A visit to Etosha National Park is the highlight for most travellers visiting Namibia. This iconic National Park draws tourists from all over the world and is one of the largest game parks on the African continent and offers fantastic game viewing opportunities. A wide range of Etosha accommodation options is available to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or prefer the comfort of a lodge, there is something for everyone within and around the park’s boundaries.
The main decision to make for travellers looking for Etosha accommodation is to decide whether they want to stay inside or outside of the park. The main advantage of staying inside Etosha Park is that you do not have to leave the Park at closing time. Visitors staying outside of Etosha can only enter when the gates open at sunrise and must exit at sunset. Make sure you do your research and have all your travel information and plan your Etosha stay carefully – it will be the highlight of your safari in Namibia.
Accommodation inside Etosha National Park
Camping in Etosha
Camping is a popular choice for many visitors to Etosha National Park. The park boasts several well-equipped campsites, including Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni. On the western side of Etosha campers can stay at Olifantsrus campsite. These campsites are managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts and allow visitors to stay close to nature and enjoy the park’s wildlife up close. Each campsite is equipped with basic amenities such as showers, toilets, and communal cooking areas, ensuring a comfortable stay despite the rugged setting.
Okaukuejo Camp, in particular, is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, offering visitors the unique opportunity to watch wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and lions, as they gather to drink, even at night. Halali Camp, centrally located, provides easy access to many of the park’s waterholes and is a favourite among bird watchers. Namutoni Camp, situated near the historical German fort, offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Lodges in Etosha
For those seeking more comfort and convenience, several lodges are available within Etosha National Park. These lodges are also run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. These lodges offer a luxurious way to experience the park, with amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, and on-site restaurants.
One of the most notable lodges is the Dolomite Camp, located in the less-visited western part of the park. This lodge offers stunning views over the plains and provides a sense of exclusivity with its limited number of chalets. The Onkoshi Camp, situated on the edge of the Etosha Pan, provides a more secluded experience and is ideal for visitors looking to escape the crowds.
Lodges like these often include guided game drives offering guests a chance to explore the park with knowledgeable guides. This can enhance the overall experience, providing insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife that might be missed otherwise.
Accommodation Outside Etosha National Park
While staying inside Etosha National Park offers convenience and immediate access to wildlife, accommodation options outside the park can provide a different, often more luxurious, experience. The areas surrounding the park are dotted with a variety of lodges and campsites that cater to different tastes and budgets.
Exploring the diverse types of accommodation outside Etosha National Park can significantly enhance your Namibian safari experience. The areas outside of Etosha offers a wide range of lodging options to suit different tastes and budgets, ensuring that every traveller finds the perfect place to stay.
When choosing a lodge to stay at it may be wise to consider your onward journey. If you are continuing towards the Kavango and Zambezi regions after visiting Etosha it would make sense to look for accommodation towards the eastern side of Etosha. Etosha is massive in size (over 22000 square km), and you don’t want to spend too much time driving around in your rented car.
Also consider distance…some lodges are located a fair distance from the gates of Etosha National Park. If you want to enter the park at sunrise to view game, then one would need to get up that much earlier in order to travel the distance to Etosha.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
For families visiting Etosha, there are several family-friendly lodges that cater specifically to the needs of parents and children. These lodges often feature spacious family suites, child-friendly dining options, and engaging activities designed to keep young ones entertained. Amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and guided wildlife tours ensure a memorable stay for the entire family.
Luxury Lodges
If you’re seeking a more opulent experience, the luxury lodges near Etosha provide an exquisite retreat. These high-end accommodations offer world-class services, including gourmet dining, private game drives, and well-appointed suites with panoramic views of the African landscape. Some luxury lodges even come with private plunge pools and spas, allowing guests to relax and unwind in complete serenity after a day of wildlife adventures.
Different Types of Lodges
The area surrounding Etosha National Park is home to a variety of lodge types, each offering unique experiences. Safari lodges are a popular choice, providing immersive wildlife encounters and guided tours led by experienced rangers. Eco-lodges, designed to have minimal impact on the environment, offer sustainable accommodation options for the environmentally conscious traveller. These lodges typically use solar power, water conservation practices, and locally sourced materials.
Another option is the traditional bush camps, which offer a more rustic and authentic African safari experience. These camps are usually less formal and provide a closer connection to nature, often with tented accommodations that allow guests to hear the sounds of the wild at night.
Camping Outside the Park
For those who enjoy the simplicity and adventure of camping, several campsites outside Etosha provide an excellent base for exploring the park. These sites often have fewer restrictions than those inside the park and can offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Some are located within private game reserves, offering more wildlife viewing opportunities. Campsites can vary quite a lot when it comes to amenities and facilities. Luxury camping generally includes access to electricity and your own private ablutions. You will probably have more privacy at the camping sites outside of Etosha. Many lodges offer access to their facilities to their campers so you can make use of their swimming pool and restaurant. Make sure you ask all the necessary questions before deciding to book your camping site.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the immersive experience of camping, the comfort of a lodge, or the convenience of staying just outside the park, Etosha National Park and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs.
