Game drive in Etosha National Park

Venture into the Etosha National Park on game drives. The vast Park covers 22,270 km² and is home to a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles. Due to the arid nature of the park the game congregates round the waterholes to drink.

Area

Etosha

Type

Wildlife & Nature

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Young Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

Etosha National Park has been under protection since German colonial rule and has become one of the best known Game Reserves in Africa. There are said to be 114 mammal species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species, 340 bird species and even one species of fish. Great numbers of plain game such as zebra, kudu, oryx, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, impala and eland abound on the grasslands while elephants can also be seen in large herds. Lions dominate the predator food chain and have learnt to cunningly use the waterholes as hunting grounds, while smaller predators like the black-backed jackal trot about seemingly oblivious to the presence of humans.

Since every animal needs water there is constant coming and going at the waterholes, some it is well worth waiting by and watch the diversity of species moving in to drink, and watch the wildlife dramas unfold.

The 4,731 km² salt pan, the largest of its kind in Africa, is the centre piece of Etosha National Park. The pan’s shimmering white crust of salt crystals extends as far as the eye can see. In previous times this was a lake the size of Holland fed by several rivers, probably including the Kunene as well.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Epic Namibia

Step into adventure as you drive around Namibia’s legendary landscapes, escaping the ordinary for a trip peppered with experiences that break the mould. Explore the vast wildernesses with starkly barren panoramas; summit the world’s tallest dunes before taking to the water where seals frolic all around. Track elusive desert elephants across the arid mountains of Damaraland and wait for the perfect shot at Etosha’s iconic waterholes. Our handpicked lodges are Insta ready with remarkable views.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Etosha Mountain Lodge

Situated on the southwest border of Etosha National Park, this safari-chic lodge offers amazing game activities and spectacular views. Hidden away in the exclusive Etosha Heights Private Reserve, the lodge is both private and away from the crowds.

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Mushara Outpost

Mushara Outpost has just eight comfortable tented suites which are built on a raised wooden deck in a private reserve just outside Etosha National Park. The main area is in the style of a traditional farmhouse so has a homely atmosphere.

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Mushara Bush Camp

Mushara Bush Camp, on the Mushara Private Reserve at the edge of Etosha National Park, Namibia is a family-friendly lodge with just 16 en-suite tented rooms.

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Andersson's @ Ongava

Andersson's is an authentic safari camp in the Ongava Game Reserve. A rebuilt farmhouse and elevated tented rooms enjoy great views over a busy waterhole. Fantastic, wildlife, guiding and hosting make Andersson's a great option in northern Namibia.

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Mushara Lodge

Situated close to the eastern gate of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is a stylish property with 14 spacious cottages. Access into the park is easy, and self-drivers can explore on their own, or choose to take a full day's drive with your guide.

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Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. From its beautiful vantage point overlooking a waterhole and the plains beyond, enjoy a plethora of game that arrives to drink.

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Onguma The Fort

The Fort overlooks the sparseness of the Etosha Pans and is unlike any other lodge in Namibia.
It provides guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia, and easy access to Etosha National Park with its incredible wildlife.

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Onguma Bush Camp

Onguma Bush Camp is the most low-key of Onguma's four properties and offers simple acommodation in three bungalows, six twin rooms, one suite and two family rooms.

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Ongava Tented Camp

Tucked away at the foot of a dolomite hill in the Ongava Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park to the north, Ongava Tented Camp offers exclusivity, great company, delicious food and an original African wildlife experience without the crowds.

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