Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience, where nature reveals itself in all its wild beauty.
In the heart of Namibia, Etosha National Park awaits you with breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife.
If you dream of an unforgettable safari, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll reveal the secrets of Etosha, the perfect time to visit, and the wonders that await you on your journey.
Etosha National Park: here’s what you need to know
A bit of history about Etosha National Park (yes, we have to)
The Etosha Pan – a 5,000 km² salt depression – was discovered in 1851 by the European explorers Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton.
European trade routes to the east and west of the pan opened up, and over the following thirty years, the threat to wildlife continued to grow because of the excessive enthusiasm of European big-game hunters.
In fact, by 1881, large animals such as lions, elephants, and rhinos had been almost wiped out.
The park was later declared a game reserve in 1907 by the governor of German South West Africa. In 1958, the reserve became Etosha National Park.
Initially, the park covered a larger area, and it was only in 1970 that its current boundaries were established.
The creation of the game reserve helped some animal populations recover, but unfortunately this was not the case for Cape buffalo and wild dogs.
Read also: 5 things not to miss if you’re traveling to Thailand
When is the best time to visit Etosha?
The dry season is the best time for a safari in Etosha, especially from May/June to October. The lack of rain means animals gather around waterholes to drink, making these the best places to park and wait for them to appear.
July and August, however, are by far the busiest months.
The rainy months, from November to April, are particularly good for birdwatching, because this is when summer migrants are present (they arrive around September/October). When there is water in the Etosha Pan and Fischer’s Pan near Namutoni, you can see some of the millions of flamingos that breed in Etosha.
The summer months in Etosha National Park are very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 36–38°C.
As mentioned, this is also the rainy season, so it can feel humid.
Winters in northern Namibia are mild, cold at night and in the early morning, but warm during the day. Average winter temperatures range from 7–10°C early in the morning to a pleasant 26°C at midday.
Etosha National Park: what to see
Etosha National Park is the best park in Namibia for wildlife viewing.
The park’s most important features are the Etosha Pan and the dolomite hills. Most of the park, however, consists of savanna woodland (except for the areas close to the pan).
But let’s take it one step at a time.
#1 Big Five and birds
Etosha offers a wide variety of wildlife sightings, with around 115 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, and black and white rhino, but not buffalo).
Elephant, zebra, giraffe, black-faced impala, and lion are fairly common. Other species to look out for include spotted hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, black-backed jackal, honey badger, and numerous antelope species.
Etosha is home to around 340 bird species in summer (fewer in the dry winter season, since some are migratory). From vultures to birds of prey such as owls, martial eagles, tawny eagles, and bateleurs, to giants like the ostrich and kori bustard, there is plenty to fascinate bird lovers. Among the small colorful birds you may spot are the crimson-breasted shrike, bee-eater, African hoopoe, and Meyer’s parrot.
A walk around the camps is one of the best ways to spot a large number of smaller bird species.
#2 Waterholes
In summer, the Etosha Pan is usually filled with water after heavy rains.
In the dry season, between May and October, when natural water in the depressions dries up, the waterholes are a lifeline for the animals. These include natural artesian wells and springs, as well as artificial waterholes with solar pumps.
Park enthusiasts know that each one is associated with sightings of particular animals, from lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and kudu to plains animals such as zebras, wildebeest, oryx, and springbok.
#3 The Etosha Pan
As mentioned, this is a depression covering an area of 5,000 km², and the striking landscape of the immense Etosha Pan will leave you speechless.
Its hypersaline conditions limit the species that can live in the area permanently. The salt pan is dry, but briefly fills with water in summer, attracting flamingos and pelicans.
During the dry season, animals gather around the waterholes, making them easy to spot.
#4 Dolomite hills
Located along the park’s southern boundary, they are home to a large number of predators. Note that this is the only area where you may find the mountain zebra, so keep an eye out.
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve provided some important information to help you visit Etosha National Park.
By the way, did you know that we’ve put together an amazing tour in Namibia that includes a stop in this stunning park?
So if you’re in the mood for a true adventure (and we mean a real adventure), take a look at our full itinerary. Boom.
