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Etosha National Park

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Landmark
—°2
Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Weather…

Etosha National Park is one of the world's most unique wildlife destinations, characterized by the vast Etosha Pan, which is visible even from space. This salt pan, covering nearly a quarter of the park, provides a shimmering white backdrop to some of the best game viewing in Africa. During the dry season, wildlife congregates in massive numbers around the permanent waterholes, allowing visitors to see lions, elephants, and rhinos with ease. The park's landscape varies from dense mopane woodland to open grasslands, supporting a rich diversity of life. Etosha is famous for being self-drive friendly, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace on a well-maintained network of gravel roads. Lodges within the park often feature floodlit waterholes for night viewing, providing a thrilling nocturnal safari experience. Dining here typically involves traditional South African and Namibian influences, with a focus on high-quality local meats. Entrance gates are located on the southern and eastern borders, making it accessible from Windhoek. The best time to visit for wildlife photography is the dry winter (May to October). The wet summer season brings lush greenery and a surge in birdlife, offering a completely different but equally beautiful perspective of this ancient wilderness.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272626242118172125282828
Rain mm9599702110002143860

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Etosha National Park is open for self-drive safaris and guided tours; visitors can explore in their own vehicle.
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Typical hours
Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset; exact times vary throughout the year.
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Photography
Photography is encouraged; no restrictions on standard cameras, but drones require permits.
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Time needed
A minimum stay of two nights is recommended to explore the main waterholes and diverse wildlife.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, or Damaraland for a complete Namibia experience.
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Getting there
The park has several gates; the main access points are Okaukuejo in the south and Namutoni in the east.
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Insider tip
Arrive at waterholes early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.78528, 16.26389

Facts

  • Area of over 22,000 km²
  • Salt pan covers 25% of the park
  • Established in 1907
  • Home to the 'Big Four' (excluding buffalo)
  • Significant sanctuary for black rhinos
  • Over 114 mammal species
  • Etosha means 'great white place'
  • Numerous floodlit waterholes for viewing

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Etosha PanEtosha Pan26 km · NExplore →
Etosha National ParkEtosha National Park40 km · SExplore →
Okaukuejo Water TowerOkaukuejo Water Tower57 km · SWExplore →
Fort NamutoniFort Namutoni75 km · NExplore →
Nakambale MuseumNakambale Museum98 km · EExplore →
Otjikoto Gold MineOtjikoto Gold Mine116 km · NExplore →
OngwedivaOngwediva121 km · SEExplore →
Guinas LakeGuinas Lake123 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Etosha National Park (2)

Owambo Basin📍 landmark

The Owambo Basin is a geological depression in northern Namibia, filled with ancient sediments.

Etosha Pan📍 landmark

Etosha Pan is a vast, dry salt pan in northern Namibia, occasionally holding water.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Etosha National Park: where is it located?
Etosha National Park is located in Namibia.
Etosha National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Owambo Basin, Etosha Pan.
Etosha National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Etosha National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Etosha National Park is one of the world's most unique wildlife destinations, characterized by the vast Etosha Pan, which is visible even from space.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Oshakati — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Oshakati
The largest commercial center in northern Namibia, acting as an economic engine for the region.
Ondangwa — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Ondangwa
A significant trade and administrative center in the north, featuring an important regional airport.
Ongwediva — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Ongwediva
A rapidly growing town renowned for hosting the annual Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.

History & landmarks

Okaukuejo Water Tower — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Okaukuejo Water Tower
A distinctive stone water tower in the Okaukuejo camp in Etosha National Park, serving as a viewpoint over the famous waterhole.

Nature

🗺️
Etosha Pan
A vast salt pan in Etosha National Park.

More places

🗺️
Nakambale Museum
The former house of Finnish missionary Martti Rautanen in northern Namibia, which today showcases the history of the Ndonga culture and m…
Etosha National Park — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Etosha National Park
One of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in Namibia.
Fort Namutoni — Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Fort Namutoni
A whitewashed fort on the edge of the Etosha Pan, once a German police post and now a rest camp.