Etosha National Park

Pros & Cons

• Exceptional wildlife viewing during the Dry season
• Etosha is especially good for elephants, lions and black rhinos
• Floodlit waterholes for nighttime viewing at some camps
• Easy self-drive destination
• Several accommodations catering to different budgets
• Wildlife viewing is a little more difficult during the Wet season
• Rest camps catering to self-drive visitors make it less exclusive
• Very hot climate and dusty conditions

Wildlife

Wildlife viewing in Etosha is outstanding in the Dry season (May to October) when animals gather around the waterholes, especially later in the season. Elephants are abundant, and there’s a good chance of seeing lions. Big herds of zebras, blue wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok are often seen drinking together. Black rhinos are also commonly spotted after dark. Giraffe and eland might join as well. Black-backed jackal is very common.

• More about Etosha’s wildlife

Scenery

Etosha (meaning ‘Great White Place’) takes its name from the enormous Etosha Pan, a large silvery-white salt pan that collects a thin layer of saltwater after heavy rains. It is the artificial waterholes and natural springs scattered among the grassy plains and mopane woodland that attract most of the wildlife. In the heat, Etosha’s horizon seems to go on forever.

Activities

Etosha is all about the game drive, whether you opt for a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide-driver or a self-drive excursion. It’s important to note that off-road driving within the national park is strictly forbidden. However, it is allowed for guides (rarely for self-drivers) in some of the concessions and conservancies that border the park to the east and south.

Weather & Climate

The semi-desert landscape of Etosha receives almost no rainfall during the Dry season (May to October). Temperatures can drop as low as 7°C/45°F in the early morning for most of this time. Only in September and October does the weather start to get hot. The heat continues throughout the Wet season (November to April), with nighttime temperatures around 16°C/61°F.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time To Visit

Animals gather around Etosha’s centerpiece pan and waterholes during the Dry season (May to October), especially as the season progesses. The plentiful wildlife and generally good weather means the park gets quite crowded at this time. Wildlife viewing is more challenging during the Wet season (November to April), but there are fewer crowds, the scenery is lush and it rarely rains much.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Etosha NP?

175 Etosha Safaris

• Etosha Safaris & Tours
  • Etosha Camping Safaris
  • Etosha Budget Safaris
  • Etosha Luxury Safaris
• Tour Operators for Etosha