Reasons why Etosha National Park ticks all the right safari boxes

Namibia is home to an incredibly diverse range of safari destinations and national parks, meaning that it can be hard to settle on the best areas to visit when planning your dream African safari adventure.

From epic Damaraland to Walvis Bay on the west coast, wherever you decide to visit you will be greeted by stunning landscapes and the chance to view a whole host of magnificent birds and game up close.

Although there are plenty of Namibian destinations that you simply must-see, no safari tour to this incredible Southwest African would be complete without taking a trip to the iconic Etosha National Park.

With its glorious mixture of wildlife, luxury accommodation and fun activities to enjoy, in this post we’ll provide a brief guide to Etosha National Park as we try and decipher why it’s such a popular location amongst travellers from all over the world.

An Introduction to Etosha National Park

Spanning a vast area of 130km from east to west, and over 67km from north to south, the epic Etosha National Park sprawls out across an area of more than 5,000 sq km.

Dry, desolate, and lacking vegetation for most of the year, Etosha National Park- which encompasses the huge Etosha Pan- boasts stunning landscapes that shimmer in the high-noon sun.

Although you may think that the arid conditions aren’t conducive to animal populations, Etosha is famed for its wildlife, and each year thousands of groups, families, couples, and solo travellers are drawn to the region for this very reason.

In total, over 110 species of mammal have been noted to roam Etosha National Park, including 4 of Africa’s famed ‘big five’ (these include elephant, lion, leopard and the black rhino). You’ll also find an abundance of other majestic animals to marvel at, including the black-backed jackal, the spotted hyena, the honey badger and various species of antelope.

For birding enthusiasts, a trip to Etosha is a dream come true. Have your binoculars and camera at the ready as you look out for the hooded and cape vulture, tawny and martial eagles, goshawks, red-necked falcons and Dune larks, which are native to Namibia and are known to frequent the park.

If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit, it’s undoubtedly the dry season which included the months May through to October. The lack of precipitation means that animals gather around the remaining waterholes, providing the perfect game-viewing opportunity. 

It’s also worth noting that July and August tend to be the busiest months so if you’re thinking of booking one of the many popular Namibia guided safari tours, or if you’re embarking on a self-drive safari, you may encounter more tourists.

Where to stay in Etosha National Park

Etosha is home to a plethora of wonderful accommodation options that cater for all different tastes and budgets.

The park’s oldest and most famous camp is Okaukuejo, which is located right in the heart of the park, just 17km from the southern entrance gate. In recent years the accommodation here has been heavily revamped and today the camp boasts a huge range of intimate bungalows, a gorgeous restaurant, a swimming pool and even a shop.

For a taste of luxury, or if you’re thinking of booking a honeymoon to Namibia, then head to Onguma the Fort or Ongava Lodge; two of the highest rated luxury accommodation options in the area.

Both these sites feature plush amenities, including elegantly styled rooms, as well as gorgeous private viewing areas that look out across the majestic Etosha pan.

Our verdict

No trip to Namibia would be complete without exploring the incredible Etosha National Park: a visit to this area will create memories that last a lifetime.

As well as kicking back in your luxury digs, be sure to sample some of the local delicacies and say hello to the friendly locals. If you’re from Europe or the US don’t worry about the language barrier; many of the natives speak English and most want to ensure that you have the best time possible!