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.Â
From thrilling game drives to dramatic salt pan vistas and unforgettable sunsets, Etosha offers far more than just wildlife — explore the top things to do and must-see experiences that make every visit unique.
Top Things to Do in Etosha
Etosha National Park is more than just game drives — it’s a full safari experience filled with unforgettable moments. From watching wildlife at floodlit waterholes to exploring the vast Etosha Salt Pan, visitors are treated to some of the top things to do in Etosha that go beyond the usual. Don’t miss guided drives with expert rangers (or even a night game drive), sunset photography safaris, or even a night under the stars at remote camps. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer self-drive itinerary, our guide to the best Etosha experiences covers the must-see highlights that will make your trip truly memorable. Discover the top things to do in Etosha.
Etosha Game Viewing Tips:
Most tourists that plan to go on an Etosha Safari are doing so to see wildlife. A total of 114 Mammal species and approximately 340 various bird species can be viewed in Etosha ( ). Large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos (black and white), lions, cheetahs, and leopards can be seen. Etosha is renowned for having a healthy and growing population of black rhinos. It is considered one of the best places in the world to see these endangered animals. Hippopotamus and buffalo are not present in Etosha. To make the most of your Etosha experience we have compiled some game viewing tips for Etosha. Always remain in your vehicle when out viewing game, be aware of wildlife behaviour and drive slowly. Night time game safaris are also available but only via the park’s game drive vehicles and guides.
This information will inform you what game you are able to see and what to do to increase your chances of experiencing as much wildlife as possible. It will also assist you in deciding whether you should do your own Etosha self-drive safari or join a guided Etosha Tour.
If you want to experience another interesting attraction in Etosha then visit the “Fairy Tale Forest” (also known as Sprokieswoud in Afrikaans). It’s a unique area characterized by the presence of Moringa ovalifolia trees (also called “Fairy Tale Trees”). These trees are typically found on rocky hillsides, but in Etosha, they grow on a limestone plain, creating a surreal and enchanting landscape. The forest is located about 32 kilometers west of Okaukuejo and covers approximately one square kilometer.Â
Etosha Wildlife: Big Game & Ghost Elephants.
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s top wildlife safari destinations, known for its ghostly white elephants, big cats, rare antelope, and hundreds of bird species. Game viewing is especially rewarding around the park’s many waterholes, where diverse species gather during the dry season. Discover where and when to see the most animals, what makes Etosha’s wildlife so unique, and how to plan your sightings in our full Etosha Wildlife guide.
Best Waterholes in Etosha for Wildlife:
Etosha National Park is world-renowned for its natural and manmade waterholes, which act as wildlife magnets—especially during the dry season from May to October. Scattered across the park and easily accessible by vehicle, these waterholes are where elephants bathe, lions wait in ambush, and black rhinos appear under the cover of night. Some of the most rewarding viewing spots include Okaukuejo, Nebrownii, Goas, and Chudop, each offering different wildlife spectacles throughout the day. Don’t miss the floodlit waterholes at Okaukuejo and Halali, ideal for observing nocturnal animals in complete safety. For an in-depth guide, including the best waterholes to visit, when to go, and what animals to expect, read our Etosha Waterholes guide.
Etosha Travel Tips: When to Go & What to Pack
Make sure you are well organised for your visit to Etosha. We recommend spending 3 days there to get the most out of your experience. There are a few Etosha travel tips to assist you in planning how to get there, what to pack and when to visit 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 (closest town is Kamanjab). Getting a map of Etosha with all the waterholes is worthwhile if you are on a self-drive tour in Namibia. There are shops inside of Etosha but goods are limited. Prepare adequately and arrive well stocked to ensure you are comfortable. Also consider your onwards journey in terms of where you will be exiting the park to reach your next destination.
Etosha is a year round destination but game is easier to see during the dry months (May till October). The park is dry and the animals are forced to come to the waterholes. In the rainy season (November to April) the park turns green and the wildlife have many more options of getting water and don’t necessarily visit the main waterholes.
Etosha Accommodation: Inside or Outside the Park
There are many Etosha accommodation establishments in and around the National Park. Accommodation on offer consists mainly of lodges, tented camps and camping. Travellers who want to stay inside Etosha National Park can do so through one of the government facilities (Namibia Wildlife Resorts). The camps (lodges and camping) inside Etosha are Okaukuejo, Namutoni, Halali, Onkoshi, Dolomite and the Olifantsrus campsite. Okaukuejo’s floodlit waterhole is well known for excellent sightings and Namutoni’s historic German fort adds a point of interest to visitors. Halali is centrally located between Okaukuejo and Namutoni and is generally a quieter waterhole.
There are a wide range of accommodation options outside of Etosha. These range from exclusive and luxury lodges, mid-range lodges and campsites. Most of these lodges offer game drives into the Park but must exit by sunset whereas as tourists staying inside Etosha can stay at the waterholes as long as they want to. If planning on staying outside of the park try to stay close to one of the entrance gates. This way you wont have to spend too much time driving there and still have to get your permit before you can enter.
History of Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, has a rich and complex history that dates back to the early 20th century. Established in 1907 by the German colonial administration, it was originally known as Game Reserve No. 2 and covered a vast 100,000 square kilometres—much larger than its present size. The park was created to protect declining wildlife populations and was centered around the enormous Etosha Pan, a salt depression visible from space. One can find out more about the history of Etosha National Park as well as the forced relocation of the Hai//om people.
Over the years, political changes and land reallocations reduced the park to its current size of approximately 22,270 square kilometres. Etosha played a pivotal role in early conservation efforts in southern Africa, including the construction of military and research outposts like Okaukuejo, which remains a key visitor hub today. The park was officially designated as Etosha National Park in 1967. There is also a museum at Namutoni which can be visited by guests. It features exhibits of military artifacts, old photographs, maps, and information about the fort’s role in local history and the early days of Etosha as a protected area.
Today, it stands as a symbol of Namibia’s dedication to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting thousands of visitors each year who seek its iconic landscapes and diverse fauna.
