About Safarihoek Lodge
Warm thatch combines with contemporary styling at Safarihoek to create a decidedly modern take on a safari lodge.
Set on a hill overlooking a small waterhole and open expanses of mopane woodland within a huge private reserve, it’s both wonderfully remote and perfectly located for watching wildlife.
Square stone pillars flanked by a pole fence set the scene, leading in to a pleasantly unstructured area where concrete pathways that wind between the buildings introduce a sense of solidity.
Step inside the main area and that feeling is enhanced by smartly painted walls, sliding glass doors and a secure balcony set with bar stools around high tables. Then in the evening, a woodburner banishes the cold as you cosy up on leather armchairs with a coffee or perhaps a selection from the wine cellar.
Rooms, too, have none of the temporary feel often associated with safari lodges. Light and spacious, with views over the reserve from the bed or private balcony, they wouldn’t be out of place in a smart hotel.
But with its proximity to Etosha National Park, the reserve’s animals – including black rhino – are the major attraction. Seek them out on game drives, day and night, or watch from the split-level photographic hide as they come to you.
Our view
Safarihoek is a solid, modern lodge on a private reserve. While it isn't a base to visit the national park, it normally has a high density of wildlife and provides additional flexibility when it comes to activities, including the options of walks and night drives. The excellent photographic hide is also a real bonus. If you are considering a two-centre safari in the vicinity of Etosha, then Safarihoek would be a great option.
Accommodation
11 thatched chalets
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Safarihoek Lodge
49 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 24 Dec 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Oct 2024, 3 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 28 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Aug 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 2 Jul 2024, 2 nights
"Safarihoek Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent







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 11 pictures of Safarihoek Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Safarihoek Lodge
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US$4,140 - US$5,240 per person


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Safarihoek Lodge: Our full report
Set on a hill within a private reserve, Safarihoek looks across a small waterhole towards Etosha National Park.
Also marketed as Etosha Heights Safarihoek Lodge, and opened in its current form in 2016, it’s a smart, contemporary place from which to explore the 600km², wildlife-rich Etosha Heights Reserve, which shares a 65km fence with Namibia's premier wildlife park.
Safarihoek is newer and more modern than its sister property, Mountain Lodge, which is also found on the reserve. Both are about two hours' drive from the national park's Andersson Gate.
We enjoyed our stay at Safarihoek in May 2022, enhanced by staff who were consistently friendly and attentive. In terms of décor, we felt that a few splashes of colour could add character and warmth to the modern style of the large rooms and high-ceilinged main area. Although, each of the 11 thatched chalets features a mural of its namesake native tree species on the bedroom wall a little more art would help bring these rooms to life.
All the chalets come with twin beds or a king-size bed with a mosquito net, air conditioning, a seating area, small writing desk, minibar, coffee station, and en-suite bathroom. Outside each there's a private deck with a table and chairs offering spectacular panoramic views; this is a great spot for a morning coffee, something stronger before dinner or simply to relax with a book between activities.
The chalets are divided into three types:
- Two “standard” chalets, closest to the main area, are also wheelchair-friendly.
- One dedicated family chalet, also close to the main area, has a small living area separating the master bedroom from the children's room, making it perfect for families looking for a little more space.
- Eight “luxury” chalets are larger and more private, being better spaced and further from the main area; they also come with an additional outdoor shower. Two of these chalets connect with an inter-leading door, allowing conversion into a family room on request.
Along with a swimming pool there’s a second outside seating area and fireplace where you can enjoy the sunset with a drink, discuss your safari with other guests or admire the stars with a nightcap after dinner. An impressive wine cellar/lounge is occasionally used for more intimate private dining on special occasions. There’s also a small curio shop by the reception desk.
Although the Etosha Heights Reserve, one of the largest private reserves in Namibia, shares a border with the national park, activities at Safarihoek take place on the reserve itself due to the distance to the nearest park gate. (There are plans for access into Etosha from the reserve in the future, but this is a way off.) Options 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. There are no organised trips to the national park, and while guests are welcome to drive the 70km or so themselves, this isn't generally recommended. The trip takes about two hours each way and as driving in the dark is prohibited, travellers would miss the prime wildlife-watching hours around sunrise and sunset.
Fortunately, on our visits we have enjoyed some great sightings on Etosha Heights, including several black rhino, elephant and giraffe, as well as general plains game and numerous interesting bird species – with a pygmy falcon standing out as a particular highlight. However, it is worth noting that animal densities here are not as high as in Etosha, especially in the rainy season (November to April) when much of the wildlife will migrate into the national 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.
For keen photographers or simply those who want a more relaxing activity, Safarihoek has a photographic hide. Accessed by vehicle or a short, escorted walk, and built over two levels, it was designed in collaboration with a Namibian wildlife photographer to give the best views of the animals and birds visiting the waterhole – which is floodlit at night – without disturbing them. Due to its orientation, the hide is best visited in the afternoon, as the glare off the water in the mornings can make it hard to see the animals, let alone photograph them. This said, once the sun had moved to the north the hide offered us a unique perspective on the wildlife that came to drink and provided a thoroughly enjoyable way to while away a couple of hours.
Geographics
- Location
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2-3 nights to make the most of the hide and activities on offer.
- Directions
- Safarihoek is on the Etosha Heights Reserve, approximately 70km west of the Andersson Gate to Etosha.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our last stay in May 2022, we were generally impressed by the food here. The ever-friendly staff were attentive and, with advanced notice, can cater for most dietary needs.
Breakfast takes the form of a typically Namibian safari buffet of cereals, juices, toast, muffins, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cold meats and cheeses. Omelettes and other egg dishes, along with bacon and sausages, are cooked to order.
We didn't have lunch on our most recent visit, but on a previous stay we were treated to a bush picnic while watching elephant frolic in a waterhole on the reserve. Roasted vegetable frittata came with a selection of cheese, cold meat, bread, droewors and crackers, and was followed by fresh banana bread.
Dinner is served as a three-course meal. We enjoyed a Caprese salad starter with fresh bread rolls. Our main was a grilled beef steak with peppercorn sauce, served with rice, steamed broccoli and mashed pumpkin. The meal was rounded off with a malva pudding and ice cream. We chose to finish the evening with an Amarula by the fire – a wonderful way to relax after an afternoon bumping around in a safari vehicle. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dinners in the wine cellar 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
- In the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge is unusual amongst safari lodges in offering discount rates for children up to the age of 18. This makes it (and its sister properties on the reserve) great value on a family holiday to Namibia.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Namibia
- Birdwatching
- For many, the draw of the Etosha Heights Reserve is the chance to see some of Namibia's larger animals. However, with a superb split-level hide and expert guides, Safarihoek Lodge also offers some very rewarding birdwatching.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Namibia
- Photography holidays
- Safarihoek Lodge boasts a spectacular split-level hide overlooking a pumped waterhole. Designed by a Namibian photographer in conjunction with the lodge, it allows for superb close-up photography of the reserve's animals and birdlife.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
- Walking safaris
- Safarihoek Lodge offers guided walks for more adventurous guests. Begin with a short drive from the lodge before the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing Namibia’s animals big and small.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Safarihoek 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
- An additional bed can be requested in advance for families with young children.
- Generally recommended for children
- While Safarihoek has no age limit, the feel here is distinctly adult. We wouldn't recommend the lodge for families with young children.
- Notes
- There are numerous balconies and drop-offs, and an unfenced, unguarded pool, so children must be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Safarihoek Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Safarihoek 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

98% success

98% success

93% success

90% success

88% success

85% success

76% success

47% success

45% success

26% success

26% success

19% success

7% success

4% success

4% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a generator backup system.
- Communications
- Unlimited WiFi is available in the main area.
- 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

Creating a safe haven
Safarihoek is an active participant in the Etosha Rand Lion Conservation Project. Dedicated to mitigating the human–wildlife conflict and to protecting the now-threatened African lion, the organisation is monitoring lions both within Etosha Heights and other reserves to establish the best ways to manage this iconic species.
In addition, the lodge also works with the Namibia National Cheetah survey, which researches and monitors cheetah populations across the country and aims to implement measures to reduce the decline of the species.
Away from the big cats, a local team has also developed a vulture-feeding programme at Safarihoek’s hide to help attract vultures away from farmlands, where poisoned carcasses left out by farmers for carnivores that threaten their livestock are inadvertently contributing to the birds’ population decline.
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 chalet 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, South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars and euros.
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Safarihoek Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Safarihoek 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.

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 Safarihoek 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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