Plan Your Visit

Etosha Safari Cost Breakdown (NAD)

What Does an Etosha Safari Cost?

Planning an Etosha National Park safari requires budgeting for several distinct cost categories. Prices below are in Namibian Dollars (NAD) and represent 2025/2026 estimates.

NWR Park Entry Fees

Category NAD (per day)
Adult (SADC national) NAD 80
Adult (International) NAD 180
Child under 16 (SADC) NAD 30
Child under 16 (International) NAD 80
Vehicle (under 3.5t) NAD 10

Fees are charged per person per day and collected at all entry gates. Keep receipts — they are checked at accommodation check-in.

NWR Accommodation Costs

Camp Budget Option Mid-Range Premium
Okaukuejo Camping ~NAD 220/site Bungalow ~NAD 1,400 Bush chalet ~NAD 2,800
Halali Camping ~NAD 220/site Bungalow ~NAD 1,300 Family unit ~NAD 2,400
Namutoni Camping ~NAD 220/site Standard room ~NAD 1,500 Fort room ~NAD 2,600
Dolomite Chalet ~NAD 3,200+
Onkoshi Luxury tent ~NAD 4,500+

Rates are per unit per night and vary by season. Book via the NWR website well in advance for peak season (June–October).

Private Lodge Costs

Lodge Category Typical Rate (per person per night)
Budget guesthouses (outside park) NAD 600–1,200
Mid-range lodges NAD 1,500–3,000
Upmarket lodges NAD 3,000–6,000
Luxury safari lodges NAD 6,000–15,000+

Fuel Costs

Etosha’s road network covers approximately 800 km of gravel and tar. Budget fuel costs based on your vehicle’s consumption:

  • Okaukuejo to Namutoni (main route): ~180 km one-way
  • Petrol price: approximately NAD 22–25/litre (2025 estimate)
  • Average 4×4 consumption: 12–15 litres/100 km on gravel
  • 3-day loop fuel budget: approximately NAD 600–1,200 depending on vehicle

Note: There is no fuel available inside Etosha. Fill up at Outjo, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo or Ondangwa before entering.

Food and Drink

Option Estimated Cost
Self-catering (supermarket stock-up) NAD 200–400/person/day
NWR camp restaurant (3 meals) NAD 350–600/person/day
Private lodge (meals included) Usually included in rate
Sundowner drinks at waterhole NAD 100–250/person

Guided Activities

  • NWR night drive: NAD 350–500/person
  • NWR guided morning walk: NAD 250–400/person
  • Private guided safari (full day): NAD 2,500–6,000/vehicle
  • Hot air balloon (from Onguma/Sisi): from NAD 5,000/person

Typical 3-Night Budget Summary

Item Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Park entry (2 adults, 3 days) NAD 1,080 NAD 1,080 NAD 1,080
Accommodation (3 nights) NAD 660 (camping) NAD 4,200 NAD 13,500
Food NAD 1,200 NAD 2,400 Included
Fuel NAD 800 NAD 800 NAD 800
Activities NAD 500 NAD 1,200 NAD 3,000
Total (2 adults) ~NAD 4,240 ~NAD 9,680 ~NAD 18,380+

Money-Saving Tips

  • Book NWR accommodation directly — no agency fees
  • Travel in green season (Nov–Mar) for significantly lower rates
  • Self-cater with a cooler box — saves NAD 300–500/day
  • Enter via Anderson Gate (Okaukuejo side) to minimise early driving
  • Combine Etosha with a Waterberg or Damaraland detour — already past Otjiwarongo
  • SADC passport holders pay local rates — substantial saving on entry fees

Let us help you plan the perfect Etosha safari — self-drive or guided, any budget.

Plan My Safari