Northern Namibia is dominated by the country’s top tourist attraction, Etosha National Park. Etosha is the highlight for most travellers visiting Namibia. Etosha is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, with a surface area of approximately 23,000 km². The name Etosha means ‘Great White Place’ and refers to the large salt pan found in the park, which is 4760 km2 and makes up a total of 23% of the total size of Etosha.  Entrance into the park is either through the Anderson Gate, accessible through Outjo or on the Eastern boundary through the von Lindequest Gate via the town of Tsumeb. Tourists can also access the Etosha National Park via the King Nehale Gate on the Northern boundary of Etosha. The Galton Gate was opened to the public in 2014, and visitors can now enter the western side of Etosha via this entrance. Getting a map of Etosha with all the waterholes is worthwhile if you are on a self-drive tour in Namibia. However, most of the surrounding lodges also offer game drives into the park.

There are many accommodation establishments around Etosha which are close enough to allow for day trips into the park. The accommodation on offer consists mainly of lodges, tented camps and camping. Travellers who want to stay inside the Etosha National Park can do so through one of the government facilities (Namibia Wildlife Resorts). The camps inside Etosha are Okaukuejo, Namutoni, Halali, Onkoshi, Dolomite and the Olifantsrus campsite.

114 Mammal species and well over 300 various bird species can be viewed on an Etosha Tour. Large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and leopards can be seen; however, hippopotamus and buffalo are not present in Etosha. Tourists can view the game in their natural habitat from one of the many waterholes throughout Etosha; however, they must always remain in their vehicles. Fuel is available inside the park. Day visitors to Etosha can enter at sunrise and must leave by sunset.

Travel Tip: Etosha is considered the highlight for most travellers to Namibia. It is recommended that you include Etosha in your Namibia travel itinerary towards the end of your safari or holiday in Namibia.

History of Etosha:

The first European explorers to record the existence of Etosha in May 1851 were Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton. Etosha was officially proclaimed as a game reserve in 1907. The original area was estimated to be 99500 km2 and stretched from the mouths of the Kunene River and Hoarusib River on the Skeleton Coast to Namutoni in the east. In 1958, the boundaries of the western side of Etosha were changed to exclude the area between the Kunene River and the Hoarusib River and instead include the area between the Hoanib River and the Uchab River, which reduced the size of the park to 55000 km2.

In 1963, due to the Odendaal Commission’s decision, Etosha National Park’s boundaries were further reduced to its current size.