Cape Archives Tours | Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park: Namibia’s Wildlife Haven

Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier safari destination, spans 22,270 km2 and is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs. The vast Etosha Pan attracts animals to its waterholes, offering incredible sightings. With excellent roads and camps, it’s perfect for self-drive safaris and guided game drives.

Highlights

Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, famous for its vast salt pan and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Big Four—elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos—along with cheetahs, giraffes, and large herds of springbok and zebras. Its numerous waterholes, such as Okaukuejo and Halali, offer excellent game-viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season (May–October). The Etosha Pan, a massive white salt flat, creates a surreal landscape and attracts flamingos during the wet season. Self-drive safaris are popular, with well-maintained roads and campsites, while guided game drives provide expert insights. The park’s diverse habitats support over 340 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Etosha’s stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife make it a must-visit safari destination.

Getting there

Etosha National Park is accessible by road and air. The nearest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, about 435 km away. From Windhoek, visitors can drive to the park in 4.5 to 6 hours via well-maintained roads. The main entrances are Anderson Gate (south), Von Lindequist Gate (east), and Galton Gate (west). A 4x4 is not necessary, as park roads are well-kept for self-drives. Domestic flights to Ondangwa, 200 km from the park, provide an alternative travel option. Many lodges outside the park offer transfers, and guided tours are available from Windhoek. Etosha’s accessibility, combined with its excellent road network, makes it an ideal self-drive safari destination while also catering to fly-in and guided tour visitors.

Etosha National Park key facts

Etosha National Park, spanning 22,270 km2 in northern Namibia, is famous for its vast salt pan and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs. With over 340 bird species, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. Best visited from May to October, it’s accessible via a 4.5–6 hour drive from Windhoek.

Location

Northern Namibia

Size

22,270 km²

Famous for

Etosha Pan, abundant wildlife

Wildlife

Elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, 340+ bird species

Activities

Self-drive safaris, guided game drives, birdwatching

Best time to visit

May–October

Accessibility

4.5–6 hour drive from Windhoek

Etosha National Park Weather

Best time to go

May - Oct

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry season, from May to October, when animals congregate around waterholes, providing excellent wildlife viewing. The weather is cooler, and game drives are most rewarding. The wet season (November–April) offers lush landscapes but fewer wildlife sightings.

January

30°c

February

29°c

March

28°c

April

26°c

May

23°c

June

21°c

July

21°c

August

24°c

September

27°c

October

29°c

November

30°c

December

31°c

Wildlife

Etosha National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes. The park’s waterholes attract large herds of zebras, springbok, and wildebeest. Over 340 bird species also inhabit the park, making it a haven for both big game and birdwatching enthusiasts.