Experience Ethosha National Park
Overview
Located in the northern pocket of Namibia, Etosha National Park reigns supreme as Namibia’s top safari destination. Covering 8,598 square miles the park is famous for housing four of Africa’s Big 5, and for its isolated watering holes that attract animals in droves. The sheer number of animals that wander the floodplains of Estosha is staggering. Along the park’s dusty roads, giraffes move gracefully through the trees, oryx stand regally before the salt flats of the Etosha Pan, and dozens of zebra, springbok, impala and heartebeest dart off into the distant plains.
Etosha is a vital game reserve for the entire southern Africa region and is home to 114 mammals, 340 bird species, 110 different reptiles, and 16 species of amphibians. It is truly and unforgettable safari destination that will likely astound you by the quality and quantity of Estosha’s wildlife sightings.
Things to See and Do
The top reason to visit Etosha National Park is for the diverse concentration of wildlife in the area with the close second being its utter size and almost moon-like landscape. This is what makes Etosha so very different from other game reserves in Southern Africa.
Experience the landscape which is unique as the salt pan can be viewed from space. The park is covered in a scattering of trees but more commonly the Mope tree, a tree with bright green, butterfly-shaped leaves. The water holes of Etosha are the park's lifeline, sustaining its populations of elephants, rhino, lions, and more.
Take a Game Drive down the main track roads and waterholes. The park is absolutely packed with wildlife so if you want great game viewing experiences on your Etosha safari, there are plenty of great opportunities. Typically, the best time to see great wildlife will be at the waterholes. The best waterholes for great views of game in the middle of the day are Ozonjuitji m’Bari, Okaukuejo, Chudob, Groot Okevi, Ombika, Gemsbokvlakte, Charitsaub, Rietfontein and Sonderkop. You will not only see herds of antelope but giraffe, rhino and elephants are regular visitors too.
Lions are widespread throughout the park, but you need to catch them in the early morning, otherwise, they will just sit in the shade of a tree. Head for Groot Okevi, Rietfontein, Okondeka and along the road past Ozonjuitji m'Bari and Sonderkop to Dolomite Camp.
At Etosha, you can spot not only four of the big five (elephant, lion, rhion, and leopard) but you can also see around 114 mammals, 340 bird species, 16 amphibians/reptiles and even a type of fish! Most common animals spotted are lions, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, black rhonos, giraffes, dudus, oryx, hyena, impala, ostrich, springbok, and a huge variety of birds.
Leopards can be found around Halali and Goas, but searching in this area is a high-risk strategy as leopards are notoriously difficult to spot.
Cheetahs are in the wide open plains which are best found around Charitsaub, Gemsbokvlakte, Leeubron and on the road to Twee Palms. They hunt in the day, but like the cooler weather so morning and evening are ideal.
Black Rhino are great to spot by the waterholes, particularly Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni Camps that offer great nighttime viewing with floodlights. Okaukuejo is especially great to watch the steady parade that come and go into the wee hours of the night. Black rhino, lions, and hyena come and go and have regular stand-offs as animals scrap for water rights.
The waterholes make wildlife viewing in Etosha relatively predictable. Gravel roads link each of the park's main viewpoints and as such this is ideal for self-drive safaris. Most self-drive vacations will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether guided or not, you'll likely spend your days driving between each waterhole, parking, watching and waiting.
Places to Visit in Etosha
Okaukuejo: The Okaukuejo rest camp, the major attraction at Etosha National Park is also known to be the administrative center of Etosha. The waterhole adjacent to the rest camp makes it a famous spot for game drives and exploring the wildlife.
Etosha pan look out: The Etosha pan lookout is excellent to view the vast salt pan area and the shades of the tree all spreading its green tints over the white pan. The pan typically attracts flocks of flamingos, making it a famous attraction at the park.
Koinachas:Artesian fountain is a famous visit by the game in the area. With no floodlight or disturbance, the waterhole is perfect for game drives as here the water level is high throughout the year.
Namutoni Camp: This camp is one of the famous game lodges in the park that is built on the German fort with all the luxurious facilities and well-furnished accommodations. Being close to the waterholes, the camp is perfect for enjoying the game drive and spot animals from the fort.
Thirstland Trekkers: The memorial grave of JEM Alber, thirstland Trekkers stands as the attraction for visitors of Etosha. Explore the grave memorial that is the reminder of all those trekkers who arrived from the Transvaal and died here, struggling for a new life.
Halali Stone Memorial: The Halali stone memorial is built as a stone memorial for the six officials who died during the aircraft crash at the residential region of Halali. The tourist spot of Etosha National Park lies at the entrance of Halali rest camp that is famous for its game drives at halali waterhole.
Fairytale Forest: The Fairytale forest is one of the unique attractions in Etosha with the vegetation of Sprokiesboom. Etosha is the only plain region where you can spot these species that usually are found over the mountain slopes and the hilly region.
Namutoni Spring: The Namutoni spring is perfect for bird watching as the spring with its enchanting landscape is a niche for several bird species, supported by the dense reed bush. This artesian spring of Etosh is close to the Namutoni Rest Camp known to be the best lodge at Etosha.
Two Palms: The two palms are often referred to as the most beautiful attraction in the Etosha National Park because it is a retreat for photographers. Named after the two makalina palms growing beside the waterholes, the two palms waterhole attracts visitors for its scenic beauty and stunning sunsets here.