Etosha National Park

3 Fabulous Days in Ongava / Etosha

My time in Ongava Game Reserve and Etosha was fabulous! Admittedly, this was my first safari so I don't have a point of comparison but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. At Ongava, I liked how the animals were more integrated into the land so the guides had to do some tracking for us to see them. My favourite were the lions since we got to see them hunt (positively primal), play, play fight and do all sorts of high-flying acrobatics when the mother and cubs greeted. Walking with the white rhino was pretty spectacular too. Etosha itself was very different, with animals congregating more so at the watering holes, so it provided a nice contrast. I enjoyed watching the crashes of zebras run, the springbok males locking horns over the females, the innumerable giraffes of all colours from orange-brown to dark brown, seeing oryx, wildebeest, ostrich, etc... Seeing the pan itself was also pretty spectacular. Facilities-wise, Ongava Tented Lodge was beautifully appointed with fabulous food and it's own watering hole where we were able observe white rhino, black rhino, elephant (they had broken in from Etosha the day I arrived), kudu, etc... daily. It does get quite cold in the evenings so definitely bring warm clothing and treasure the hot water bottle that they leave in your bed in the evenings! For photos of my Namibian adventure, click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyncheng/sets/72157655744210916 (the animals are at the end of the album).

Etosha: a truly special place

Etosha is a truly special safari destination, from the other worldly beauty of the pan to the up close and personal viewing of wildlife at the waterholes; it is an unforgettable experience that calls you back.
Many waterholes offer parking very close to the action - great for both the wildlife viewing and wildlife photography. It's important to do research both before going and whilst on the trip (from the sightings books in the camps within the Park). This will maximise your chances of seeing the wildlife you are looking for. On our two trips to the park we've been rewarded with multiple sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, hyena, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Battaleur Eagle, numerous other raptors and birds and an abundance of grazing animals. The camps in the park are good but not luxury camps, but allow quick access to the inner areas of the park for wildlife viewing (vegetarians like me have to muddle through on food - but this is more than made up for by the wildlife).

Ethosha National Park should be at the top of your list if you visit southern Africa

The quantity and variety of wildlife in Etosha is outstanding. Other than the lion, we saw all of the Big Five and the Ugly Five. There are numerous water holes throughout the park, some of which are kept full with pumps, so even in the dry season the wildlife gather. We saw countless elephants, with a highlight of our visit being the youngsters playing in the water at the feet of the adults. We also witnessed a cheetah lying in wait as a herd of springbok wandered toward the water hole that he had staked out, and saw his (unsuccessful) attack. The Etosha Pan is a stunning place, with no clear horizon visible in places. Away from the Pan, the scenery is quite varied and lovely. We stayed two nights at Mushara, with very nice accommodations and two guided tours (morning and evening) to familiarize ourselves with the area. Our last night was at Andersson's Camp after a self-drive day through the park. The accommodations there offer a tented camp experience, and the water hole at the lodge offers a blind for close up photography of the wildlife and birds. Don't miss Etosha.

Etosha is a huge safari park. Each game drive here is unique. You'll see a lot of animals, but it will be a surprise what it will be. I was three days in Ethosa and we saw a lot of rhino's. From a distance, but also up close near a water hole. We saw two cheetahs watching gemsbok. And then a large group of giraffe walking on the road. We did not see any elephant. That was a disappointment.
A large proportion of the park cannot be visited: the Etosha pan and the area north of the pan. That's the part of the park where National Geographic photographers do their work.
We slept one day in the park in Okaukujeo. The rooms and restaurant are OK, but not great. I prefer lodges like Etosha Safari Lodge & Camp just outside the park.

Diverse and high quantity of wild life. We travelled with a bird lover and she tought us about several different birds.

One of the last great wilderness region ..... i could go back there again and again !

I had always wanted to visit Etosha ao i finally decided to do it. It was everything i expected and will keep the memories forever. Im a keen photographer and we saw plenty of wildlife on the wide open spaces. If i could, i would go back to Namibia and Etosha year after year.

dry season is best if you want to easily catch animals around the water ponds.
Etosha is easy to drive and go around and there are a lot of animals and birds to see

So many animals, and a huge park that is very easy to navigate.

Wonderful park, fantastic landscape and wildlife viewing

Had a fantastic 2 and a half days in Etosha. Travelled as part of an overground tour. We saw lions, a leopard, rhinos, (black and white), elephants, giraffe, zebras etc!
It was amazing to sit by the water holes at night watching a group of elephants drinking and playing.
Beautiful scenery, salt flats were interesting to see. Not too crowded either, at times it was a bit busy around the waterholes.
My first safari did not disappoint!