HIGHLIGHTS
WHY VISIT
The incredible space and silence of Etosha Pan
A unique Big 5 setting with semi-desert-adapted wildlife
Ideal for self-drivers thanks to a good road network
FAMOUS FOR
‘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.
WHEN TO VISIT
Green Season: December to June
Seasonality in Greater Etosha depends more on heat than rain. Given that is a semi-desert area, occasional thunderstorms occur over the height of summer between about December and March. The rain triggers fresh grazing and refills waterholes, meaning the animals disperse somewhat. It is also hottest at this time of year. Etosha is popular over the regional December school holidays particularly over Christmas and New Year. This is not a malaria nor tsetse fly area.
High Season: July to November
July to September is generally the busiest time as regional school holidays and northern hemisphere vacations result in a lot of visitors. The weather is coolest with nights and mornings being very cold. A lack of water means animals tend to congregate around pumped waterholes, making for exciting panoramas of passing wildlife. By October, the heat is building again in preparation for summer downpours.
ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU
From watching a statuesque rhino at the waterhole to counting falling stars, Greater Etosha offers a unique safari. Browse our customisable itinerary ideas to visit The Great White Place.
ACCOMMODATION TO INSPIRE YOU
Here are our favourite Greater Etosha accommodation options to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation that surpasses the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION
Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable holiday grounded in tried-and-tested accommodation.
EXPLORE GREATER ETOSHA
OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR ETOSHA ITINERARY
Here are a few of our favourite destinations to add to your Etosha itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. Chat to one of our experienced Travel Consultants to build the ultimate itinerary, tailored just for you.
Add an exhilarating Kruger safari to your Cape Town holiday for an unbeatable blend of vibrant city life and thrilling wildlife encounters in one unforgettable South African journey
Enhance your Cape Town adventure with a visit to Victoria Falls, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring power of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, creating memories to last a lifetime
Complete your Cape Town getaway with an escape to Zambia, where you can embark on unforgettable walking safaris in pristine wilderness, immersing yourself in the heart of Africa’s untamed beauty