Plan Your Etosha Safari

Plan Your Etosha Visit

Three big decisions

Every Etosha trip hinges on three decisions: when to go, how many nights, and where to sleep. Everything else follows.

When to go

The peak dry season (July-October) concentrates wildlife at waterholes. Nights are cold (2-10°C in June-August). The shoulder season (April-June, November) offers lower prices and decent sightings. The green season (December-March) brings thunderstorms, migratory birds, newborn antelope, and lower rates.

How many nights

The minimum viable Etosha visit is 2 nights. 3 nights is the popular sweet spot. 4 nights adds a full day in the western or eastern sector. 5+ nights allows full camp rotation. Multi-country Namibia circuits pair Etosha with Swakopmund and Sossusvlei over 10-14 days.

Where to sleep

Inside the park: six Etosha rest camps (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni from NAD 510-1,400/night; Onkoshi, Dolomite, Olifantsrus luxury tier). Book 6-12 months ahead for peak. Just outside: 30+ private lodges within 60 km along the park boundary.

Getting there

From Windhoek it is a 400 km, ~4.5 hour drive via B1 + C38 to Anderson Gate. All roads tarred. A 2WD sedan handles the main park network.

Costs

Entry: NAD 180/day per international adult, NAD 50/vehicle. Self-drive budget: NAD 4,740-6,800 per person over 4 days. Mid-range: NAD 8,500-11,380 per person. Luxury fly-in: NAD 25,000+.

Permits and bookings

No separate permits beyond gate entry. All in-park camps via Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Peak-season beds book out 6-12 months in advance.