​Best Time To Visit – Etosha NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

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Etosha National Park is best visited during the Dry season (May to October). At this time, there is less water available and the animals tend to gather around the few remaining sources. In normal years, the Wet season (November to April) is less productive for spotting wildlife because the animals tend to scatter. The heaviest rains fall from January to March.


150 Etosha Safaris
Best Time May to October (Animals gather around the waterholes)
High Season July to November (The park gets crowded)
Low Season December to June (Low-season rates may apply)
Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)
Worst Weather November to March (Very hot; often rains)

May to October –Dry Season – Winter

  • Best time for wildlife viewing with large numbers of animals at waterholes
  • Weather is good, although October can be very hot
  • May and June combine good weather with fewer crowds
  • July to November is high season and the park gets very busy
  • In September and October, the sky fills with dust and it can be hazy

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (13)
+11 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • Rainfall comes as a relief, although it rarely rains for long
  • Landscape is relatively green and skies are often clear
  • Wildlife is in peak condition and plenty of babies can be seen
  • Prime birding with migrants present
  • Animals are dispersed, which makes viewing more difficult
  • It tends to be very hot

Wildlife Photos
+11 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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Want To Visit Etosha NP?

150 Etosha Safaris