Etosha National Park covers 22,270 km² in northern Namibia — one of Africa's great wildlife reserves, home to an estimated 500+ black rhino, 300-400 lion, ~2,500 elephant, and 340 bird species. Six rest camps operate inside the park (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni, Onkoshi, Olifantsrus, Dolomite) from NAD 510-3,180 per night. Daily entry is NAD 280 per international visitor. Five gates control access. This independent guide compares camps, routes, and seasons so you can plan a trip that matches your dates and budget.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s flagship safari destination, spanning 22,270 square kilometres of saline desert, savannah and mopane woodland. This independent planning hub helps you compare in-park lodges, gate timings and self-drive routes for an Etosha National Park itinerary that fits your dates, budget and travel style.
From the rest camps at Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni to the luxury lodges along the park boundary, every Etosha National Park stay places you within striking distance of the floodlit waterholes and the iconic Etosha Pan. Our team matches travellers to the right Etosha National Park camp combination for the season they are visiting.
If you're after a short three-day Etosha National Park introduction or a slower week-long photographic safari, the choices below cover the full park experience — including verified gate fees, wildlife guides and self-drive routes for Etosha National Park.
Five tools to plan every part of your Etosha trip.
Fees, distances, camp comparison, best-month quiz, and a wildlife probability calculator — all free, all built from on-the-ground Etosha data. View all tools →
Etosha National Park FAQs
What is the best time of year for wildlife in Etosha?
Dry season is usually the most consistent because animals concentrate at waterholes. Green season can still be excellent — quieter, scenic, and great for birds — with different movement patterns.
Can you self-drive safely in Etosha National Park?
Yes. Etosha is one of Africa’s best self-drive parks if you plan routes, drive patiently around waterholes, and follow park rules. If you prefer fewer decisions, guided trips remove the guesswork.
Should I stay inside the park or outside?
Inside = more game-drive time and better dawn/dusk access. Outside = more lodge choice and sometimes better comfort/value, but you work around gate hours.
How many days do I need?
First-timers: 3 days minimum, 5 days ideal, 7 days if you want a slower pace and deeper coverage across multiple areas.
Should we do a self-drive or a guided safari?
Self-drive gives flexibility and budget control, while guided drives add expert tracking and fewer decisions. Choose based on your comfort with navigation and how much guidance you want.
Where should we stay inside the park?
Most first-timers base at Okaukuejo, Halali, or Namutoni depending on route flow. Use the where to stay guide or all lodges list to shortlist quickly.
Which waterholes are best for wildlife?
This shifts by season, but Okaukuejo and Halali areas are consistently productive. See the Etosha waterhole guide for timing and route logic.
Can you help plan a tailored itinerary?
Yes — share your dates, budget band, and travel style and we’ll suggest the right base plus route. Use Plan My Safari or message us on WhatsApp.
Do gate times and fees change?
They can. Always confirm official gate hours/fees before finalising your route — especially if you’re self-driving.
Want one clear recommendation?
WhatsApp us your dates + nights + rough budget band and we’ll reply with a simple base + routing suggestion.
Ready when you are.
Tell us your dates, group size and budget band — our Namibia-based planners reply within 24 hours with availability and one clear recommendation.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message the Etosha planner directly.
Explore Etosha National Park
Accommodation
- Okaukuejo Resort
- Halali Resort
- Namutoni Resort
- Onkoshi Resort
- Dolomite Camp
- Olifantsrus Camp
- All Accommodation →