The First-Timer’s Complete Etosha Checklist
This checklist covers every planning and preparation decision a first-time Etosha visitor needs to make — roughly in the order they should be made.
6+ Months Before (Peak Season Travel)
- ☐ Confirm travel dates and check NWR availability (June–October books out fast)
- ☐ Book NWR accommodation — Okaukuejo, Halali and/or Namutoni
- ☐ Book vehicle rental from Windhoek
- ☐ Book any private lodges if mixing inside/outside
- ☐ Apply for travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
2–3 Months Before
- ☐ Visit travel health clinic — discuss malaria prophylaxis for Namibia
- ☐ Source quality binoculars (8×42 minimum) — buy, borrow or arrange rental
- ☐ Download Maps.me app; download Namibia offline map
- ☐ Research which waterholes suit your wildlife priorities
- ☐ Print or save NWR booking confirmations
2 Weeks Before
- ☐ Begin malaria prophylaxis if medication requires pre-trip start
- ☐ Check camera and binocular batteries/condition
- ☐ Buy or locate all packing list items (see packing guide)
- ☐ Download wildlife identification apps
- ☐ Print Etosha park map (or plan to buy at gate)
Day Before Entry
- ☐ Major supermarket shop in Windhoek (best selection and prices)
- ☐ Cooler box packed with ice and supplies
- ☐ Camera charged, memory cards cleared and formatted
- ☐ Power bank fully charged
- ☐ All documents printed: NWR booking, vehicle rental, insurance
Entry Day
- ☐ Depart Windhoek by 07:00 (or earlier)
- ☐ Fuel up COMPLETELY in Outjo (Anderson Gate) or Tsumeb (Von Lindequist)
- ☐ Top up any remaining supplies in Outjo
- ☐ Cash available for gate fees (card as backup)
At Camp Reception (Day 1 — Do Immediately)
- ☐ Check today’s sightings board
- ☐ Book NWR night drive (limited spaces; book now not later)
- ☐ Note exact gate closing time tonight and all remaining nights
- ☐ Save NWR emergency number
- ☐ Ask about current road closures
Every Morning (Recurring)
- ☐ Check sightings board at reception
- ☐ Confirm gate times for today
- ☐ Fill all water bottles before leaving camp
- ☐ Check fuel level; calculate range for day’s planned route
- ☐ Know your latest possible return time before setting out
Non-Negotiable Rules to Follow
- Never leave your vehicle except at designated areas
- Never be on park roads after gate closing time
- No flash at floodlit waterholes
- No drone flying (prohibited without NWR permit)
- Keep the night waterhole session — it’s the experience of the trip