Etosha in August

Peak season in terms of weather, international tourist numbers and waterhole action. August seldom sees a drop of rain, and average temperatures are rising: highs are 31° and lows 11°. It will be busy enough in the park for those allergic to crowds to consider staying in a lodge on a private reserve outside the park borders, or look to the less-visited Western side of the park. Acacia nebrownii trees flower by the hundred in August and September, each tree bearing “hundreds of thousands of yellow flowers that give off a lovely scent,” says wildlife photographer Mario Fazekas.

Our Recommended Itinerary

South Africa to Namibia Classic 4x4 Self-Drive Adventure (11 days)

day 1

South Africa

at Naries Namakwa Retreat

day 2

Namibia | Fish River Canyon

at Fish River Lodge

day 3

Fish River Canyon

at Fish River Lodge

day 4

Aus

at Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn

day 5

Kolmanskop | Luderitz

at Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn

day 6

Namib-Naukluft National Park

at Hoodia Desert Lodge

day 7

Sossusvlei

at Hoodia Desert Lodge

day 8

Swakopmund

at The Delight Swakopmund

day 9

Skeleton Coast

at The Delight Swakopmund

day 10

Swakopmund

at The Delight Swakopmund

day 11

End of Journey

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Central and Eastern Etosha

Welcome to the best-known part of Etosha: The expanse of land fringing the eastern and southern rim of the enormous depression that is the ancient salt pan itself. Nothing grows in the salty, lime-rich pan except algae, but it and other smaller pans such as Okahakana are surrounded by grassland, mopane shrublands, and some woodland, and the area sustains a remarkable variety of life. Of…

Etosha in March

There still a chance of rain and the bush is thick and green and grasses tall… all very lovely, but it does make spotting animals that little bit more difficult! Not many people around, but as per February, not as much big game either, or not lolling around the waterholes waiting to be photographed. Our travel experts say this is a time for more seasoned travellers, rather than those…

Luxury safari in Etosha

Even high-end guests sometimes choose self-drive safaris in Namibia, all the better to watch the flat landscapes unfurl to the growl of a motor. This is a country made for road trips. For those to whom time is the most precious thing, however, flying will be preferable. Small charter flights are available, and the top lodges will have (or share) airstrips. There is of course the added…

Etosha in June

Good sunny weather this month, with highs of 27°C and lows a surprisingly chilly 6°C. The dry season starts in earnest. Most of the park is considered to have good game viewing potential and visitor numbers are moderate. It’s the beginning of high season, and by the end of the month, pretty busy. The waterholes will be delivering the goods: lovely tableaux of species can gather at…

Etosha in November

One of the hottest months of the year, when average temperatures spike: it’s 35° to over 40°. November is the real start of the annual rainy season. Once showers have drenched the thirsty land, vegetation springs to life – giving herbivores the chance to move into new areas to feed and become less dependent on the waterholes. November is somewhat of a ‘shoulder’ season though…

Solo travel in Etosha

Namibia is a marvellous country for solo travellers, safe, accustomed to tourist needs and with excellent transport and communications infrastructure. This takes care of a lot of the anxiety about travelling to Etosha for many. One can easily take to the open road alone in a hire vehicle, and proceed to explore the park – but not all wish to. Besides the fact that striking out into a…

Popular Etosha National Park Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates

| Best of Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Guided Self-drive Safari

Etosha in August

Our Recommended Itinerary

South Africa to Namibia Classic 4x4 Self-Drive Adventure (11 days)

South Africa

Namibia | Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon

Aus

Kolmanskop | Luderitz

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Sossusvlei

Swakopmund

Skeleton Coast

Swakopmund

End of Journey

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Central and Eastern Etosha

Etosha in March

Luxury safari in Etosha

Etosha in June

Etosha in November

Solo travel in Etosha

Popular Etosha National Park Safaris

Best of Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Guided Self-drive Safari

Nambian Desert to Coast Self-Drive Road Trip (9 days)

Etosha National Park Road Trip Adventure (8 days)

Unforgettable Namibia Safari Adventure (11 days)

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