Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is located in northwestern Namibia, and gets its name from the Etosha salt pan that sits almost wholly within the park and comprises 23% of the actual park. Etosha is located within the larger Kunene region and shares borders with the Oshana, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions.

Aside from the distinguished salt pans, there are the Leopard Hills to the south and dolomite hills to the west. Due to the salt pans it is a highly saline environment, but that has not stopped uniquely adapted plants and animals from thriving there. Amid the more habitable savanna woodlands that blanket most of the park, visitors will find many water holes that attract rare black rhinos, lions, zebras, elephants, ostriches and masses of antelope. After unusually heavy rains cause flooding, blooms of blue-green algae give the pans a whole new life by attracting flocks of flamingos and pelicans as far as the eye can see.

Accommodation in the park is clustered around the water holes to help ensure visitors encounter as much wildlife as possible. There are more exclusive and secluded camps located deeper in the park that offer a safari-style experience for discerning travelers. In addition to several well-established Government run rest camps, there are a host of private lodges available on private conservancies adjacent to the National Park. Roads throughout the park is accessible to 2WD vehicles, making Etosha is doable for the self-drive traveler to navigate the series of water hole loops.