Question 1

How much does it cost to enter Etosha National Park?

Accepted Answer

Until 31 March 2026, foreign adults pay NAD 150 per person per day (SADC adults NAD 100, Namibian adults NAD 50), plus NAD 50 per day for a standard vehicle of up to 10 seats, with children under 16 free. From 1 April 2026 the foreign adult rate rises to NAD 280 per day and the vehicle fee to NAD 60 — fees are paid at the gate and can change without notice, so bring cash as well as card.

Question 2

Is Etosha National Park in Tanzania or Namibia?

Accepted Answer

Etosha is in northwestern Namibia, roughly 420–435 km north of the capital Windhoek, spanning the Kunene, Oshana, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions. Tanzania's flagship parks are the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

Question 3

What are the gate opening hours at Etosha?

Accepted Answer

Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, and the times shift weekly — for example 06:55–18:50 in early September and 06:10–19:25 in early December. Every vehicle must be inside camp by closing time, so confirm the day's hours at camp reception rather than trusting an old printout.

Question 4

When is the best time of year to visit Etosha?

Accepted Answer

May to October, the dry winter, is best: water dries up and animals crowd the remaining waterholes, with July, August and September rated 'Excellent' for game viewing. Visit November–April instead if you want green landscapes, newborn animals and summer migrant birds, but expect scattered wildlife, heat and rain heaviest from January to March.

Question 5

How do I get from Windhoek to Etosha National Park?

Accepted Answer

Self-driving the B1 north to Otjiwarongo and Outjo, then the C38 to Andersson Gate, covers 420–435 km in about 4.5–6 hours and is the classic route. Alternatives include a private shuttle from around NAD 5,500 one-way for 1–2 people, or a roughly 50-minute FlyNamibia flight from Windhoek's Eros Airport to Ondangwa, from which King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate is 48 km off the main road.

Question 6

How many days do you need in Etosha?

Accepted Answer

Two nights is the workable minimum, but 3–5 nights is best — the classic self-drive loop runs Andersson Gate → Okaukuejo → Halali → Namutoni, exiting at Von Lindequist Gate, with an extra night at Dolomite Camp if you want the restricted west. A day trip from lodges outside the gates is possible but rushed.

Question 7

Do I need to book accommodation inside Etosha in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all six in-park camps (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni, Dolomite, Onkoshi and Olifantsrus) are run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts, and the July–November high season sells out months ahead. Rooms are available from 12:00 and must be vacated by 10:00, and every visitor needs proof of ID at the gate due to poaching incidents.

Question 8

Is Etosha National Park accessible for wheelchair users and elderly travelers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, more than most African parks — you watch wildlife from your own vehicle or from benches at the floodlit camp waterholes, so almost no walking is required. Okaukuejo Camp has two disabled-access rooms with wide doorways, grab-rails and a pull-down shower seat, but the gravel roads are rough and corrugated, so guided game drives are easier than self-driving. Note that camp-run game drives don't take children under six.

Etosha National Park Guides

Etosha National Park Animals: What You'll See and Where to See Them

Etosha National Park Accommodation: Where to Stay In and Around the Park

Etosha National Park Safari: The Complete Planning Guide

Best Time to Visit Etosha National Park: Month-by-Month Safari, Weather & Wildlife Guide

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