What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 30 January 2024

Three reasons why you should explore Namibia’s Etosha Pan

Alice Lombard Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Part of the Namibia Safari Collection

Visible from space, Namibia’s Etosha Pan is an excellent self-drive safari destination for travellers looking for a little more freedom with their holiday plans.

With wildlife aplenty, the Etosha Pan is home to the endangered Black rhino, leopard, lion and more than 340 bird species. If you’re planning a holiday in Namibia, here are Five reasons why you should explore Namibia’s Etosha Pan.

‘Great white place’

 

An endless white world �� #saltpan #etoshapan #namibia #instatravel #travellingwithkids #lilyenwoodyinnamibia

A photo posted by Sylvia Pintens (@sylviapintens) on Jan 11, 2017 at 1:43am PST

The name Etosha is derived from the language of the Ovambo tribe, which means ‘great white place’. This huge pan spreads for over 4731 square kilometres, covering approximately 25% of the Etosha National Park.

It’s best visited in summer

If you’re planning a Namibia 4×4 safari, be sure to visit during the dry season months of May to December. Game viewing is at it’s best during this time, as the wildlife will congregate around water sources such as water holes, making them easier to spot and providing you with excellent photographic opportunities.

It’s an excellent photographic safari destination

Every year, budding and experienced photographers flock to the Etosha Pan to improve their skills and add to their photo libraries. May wait at the various waterholes for wildlife to head their way to capture the perfect shot.

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Alice is our Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

First class service all around!

12 Days Best of Southern Africa Safari Review

Ann Schall, United States
08 Mar 2026

100% recommend Discover Africa!

4 Day Kapama Buffalo Camp Safari Review

Luke Stamatakis, United States
20 Jan 2026

Amazing and Highly Recommended!

9 Day Kruger Safari Review

Isaac, Malta
22 Oct 2025

Devryn was absolutely fantastic!

Zambia, Botswana & Namibia Safari Review

Vanessa Moran, Australia
01 Sep 2025

Discover Africa helped us organize the trip of a lifetime!

Best of Southern Africa Safari Review

Rick, United States
06 Jul 2025

Exceptional service!

Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe and Bush safari Review

Neeraja Saldi, United States
16 Jun 2025

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.