rides during the day.

As for activities, it's really all about watching animals in Etosha. You can join guided safari tours, drive around and look for animals yourself, or just visit Okaukuejo waterhole and watch animals there. If you stay outside the park, your lodge might have some activities that you can book with them, but those will also all be centered around game viewing.

PS If I can give you one tip - book your trip asap. It's already quite late for next summer, if that's when you're traveling. If you need more ideas where to go and what to do, here you can find our Namibia itinerary and here you can read about the best things to do in Namibia.

Monday 4th of March 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventures in Namibia. Did you book accommodations on your own or did you use a service? I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about finding places to stay for a family trip next year. Thanks!

Sunday 10th of March 2019

Hi Loretta, if you start well in advance you can book it all yourself. The only place that might be a bit tricky is indeed Etosha, but if it doesn't work out or if you want more luxury, there are quite some alternatives just outside the park as well. We did this trip quite a few years ago when Booking.com wasn't all that widely used in Namibia yet, so we booked through a travel agent. Now I think I'd do it all myself - it's really not difficult. The hardest part is to make a nice itinerary, accommodations are easy to book if you are doing it well in advance.

Etosha National Park safari

Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia and one of the largest national parks in Africa.

It was proclaimed a game reserve in March 1907 in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Friedrich von Lindequist.

Etosha NP is unique in Africa. as the park’s main characteristic is a huge salt pan that can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving visitors almost guaranteed game sightings.

At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa.

Table of Contents

Why visit Etosha National Park?

Covering some 8,598 square miles (22,269 square km), it centres on the Etosha Pan, a vast expanse of salt with lone salt springs, used by animals as salt licks.

The park is considered one of the best places to go on Safari in Southern Africa and for good reason. The lack of water in the area means animals are concentrated at watering holes.

The quality of roads, lack of huge crowds, and general ease of travelling in Namibia are big attractions to this beautiful park alsol.

The floodlit waterholes at all the main camps and hides nearby are a photographer and nature lover’s dream whilst most lodges have private decks or verandas to observe the pristine landscape.

The park has a large population of wildlife and has around 114 different mammals that visitors have a chance to spot on their safari. It is also home to four of the big five animals, excluding the African Buffalo.

Water is scarce in the park. However, there are a large number of water holes both natural and manmade that provide water for the wildlife. These concentrated sources of water create great game density as animals all come to the sources of water.

The water holes bring in large herds of elephant, springbok, oryx, zebra, eland, kudu, and even lonely black rhinos. Smaller wildlife that can be found around Etosha include jackals, honey badgers, mongoose, and the bat-eared fox.

Okaukuejo watering hole is always a hit with visitors with its proximity to the rest camp. The watering hole is lit by flood lights throughout the night which provides visitors a chance to watch nocturnal animals come for a drink of water.

Some of Africa’s most famous scenes have unfurled here including lion, elephants, hyenas, and rhinos squaring off as they compete for water. Other great viewing success can be had at Homob, Kelin Namutoni, Okundeka, Chudop, and Rietfontein.

About one-third of the 340 bird species recorded in the park are migratory; including a good number of waders attracted to the Etosha pan in the Wet season. The pan is an important breeding ground for lesser and greater flamingos.

The desert habitat is excellent for seeing a wide variety of birds of prey – up to 35 species, including many hawks, vultures, eagles and falcons. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

The eastern portion of Etosha National Park has a tree-savanna type of vegetation, abundant in tambouti, a deciduous tree that is locally used for furniture and cabinet work, wild fig, and date palms.

Moringa trees are typical of the more arid thorn-shrub savanna of the western part of the park. The German colonial fort of Namutoni at the eastern end of the pan resembles a fort of the French Foreign Legion. It has been restored for use as a tourist camp for the park.

Other activities at Etosha National Park

Here are some other Namibian safari activities in Etosha National Park that visitors can look forward to on their trip:

• Game drives: Enjoy a fascinating African wildlife adventure in Namibia during day and night game drives or watch wild animals like Hippo, Giraffe and Lion on the waterholes with amphitheatre-like atmosphere and floodlights at the Rest Camps.
• Photo safaris: Started by avid wildlife photographer Rian van Schalkwyk, the tour takes amateur and professional photographers to all the right places to get that shot you always wanted to hang on your wall.
• Discover the native Hai||Om Culture: For many thousands of years, the Hai||Om San (or Bushmen) inhabited the areas that now constitute the park. Get a uniquely Hai||Om perspective on the plants, animals, history, and geography of Etosha.
• Watering hole: Join the Etosha “Night Life” at Okaukuejo Water Hole where the big show begins at dusk when floodlights are turned on to transform the waterhole into one of Namibia’s greatest stages. You can kick back on the benches that surround the waterhole with a Windhoek lager and watch as the wildlife – unphased by the light – slinks and strolls out of the darkness to the banks of the spring-fed pool.

How to get to Etosha National Park?

There are no scheduled flights, but there are three airstrips inside the park for charter flights. Most of the upmarket lodges outside the park have private airstrips as well.

Travelling from Windhoek to Etosha by plane is a short route – the journey from the capital Windhoek to the nearby Ongava Lodge’s airstrip will take approximately an hour.

Air Namibia also offers daily one-hour flights from Eros Airport, also located in Windhoek, to Ondangwa Airport, which is located just north of Etosha National Park.

Alternatively, there are fly-in trips that travel between different Namibian parks by charter flight.

Etosha is located 435km/270mi north of Windhoek. It is easy to visit either independently (self-drive) or on a tour. The drive on paved roads takes about six hours.

The roads in the eastern section of the park are accessible by 2WD car.

Tariffs & Regulations

Entrance fee.

All Etosha National Park fees are payable at the gate at time of entrance. Park fees are valid for 24 hours.

• Foreign Adults: N$80 Per Day ($5 USD)
• Children Under 16: Free Of Charge
• Private Vehicle: N$10 Per Day ($0.60 USD)

Regulations

If you keep to park rules, you can stay with the animals as long as they are not disturbed by your presence.

Accommodation at Etosha National Park

Tourists at Etosha can choose from a number of different options when deciding where to sleep.

There are various accommodation options in Etosha National Park including Gondwana’s Etosha Safari Camp and Lodge offering great food, excellent service and is renowned as one of the best lodges in Etosha National Park.

Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa also offers brilliant game viewing activities. This Namibia safari lodge near Etosha National Park and spa is situated on the 21 000 ha Epacha Private Game Reserve.

At this lodge, the breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and valley will overwhelm both new and accustomed visitors to Namibia. The lodge offers sophistication and style combined with high standards of service, all in a relaxing atmosphere at this Namibia safari lodge.

There is a nice selection of camps to explore Etosha National Park with pools, good facilities, watering holes for night viewing, and decent restaurants.

Three camps outside of Etosha that can be booked include the Gondwana Collection’s Etosha Safari Camp that is located to the south near the Anderson Gate.

The second being Onguma’s Tamboti Luxury Campsite and the third is Hobias Campsite in Damaraland to the west of the park.

Guests on a self-drive safari with a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle.

Bars/restaurants/amenities

Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.

Useful information

Located in the northwest of Namibia, the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland and a very popular stop on any Namibian tour.

Etosha National Park is hot and relatively dry. Like most semi-desert climates there is a large variation in temperature between night and day. Rain usually falls in the form of heavy thunderstorms.

There is a Wet season, which coincides with the summer months of November to April. During the dry winter months, from May to October, rainfall is a rarity.

Best time to go

Understanding the best time to visit Namibia is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation.

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter months from July to October. Less water is available during this time and the animals tend to gather around the few sources that are available.

The Wet season (November to April) is less productive for spotting wildlife because the animals tend to scatter.

Malaria does occur in Etosha – the risk is low from May to September and increases in the wet months from October to April. During these months it is recommended to take antimalarials and also to take precautions such as covering up in the evening and applying mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective).

It is recommended to visit a travel clinic before coming to Namibia. Several vaccinations are recommended and usually administered before your departure and a yellow fever vaccine is required when traveling from a country with high risk of transmission.

It is recommended to visit a travel clinic before coming to Namibia. Several Namibia vaccinations are recommended and usually administered before your departure.

Where is Etosha National Park located?

Located in the northwest of Namibia, the journey by flight from the capital Windhoek to the nearby Ongava Lodge’s airstrip will take approximately an hour.

How much is the Etosha entrance fee?

All Etosha National Park fees are payable at the gate at time of entrance. Park fees are valid for 24 hours with foreign adults paying $5 USD and $0.60 USD for private vehicles.

What animals will visitors see at Etosha National Park?

Visitors to Etosha National Park will see four of the big five animals, excluding the African Buffalo as well as elephant, springbok, oryx, zebra, eland, kudu, black rhinos, jackals, honey badgers, mongoose and the bat-eared fox.

Written by: Colin on 10 September 2024

When is the best time to visit Etosha National Park? A Comprehensive Guide

• Travel Tips

The best time to visit Etosha National Park for a safari is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, temperatures are at their lowest, and wildlife viewing conditions are at their best, making it easier to spot a wide variety of species. In this blog, we will explore why the timing of your visit to Etosha is crucial and highlight lesser-known periods perfect for landscape photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to leave the rest of the world behind.

Table of Contents

An overview of Etosha National Park

Although the best time to visit Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is during the dry season, you can visit the park year-round. It is a dream destination, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including four of the Big Five. It features dramatic landscapes that can appear harsh at times but abundant at others.

Much of the Etosha region consists of savannah grasslands, with the Etosha pan in its centre. The pan, a vast lake bed visible from space, is dry most of the year due to the hot, semi-arid climate. Yet, the park’s seemingly barren appearance is an illusion, as this ecosystem is home to one of the most abundant displays of wildlife in southern Africa. This incredible landscape can support vast numbers due to numerous underground reservoirs feeding permanent waterholes along the southern edge of the pan and the surrounding plains.

To truly appreciate Etosha National Park, it’s essential to understand its yearly life cycle. The wet and dry seasons influence the numerous fascinating phenomena in the park, such as calving, mating, migratory movements, blooming of desert flowers, and predator-prey dynamics – and essentially the best time to visit Etosha National Park. The following sections reveal more and will help you plan for an unforgettable experience in this incredible park.

Would you like to know more about traveling in Namibia? Just get in touch with us!

When is the best time to visit Etosha? Understanding the seasons in Etosha National Park

The wet season (november to april) – what to expect.

In the wet season, Etosha National Park experiences high temperatures and afternoon rainfall. Abundant forage and water allow wildlife to spread into the vast savannah, and rising water levels make parts of the park unreachable. This results in challenging wildlife spotting. Nonetheless, the dry pan has transformed into a lake, and the park is lush and green. Additionally, it’s the low season, making it the best time to visit Etosha if you love being in nature, are passionate about landscape photography, or want to avoid crowds. Moreover, as game drives occur in the early morning and evening, you can avoid the afternoon heat and thunderstorms.

The park’s annual story begins at the end of a long six-month dry season. This period is challenging for the herbivores because there is little to feed on, and swirling dust devils fill the air. Daily visits to drying waterholes to obtain life-sustaining drinking water become increasingly dangerous, as well-fed predators lie in ambush to pick off the weak and old. However, hope appears on the horizon in the form of distant rainstorms.

During Namibia’s wet season, rainfall varies from 2mm in the  Namib Desert  along the coast to 600mm in the  Caprivi Strip  to the northeast. Etosha National Park receives approximately 418mm of rainfall, and afternoon temperatures range from 32°C (90°F) to 35°C (95°F). 

When the rains arrive in short afternoon thunderstorms, they transform the park, especially during the peak rainfall from January to March. The pan, a natural depression with no outlet, is fed by several small rivers, including the Ekuma River, and slowly fills. It is believed that the larger northern Kunene River once filled the lake before tectonic plate movement disrupted the flow from the Angola highlands, its source, and redirected the river to the Atlantic Ocean.

The lake, now 50 miles across and only two feet deep, comes to life. Catfish spawn after remaining buried in the lake bed during the dry season, while bullfrogs give birth to thousands of tadpoles. These defenceless young quickly fall prey to egrets, herons, snakes, terrapins, Fish eagles, Blue cranes and other predators. Great-white pelicans arrive en mass to give birth to their young on predator-free islands, and flamingos dot the shoreline. 

The grasslands absorb the water, and wildflowers appear, accompanied by the chorus of mating bullfrogs. Herbivores, like wildebeest and zebra, have plenty to eat, spread out into the plains and give birth to their young in lush green landscapes under a vast, dust-free African sky. Despite the higher temperatures and lower wildlife numbers, the colours and abundance of nature make it a spectacular time to visit Etosha.

Thanks to the wet season, the wildlife of Etosha experiences a bountiful season; strengthened and renewed, they are now prepared for the long, harsh dry season ahead.

The Dry Season (May to October) – what to expect

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season, when a wide variety of wildlife can be observed. As the landscapes dry out, vast numbers of animals and birds gather near the park’s 40+ spring-fed waterholes, providing the opportunity to see four of the Big Five, excluding buffalo, and many other wildlife species. Additionally, temperatures are lower, with comfortable highs ranging from 27°C (80°F) to 33°C (91°F). Yet mornings are cold. It is the high season, and the park is at its busiest.

The dry season is fascinating, and each passing month has unique characteristics. As grasslands dry, the rutting season starts for species such as the blue wildebeest, black-faced impala, and springbok. Males clash horns as they compete to mate with small groups of females. Often distracted, they fall prey to lion attacks.

As the months pass, the lake begins to dry, and zebras can be seen wading through the mud to find new grazing areas. The lake eventually hardens under the harsh sun, forming a pattern of cracks on the surface and exposing the previously safe Pelican islands. This allows Black-backed jackals and Spotted hyenas to carry out evening raids on the colony to prey on flightless chicks. Soon, the lakebed turns into a dusty white pan, which gives the park its name, originating from the Oshindonga word, “Great White Place.”

The drying grasslands prompt grazers to seek fresh grass, following trails from one waterhole to another. Herds of elephants dusted white from the pan’s clay soils create wide, meandering paths, which Angolan giraffes, Greater kudus, oryx, and Southwestern black and Southern-white rhinos use. 

After three rainless months, the waterholes become even more perilous. As the wildlife nervously comes to drink, the shrill call from Blacksmith-plover and fleeting Crowned guinea fowl signal a lion or leopard charging from a concealed position, and chaos ensues. It is a dramatic time to be in the park.

At dawn and dusk, the waterholes are a paradise for birdwatchers. They are frequented by ostriches, Bateleur eagles, Kori bustards, Glossy starlings, Red-headed finches, weavers, and large flocks of Red-billed quelea, as well as many more.

For the past six months, there has been no rain in Etosha. Egyptian geese wade in muddy pools, bat-eared foxes scratch for ground-dwelling insects, adding to the dusty haze, and grazing herds return in long, meandering lines to the shoreline. By the time the rains arrive, they will have reached the same breeding grounds as the year before. Looming thunderstorms appear. Life-giving rain will replenish this stunning ecosystem, and the annual cycle of death and renewal will continue, just as it has for millions of years.

When is the best time to visit Etosha National Park? Month by Month

The wet season: november to april.

The wet season is the best time to visit Etosha National Park for landscape photography and to see the ecosystem transformed:

November and December  experience short afternoon thunderstorms that bring some relief to the plains; however, rainfall is relatively low at this time of year. Nonetheless, it is enough for acacia trees to blossom and form new leaves, which brings sustenance to Angolan Giraffes and foraging insects. It is the hottest time of year, with afternoon temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) and higher.

January, February, and March  experience peak rainfall, transforming the pan into a lake. An abundance of grasses and wildflowers emerge from the dusty plains, and the calving season starts, bringing new life to the plains. From January, temperatures fall with each passing month and afternoon temperatures range from 34°C (93°F) to 35°C (95°F).

April  experiences less rainfall and lower temperatures, ranging from 29°C (84°F) to 32°C (90°F). It is also a quieter month in the park, making April an excellent month to visit Etosha.

The Dry Season: May to October

The dry season is the best time to visit Etosha National Park for wildlife viewing:

May, June, July and August  are cool, dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84°F). However, mornings are cold and wearing multiple thin layers is required to keep you warm during early morning game drives. August is the peak of the dry season, and temperatures begin to rise. Wildlife viewing is exceptional due to a high concentration of animals that never stray far from permanent water holes.

September and October  are the final dramatic months of the dry season. The temperatures continue to rise each month, ranging from 32°C (90°F) to 34°C (93°F), causing the water holes to begin to dry out. Wildlife viewing is fantastic, and towards the end of October, occasional afternoon thunderstorms hint at what’s to come.

Since the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Etosha for a safari, the most popular accommodations fill up quickly. We recommend booking one year in advance.

Two of our favourite tours with a stop in Etosha:

Fascinating Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

from 63,000 NAD person sharing a double room

Namibia Highlights

Places Windhoek, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

from 29,500 NAD person sharing a double room

Planning your visit and getting to Etosha National Park

By now, you’ll have a good idea of when to go to Etosha National Park. There are multiple places to stay in Etosha, including various lodges, permanent tented camps, campsites, and luxury   accommodation. However, the demand for accommodation can outweigh the supply during the dry season (high season), so advanced booking is recommended. Our country experts can help you choose accommodation that is best for your budget and preferences.

Getting to Etosha National Park is straightforward. Catch a connecting flight from South Africa’s International Airports to Namibia’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA/WDH) or Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB). Once in Namibia, you can get to Etosha National Park by choosing a  self-drive , private-guided , or  group-guided  safari. Driving distances are long, but you’ll be accompanied by incredible scenery.

Before booking, we recommend reading our  What to Do  guide to add unique experiences to your safari, such as star-gazing , trekking or enjoying a hot-air balloon safari over Namibia’s famous dunes.

Preparing for your trip to Etosha National Park can be daunting, but when you book with us, we’ll email you a packing list and other guides to help you prepare for your safari. We’ll be there for you every step of the way.

Where to stay in and around Etosha National Park

There are camps inside and just outside the Etosha National Park. The number of camps inside the park is limited. The ones available are quite basic and you shouldn’t expect a very high standard. The reason why some visitors still opt for the more basic accommodations: they have flood-lit waterholes. These waterholes attract wildlife especially during the dry season. You can sit near these waterholes until late into the evening to observe wildlife passing by for a drink.

On the outskirts of the national park, there are numerous different camps and lodges you can choose from. These accommodations range from basic to highly luxurious. They are often more charming than the accommodations inside the park. 

Since the most popular camps are booked up quickly, we recommend booking a year in advance. Especially, if you want to travel during the high season.

Combining Etosha with other destinations

You can combine a safari to  Etosha National Park  with numerous incredible destinations in northern Namibia. You’ll find the  Damaraland , where stunning scenery and desert-dwelling wildlife can be seen west of Etosha. Those set on seeing buffalo, the missing member of the Big Five, and more incredible wildlife can travel to northeast Namibia to visit the beautiful parks in the  Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) .

In the south, you can visit the  Fish River Canyon , the Kalahari Desert, and  Sossusvlei  in the Namib Desert, home to Namibia’s world-renowned dunes.    

Along the Atlantic coastline, you can visit  Swakopmund  to see small desert-adapted wildlife, and  Luderitz  offers the chance to see Atlantic Ocean wildlife and spot wild horses. 

The best time to visit Etosha coincides with the ideal traveling time for other highlights in Namibia. This makes the dry season from May to October the most popular time to see Namibia’s wildlife, scenic and cultural highlights.

The best time to visit Etosha: Conclusion

Etosha National Park is an exceptional destination for observing wildlife in a stunning ecosystem. As a result, safaris to Etosha are worth your while year-round. Still, the best time to visit Etosha is during the dry season from May to October to see abundant wildlife. Since it is the high season, booking accommodation as early as possible is recommended. Alternatively, you can travel during the wet season to witness grasslands teeming with wildflowers, the calving season, and the pan transformed into a lake. Finally, consider combining other incredible destinations to discover more of what Namibia offers.

With a team of guides, vehicles, and twenty years of experience,   we   can make your dream safari to Etosha a reality. We suggest reading what other guests say and then contacting one of our country experts for a no-obligation conversation to take the first step in making your safari a reality.

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ACCOMMODATION OUTSIDE

Etosha national park.

Aside from the Private Game Reserves located on both the east and south side of the iconic Etosha National Park, a wide range of accommodation is situated outside the park. From luxury five-star lodges to authentic campsites in the wild. Here you have the benefit of having Etosha National Park right on your doorstep, and also exploring more of the area!

These resorts and lodges offer their own activities, swimming pools, waterholes and much more. Whether you are experiencing your safari trip with friends, family or by yourself – all travellers can be accommodated, even the little ones! Broaden your horizons and experience a true African safari journey.

East side (Namutoni)

There is a variety of accommodation surrounding the eastern side of the park located just outside of Etosha’s Von Lindequist Gate and close to the Onguma Private Game Reserve.

You’re bound to find a lodge to suit your needs and desires – from luxurious five-star accommodation to wildly beautiful camping sites. Aside from the world famous Etosha National Park being at your doorstep, there are multiple other activities available at each lodge to keep you entertained during your stay.