About Taleni Etosha Village
Opened in 2008, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable option just 4km south of Etosha National Park's Andersson Gate.
Built in the style of a traditional African village, or kraal, with spacious en-suite rooms, it's geared mostly to families wishing to explore Namibia's flagship safari park. Taleni also has campsites that cater for individuals as well as groups.
Taleni Etosha Village is a comfortable, affordable option for families, and a good base from which to explore Etosha National Park and its fantastic wildlife. Visitors who would prefer not to drive themselves can take guided excursions into the park.
Accommodation
45 luxury rooms
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Taleni Etosha Village
26 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 21 Jul 2019, 2 nights
"Great location near Etosha Gate"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Feb 2018, 2 nights
"A Great Stay at Taleni! "
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Jan 2017, 1 nights
"Very comfortable Place to stay"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 May 2016, 2 nights
"Brand new rooms at Taleni Etosha Village"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 May 2016, 2 nights
"Super safari setting."
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 May 2016, 2 nights
"Excellent accommodation and service."
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Oct 2015, 1 nights
"Taleni Etosha Village review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 3 Aug 2014, 2 nights
"Taleni Etosha Village review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Nov 2013, 2 nights
"Taleni Etosha Village review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 24 Dec 2012, 2 nights
"Taleni Etosha Village review"
Overall rating: Average
















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 64 pictures of Taleni Etosha Village to get the candid view.
View galleryTaleni Etosha Village: Our full report
Opened in 2008, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable option just 4km south of Etosha National Park's Andersson Gate.
Built in the style of a traditional African village, or kraal, with spacious en-suite rooms, it's geared mostly to families wishing to explore Namibia's flagship safari park. Taleni also has campsites that cater for individuals as well as groups.
Beyond a secure parking area and the reception, central facilities at Taleni Etosha Village include a well-stocked general store which sells a bit of everything - beverages, ice cream, books as well as souvenirs. Laid out kraal-like around the restaurant are three canopied outdoor dining sites (Oshoto, Etala and Omuhama), where buffet-style breakfasts and dinners and a la carte lunches can be enjoyed. After dinner, you can enjoy a cool drink at the open-air bar, which also has satellite TV. Free WiFi is available throughout the reception and restaurant, and tea, coffee and biscuits are available 24 hours. Families will particularly appreciate the three swimming pools, one of them shallow so good for younger children.
Taleni's 45 luxury rooms are arranged in amongst the mopane forest that surrounds the camp and positioned to ensure privacy. When we last visited in March 2017, Taleni’s accommodation had been recently renovated, and the tented rooms replaced with more solid concrete units. Each room is built on a raised stone base with its own private patio over looking the bush, and inside the rooms are spacious and light with tiled floors and tastefully rustic décor.
The rooms at Taleni Etosha Village feature twin beds, plus an additional sleeper couch for up to two children under 12 – who stay free of charge when sharing a room with their parents. There are shelves and hanging space for clothes, and a writing desk with a chair. Air conditioning, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, a safe and sockets for charging batteries are standard. The en-suite bathrooms are modern and equipped with a walk-in shower, a handbasin, and separate toilet.
Outside each room are a car parking area and a picnic table - both set in the shade.
Although many guests choose to drive themselves around Etosha National Park, Taleni Etosha Village offers a range of activities. Prime among these are early morning, afternoon and full-day guided game drives into the park in one of two semi-open vehicles, each taking up to ten guests. A half-day drive lasting up to six hours will cost around N$500 (US$40) per person, including entrance fees and light refreshments. Typically, the drive will initially head for the waterhole at Okaukuejo, before exploring other waterholes and returning to Okaukuejo. A full day drive, which includes lunch, is also possible and cost N$750 (US$55).
Other activities include stargazing, and sundowner trips in the mopane bush surrounding the lodge, cost around N$210 (US$15) per person.
Geographics
- Location
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2-3 nights
- Directions
- Taleni Etosha Village is located about 4km south of Etosha's Andersson Gate, on the C38.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is usually served as a buffet. Lunch is served à la carte. Dinner is usually served as a buffet, unless there are only a small number of guests in camp in which case it will be a set menu.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Taleni Etosha Village.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Taleni Etosha Village has a shallow children’s pool as well as two larger swimming pools.
- Equipment
- Highchairs and cots are available on request. There's a sleeper couch for children in every room, and children under the age of 12 stay free of charge, when sharing a room with their parents.
- Generally recommended for children
- Taleni is a very child friendly environment, but aside from the pools, there isn’t a tremendous amount for children to do here.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times, especially nearby the unfenced swimming pools.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Taleni Etosha Village
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Taleni Etosha Village have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

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Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator.
- TV & radio
- The open-air bar has satellite TV.
- Water supply
- Borehole
Sustainability

Powered by the sun
Etosha Village uses the power of the sun to contribute to existing wildlife conservation projects, and also ensure the lodge is self-sufficient when it comes to hot water supplies.
Glass tube-filled solar panels are connected directly with geysers. Water in these tubes is heated during the day by the sun, and is then stored in the geysers before being used within the lodge. The lodge uses solar panels to heat its water which is used by its staff and guests throughout their stay. In addition, the lodge uses solar panels to power its battery-operated electric gates and solar lamps to light its paths and walkways – lessening the impact of visitors’ stay on the environment and lowering Etosha Village’s overall energy consumption.
The team at Etosha Village also harnesses solar power to fill waterholes, helping animals have uninterrupted access to clean water. In the same time, the solar powered pumps keep the waterholes at a specific depth to ensure animals aren’t trapped in the water, and are surrounded by fencing to keep wildlife safe from injury.
Etosha Village’s sustainable practices represent the lodge’s unwavering passion for environmental preservation through renewable energy. This has been recognized by tourists, who brought the lodge TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2017.
See more great sustainability projects in Namibia
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Outjo.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There's secure parking area on site.
- Fire safety
- Every room has a fire extinguisher and there is a fire hose in the main building.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- There’s a full laundry service, at an extra charge.
- Money
- There's a safe in every room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Taleni Etosha Village accepts all major credit cards.
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Taleni Etosha Village's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Taleni Etosha Village.
Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.

Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.

Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.

Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.

Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.

Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.

Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.

Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.

Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.

Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.

Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.

Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.

Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.

Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.

Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.

Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.

Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.

Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.

Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.

Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.

Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.

Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.

Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.

Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.

Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.

Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.

Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.

Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.

Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
When to go to Etosha National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Taleni Etosha Village in Etosha National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Etosha National Park in January
January marks the start of Etosha's main rainy season. The Etosha Pan, usually a vast expanse of white clay, may partially fill with water in good rainy season, attracting flamingos and other migratory birds. The landscape transforms into a lush green oasis, providing ample food for wildlife. Many animals give birth during this time, offering chances to see newborns.
While game viewing can be challenging due to dispersed wildlife and thick vegetation, birdwatching is excellent. Migratory species arrive and birds display breeding plumage. The Okaukuejo and Halali waterholes remain active, though less crowded than in dry months. Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially around Fischer's Pan.
The vibrant greenery and the presence of young animals make this a fantastic time for photography.
- Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms in Etosha
- Many animals with young; spectacular birdlife
- Wildlife dispersed, harder to see in Etosha
- Fewer tourists; low rates at most lodges
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Etosha National Park in February
February is typically Etosha's wettest month. The Etosha Pan may be partially filled, creating a spectacular sight and attracting numerous waterbirds, including flamingos. The landscape is vibrantly green, with many animals raising their young.
While game viewing can be more challenging due to the abundance of water and vegetation, patient observers can spot a variety of wildlife, and share their sightings with fewer other visitors. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage. The Fairy Tale Forest near Okaukuejo is particularly lush during this time.
Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially challenging road conditions, especially in the eastern part of the park. The lush environment and the presence of young animals provide a unique opportunity to witness the park's life cycle.
- Variable weather with occasional thunderstorms
- Bush feels alive; birdlife at its peak in Etosha
- Wildlife in Etosha dispersed, harder to spot
- A variety of newborn and young wildlife to see
- Few tourists; lowest rates for accommodations
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Etosha National Park in March
As Etosha's main rains taper off, March offers a mix of wet and dry days. The landscape remains green and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily seen, and many birds and animals are finishing raising their young.
The Etosha Pan may still hold some water, attracting flamingos and other waterbirds. Game viewing improves as the month progresses and animals start to herd together at permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become increasingly active.
Birdwatching remains excellent, with many migrant species still around. The Dolomite Camp area in the west offers good chances to spot rarer antelope species like black-faced impala.
The transition from wet to dry conditions provides a fascinating glimpse into the park's seasonal changes.
- Weather variable; thunderstorms less frequent
- Animals well-fed after months of abundance
- Wildlife in Etosha still dispersed, harder to see
- Migrant birds prepare to leave the park
- Few visitors; rates often low at Etosha lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Etosha National Park in April
April typically sees dry weather dominating in Etosha, with decreasing chances of rain. The landscape remains relatively green, and animals are in excellent condition with shiny coats. Increasing numbers of elephants seen as the herds begin to use the permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo waterhole becomes particularly active, especially in the evenings.
Photographers benefit from clear air and lush, green backdrop. Night drives from camps like Halali offer chances to see nocturnal animals. Birdwatching remains good, though some migratory species begin to depart, and the Fischer's Pan area can still be productive for waterbirds if there's residual water from the rainy season.
The shift towards drier conditions improves the chances of wildlife sightings.
- Becoming drier and cooler, especially at night
- Few visitors except around Easter; low rates
- Wildlife in Etosha still relatively spread out
- Migrant birds have largely left the park
- Fresh air and often green landscapes in Etosha
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Etosha National Park in May
May marks the transition to Etosha's dry season. The landscape starts to dry out, but may still retain some greenery. Wildlife increasingly gathers around permanent water sources, making game viewing more predictable. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become excellent spots for animal observation – especially when floodlit after dark. Night drives offer opportunities to see nocturnal species like leopards and owls.
The Etosha Pan is usually dry, creating a stark, shimmering backdrop for photography. Birdwatching remains good, with 340 different species recorded in the park. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, offers chances to see rarer species like black rhino in a less frequently explored environment. The dry season's onset brings a new rhythm to the park's wildlife dynamics.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- Etosha drying out; landscapes still partly green
- Fantastic air clarity; ideal for photography
- Visitor numbers low; lodge rates still low
- Wildlife starting to gather at Etosha waterholes
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Etosha National Park in June
June brings cooler temperatures with clear skies to Etosha. The landscape is drying out, encouraging animals like elephants, rhino and giraffe to waterholes. This makes for excellent game viewing, especially at popular spots like Okaukuejo and Halali. Night drives on private Etosha reserves, like Ongava, are particularly productive.
The dry Etosha Pan creates mirages and a unique backdrop for photography, perhaps a lone ostrich crossing the stark salt crust. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with bright colours standing out in drier vegetation. The Namutoni area, with its fort, provides a mix of wildlife viewing and historical interest.
Cooler temperatures making walking safaris enjoyable in Etosha’s adjacent wildlife reserves, like Etosha Heights.
- Clear days, cold nights in Etosha National Park
- Great air quality; perfect for photographers
- Moderate lodge rates; shoulder season begins
- Wildlife gravitates to Etosha's waterholes
- Some greenery remains in parts of the park
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Etosha National Park in July
July is prime time for wildlife viewing in Etosha as animals, in particular predators, are more active later in cool mornings and earlier in the afternoons. The dry landscape concentrates animals around waterholes, making for predictable and spectacular sightings. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, especially at night when black rhinos often visit and jostle for position with elephants.
The stark white Etosha Pan creates a unique backdrop for photography, with heat mirages shimmering on the horizon.
The dry season's peak offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Game drives along the southern edge of the pan offer excellent opportunities to see large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and antelope. Birdwatching is rewarding around waterholes, with species like eagles and vultures frequently sighted.
- Dry days, crisp nights; excellent for stargazing
- European holidays begin; more families visit
- Peak season; high rates, lodges often full
- Fantastic wildlife watching
- Animals concentrate around Etosha waterholes
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Etosha National Park in August
August is the height of the dry season in Etosha, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Animals concentrate around waterholes, with a variety of predators and prey often seen at any one time. Night viewing at the more secluded yet floodlit waterhole at Halali is often rewarded with sightings of shyer leopard and porcupine.
The dry season's intensity brings wildlife into sharp focus. The open plains along the edge of the Etosha Pan are good for seeing large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and often cheetah too. Predators often lie in wait for their prey near waterholes offering sightings of hunts to patient game viewers.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors like bateleur and martial eagles frequently sighted.
- Dry days, cold nights; clear skies in Etosha
- Busy by Namibian standards; family rooms full
- Peak season; high rates, advanced booking needed
- Excellent wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park
- Large herds gather at Etosha's waterholes
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Etosha National Park in September
September offers peak wildlife viewing in Etosha. The extreme dry conditions concentrate animals around waterholes, making for spectacular sightings of multiple species. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, with elephants, rhinos, and lions frequently visiting.
The last months of the dry season showcases the park's wildlife at its most concentrated. The stark landscape of the dry Etosha Pan creates dramatic backdrops for photography. Game drives along the pan's edge offer chances to see large herds of zebra, springbok, and oryx as well as lion prides and cheetah. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, often provides a more exclusive safari experience with good rhino sightings. Night drives on adjacent private reserves like Hobatere offer opportunities to see nocturnal animals such as genets and aardwolves.
Birdwatching is excellent, with species standing out clearly in the sparse vegetation.
- One of the best months for Etosha wildlife viewing
- Warm days, cold nights; temperatures rising
- Colourful birds stand out against a starker backdrop
- Etosha's waterholes teem with diverse wildlife
- High season; book Etosha accommodations early
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Etosha National Park in October
October is typically Etosha's hottest and driest month, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The intense heat and dry conditions heighten the drama of wildlife interactions.
Animals concentrate heavily around waterholes, with spectacular sightings common at Okaukuejo, Halali, and other permanent water sources. Patient photographers spending time at waterholes are richly rewarded. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope species can be seen along the pan's southern edge. Predator sightings, including lions and cheetahs, are frequent as they target gathered and weakened prey. Thinning vegetation at Namutoni makes it easier to spot the dimunitive Damara dik dik – Namibia’s smallest antelope.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors and colourful rollers often spotted.
- Peak wildlife-viewing month in Etosha National Park
- Hot and dry; Etosha feels like a desert
- Air can be hazy with dust in some areas
- Peak time; expect high season rates in Etosha
- Etosha lodges often full, especially early October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Etosha National Park in November
November marks the transition to Etosha's rainy season, bringing change to the landscape and wildlife behaviour. Early rains may green the vegetation, dispersing some wildlife from waterholes. However, game viewing remains good, especially around permanent water sources like Okaukuejo and Halali’s floodlit waterholes.
The first rains can create dramatic scenes as animals celebrate the water's arrival, with plains game often giving birth. Predators often give birth at this time too, to coincide with the time of plenty. Migratory birds begin to return, and birds take to the skies in spectacular aerial shows as they catch more active insects.
Seasonal wildflowers and dramatic, thundery skies add interest to photographic compositions. Summer rains bring reptiles such as tortoises and chameleons out into the open. The onset of rains brings a refreshing change to the park's ecosystem.
- Variable month in Etosha, depending on rains
- If rain comes, explosion of vegetation and life
- Baby animals often born around mid-month
- Shoulder season; mid-range rates offer value
- Showers more likely later in the month in Etosha
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Etosha National Park in December
December is often a drier month before January sees the main rainy season begin. The landscape begins to show green from November's rain and the odd rainshower in December. Many animals have young, so there’s the chance to watch frolicking calfs and lambs.
The combination of rainfall and sunshine rejuvenates the park's landscapes and wildlife. While wildlife disperses away from the waterholes with increased water availability, game viewing remains good, especially on the open plains along the southern edge of Etosha Pan. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage and displaying for mates as well as migrant species arriving.
Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially in the eastern part of the park.
- Hot, sometimes humid with cooling showers
- Landscapes green where rain has fallen in Etosha
- New life and energy in the park's ecosystem
- Excellent for birdwatchers in Etosha
- Larger animals may be harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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