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Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with Africa’s most famous animals while embarking on the adventure of a lifetime? Welcome to “The Great White Place”, also known as Etosha National Park, where this dream can come true. But which animals can you see in Etosha, and what makes the park’s wildlife so unique?
Etosha National Park is located in north-western Namibia, and one of Africa’s largest and most famous safari destinations, covering an area of 22,270 km². Going on a safari in Etosha is an experience like no other. Etosha’s landscape is truly unique, mainly because of the Etosha Pan, which is a 4,800 km² vast salt pan creating an otherworldly landscape.
The vastness of Etosha will give you a sense of endless possibilities, while you can embrace solitude and let your mind wander to distant places. Then suddenly an elephant crosses your path, and you realise that no matter what, you’re never alone and always surrounded by the magic of nature.
Besides elephants, you can expect to encounter other iconic African wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, including the rare and endangered black rhino, which is frequently spotted in Etosha National Park. Predators like leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as a diverse range of antelope such as oryx, springbok, and kudu, also roam the park. Another highlight is the variety of birds you can observe in Etosha.
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Which are the most common animals you can see in Etosha?
On your safari, you will discover which animals in Etosha are frequently spotted. From elephant to giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of antelope including springbok, oryx, kudu and impala – the list goes on.
The most common predator in Etosha National Park is the lion, which is most active just after dusk or in the early hours of the morning. Leopard and cheetah are harder to spot, but both are present in the park.
No animal is like the other. For example, there are two different species of zebra living in Etosha National Park: the common plains zebra and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, the latter of which is by far the rarer of the two. The Hartmann’s mountain zebra has adapted to survive in rocky and mountainous areas, and it is regularly sighted in the western Etosha.
If you are a bird enthusiast, you can look forward to 340 species of birds during your visit of Etosha National Park. A third of these species are migratory, and the most popular is probably the European Bee-eater. The 35 species of birds of prey include several species of vultures and eight species of owls. Larger birds found in the park include the ostrich and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard.
No matter which animals in Etosha you’re hoping to see, this park offers an extraordinary safari experience.
Can you see the Big Five in Etosha National Park?
On a safari in Etosha National Park, you can see four of the famous “Big Five”: elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. The only animal of the Big Five not to be found in Etosha is the buffalo.
But that does not mean you can’t see them in Namibia. If you want to see the buffalo up close, you can combine your Etosha safari with a visit to the Zambezi region in north-east Namibia, where they can be found.
As for the Big Five in Etosha, you will have very good of chances to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and with some luck even a leopard. Elephants are often spotted at waterholes, and their ghostly appearance, coated in Etosha’s white dust, gives them the nickname ‘Ghosts of Etosha.’ Lions are frequently found lounging in the shade of the park’s sparse trees, and rhino sightings, especially of the rare black rhino, are quite common. Leopards, however, are more elusive, making sightings of them a rare and special experience.
When is the best time to go on safari in Etosha?
The good news is that you can go on a safari in Etosha National Park all year round. The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for spotting which animals in Etosha visit the waterholes. During this period, elephants, zebras, and predators gather around the water sources, making it easier to see the most sought-after wildlife.
The green season, from November to April, can also be special, as the park presents itself at its most beautiful during this time. The animals look their happiest and plumpest during the green season. The green season is a great time for photographers as the sky is clear and dust-free, providing the perfect light to capture unforgettable moments. However, due to more dense vegetation and ample water sources, it is harder to see wildlife.
If it is your first time to visit Etosha National Park, we recommend visiting during the dry season from May to October.
Two of our favourite tours with a stop in Etosha:
Fascinating Namibia
Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 63,000 NAD person sharing a double room
Namibia Highlights
Places Windhoek, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 31,200 NAD person sharing a double room
Where are the best places to see wildlife in Etosha National Park?
The best places to observe animals in Etosha National Park are the numerous waterholes, where animals gather throughout the year. Waterholes are where you will find out which animals in Etosha are active throughout the day. If you are patient, you will be rewarded with unforgettable sightings, especially in the early morning hours and late afternoon. Some of the waterholes are floodlit, which means you can see your favorite game even at night – a truly unique experience.
These water sources, usually a mix of natural springs and man-made boreholes, attract a wide variety of animals. It is not uncommon to see elephant, zebra and antelope sharing a waterhole with lions or other predators while birds circle overhead.
So be on the lookout for interesting and sometimes dramatic, wildlife interactions. Some of the best-known waterholes are Nebrownii, Okaukuejo, Rietfontein, Goas, Kalkheuwel and Namutoni. They provide excellent opportunities to witness dramatic interactions between the animals of Etosha.
But there are also other areas in Etosha National Park where you get the chance to spot your favorite wildlife. For example, during the rainy season, the Etosha Pan fills up with water, attracting flamingos and other migratory birds, which are beautiful to watch.
The open plains of the park are home to herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok, while the more forested areas in the eastern and western regions are the ideal ground for predators such as leopard.
In the less-visited western part of Etosha, you can enjoy a more exclusive and peaceful wildlife viewing experience. Sightings of the rare black rhino and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are possible here.
Practical tips for visiting Etosha National Park in Namibia
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Etosha National Park to help ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible. Here are our top tips:
Where to stay in and around Etosha National Park
Etosha offers several accommodation options within the park, including campsites and lodges. There are only a hand-full of camps within the boundaries of the national park. Most accommodations are just outside the park. The camps and lodges just outside are often more charming and personal. The accommodations inside the natiaonal park have the added benefit of flood-lit waterholes at night. Here, you can observe animals coming to drink after dark.
Some of our guests’ favourite accommodations include Ongava Lodge, Onguma The Fort, Hobatere Lodge, Okonjima Plains Camp, Onguma Bush Camp, Etosha Safari Camp, and Mushara Bush Camp. These are just a few examples, with many other options available to suit your preferences.
These camps offer a range of amenities such as restaurants, pools, and fuel stations. What makes them particularly attractive is their proximity to key waterholes, giving you the chance to observe wildlife right from the comfort of the camp. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, as they fill up quickly.
Self-drive vs. guided tours
Etosha is a fantastic park for self-drive safaris, with well-maintained gravel roads and clear signage. If you are planning to drive yourself, a 4×4 vehicle is not always necessary, but it is recommended as it is more comfortable on some of the rough roads. Make sure you carry plenty of water, fuel, and snacks, as distances between rest camps can be long, and services are limited outside the main camps.
If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, we have great guided tours that you can be part of like Namibia Explorer, Namibia`s Wild Side and Fascinating Namibia. These tours are led by our experienced guides who know the best spots for game viewing and will give you with valuable insights into the animals and park`s ecosystem.
Packing the essentials
When you decide to go on safari with us, you will receive a range of helpful advice, including a packing list to help you prepare for your safari. Here are some general tips:
- Choose clothing with long sleeves and long pants to protect you from the sun and insect bites.
- Avoid clothing in bright colours, as well as camouflage, dark blue and black.
- Pack warm layers to wear during the morning game drives.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection from the sun.
- Pack closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire in the evenings.
- Bring a swimsuit if your accommodation has a swimming pool.
- Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.
Park rules and safety
Etosha has strict park rules to ensure both visitor safety and the protection of wildlife. Speed limits are usually set at 60 km/h. However, this is strictly the maximum speed, and we recommend driving much slower on game drives to ensure the animals’ and your own safety. When driving slower, you also have a better chance of spotting wildlife. Remember that animals always have right of way on the roads.
It is important to stick to the designated roads to avoid damaging the environment or disturbing wildlife. Never get out of your vehicle except in designated areas, and always keep a respectful distance from animals, especially larger ones such as elephants and rhinos, which can be unpredictable. Night drives are not permitted, but some camps offer the rare chance to observe nocturnal wildlife at their floodlit waterholes.
Gate times and permits
The park’s gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, so plan your game drives accordingly. Arriving at the gates early will give you the best chance to see wildlife at its most active. Before entering the park, make sure to get a permit, which can be purchased at the entrance gates or at the park offices within the camps. You need to carry this permit with you during your visit.
If you book a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about any of the above. Our experienced guides will drive the safari vehicle and carefully navigate wildlife sightings. They also keep track of time and ensure you follow all park rules. You can sit back and enjoy the experience.
Now that you know which animals Etosha is famous for, it is time to plan your adventure and experience Namibia’s natural wonders firsthand. Whatever you decide on when it comes to planning your Etosha safari, we at Namibia-Experience are here to guide you along the way. Make sure to contact us today to find out more.
