Etosha is Namibia's premier wildlife destination, centered around a vast salt pan visible from space. The park's floodlit waterholes provide extraordinary wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate in large numbers.
Etosha's vast salt pan stretches white and shimmering to the horizon�so vast that astronauts report seeing it from space. This ancient lake bed, dry for millions of years, defines one of Africa's great wildlife destinations, where animals gather at waterholes along the pan's edge in scenes of primal intensity.
Floodlit waterholes
The floodlit waterholes at Etosha's rest camps transform night viewing into a theatrical experience. From comfortable viewing platforms, guests watch the nightly procession: elephants materializing from darkness to drink, rhinos sparring in the shadows, lions stalking the periphery, and hyenas calling from the surrounding bush.
Namibia's wildlife is adapted to this arid environment. Springbok herds number in the thousands, their pronking displays creating waves of movement across the grasslands. Gemsbok, with their striking facial patterns and rapier horns, seem designed by an artist. The endemic black-faced impala represents one of Africa's rarest antelope.
Etosha's accessibility makes it ideal for self-drive safaris. Well-maintained roads connect camps and waterholes, while clear signage guides visitors through the park. For those seeking Big Five wildlife with the freedom to explore independently, Etosha offers an unparalleled combination.
Why Visit
Highlights of Etosha National Park
Floodlit waterholes
Self-drive friendly
Vast salt pan
Black rhino populations
Endemic species