About Mushara Outpost
A luxurious retreat on a private reserve, Mushara Outpost is just a short hop from Namibia’s flagship national park.
And what a retreat! With just eight rooms, a dining table that oozes grandeur and a very smart swimming pool, it's both intimate and classy.
Tented rooms at Outpost feel more like substantial chalets, their polished floors mirroring solid wooden frames, their air conditioning mitigating the extremes of Namibia's climate.
Neutral décor creates an airy feel, while full-length white curtains frame glass picture windows and doors with views over the reserve – views shared by a glass-walled shower and a spacious raised deck.
Spectacular monochrome photos set the tone in the main area, whose leather chairs, quirky light fittings and wraparound veranda take the so-called “farmhouse” style to a whole new level.
Adding to the sense of relaxation are mature trees in well-tended gardens which in turn attract the birds. For a closer look, though, head for the small hide and settle back in comfort with a pair of binoculars, and perhaps a drink.
Yet for all the style, the key to Outpost is its location: just 10km from the eastern gate into Etosha. It's easy to drive yourself, but consider, too, the option of an organised game drive, with a knowledgeable guide to seek out the best sightings.
Accommodation
8 tented rooms
Children
Best for 16+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Mushara Outpost
75 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 26 Dec 2024, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Oct 2024, 3 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Aug 2024, 1 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Jul 2024, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Jun 2024, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Oct 2023, 1 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 31 Oct 2023, 2 nights
"Mushara Outpost review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Sep 2023, 1 nights
"Mushara Outpost 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 26 pictures and 1 videos of Mushara Outpost to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Mushara Outpost
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
Visiting Etosha, North-west Kalahari and 7 other areas
US$7,470 - US$8,450 per person


Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas
US$8,790 - US$10,510 per person
Mushara Outpost: Our full report
Just 10km from Etosha National Park's eastern gate, Mushara Outpost sits within the private Mushara Reserve.
With only eight tented rooms, it aims to provide an intimate and luxurious base from which to explore Namibia's foremost wildlife park.
Mushara Outpost shares the 25km² Mushara Reserve with its sister camps in the Mushara Collection, Mushara Bush Camp, Mushara Lodge and Villa Mushara. With the exception of the exclusive villas, Outpost is the most luxurious and intimate of the Mushara properties.
The eight tented rooms at Mushara Outpost are constructed from canvas, wood and glass, and raised on spacious wooden decking complete with two chairs and a table. We think that they combine a traditional safari feel with a very high level of comfort. Neutral décor creates an open, airy feeling while large glass windows and doors make the most of views over the surrounding bush. Each room has a simple wicker bedframe with either a double or twin beds draped with mosquito nets. You'll also find a minibar, air conditioning, small safe, coffee station, telephone and hairdryer.
The open-plan en-suite bathroom includes a spacious open shower with glass walls from floor to ceiling, bringing the outdoors inside. There is also a semi-outdoor shower that is partly covered by the canvas roof from the tent and fully enclosed on all sides, allowing complete privacy.
The stylish main area at Mushara Outpost is built in the style of an old farmhouse, complete with a corrugated-iron roof and large wrap-around veranda. That said, with dark furniture, leather chairs and some quirky light fittings (such as lampshades made from porcupine quills), we'd hazard that the Outpost is more luxurious and modern than most Namibian farmhouses. The walls are adorned with spectacular black-and-white photos of Etosha's exceptional wildlife, while tables and shelves scattered with photographic books on Africa and wildlife add a homely touch.
A grand long table dominates the dining area, where in winter, guests may dine together communally. For the rest of the year, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at smaller tables branching out onto the deck. As well as a swimming pool, surrounded by comfy deckchairs, there is a curio shop stocked with useful items such as suncream, as well as gifts and trinkets.
The well-tended garden, whose large trees include the reserve's namesake, the mushara tree or purple-pod terminalia, provides a pleasant environment in which to relax. Over various visits, most recently in April 2024, we have spotted a number of birds here, including crimson-breasted bush shrike, violet-backed starling, red-billed francolin/spurfowl and white-crested helmet shrike. Birders will also appreciate the small hide overlooking a modest waterhole. Set at the end of a row of tented rooms, the hide contains a number of directors' chairs so you can enjoy a spot of birdwatching in comfort.
Activities at the Outpost, much as at its sister camps, focus on morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park, whose Von Lindequist gate is just 10km from the lodge. That said, as the property is outside the park, and no activities take place on the Mushara Reserve, these game drives are subject to the same park rules as self-drivers. The park gates are closed between sunset and sunrise, and no off-road driving or walking is allowed. While this is a little more restrictive than staying somewhere that conducts activities on a private reserve, we have always felt that Mushara Outpost provides outstanding value for money, thanks to its excellent service and comfort.
Mushara is an exceptionally convenient location for guests to arrive in their own vehicle and drive themselves into the park. Equally, a guide with some knowledge of animal behaviour patterns might know which animals are likely to put in an appearance at a certain waterhole, and – when it is quiet – will be able to point out birds and plants that might be overlooked. The guides are also in radio contact with each other and can call in any good sightings, further increasing the chance of seeing something exceptional. On balance, the combination of guided excursions and self-drive trips into the park can be a winning formula.
Please note, however, that Mushara Outpost has more beds than seats in its vehicles. If you know you would like to do an activity during your stay here, please let us know so we can inform the lodge. On rare occasions, travellers have missed out on activities that were not pre-booked.
Geographics
- Location
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- Base yourself here for 2–3 nights to allow time to explore eastern Etosha and to spend a little time relaxing at the Outpost itself.
- Directions
- Mushara Outpost is located on the Mushara Reserve, just 10km east of Etosha's Von Lindequist Gate along the C38.
The Mushara Reserve has its own airstrip, but it is also possible to fly to the airstrip at nearby Mokuti and be transferred to the lodge. - Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- On our most recent visit to Mushara Outpost in April 2024, we didn't have the chance to eat here but we did enjoy our meals at Mushara Bush Camp. On our last stay at Outpost we were impressed by the quality, presentation and invention of the meals – and dinner was one of the best we had on that trip.
We understand that most dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice.
Breakfast was a cold buffet of cereals, fruits, meats, cheeses and fresh breads that were laid out on the bar in the main area. Hot breakfast items were cooked to order. Staff will prepare your choice of coffee using a professional coffee maker.
Lunch is usually from an à la carte menu, at extra cost. We sampled the bagel with smoked salmon and soft cheese and the tuna niçoise salad, which were both excellent. Although we could not quite find room, there was homemade banana ice cream for dessert. The lodge can also prepare lunch packs for guests who want to spend the whole day in Etosha.
Our dinner consisted of three courses, the first being a dish of vegetable tortillas with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. The main course was a harissa-rubbed game kebab with beetroot, spinach and maize-pap croquettes. For dessert, we had a milk tart with small éclairs and a pinotage jelly.
We understand that most dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included when guests are booked on a full board and activities basis, but are at extra cost for those on half board.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Most visitors to Etosha National Park are drawn by the chance to see Namibia's lager wildlife. However, guided 4WD safaris into the park combined with a small hide at the lodge make Mushara Outpost a good pick for a birding trip to Namibia too.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Namibia
- Luxury
- Tasteful wildlife images adorn Mushara Outpost's main area, which exudes an elegant farmhouse style. Each tent has a spacious bathroom whose outdoor shower has a view over the surrounding bush. It adds up to a perfect base for a luxury safari in Namibia.
- See ideas for Luxury in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The property welcomes children aged 12 and above.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Outpost does not accommodate children under the age of 12 years.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Mushara Outpost has a peaceful and mature feel to it. Even families with older children would probably feel more relaxed at Mushara Lodge, or the family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp.
- Notes
- As the pool is unfenced, children would need constant supervision.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mushara Outpost
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mushara Outpost 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.

88% success

79% success

75% success

75% success

74% success

64% success

64% success

50% success

40% success

35% success

33% success

24% success

18% success

16% success

11% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a generator back-up, and the lodge also uses solar power.
- Communications
- There is WiFi in the main area as well as in the bedrooms, although we have found it somewhat sporadic.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Toilets and showers are plumbed, with hot and cold running water for showers.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb, around 100km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There is a security gate that is manned by a security guard at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the rooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available at an extra charge.
- Money
- There are safes in each of the tented rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payment may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand. Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments.
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Mushara Outpost's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mushara Outpost.
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.

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.

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 Mushara Outpost 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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