What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Etosha National Park Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Etosha National Park Safari

A lone elephant stands at the edge of a shimmering salt pan, its silhouette etched against the backdrop of an endless sky. Like much of Namibia, Etosha National Park greets you with a dry, sandy embrace, typifying the harsh realities of desert life. Despite this, life thrives in the face of adversity, creating one of southern Africa’s finest safari destinations.

In the dry season, the waterholes of Etosha become a stage where nature’s great drama unfolds. Zebras and springboks quench their thirst as lions lurk in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Meanwhile, desert-adapted elephants drink their fill, wary that in Namibia, water is not promised.

When the rains come, the landscape transforms, and flocks of flamingos descend upon the vast pan, turning it into a pink-hued paradise. In Etosha, the beauty of the wild is both stark and spectacular, a reminder of nature’s raw and untamed power.

Why Etosha?

  • Unique Salt Pan Landscape: The vast, shimmering Etosha Pan provides a surreal backdrop to spectacular wildlife encounters.
  • Incredible Waterhole Sightings: Natural and artificial waterholes attract large herds of elephants, lions, rhinos, and antelope.
  • Self-Drive Safari Destination: One of the best parks in Africa for independent travellers, with well-maintained roads and infrastructure.
  • Rare & Endangered Species: Home to black rhinos, cheetahs, and the striking oryx.
  • Year-Round Game Viewing: Wildlife is visible in all seasons, with dry season sightings around waterholes being particularly rewarding.

Where to Go

Etosha National Park is divided into several distinct regions, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.

Central and Eastern Etosha

This is probably the best-known part of Etosha National Park; the expanse of land fringing the eastern and southern rim of the enormous depression is the ancient salt pan itself....

Discover More

Private Concessions in Etosha

It’s possible to combine the best of two worlds: Spend hours at some of Etosha’s most desirable waterholes, ticking off a Noah’s Ark-sized list of species – and then escape...

Discover More

Western Etosha

The western side of the Etosha National Park has its own character and appeal, plus the all-important wildlife encounters (although game is considered sparser). The only accommodations here, an NWR...

Discover More

When to Go

Etosha offers year-round safari experiences, with each season providing unique advantages.

Peak Season

Low Season

Shoulder Season

Experiences in Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park boasts a range of activities that cater to all interests. Game drives offer the chance to see the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife in their natural habitat.

Who is Travelling to Etosha with you?

Etosha caters to all types of travellers.

What You Need To Know

Planning a trip to Etosha National Park involves considering several important factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

African elephants that have become accustomed to the relentless cycles of drought in Etosha and map its water sources in their memories. From just 26 in 1954, their numbers have swelled to over 2,500. It was in Etosha that a study proved that elephant can communicate using infrasonic sounds; they literally ‘bounce’ these off a...


Etosha National Park Wildlife

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Devryn Panaino, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan

Etosha Safari Reviews

Hear from our guests who have experienced the wonders of Etosha National Park.

Premium price with ultra premium service

South African Honeymoon Review

Gabriel, United States
27 Apr 2025
We contacted Discover Africa Directly...

Southern Africa Safari Getaway Review

Alex Haege, Australia
31 Jan 2025
Excellent Safari advice and guidance

4 Day Authentic Kapama Safari Review

Rob, Jill, Anna & Chris, United Kingdom
28 Oct 2024
Adelle was EXCELLENT; detail oriented, 100% available for questions, and knowledgable!!!

Johannesburg and Sabi Sands Safari Review

Laurel, United States
29 Sep 2024
Awesome!!!!!!!!!

9 Day Tanzania Migration Safari Review

Shelley, United States
18 Sep 2024
Discover Africa's expertise is invaluable. Highly recommend.