‘Etosha’ means ‘the great white place’ and refers to the immense salt pan that lies in northern Namibia. Clocking in at 4 730km² / 2 939mi², it is the largest in Africa and one of the biggest in the world. While most visitors skirt the perimeter in vehicles, it is worth stopping at a designated point and walking within a permitted area to get a sense of the sheer size, brightness and quietness of the pan. The pure whiteness of the ground merging with the clear blue sky and forceful heat is an experience not to be forgotten.

Despite being dominated by the pan, the Greater Etosha area is a wildlife paradise. Many private reserves are within easy distance of Etosha National Park, allowing safari lovers to enjoy exclusive game viewing and the excitement of the pan. This is a semi-desert landscape where lion, elephant, rhino and cheetah thrive. Wild dogs and leopard are spotted occasionally but buffalo are not present (meaning it is a Big 4 area). The Okaukuejo waterhole in the park is famous for attracting hundreds of plains game at a time with springbok, eland, oryx, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and more all coming down to drink every day.

In addition to a surprising amount of wildlife for such an arid area, Etosha dazzles by night as much as it does during the day. The night skies here are almost free of light and air pollution making for stars that take your breath away. Etosha National Park and the surrounding private reserves offer unusual sightings, few crowds and a good variety accommodation from very comfortable to understated luxury. Please note that activities like nature walks, night drives, off-roading and rhino tracking are only permitted in the private reserves at the operators’ discretion.

Meet our devoted team of travel specialists who are fervent about delivering the quintessential Etosha experience. Every member has delved into the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the Greater Etosha area, equipping them with unmatched firsthand insights. Their deep grasp of the Etosha’s allure allows them to sculpt a journey that resonates seamlessly with your aspirations.