Etosha National Park in Namibia has the most incredible wildlife sightings I’ve ever seen at a waterhole!
Perhaps this shouldn’t be too surprising since Etosha means place of dry water. The 22 750km² park encompasses a 5000km² salt pan and comprised semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. In other words it’s dry – really dry, meaning that the waterholes are where all the action is happening.
I could go on about Etosha’s waterholes for a whole post (which I will do, stay tuned), but in the meantime, I wanted to share these waterhole photos with you – all shot from the Okaukuejo waterhole/rest camp at sunset and in the evening. The viewing platform is located 50m from the waterhole and is floodlit at night so that you get to see wildlife active at a time when you normally wouldn’t otherwise. And even better, it was literally steps from my bush chalet. Yep, you can safely sleep less than a 100m away from elephants, lions, even endangered black rhinos!
Check out these evening photos all taken at Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha:
- Elephant family at Okaukuejo water hole in Etosha.
Rhinos seen at 11:00 pm at the Okaukuejo water hole – just steps away from my bush chalet.
The giraffes were nervous to drink, since they are very vulnerable. They waited near the water hole for about 30 minutes before drinking.
Know Before You Go to Okaukuejo Water Hole/Rest Camp in Etosha:
- Okaukuejo Rest Camp is located 17km from the southern entrance to Etosha on the western side.
- The waterhole makes it an incredible place for families or for couples traveling with different interests. Somebody can be hanging out by the pool, while someone else is hanging out by the waterhole observing wildlife.
- Bring a tripod (I didn’t) to get the best night photos.
- There is a large wall separating you from the waterhole, so you can view all the action safely.
- Rates for Okaukuejo can be found here.
- I would recommend staying for at least 2 nights. I only stayed for one and would have loved to have stayed for at least another night.
- The best time to visit Etosha is from May to October during winter. It’s not as hot then and wildlife sightings are plentiful.
- #1 Travel Tip: Book early!!!! Etosha is a popular destination with Germans who will book their accommodation up to a a year in advance. There aren’t a lot of places to stay in Etosha and it fills up really quickly.
Coming soon: Waterholes of Etosha, Elephants of Etosha, and Night Drives at Etosha…..stay tuned!!!!!
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Thank you to the Namibian Tourism Board for making my visit to Etosha possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
