Plizio Visual Lab

Etosha National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of Africa's most significant wildlife sanctuaries, covering an area of over 22,270 square kilometers. The centerpiece of the park is the Etosha Pan, a vast, flat saline desert visible from space that only occasionally fills with water after exceptionally heavy rains. The park was established as early as 1907 by the German Governor Friedrich von Lindequist, making it the world's largest game reserve at the time. It is home to hundreds of animal species, including four of the 'Big Five' (excluding buffalo), the endangered black rhinoceros, and the endemic black-faced impala. Numerous natural and man-made waterholes along the southern edge of the pan provide excellent opportunities, especially during the dry season, to observe large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok. Etosha is a cornerstone of Namibian conservation efforts, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to experience the untouched wilderness and the pan's unique geological features.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	26	24	21	18	17	21	25	28	28	28
Rain mm	95	99	70	21	1	0	0	0	2	14	38	60

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing in Etosha. Animals then gather in large numbers at waterholes, offering spectacular sightings.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times at the waterholes. During the midday hours most animals are inactive and rest in the shade.

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Etiquette

Leaving your vehicle is only allowed at designated spots in the park. Do not feed any animals and stay on the roads to ensure everyone's safety.

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What to bring

Binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens are a must for watching animals at the waterholes. Bring plenty of water and a hat, as it can get very hot in the park.

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Getting there

Etosha National Park is in northern Namibia and reachable via main roads from Tsumeb or Outjo. The park roads are well-maintained and passable with a normal vehicle.

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What to expect

Even in peak season there can be quiet moments - enjoy the time at a waterhole and wait. Often animals arrive in waves, and suddenly there is a lot of activity.