Welcome to part 2 of our Etosha National Park series. Today, we are discussing 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 see the waterholes as the park is dry due to it not having rained at this time.

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 2000 elephants roam the park and have flourished in the desert environment. Often 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 – Up to 750 lions live in Etosha. The lions in western Etosha are the most ferocious in the park.
• 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.

There are over 80 watering holes scattered across Etosha. The majority of the waterholes are located on the southern fringes near the rest camps. 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 parks board 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.
• Several companies offer Etosha Tours & Safaris; these offer a guided experience in the park.
• Drones are not permitted in the park.

 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 several rules and regulations for your safety, so make sure you stick to them.

For accommodation in and around Etosha, look at our website.