About Mountain Lodge
Perched atop a dolomite hill, Mountain Lodge has commanding views of one of Namibia’s largest private reserves.
This wildlife-rich area, Etosha Heights, covers 600km² and shares a 65km fence with the iconic Etosha National Park. The lodge, more formally known as Etosha Mountain Lodge, was established in 1999 as the original safari destination on the reserve.
Mountain Lodge is a comfortable lodge in the classic Namibian style, within a wildlife haven that is of a different kind to the neighbouring national park. We recommend travellers come here to avoid the crowds of Etosha and enjoy the kind of flexible activities that can only be enjoyed on a private reserve, such as walking, night drives and driving off road. Time spent here would combine well with a few nights closer to the national park.
Our view
Mountain Lodge is a comfortable lodge in the classic Namibian style, within a wildlife haven that is of a different kind to the neighbouring national park. We recommend travellers come here to avoid the crowds of Etosha and enjoy the kind of flexible activities that can only be enjoyed on a private reserve, such as walking, night drives and driving off road. Time spent here would combine well with a few nights closer to the national park.
Accommodation
7 chalets/suites
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Mountain Lodge
17 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 29 Aug 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 29 Jul 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Aug 2024, 2 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Nov 2023, 3 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Oct 2023, 2 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Jun 2023, 1 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 May 2023, 2 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 May 2023, 3 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Oct 2022, 3 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Sep 2022, 2 nights
"Mountain Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good













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 13 pictures and 1 videos of Mountain Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Mountain Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
16 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.
Visiting Bushmanland, Central Highlands and 3 other areas
US$4,680 - US$4,960 per person


Cape Fox Guided Safari
13 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.
Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas
US$11,750 - US$13,680 per person
Mountain Lodge: Our full report
Perched atop a dolomite hill, Mountain Lodge has commanding views of one of Namibia’s largest private reserves.
This wildlife-rich area, Etosha Heights, covers 600km² and shares a 65km fence with the iconic Etosha National Park. The lodge, more formally known as Etosha Mountain Lodge, was established in 1999 as the original safari destination on the reserve.
Although we have not had the chance to stay at Mountain Lodge, we visited in 2018 and found a small, traditional safari lodge where we looked forward to staying in the future. Unfortunately, when we visited the reserve in May 2022, Mountain Lodge was temporarily closed as visitor numbers were still recovering following Covid-19.
Smaller and more rustic than its sister property, Safarihoek Lodge, Mountain Lodge is the most economical option on the reserve.
The nine thatched chalets are made up of eight “classic” rooms and one suite, the latter doubling as a family room.
The “classic” rooms are billed as “comfortable and classically Namibian”, and we are inclined to agree. Each has high ceilings, twin or king-size beds, a tea and coffee station and overhead fan. Large folding doors open out onto a private deck with table and chairs and commanding views of the surrounding plains – ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or relaxing with a book. To one side, the en-suite bathroom comes with both an indoor shower and a bath.
The suite is a little larger than the already spacious classic rooms, with both a double and a twin bedroom. As these bedrooms share a bathroom, the suite is recommended for up to two adults and two children. Outside, an extended veranda includes a private plunge pool.
In the hotter months (October to February), the high ceilings, overhead fan and natural stone floors help to keep the rooms and suite cool, although there is no air conditioning and some of our travellers have reported that the rooms can get quite warm. On our visit, we felt that while the folding doors allowed plenty of natural light and that fantastic view into the rooms, an abundance of dark polished wood and the natural stone floor gave a slightly gloomy feel – although it was towards sunset at the time.
The main area, or “lapa”, is a large stone-and-thatch building housing the bar and lounge, with a restaurant area on the mezzanine level, seemingly supported by an impressive whole tree trunk that appears to grow from the stone floor. There is also a small curio shop. Here, too, polished wood, a thatched roof and natural stone floors lend a traditional feeling to the communal areas and help keep things cool in the summer months.
Outside is a large veranda where, weather permitting, meals are often served al fresco, making the most of the views. On a lower level is a plunge pool surrounded by sun loungers on a wooden deck, and a “boma” area complete with firepit where guests gather before dinner with a drink to swap tales of the day. An added bonus is a well-stocked wine cellar where guests can arrange wine tasting or enjoy a private meal for a special occasion.
Although the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, with its wild and harsh environment, shares a significant border with the national park, it is around 70km from the nearest gate (about an hour’s drive). There is talk of a private access gate into Etosha from the reserve, but this is a way off. For now and the foreseeable future, activities from Mountain Lodge take place only on the reserve, which is exclusive to guests. Options – with expert guides – include morning and afternoon game drives, night drives, and bush walks with a focus on the smaller things; bush meals and picnics can be arranged on request. While guests are welcome to drive themselves into the national park, this isn't generally recommended as driving in the dark is prohibited so they will miss the best hours for game viewing (around sunrise and sunset).
On our visits to Etosha Heights we have enjoyed some excellent wildlife watching. However, animal densities here are not as high as in the national park, especially in the off-season when much of the wildlife migrates into the park. Neither the reserve’s fence nor the National Park’s one pose much of a barrier to elephants, who don’t care for artificial restrictions on their range. As such, elephant-sized holes are a regular feature in these barriers making them porous for wildlife of all sizes.
Geographics
- Location
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2-3 nights
- Directions
- Mountain Lodge is located on the Etosha Heights Reserve approximately 70km west of the Andersson Gate into Etosha.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We have not stayed at Etosha Mountain Lodge and have not sampled the food. However, on our visits to its sister property, Safarihoek, we have enjoyed our meals, and would expect the same high standards here. We understand that, with advance notice, the Mountain Lodge team can cater for most dietary needs.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Arrangements can be made for private dining for special occasion on request.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, local beer, house wine and house spirits are included in the full-board rate. Due to the high salinity of the borehole water here, bottled water is provided during your stay.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With discounted rates for children up to the age of 18, Mountain Lodge is a great-value destination for families travelling around Namibia. Added to this, the Etosha Heights Reserve also offers a fantastic range of activities to keep children entertained.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Mountain Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Families with children under the age of 12 must book a private vehicle for game-viewing activities.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Additional beds can be requested in advance for families with young children.
- Generally recommended for children
- While there is no age limit for children staying here, we feel that Mountain Lodge is better suited for older children.
- Notes
- There are numerous balconies, drop-offs and an unfenced, unguarded pool, so children must be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mountain Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mountain Lodge 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

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

92% success

85% success

54% success

45% success

30% success

13% success

13% success

10% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a generator back-up system.
- Communications
- WiFi available in the main areas
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the en-suite bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Note, though, that water is heated by a solar geyser so isn't endless, especially early in the morning.
Sustainability

Mitigating animal–human conflict
Located in a 60,000-hectare private reserve bordering Etosha National Park Mountain Lodge concentrates its efforts towards the conservation of wildlife. The objective of the initiative is twofold: educating tourists and providing financial help for the protection of endangered species.
The lodge consistently involves guests in rehabilitating the reserve – a former hunting concession – as a photographic safari area. For example, one midday activity for guests is to set camera traps that snap pictures when they are tripped by an animal passing at night.
The lodge also invests 1.5% of turnover in conservation, including support for the Etosha Rand Lion Conservation Project, which aims to find solutions for a more sustainable approach to lion management, thus avoiding over-population and reducing unnecessary killing. Additionally, the lodge hosts and assists researchers from the Namibia National Cheetah Survey to provide data on the population size and distribution of the cheetah throughout Namibia, both by tracking GPS-collared animals and through .
camera-trap data.
See more great sustainability projects in Namibia
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The camp managers are trained in first aid. The nearest doctor is in Outjo. In a medical emergency, a traveller would be flown during daylight hours to Windhoek.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge is in a remote part of the Etosha Heights Reserve, which is fenced, and there are security guards at the reserve gate. An air horn is provided in each chalet to attract attention in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in each of the rooms and around the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included. Items are usually collected in the morning and returned in the evening, weather permitting.
- Money
- There is a small safe in each chalet. The lodge does not offer any currency-exchange facilities.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards are accepted by the lodge. Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand.
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Mountain Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mountain Lodge.
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.

Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.

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.

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 Mountain Lodge 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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