- Namibia
- 2,227,000 hectares (22,270 km²)
- 1907 (One of Africa's oldest reserves)
- Kunene, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa
- Home to the Big Four (no buffalo); world-renowned for Black Rhino sightings.
- Low–moderate risk; prophylaxis is recommended, especially in the wet season.
- ~18°56′S 15°54′E
- Fully fenced for conservation and disease control.
- Vast salt pan, saline desert, savanna woodlands (Mopane), and grasslands.
- for peak wildlife viewing at waterholes; for birding and seeing the pan fill with water.
Etosha, meaning "Great White Place," is dominated by a massive mineral pan that covers about 25% of the park. It is one of the most accessible and iconic safari destinations in Southern Africa, famous for its "theatre of the waterholes" where diverse species congregate in incredible numbers during the dry season.
- Andersson Gate (South), Von Lindequist Gate (East), Galton Gate (West), King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate (North).
- * ~5–6 hours drive from Windhoek.
- ~1 hour to the northern gate.
- Many luxury lodges on the park’s borders have private airstrips (e.g., Ongava, Mushara).
- Easily accessible via well-maintained tarred roads from Windhoek (B1 or C38).
- A network of well-maintained gravel roads; self-driving is highly popular and encouraged.
- A shimmering white salt crust visible from space; largely devoid of vegetation.
- The dominant tree species, providing essential cover and food for elephants.
- Open plains surrounding the pan, ideal for spotting cheetahs and large herds of grazers.
- Etosha is one of the last strongholds for this endangered species; sightings at floodlit waterholes (like Okaukuejo) are almost guaranteed.
- Known for being some of the largest in Africa, though their tusks are often short due to mineral deficiencies.
- The Black-faced Impala and Damara Dik-dik are unique to this region.
- Over 340 species, including the world’s largest bird (Ostrich) and the heaviest flying bird (Kori Bustard).
Sunny days, very cold nights
Animals are forced to congregate at permanent waterholes. Best visibility.
Hot, humid, afternoon storms
Lush and green. Exceptional birding (flamingos). Wildlife disperses into the bush.
- The most common way to explore; the park is designed for easy navigation in standard vehicles (though 2WD is fine, high clearance is better).
- A unique Etosha style—simply parking at a productive waterhole and waiting for the animals to come to you.
- High-end lodges located just outside the park gates offer private night drives and walking safaris not allowed inside the park.
Etosha is the ultimate destination for independent travelers. It offers some of the most dramatic and "easy" wildlife viewing in Africa, where you can watch a lion, a rhino, and an elephant drink from the same waterhole simultaneously.