Welcome to part 2 of our Etosha National Park series which provides you with game viewing tips. A visit to Etosha will likely be the highlight of your safari to Namibia so this article is going to be covering game viewing, how to get the most out of your trip, and the park’s rules and regulations.

Located in northern Namibia, 5 hours drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is home to nearly 114 mammal and 340 bird species. You can see cheetahs, jackals, giraffes, zebras, springbok, hyenas, wildebeest & kudu, and four of the big five (Buffalo are not found in Etosha). There are also 16 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles, and even one species of fish, increasing up to 49 species of fish during floods! The best time of the year to visit Etosha is from May to October…it is generally more relaxed, and animals are far more likely to be seen at the waterholes as the park is dry due to it not having rained for several months.

What Wildlife Will You See:

Here is a guide of some of the animals you will probably get to see when game viewing in Etosha, provided you go at the right time of year and are patient:

• Elephants – Said to be the home to the tallest elephants in Africa, Etosha’s elephants reach up to 4 meters tall at the shoulder. Up to about 2300 elephants ( based on a 2018 census) roam the park and have flourished in this environment. Sometimes referred to as the ‘’white ghosts of Etosha’ these elephants cover themselves in the white clay dust. The entire elephant appears white, and seeing these giant ‘ghost-like’ pachyderms is quite a sight.
• Lions – As of the end of 2023 it was estimated that about 450 lions live in Etosha. This population has remained relatively stable over the past two decades, with estimates ranging between 400 and 450 lions. A 2018 survey estimated around 335 lions within the park, but more recent data suggest the population has recovered and maintained higher numbers (source nce.org and the Eis). Etosha’s lions are crucial for conservation efforts, as the park is recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a critical landscape for global lion conservation. The park’s lions also play a vital role in maintaining genetic diversity, as they connect with populations in neighboring regions, such as the Kunene and Skeleton Coast areas.

• Leopards – While leopards tend to hide out in dense brush whenever they can, they can be spotted at Etosha. The chances of spotting them are higher at night as they are nocturnal predators.
• Rhinos—Etosha has a healthy population of black rhinos. While white rhinos have been reintroduced, they are rarely seen. If you are lucky, you may spot them at certain watering holes.
• Etosha is home to at least 10 different species of antelope (known as buck in Namibia). This includes springbok, black-faced impala, kudu, eland, gemsbok (oryx), red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, steenbok, Damara dik-dik, and common duiker.
• Etosha is home to about 340 species of bird making it a popular destination for birders.
• Cheetahs in Etosha are most commonly found in the grassland and savanna areas, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the park, where open spaces make it easier for them to hunt.
• Hyenas: two species of hyena are found in Etosha: the spotted hyena and the brown (or striped) hyena. The spotted hyena is much more common and frequently seen around waterholes and during game drives.
• Giraffes: Giraffes are a common and iconic sight in Etosha National Park. They are often seen in small groups and are surprisingly well-camouflaged despite their size.
• There are many more smaller animals to be seen with a total of 114 different mammal species to be seen.

There are over 40 watering holes scattered across Etosha. The majority of the waterholes are located on the southern fringes near the rest camps. These waterholes comprise of both natural springs and man-made boreholes. These waterholes are strategically located throughout the park, particularly around the perimeter of the Etosha Pan, and are vital for wildlife, especially during the dry season.

It is best to simply locate one of the many watering holes and wait for the wildlife to come to you. Bear in mind, though, that if you are not the only vehicle “lying in wait” to see what comes by, the wildlife may be tempted to find a different watering hole if it is too crowded.

Guides and park staff can advise you on the best places to go, and you will surely hear plenty of stories from fellow guests. Make the most out of the watering holes by bearing the following in mind:

• Get a map of Etosha. This will help you locate the various waterholes and find out how to get there.
• Take a pair of binoculars if possible.
• Slow down if you see other cars that have stopped on the side of the road. There is a good chance that they have spotted some wildlife, and you can share in their sighting.
• Peak drinking times are usually early mornings and late afternoons/early evenings. If you view the game in the early morning, you can see some of the nocturnal animals that come to drink water after a night of hunting, including Bat-eared foxes and Aardwolves.
• The rest of the camps in Etosha all have animal sighting books…take a look at what was spotted and where before heading out on your game drive in Etosha.
• Night-time game drives can be exhilarating in Etosha, where you may see nocturnal animals such as honey badgers, bush babies, leopards, and porcupines. Please note that if you want to do a night game drive, you must do it with the parks in their vehicles. You may not drive around Etosha at night on your own.
• It is good etiquette to remain silent around waterholes.

• • Monitor the game’s behaviour. Giraffes, with their height advantage, will often spot a lion first. Antelopes will also give away the presence of lions or other big cats lurking nearby.
  • Keep an eye on the landscape around the waterhole for animals approaching to drink.
  • Keep a look out under trees. Many animals seek shade from the hot Namibian sun, and wildlife can often be spotted resting under a tree. Lions also often laze around under trees.
  • Vultures circling above indicate a kill.
  • Never get out of your car whilst in the park.
  • Don’t feed or interact with any of the animals from your car. Remember at all times that these are wild animals.
  • Drive slowly. It is very easy to miss games as they often blend in so well with their natural surroundings. You have a much better chance of spotting games while driving at a slower speed.
  • Relax and take your time. A few hours spent sitting quietly will give you more chance of seeing wildlife than hours driving around.
  • It is better to visit Etosha in an off-road vehicle, although it is possible to drive in Etosha in a smaller city-type vehicle. A 4×4 is not required, though, and the gravel roads in Etosha are generally well-maintained.If you’re planning a self-drive trip, be sure to check our selection of trusted Namibia car rental companies to find a vehicle suited for Etosha’s terrain.
  • Drones are not permitted in the park.
  • There are several rules and regulations for your safety, so make sure you stick to them.
  
  

  Self-drive or Guided Etosha Tour: 

  When visiting Etosha one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to embark on a guided Etosha tour or on your own self-drive safari . A self-drive safari in Etosha offers freedom, flexibility, and a sense of adventure, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace with well-maintained roads and clearly marked routes. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy independent travel and want to spend as much time as they like at each waterhole. However, the downside is that you’ll need to navigate the park yourself, spot animals without help, and adhere strictly to park rules and gate times.

  On the other hand, a guided safari provides the benefit of expert knowledge—professional guides know the best spots for wildlife sightings, understand animal behaviour, and can share fascinating facts about Etosha’s ecosystem. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or those looking for a stress-free experience, but guided tours may follow fixed schedules and be more expensive. Both options offer incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park, and the best choice depends on your budget, experience level, and travel preferences.

  

  Parting thoughts:

  Patience pays off with a bit of luck. There isn’t a “best waterhole”, as this changes almost hourly. Don’t focus on the big four – there is so much more to Etosha. Drive slowly and wait at waterholes. Find a good spot and turn off the engine. There is much to be seen if you wait. Etosha has it all!

  There are many options to choose from as far as your accommodation in and around Etosha National Park is concerned. There is a wide choice of Etosha accommodation from camping sites to luxury lodges. Camping and lodging is available inside of Etosha National Park as well as outside of the Park. The advantage of staying inside of Etosha is that you do not have to exit the park at sunset and can sit at the waterholes to view the wildlife. If you are staying at Okaukuejo or Namutoni (a National Monument) you are able to find out more about the history of Etosha National Park and what role these old forts played in the development of Etosha. If your accommodation is outside of the park try to stay relatively close to the gates of Etosha so that entry is relatively quick and that you don’t have to spend too much driving to get to Etosha.

  Make sure you read part 1 of our Etosha National Park Tips – When to go, how to get there and what to  pack.