Wildlife in Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park offers some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Spot lions, leopards, rhinoceros,  elephants and any amount of antelope, zebras and birdlife. The park frames the 5,000 square kilometre Etosha salt pan, from which it derives its name.

Wildlife

The park accommodates most large African mammals. You’ll find predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, but also large herbivores like rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe and a great variety of antelope. It’s hard to avoid the large herds of zebra, who are excellent mannequins for black and white photography. If you are into birding, try spotting the many species of falcons, weavers, vultures, herons and many more.

Eventhough Etosha offers a great density and variety of game, it’s worthwhile preparing and coming with the right expectations.

Know where to look: All animals need to drink, so waterholes are a good place to spot game. Different species and groups also have a preference in time and location. Ask around to get some insider information on your target animal.

Bring a pair of binoculars per person. The more people looking, the more game you’ll spot and not fighting over the lone binoculars might increase the vibe as well.

The early bird catches the worm: The wildlife likes the cool of the morning. They are more active during dawn and dusk, to escape the heat of the day. This is a reasonable piece of advice for visitors, too. It is far better to take a lunch break around noon, than toasting in the Namibian sun.

Vegetation

The most prominent feature is the large salt desert, the large white plane. It almost takes you by surprise when you get to the Etosha Lookout. It is a surreal experience having  the prosperous herds of antelope on the one side and gaping nothingness on the other.

The remainder of the park is mostly arid savannah. You’ll also find some thornbush and look out for elephants sneaking through the Mopane bushlands.

Seasons

The dry season is from May to September. This is the best time to view the large mammals when the arid land drives them to the waterholes in large herds. It gets very hot even during the cooler season, so do your game drives in the morning or late afternoon, more active wildlife being another benefits for early birds.

January to March is the hot and wet season. Most species give birth during this time. Even though the game viewing isn’t ideal during this time, it’s the best time for birders.