Etosha National Park
National park · Omuthiyagwiipundi ·
Diverse wildlife, salt pan, floodlit watering hole, self-drive
Diverse wildlife, salt pan, floodlit watering hole, self-drive
"Available as an optional safari, this park features opportunities to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife." - Paris Wilson
"After a substantial rainy season the western plains of Etosha National Park were unusually lush, and abundant grasses provided the perfect fuel for wildfires that began on Monday, September 22 and flared again two days later, burning until September 30 and scorching some 2.1 million acres (just under 40% of the park). Thankfully there have been no reported human casualties and the flames largely burned in the less-habituated western reaches, so lodges were not impacted, but investigations suggest the fires were likely human-induced. Experts note that wildfire is a natural and sometimes beneficial disturbance in savanna ecosystems—Andrew Parker calls it an essential process—but reckless human behavior can make fires spread uncontrollably and threaten infrastructure, wildlife, and people. The park remains open for visitors (game drives are running and lodges are operating as usual), and safari operators such as Shaun Stanley advise travelers not to cancel trips; still, adjacent communities and some farms in the Omusati region have lost grazing land and livestock are at risk. Wildlife casualties are likely—small mammals and reptiles and possibly some antelope and elephants suffered—but Etosha’s enormous size probably helped many animals escape, veterinarians are monitoring watering holes and corridors, and there have been no reported cheetah deaths; after the next rains the burned areas should green up (usually within six weeks) and attract grazers and predators, so longer-term recovery and even positive ecological effects are expected." - Samantha Falewée
"A wildlife conservation area centered on a vast salt pan that becomes a focal point for animals seeking water during the dry season, offering outstanding opportunities for game viewing and birdlife observations." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"In northern Namibia, Etosha National Park (meaning the “great white place of dry water”) spans about 5.5 million acres and features the Okaukeujo camping ground next to a watering hole that is floodlit at night. I loved how the floodlighting let me watch nocturnal behavior — I remember a rhino finishing a drink, charging an elephant that panicked and fled, then returning to finish its drink — and because opening hours change weekly based on sunrise and sunset the nighttime viewing felt special. A one-day pass for adults is around $10 USD." - Matthew Kepnes
"I was surprised I could drive myself through Etosha National Park in Namibia without paying top dollar for a tour; between Etosha and Kruger you can easily spot the “big five” on your own, making self-drive safaris a budget-friendly option. " - Matthew Kepnes
