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Etosha Camping Safaris

4.4/5  –  153 Etosha Reviews

Camping in Namibia’s Etosha National Park is a great way to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. It is also unusually accessible and affordable. An Etosha camping safari is an excellent budget-friendly option. There are many outfitters that offer camping tours to Etosha, and self-drive safaris are popular too. You don’t need a lot of experience or 4x4 driving skills to head out here. This seasonal park is at its best from May to October when animals gather around the waterholes, especially late in the season. At this time, you can often see a large variety of species drinking together, and the photo opportunities are out of this world.

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6 Questions About Etosha Camping Safaris

1. What are the pros and cons of a camping safari in Etosha National Park?
2. What facilities can I expect in the campsites?
3. How much will this safari cost?
4. Is it better to camp inside or just outside of the park?
5. Is a camping safari in Etosha safe?
6. When is the best time for a camping trip in Etosha?
 
 

6 Questions About Etosha Camping Safaris

Answered by Ariadne van Zandbergen

What are the pros and cons of a camping safari in Etosha National Park?

“There are many pros and a few cons of doing a camping safari. When booking for Etosha, there is a range of accommodations available, and you can opt for either a camping safari or a lodge safari. If you don’t mind getting back to basics, camping is a great choice. It is often the most budget-friendly option. Some of the campsites are in excellent locations with lots of animal action and game-drive options. Camping can enhance your bush experience greatly because without all the mod cons, you’ll feel close to nature. Sitting around a fire at night and sleeping under canvas add to the adventure. And the bush doesn’t go to sleep when the sun sets. You’ll be amazed at the range of animal noises you hear from your tent at night. That said, camping isn’t for everybody. If you prefer to have solid walls around you at night, or you’re terrified of any creepy-crawlies that might lurk around the campsite, a lodge safari might be a better choice for you.”

1

What facilities can I expect in the campsites?

“All campsites in Etosha have power points, communal ablution blocks with showers and toilets, and barbecue facilities. All are fenced and child-friendly. The four campsites in Etosha are widely spread out and in excellent locations. All have access to floodlit waterholes providing great photographic opportunities. Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni Camps offer camping as well as rooms. These camps have the most facilities, including restaurants and swimming pools. The new Olifantsrus Camp is quieter and offers camping only. This means that visitors need to be well prepared and bring all their own food.”

2

How much will this safari cost?

“The average price of a 3-day camping safari in Etosha is US$350 per person. This is only a guideline as there are several factors determining the price of a camping safari in Etosha. Group camping packages are most cost-effective, but you might prefer the flexibility of a private tour. Self-drive is a popular option in Namibia, and Etosha is well equipped for this, as the roads are good and the campsites have great facilities. A self-drive tour is usually more budget-friendly than a guided tour. However, consider that the guide brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the safari. They tend to be excellent animal spotters too, so your chances of seeing lots of animals are better on a guided trip.”

3

Is it better to camp inside or just outside of the park?

“It is usually recommended to camp inside Etosha National Park. The campsites are well equipped and each one has access to a floodlit waterhole. If you’re tired of driving around, you can enjoy watching wildlife from the camp, and the action doesn’t stop at night. You have a good chance of seeing nocturnal (active at night) animals coming to drink at these waterholes. Black rhino is a regular visitor too. Another advantage of staying inside the park is that you’ll be able to leave the camp at dawn, which is the best time to see predator action. Entering the park from outside is only permitted slightly later, and you’ll have to deal with entry fees before starting your game drive. However, the park campsites are very popular and can be busy or even fully booked, especially during Namibian and South African school holidays. In that case, you can also stay in a campsite just outside the park. Even when you have the choice, you might consider staying outside the park as the campsites there generally offer better facilities and service.”

4

Is a camping safari in Etosha safe?

“Camping in Etosha is very safe. All the campsites are fully fenced, so no dangerous animals can move around the campground. There are snakes and scorpions around, but encounters are extremely rare. It is, however, recommended to keep your tent closed. There are few insects or other creepy-crawlies in the dry environment. Most importantly, there is no risk of getting malaria as the park is in a malaria-free area. The roads in the parks are suitable for any car without any risk of getting stuck. You won’t get lost either. There are good maps available and the signage inside the park is clear. Last but not least, crime is virtually unheard of in Namibia’s parks, including Etosha.”

5

When is the best time for a camping trip in Etosha?

“The best time to visit Etosha for a camping safari is from May to October. This is during the Dry season when animals tend to gather at the park’s 40-odd waterholes, each of which has its own character and offers great photographic opportunities. The Dry season is also the high season, so you’ll need to book a spot long in advance and the campsites might be busy. October can be very hot. You’ll see fewer animals in the Wet season, from November to April, and days are hot. Although it never rains a lot, afternoon showers might spoil your camping experience. However, this is when the landscape is lush and the sky is free of dust. There are also very few travelers about at this time, and the birding is fantastic.”

› More about the best time to visit Etosha 6

Etosha Reviews

4.4/5 153 Reviews
Expert
Stephen Cunliffe  –  
South Africa ZA

Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

The Great White Place
5/5

The national park comprises the vast pan surrounded by a gigantic chunk of arid wilderness in central-northern Namibia. Etosha means ‘The Great White Place’ and this is an extremely apt description for the bleached landscapes of...

Full Review

Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Exceptionally Good Game Viewing in Unusual Environments
5/5

Etosha means ‘Great White Place’ in the Herero language after the giant, parched and dazzlingly white Etosha Pan. I find this the perfect environment for silhouetting the animals – a lone wildebeest or herd of handsome gemsbok can be...

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John Cosco  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Jul 26, 2024
5/5

I liked seeing the variety of animals. I was amazed at how close we were to the animals. The water holes provide an excellent opportunity to see many animals up close - they come to you rather than you to them.

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Grayson  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Jul 5, 2024
Don't Miss Staying Up at the Waterholes
5/5

Visited Namibia and Etosha after spending a week in Kenya. While not as game rich or scenic as the parks in Kenya, Etosha certainly has a character in its own. Etosha is unique because of its sprawling dry landscape and its waterholes that...

Full Review

Eric de Milliano  –  
Netherlands NL
Reviewed: Jun 4, 2024
4/5

Etosha is stunning. It has a great infrastructure but it is a pity that maintenance is apparently not a priority. Roads are poor compared to other parts of the country and the NWS accommodations could use a make over.

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Graycha Levi  –  
United States US
Reviewed: May 12, 2023
It is breathtaking. Unique and beautiful place.I love everything the wildlife and the nature amazing
5/5

Etosha is home to a range of wonderful species, black rhinos, lions and elephants. The reserve is doing a excellent work protecting, rehabilitating the animals. The service was excellent respectful staff. Accommodation was amazing, the...

Full Review

All 153 Etosha Reviews