Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
Guided tours
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

It's amazing how much you can see in one-day self-driving around Etosha National Park in the north of Namibia. You can freely drive through the park at your own pace, although make sure that you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, because it's all gravel tracks. It is possible to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, gazelles and more. If you are in the correct location, it's possible to get within a few meters of the animals, and it is a truly mesmerizing experience to watch them in their natural habitat. Even with the long drive from Windhoek to the north of Namibia, you will not regret the trip, even if you are only there for a short period. Even the drive up there is stunning with very little traffic. At times you'll drive 50 kilometers without seeing another vehicle. 

There are multiple entrances to the park. If you're approaching from Windhoek, the nearest one is the Okaukuejo entrance. Multiple camps and lodges exist inside the national park where you can stay and watch the animals around the floodlit waterholes. Book ahead to avoid disappointment! See the website for current opening times and park entrance fees. It's also possible to stay in campsites just outside the park, which is a slightly cheaper option. There are a number of different campsites in the 10 kilometres running up to the park. If you don't fancy driving yourself around, or you are concerned about being exposed to the wildlife on your own, some companies operate guided tours that will take you to the best viewing spots. In both cases, remember to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of life, and be patient! Sometimes you'll see a single giraffe in the distance, and at other times you might see a herd of 50 elephants crossing the road in front of you. Definitely a must for anyone visiting Namibia!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Pros

Freedom. Wildlife.

Cons

Long distances.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Wildlife
Flushing toilets
Big Game Watching
Guided tours

Location

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