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Why You Should Visit Etosha National Park?

 Devryn Panaino

Author: Devryn Panaino - 7 June 2021

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the Namibia Safaris & Namibia Vacation & African Safari Collection

Etosha National Park in Namibia is a prime safari destination that hosts an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Tucked in the northern Namibia, Etosha National Park, one of the most diverse parks, is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

This national park is home to exciting species of wildlife and home to a wealth of game life and hundreds of species of birds. It offers a striking landscape of salt pans and desert.

Zebras in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Zebras in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

When planning your next Namibia safari – be sure to include Etosha National Park as your holiday destination. Listed below are some of the reasons why Etosha National Park should be on your bucket list for your next safari destination:

Wildlife of Etosha

There is nothing quite like seeing big game animals in their natural habitat and Namibia is one of the best destinations for wildlife spotting.

Etosha National Park is a vast wildlife spotting reserve – which could be the best in Southern Africa.  It offers you the chance to see four of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard and lion – Buffalo are not present in the park) as well as an immense amount of other animals such as giraffe, cheetah, hyena and gemsbok.

Two rhinos in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Two rhinos in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

The park is home to approximately 114 mammal species as well as 340 bird species.

If you are keen to spot the black rhino, which is nearing the edge of extinction, the Etosha Pan is one of the best Namibia safari destinations to view these docile giants.

Two elephants in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Two elephants in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Also, elephants are among the biggest you will see anywhere else in the world.

Namibia is largely a desert which means that there are far fewer trees, which is an added perk for visitors as it is much easier to spot animals that aren’t camouflaging in the trees or hiding in the branches.

Dramatic Landscape of Etosha

Etosha is most famous for its extensive salt pan.  This salt pan is so big that it can be seen from space. The pan provides striking views and breathtaking backdrops to your game-viewing and wildlife or landscape photographs.

Elephant at a water pan in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Elephant at a water pan in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

In the wetter summer months, the pan can fill with water and becomes a sparkling oasis for birdlife. The sunsets and starry skies over the vast, open landscapes of Etosha are spectacular.

Easy Access to the Park

Etosha might feel completely remote, but the good news is that you would be hard-pushed to find many more accessible parks anywhere in Africa. The park is a comfortable five-hour drive on maintained and well-signposted roads from the capital of Namibia, Windhoek.

Lion walking amongst potential prey in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Lion walking amongst potential prey in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

When reaching Etosha National Park, you will find that the roads and tracks are well maintained and can be used without a 4×4 vehicle. Many of the best waterholes, where much of the game assembles in the dry winter months, are easily accessible.

Self-driving is allowed, and maps are provided at the park gates. Guided tours can also be arranged – which will allow you to sit back and relax whilst enjoying the landscape and game viewing.

Where to Stay in Etosha

There is a selection of accommodation to choose from, which suits all type of travellers and their budget, and makes Etosha a more affordable safari destination than many of the other game reserves.

If you are looking for an adventurous cheaper option – opt for the designated game-proof campsites where you can pitch your tent for a small fee.

Camping in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Camping in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

With so much to see and do in Etosha National Park and with over 40 watering holes, making it much easier to spot animals – Namibia’s Etosha National Park should be your next Namibia safari destination. If you’re looking for a luxury safari in Etosha, there are luxury options such as Etosha Safari Camp.


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