Destinations / Namibia / Etosha
Etosha
Namibia's Great Waterhole Safari
At the heart of Etosha National Park lies a vast salt pan so bright it can be seen from space. Around its edge, a chain of waterholes draws elephants, lions, black rhino and great herds of plains game, creating some of Africa's most rewarding and photogenic wildlife viewing.
The Great Salt Pan & Beyond
The Great White Pan
The Etosha Pan covers around 1,850 square miles (4,800 km²), a shimmering expanse that occasionally fills with water and flamingos after good rains.
Waterhole Safaris
In the dry season, wildlife converges on the waterholes, offering extraordinary sightings of elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra and springbok, often all at once.
Black Rhino Stronghold
Etosha and its surrounding private reserves protect important populations of black and white rhino, with excellent chances of seeing them, even after dark.
Unforgettable Experiences
Great herds, golden light and rewarding patience.
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Waterhole Game Drives
Wait at waterholes such as Okaukuejo and Halali as elephants, lions and rhino come down to drink.
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Rhino Tracking
Track black and white rhino on foot in the private reserves on Etosha's borders.
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Floodlit Waterholes
Watch rhino and lions drink after dark from the comfort of your lodge.
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Night Drives
Search for nocturnal wildlife in the private reserves bordering the park.
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Photographic Hides
Capture wildlife at eye level from a hide beside the water.
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Guided Walks
Discover tracks, birds and smaller creatures with a naturalist.
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Birding
Spot flamingos on the pan after good rains, plus kori bustards and raptors year-round.
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Bush Dinners & Sundowners
Enjoy sundowners of dine beneath the stars on the edge of the wilderness.
When to visit
Etosha's wildlife follows the water.
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The dry season concentrates wildlife around the waterholes, offering the best game viewing. September and October are the hottest and most rewarding months.
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The rains turn the plains green and bring newborn animals, migrant birds and dramatic skies. Wildlife disperses, but the landscape is at its most beautiful.
Premier Stays
Private reserves on the park's boundary, with exclusive access to the action.
Private Reserve Lodges
Luxury lodges in private reserves bordering the park, with night drives, rhino tracking and walking.
Exclusive Use Villas
Your own private villa with dedicated guide, vehicle, chef and staff.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Sossusvlei
Contrast wildlife and waterholes with the towering red dunes of the Namib.
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Damaraland
Continue north to ancient rock art and desert-adapted elephants and rhino.
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Victoria Falls
Witness the thundering spectacle of one of the world's greatest waterfalls, just a short flight away.
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Cape Town
End among mountains, vineyards and the Atlantic, in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
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Okavango Delta
Contrast the desert with Botswana's water wilderness for a classic desert-and-delta journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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May to October, when wildlife gathers at the waterholes. The green season offers newborn animals, birdlife and lush scenery.
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Etosha is home to elephant, lion, leopard and rhino, but not buffalo. Its waterholes offer some of Africa's best rhino viewing.
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Fly by light aircraft from Windhoek to an airstrip near your lodge, or drive in around five hours.
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Etosha has a seasonal malaria risk, mainly during the rains from November to April. We recommend speaking to your doctor before you travel.
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Yes. Waterhole viewing is easy and rewarding for all ages, and many lodges welcome children.
