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Etosha National Park: Namibia's Wildlife Jewel

Discover Namibia's premier wildlife sanctuary, home to the vast Etosha Pan and abundant game, offering unforgettable safari experiences.

4.5

Etosha National Park, one of Africa's largest, is a premier wildlife destination in Namibia, famous for its vast salt pan visible from space. Proclaimed a game reserve in 1907, it teems with diverse species, especially around its numerous waterholes, offering unparalleled game-viewing opportunities.

A brief summary to Etosha National Park

  • Monday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 6:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (July-October) for optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife spotting and a good map for self-drive safaris.
  • Stay at camps with floodlit waterholes for exciting nighttime animal sightings.
  • Adhere to park rules: remain in your vehicle, observe speed limits, and avoid littering.
  • Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred choice.
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Getting There

  • Self-Drive

    Most visitors arrive at Etosha via self-drive from Windhoek or other Namibian cities. The roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained. Upon arrival at one of Etosha's four main gates (Andersson, Von Lindequist, Galton, or King Nehale Lya Mpingana), you'll need to pay the park entrance fees. As of July 2025, foreign adults pay NAD 150 per day, while vehicle fees for cars with up to 10 seats are NAD 50 per day. Remember that park gates open and close according to sunrise and sunset, and these times vary throughout the year. Ensure you know the gate closing time to avoid fines.

  • Organized Tour

    Many tour operators offer guided tours to Etosha National Park from Windhoek and other locations. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, park entrance fees, and game drives. Prices vary depending on the tour length, level of accommodation, and included activities. Expect to pay upwards of $1,200 USD for a 3-day accommodated safari. The tour operator will handle all logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy the wildlife viewing.

  • Shuttle

    A shuttle service is available from Windhoek to Etosha National Park. Quest Tours and Safaris operates a shuttle from Windhoek to Etosha National Park on demand. Tickets cost approximately $336 USD and the journey takes 9 hours. This option provides a direct transfer to the park, but is more expensive than self-driving.

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Discover more about Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, located in northwestern Namibia, is one of Africa's largest and most ecologically significant national parks. Its defining feature is the Etosha Pan, a colossal salt pan spanning 4,760 sq km, almost a quarter of the park's total area, and so large it can be seen from space. The name 'Etosha' translates to 'Great White Place' in the Ovambo language, a fitting description for this shimmering expanse. Proclaimed a game reserve in 1907, Etosha has a rich history, initially established under German South West Africa. Over the years, its boundaries have shifted, but its commitment to conservation has remained steadfast. The park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, and over 100 reptile species. Etosha is a crucial sanctuary for threatened and endangered species, most notably the black rhinoceros, holding one of the world's largest populations. Etosha's landscape is characterized by the vast salt pan, grasslands, and pockets of acacia and mopane woodlands. The park's unique ecosystem supports a high concentration of wildlife, especially during the dry winter months (July to October) when animals congregate around the numerous waterholes. These waterholes offer exceptional game-viewing opportunities, with visitors often witnessing lions, elephants, rhinos, and various antelope species gathering to drink. Several camps within the park, such as Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni, feature floodlit waterholes, allowing for nighttime wildlife observation. Beyond its wildlife, Etosha holds historical significance. The Hai||om San people were among the earliest residents, living nomadically within the area for centuries. The park also bears traces of German colonial history, with the Namutoni Camp built on the site of a former German fort. Today, Etosha National Park is a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe. It offers a range of accommodations, from campsites to luxury lodges, and provides opportunities for guided safaris and self-drive explorations.

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