Namibia’s best safari destination is without doubt Etosha National Park which I also place among my top three African safari trips.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s preferred safari for its accessibility and dry pastel landscapes.
There is a huge novelty to witnessing the magnificent wildlife that survives this baron land <3 #desertofAfrica
Unlike other African safari destinations, you’ll find plenty of couples and families driving around the Namibian desert in shiny white 4X4s available to rent for self-guided adventure.
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There are even jeeps that come with specially designed roof tents – yes tents on the roof which fold out at night – and kitchen compartments built into the sides of the vehicle.
Etosha National Park Highlights
- Hundreds of zebras
- Spotting lions on safari
- Beautiful desert landscapes
- Okaukuejo Camp watering hole
- Creating desert mirages in the sand
I found myself daydreaming of a future family life driving around the flatlands in one of these babies and camping under the stars <3
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Etosha is certainly not free of bumpy roads and I would not recommend a self-guided safari in anything other than an off-road vehicle.
Everything in our truck had to be secured before driving into the wild. Our flip flops were forever bouncing around and we were often sent flying out of our seats which is all part of the experience.
But the park is set out in such a way that it would appear safer and more accessible than others, lending itself to self-led trips. Guided safaris and group trips are also available.
Etosha National Park has an abundance of wildlife despite its dry and dusty atmosphere. Animals include leopard, cheetah, rhino, elephant, hyena, antelope and wildebeest.
During our safari, we saw hundreds of zebras while driving through the desert as well as wandering giraffes and a flock of ostriches.
We were even lucky enough to spot a sleeping lion under the shade of a tree as well as a cheeky honey badger that wandered into our campsite in search of food. I think it liked the smell of our fajitas!
Where to stay at Etosha National Park
During my two-day safari exploring this magnificent African desert, we stayed at Okaukuejo Camp highly recommended for its 24-hour wildlife viewing platform.
The campsite has very good camping facilities, including laundry, electricity and cooking stations, and even has its own outdoor swimming pool.
There are a handful of excellent campsites and lodges either within or on the fringes of Etosha National Park so there is no need to stay further afield.
If you are looking for luxury, I’ve heard great things about nearby Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa. The resort offers beautiful four poster beds with the option of bathing outside on your private balcony.
Just zoom out on the map below and you should find it just south of Okaukuejo Camp.
Booking.com
The Best Thing about Etosha National Park
Okaukuejo Camp is one of few campsites set within Etosha National Park. But is the only resort I am aware of that offers a 24-hour wildlife viewing platform at its very own watering hole.
Bring your flask and sleeping bag and spend the night at the viewing platform watching wild animals come to drink at the watering hole by night.
I sat on the stone steps until 3am with my camera and tripod at the ready. We saw three white rhinos, a hyena and a huge herd of elephants come to drink in the six hours we were there.
My friend who stayed until 5am even saw a leopard wander on through. Incredible.
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It was incredible hearing the trumpeting of the alpha elephants announcing their arrival before these beautiful beasts appeared. When they finally emerged, they just kept coming and coming.
Dozens of elephants emerged from the darkness of the bush one by one. The little ones came first, circling the watering hole in single file and dipping their trunks in. Meanwhile we sat in silence watching the herd bathe themselves under the night’s sky.
You hear them, you see them, gone. Magic.
Definitely one of my all time favourite travel moments.
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If you are planning a safari in Namibia, start your research by checking out Etosha National Park.
I can not recommend it enough as a beautiful, unique desert safari experience.
Until next time,
