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.
Park Entry Fees
| Category | NAD (per day) |
|---|---|
| Adult (SADC national) | NAD 180 |
| Adult (International) | NAD 280 |
| Child under 16 (SADC) | NAD 100 |
| Child under 16 (International) | NAD 180 |
| Vehicle (under 3.5t) | NAD 60 |
Fees are charged per person per day and collected at all entry gates. Keep receipts — they are checked at accommodation check-in.
Accommodation Costs
| Camp | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okaukuejo | Camping ~NAD 460/person | Bungalow ~NAD 1,900 pps | Bush chalet ~NAD 2,210 pps |
| Halali | Camping ~NAD 460/person | Bungalow ~NAD 1,400 pps | Family unit ~NAD 2,380 pps |
| Namutoni | Camping ~NAD 460/person | Standard room ~NAD 1,840 pps | Fort room ~NAD 2,160 pps |
| Dolomite | — | — | Chalet ~NAD 3,180 pps (DBB) |
| Onkoshi | — | — | Luxury tent ~NAD 3,180 pps (DBB) |
Rates are per unit per night and vary by season. Book 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 |
| Etosha 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
- Guided night drive: NAD 350–500/person
- Guided morning walk: NAD 250–400/person
- Private guided safari (full day): NAD 2,500–6,000/vehicle
- Hot air balloon (from select private reserves): from NAD 5,000/person
Typical 3-Night Budget Summary
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (2 adults, 3 days) | NAD 1,680 | NAD 1,680 | NAD 1,680 |
| Accommodation (3 nights) | NAD 2,760 (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 6,940 | ~NAD 10,280 | ~NAD 18,980+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- 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