About Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park Flora and Fauna
Africa is a land of floral diversity, with its geographical variations creating numerous habitats, which is a sight one can witness in Namibia’s Etosha National Park. As one of the rare countries where wild animals can roam unrestricted by human influences, Namibia also has several untouched vegetation lands to house its majestic wildlife. Explore vast grasslands dotted with Mopani trees and camel thorn trees and witness the Etosha Pan, a massive water body where all of the region’s water channels drain out. With desert, semi-desert, and savannah types of climatic conditions, Namibia’s unique flora, replete with rare species of plants and herbs, can be indulged in along with an abundance of African wildlife at Etosha National Park.
Etosha National Park’s diverse fauna is a mix of Africa’s most popular and rare animal and bird species.the park hosts a massive 114 species of mammals and is home to four of Africa’s Big 5, namely elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses, Etosha National Park’s main highlight is the endangered black rhinoceros, which can be spotted in large numbers at the park. A prominent feature of the wildlife hub is its massive waterholes, which provide sustenance to the wild residents of the park and attract them in large numbers, providing the best spotting opportunities to tourists. The most popular large mammals include lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, hyenas, and many more, while the small species range from jackals to ground squirrels. Spot rare species like the black-faced impala and birds like flamingos at Etosha National Park.
Etosha National Park Tour Packages
Embark on an Etosha National Park experience filled with game drives and witness Africa’s stunning wildlife. Spot natural wonders, interact with local tribes and purchase priceless handicrafts with the 3-day Etosha Express.
- Inclusions: 2 nights’ accommodation, a full day and an afternoon game drive, one-hour village experience, professional English-speaking driver and guide, local transportation, pick-up and drop-off, water, and meals.
- Price: USD 760-1000
Must Checkout: Namibia Safari Holiday Packages
Indulge in a classic African wildlife experience in Namibia as you choose the 4-day Etosha National Park Safari Experience. Head on game drives in the iconic national park and spot exotic African animal and bird species. Take this tour to learn more about Namibia's carnivores at the Okonjima nature reserve.
- Inclusions: Transport in a 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, 3 nights’ stay in camps and lodges, meals, activities and transfers, and national park fees.
- Price: USD 1000-1200
Witness the best of the Namibian wildlife experience as you embark on this special multi-day safari adventure to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park. The 8-day affair allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and meet the icons of African wildlife. Get accompanied by a guide as you begin your journey for most of the part and also get a chance to visit places on your own in tranquillity.
Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, roundtrip airport transfers, all accommodation, all activities, all transportation, meals, and park fees.
Price: USD 2000-2500
The 10-day Northern Namibia Safari is the ideal package for those who wish to indulge in the best experiences of northern Namibia. From hiking at Namibgrens to visiting Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Swakopmund, and Twyfelfontien and embarking on Etosha National Park game drives, this package has it all.
Inclusions: Guided safari vehicle, two and three-star accommodation, meals, game drives, hiking in Namib dunes, Swakopmund visit.
Price: USD 2870-3900
Four Rivers Safari is an exciting 14-day adventure that starts from Windhoek and takes visitors on a tour of four African wildlife centres, namely the Okavango River, Kwando River, Chobe River, and Zambezi River. Explore diverse riverine forests and meet local tribal communities with Four Rivers Safari and visit some of the most scenic locations such as the Tsodilo hills and the Okavango Pan Handle.
Inclusions: Park fees, conservation fees, entrance fees, game drives, boat trips, local transfers, and water facilities.
Price: USD 4650-5000
Explore the most iconic highlights of Namibia with the 14-day Wonders of Namibia Self-Drive Safari. Drive through Windhoek, Kalahari, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, and many other prominent attractions without a guide and let the African wilderness bring out your adventurous side.
Inclusions: Rental vehicle, park fees, all activities, accommodation, transportation, roundtrip airport transfer, meals.
Price: USD 1880-2300 (approx.)
Things to Do at Etosha National Park
- Go for game drivesGame drives are the central highlight of the Etosha National Park experience, and are best indulged in from May to September. Witness the best of African wildlife as you spot numerous wild animals and birds near the waterholes of Etosha. The best time for embarking on game drive adventures is in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Price: USD 35-40
Also Read: Things to Do in Namibia
Among the best things to do at Etosha National Park is camping in the African wilderness. Enter the world of the wild and set up your tents for a memorable night under the stars with your loved ones. Set up personal camps or head to Etosha accommodation facilities for classic and luxury camping opportunities for adults and children.
- Price: USD 20-30
Must Read: Places to Visit in Namibia
Etosha Pan is the central feature of Namibia’s Etosha National Park and is the region’s ultimate wildlife hub. The final destination of all water channels flowing into the region, Etosha Pan never has a dry season and attracts numerous bird and animal species at all times of the day. Explore this waterfront, click photographs, and spend time with family.
The Namutoni Spring of Etosha National Park attracts the most avid bird watchers with its rare collection of exotic bird species. Spot vibrant species like violet-eared waxbills, flamingos, crimson-breasted shrieks, owls, and eagles, among many other endangered species at the iconic spring as well as the numerous waterholes at Etosha National Park. Click photographs as you spot rare exotic and endangered birds.
Guided night drives are a popular activity offered by the Etosha National Park camps and are among the best things to do at the wildlife attraction. Walk into the wilderness at night and witness a unique animal kingdom. Centred primarily around the iconic floodlit waterhole of Okaukuejo, one can spot large herds of elephants, leopards, and rhinos on your guided journey.
Price: USD 40-50
Africa is renowned for its indigenous tribal cultures, which can be explored at Etosha National Park. Meet and interact with Hai Om San hunters and gatherers, who have inhabited the Etosha region for centuries, and witness the unique cultural traditions of the group. Learn about the park and its flora and fauna from an unheard perspective.
Camps in Etosha National Park
Located on the western side of Etosha National Park, Dolomite Camp is an exclusive accommodation facility practically untouched by tourist activities. From permanent luxury tents to rare wildlife species, Dolomite Camp offers numerous waterholes and game drives in restricted areas of Etosha to a limited number of visitors.
- Amenities: Restaurant and bar, rim-flow swimming pool, curio shop, and viewing deck.
- Price: From USD 118
Also Check: Namibia Safari Lodges
Onkoshi Camp is located in the northeast on the banks of Etosha Pan, far away from the public self-drive routes. The fifteen free-standing chalets of Onkoshi overlook the Etosha Pan and offer stunning views of wildlife and flora in the African heat. The views from the camp reach far into the spellbinding sunrises and sunsets.
Amenities: En-suite rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, tourist shop, and stargazing opportunities.
Price: From USD 118
Renowned for its floodlit waterhole, Okaukuejo Camp is located 17 kilometres away from Anderson Gate in the southern part of Etosha National Park. It is the administrative centre of Etosha. Witness the endangered black rhino and numerous other wild residents at the waterhole as you camp and drive around Okaukuejo Camp.
Amenities: En-suite rooms, swimming pool, petrol station, restaurant and bar, conference facilities and tourist shop.
Price: From USD 85
Halali Camp is located between the Namutoni Camp and Okaukuejo Camp, close to some of the popular water holes of Etosha National Park. A symbol of the end of Namibia’s game-hunting culture and the rise of eco-tourism
Amenities: En-suite rooms, Etosha’s largest swimming pool, restaurant and bar, petrol station, tourist shop, and conference facilities
Price: From USD 63
Situated on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, Namutoni Camp lies near Fisher’s Pan and Von Lindequist Gate. The camp’s unique atmosphere comes from its location in an old German fort and is one of Etosha’s oldest camping areas.
Amenities: En-suite rooms, two restaurants and bars, a craft shop, swimming pool, viewing deck, and petrol station.
Price: From USD 83
The newest addition to Etosha National Park is the Olifantsrus Camp, which stands in the western section of the park 60 kilometres away from Galton Gate. Olifantsrus Camp offers the park’s first camping-only accommodation facilities and offers sights of rare species due to its remote location.
Amenities: information centre, camping, meals and drinks kiosk, communal kitchen, and ablution block facilities.
Price: From USD 23
Plan Your Visit to Etosha National Park
1. How to reach
Etosha National Park is located 435 kilometres/270 miles north of Windhoek, Namibia.
By Air: The nearest airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), which is 40 km away. You can drive down in a 4x4 vehicle or take a chartered fly-in trip to Etosha National Park.
By Car: Etosha is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Windhoek and a five-hour trip from Swakopmund.
2. Best time to visit
The best time to visit Etosha National Park is from May to October. These months mark the dry winter season of Namibia, when the animals of Etosha are concentrated around waterholes and the vegetation is low, which allows amazing viewing experiences.
Light woollens (if you plan to visit in the winters) and comfortable walking shoes
First aid kit with personal medicines
Food and water supplies
Sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm, and a hat
Swimwear and towels
Power bank and mobile charger
Torch and batteries
Binoculars
Basic vehicle spares for emergencies.
Consult your physician and keep your vaccinations up to date before your visit.
Use mosquito repellents and wear clothes that cover arms and legs to avoid the risk of malaria.
Sleep under mosquito nets and keep your tent closed at all times.
Wear sturdy shoes that cover your ankles to protect from snake bites.
Carry torches in the dark and watch and listen carefully for surrounding dangers.
Maintain a safe distance from wild animals to avoid untoward accidents and illnesses.
FAQ's
What activities can we do at Etosha National Park camps?
Activities at Etosha National Park camps range from relaxing at the luxurious spas and lounges of the camps to engaging with African wild animals during game drives. Relish delicious meals and taste the finest drinks at restaurants and bars, and play around at the waterholes and swimming pools. From guided night drives to camping under the stars, there’s something on offer for every tourist.
How many days do you need in Etosha National Park?
It is recommended that you stay at Etosha National Park for three to four days. While one can easily spend more time at the unique wildlife hub, four days on an average are enough to enjoy the essence of the camps and other highlights of Etosha. From numerous game viewing opportunities to experiencing different kinds of camp accommodation facilities, one can cover it all in this period.
What is the best time of the year to visit the Etosha National Park?
The best time of the year to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter months of May to October. In these months, the animals of Etosha are concentrated near waterholes and the vegetation is low, which ensures perfect viewing experiences.
What facilities will I get in the Etosha National Park camps?
Facilities at Etosha National Park camps include bedded accommodation, designated fenced camping sites, restaurants with bars, swimming pools, floodlit waterholes, en-suite accommodation, family rooms, private rooms, BBQ facilities, power points, and communal ablution facilities.
Which are the best places to visit in Etosha National Park?
The best places to visit in Etosha National Park include Etosha Pan, Okaukuejo Waterhole, Ongava Private Game Reserve, Onguma Private Game Reserve, the massive Etosha Pan, Fairy Tale Forest and many more exciting locations within the park.