Etosha National Park safaris, tours & holiday packages
Superb dry-season wildlife photography and a vast salt pan
Larger than the Kruger or Serengeti, Namibia’s premier safari reserve protects the Etosha Pan, which is fringed by a series of perennial waterholes that attract abundant wildlife in the dry season
Extending over 22,750 square kilometres, Etosha National Park is situated in northern Namibia, a relatively moist part of a country otherwise dominated by desert landscapes. The park's centrepiece is the seasonal Etosha Pan, a vast salt-encrusted depression that accounts for a quarter of its surface area. The pan is fringed by dozens of perennial waterholes that act as powerful magnets for wildlife in the dry season, and are particularly rewarding for wildlife photographers.
“As a diehard independent traveller, I'm a great fan of national parks you can easily explore under your own steam, and Etosha ranks among the very best of these. And while it is usually perceived to be a dry-season reserve, I've also had spectacular game viewing during the rains – great sightings of black rhinos, lions and elephants, and fantastic birdlife!”
More on Etosha National Park holidays
Etosha's busiest waterholes are frequently attended by lively mixed herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, oryx, kudu and other wildlife. Elephants, lions and black rhinos are all conspicuous and quite likely to be seen during a visit lasting a few days. Leopards are somewhat more skittish, and Etosha is probably the only major African safari destination where buffalo are entirely absent.
A local specialty is the endangered black-faced impala, a distinctive subspecies confined to the western Angola/Namibia border area. About 300 individuals were translocated here in the 1970s and their descendants now form half of the global population of 1,000. Etosha Pan started life thousands of years ago as a perennial lake, but it now remains dry for most of the year. As a result, only one fish species has ever been recorded. During the rainy season, the pan can become partially flooded, luring up to one million flamingos to breed and feed there.
In all, 340 bird species have been identified in the park, including crimson-breasted shrike, (the national bird of Namibia), 35 raptors and 12 types of a lark. An exceptional all-around safari destination, Etosha is unusually well suited to self-drive exploration, thanks to the high standard of the internal roads and affordability of its public rest camps. Okaukuejo, the park’s oldest rest camp boasts a wonderful floodlit waterhole that can offer exceptional sightings at night, when you may be lucky enough to see a black rhino approach to almost within touching distance. Namutoni and Halali Camps also have worthwhile floodlit waterholes.
Etosha National Park Map
Etosha National Park's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Etosha National Park
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Etosha National Park safaris
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
Two male lions tried to take on an older female lion. The alpha male recently died and they were trying to take over his pride. The female lion was having none of it and while the males tried to tag team her; she swatted her massive paw at…
Kay Oczkowski
from United States of America
Waking up at 5:00 am to a bumpy ride all the way to a hidden hyena den, was something I’ll never forget. But the absolute best part was when the 1 month old cub peeked his head out to say hello. It was heartbreakingly cute.
Alana Krutoyarsky
from United States of America
It was my husband's dream to travel to Etosha National park in Namibia. We had travelled a lot as a couple but now we were travelling with a 1-year-old. I wanted to speak to an expert so I contacted the Discover Africa Group. From the minute…
Daemi Family
from Australia
I wish to say thanks to Megan for all your assistance in ensuring that me and my wife enjoy a wonderful holiday, a nice stay at the hotel with just minor issues, and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi park tour. We just wish to pass our gratitude for all…
Mokatse Itumeleng
from South Africa
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