Etosha National Park

Made up of grasslands and woodland savannah and dominated by a giant salt pan, Etosha Pan, this national park is home to 114 species of mammals, including four of the Big Five and the world’s largest concentration of black rhino. Explore the diverse ecosystems of Etosha while on a Namibia safari.

Must-Visit Areas in Etosha National Park

Make the most out of your Etosha National Park safari in Namibia by visiting a floodlit waterhole for nighttime game viewing and a birding hotspot:

Okaukuejo Camp: Nighttime Game Viewing

This safari camp in Etosha is famous for its floodlit waterhole, providing nocturnal wildlife viewing, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and antelope. Choose one of their premier waterhole chalets to stay in. Enjoy your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise and gaze at the sight of various animals congregating at the waterhole.

Fisher’s Pan: Birding Hotspot

Etosha is home to 340 bird species, and one of the best places to spot these birds is Fisher’s Pan. The salt pan sees a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos during the wet season and other waders.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Etosha National Park?

May to October, the winter dry season, is the best time to go on safari at Etosha National Park. The dry conditions see animals congregate around the remaining waterholes, making wildlife spotting easier.

If you want to go on a birdwatching safari in Namibia, opt for the wet summer season, between November and April. At this time of the year, you’re able to spot an array of migratory birds and breeding behaviours. This is also prime time to spot baby animals in the park.

Animals Found in Etosha National Park

Etosha is home to elephants, giraffes, and the endangered black rhino – in fact, it’s one of the best places to see this rare animal. Lions and hyenas are occasional sights, while cheetahs and leopards are rare to see. Two unusual antelope species found here are the black-faced impala and the tiny Damara dik-dik.

The park is an important breeding ground for lesser and greater flamingos. Etosha’s desert habitat is home to a variety of birds of prey, including over 30 species of raptors such as hawks, vultures, eagles, and falcons. Keep an eye out for Monteiro’s hornbill, the double-banded courser, and the bare-cheeked babbler.

How to Get to Etosha National Park

You can arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek and then opt for an approximate five-hour transfer to the national park. Alternatively, you can choose to arrive by charter flight to one of Etosha’s airstrips.