Overview
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife destination and one of Africa’s best for self-drive safaris. Famous for its shimmering salt pan, floodlit waterholes, and prolific wildlife—rhinos, elephants, big cats, and plains game—Etosha offers a wide range of accommodation options. Choices include comfortable government-run rest camps inside the park, luxury and boutique lodges just outside the gates, eco-friendly camps, family units, campsites, and budget guesthouses, making it ideal for everyone from first-time safari-goers to seasoned adventurers.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Safari Camps
For ultimate comfort, fine dining, stunning views, and personalized service, choose from these top-tier options just outside Etosha’s main gates:
- Onguma The Fort (Fisher’s Pan, East Gate): Moroccan-style luxury, private suites, panoramic sunset deck, top cuisine, exclusive game drives, infinity pool.
- Ongava Lodge (near Anderson Gate): Hilltop views, luxurious chalets, waterhole, guided game drives (including white rhino tracking), private reserve bordering Etosha.
- Mushara Outpost & Mushara Lodge (East Gate): Chic, tented suites or elegant lodge rooms, beautiful grounds, fine dining, pool, family-friendly.
- Epacha Game Lodge & Spa (Anderson Gate area): Opulent suites, spa, infinity pool, game drives in private reserve, night safaris.
- Safarihoek Lodge (Etosha Heights Reserve): Modern, luxury rooms, private decks, spectacular views, exceptional guiding.
2. Classic Etosha Rest Camps (Inside the Park, Managed by NWR)
The “real Etosha” for many—these government-run rest camps provide convenient park access, self-catering chalets, family bungalows, swimming pools, shops, restaurants, and campsites. Each has a unique setting, often with a floodlit waterhole for nighttime wildlife viewing.
- Okaukuejo Camp (South/Anderson Gate): Famous for its floodlit waterhole (elephants, rhinos, lions), range of rooms from premier chalets to basic double rooms, large pool, restaurant, shop, fuel.
- Halali Camp (Central): Midway point, quieter, beautiful hilltop setting, floodlit waterhole, bungalows, family chalets, camping, pool, restaurant, best for leopard sightings.
- Namutoni Camp (East/Gate): Historic German fort, stylish chalets, bush suites, large pool, restaurant, bar, excellent birding, close to Fisher’s Pan.
- Dolomite Camp (Western Etosha): Exclusive, remote, stunning views, luxury chalets on dolomite ridge, smaller, limited to park guests, no fuel station.
- Onkoshi Camp (Pan edge): Eco-chic, intimate, 15 luxury chalets on wooden decks, solar power, best views of the Etosha Pan, no self-drive (transfer from Namutoni).
3. Mid-Range, Boutique & Family-Friendly Lodges (Park Borders)
Just outside Etosha’s main gates, these lodges offer excellent value, comfort, and easy access:
- Etosha Village (Anderson Gate): Family-friendly, affordable, air-conditioned suites, pool, playground, great for self-drivers.
- Taleni Etosha Village: Safari tents, camping, self-catering, restaurant, pool, great value.
- Mushara Bush Camp (East): Family tents, pool, play area, boma, ideal for groups.
- Etosha Safari Lodge & Etosha Safari Camp: Air-conditioned rooms, fun atmosphere, pool, live music, great food.
- Emanya@Etosha: Stylish lodge, fine dining, close to eastern gate, spa.
4. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Stays
Support conservation and enjoy low-impact luxury at these properties:
- Ongava Tented Camp (Anderson Gate): Intimate, classic tented luxury, solar-powered, set in private reserve.
- Onkoshi Camp: Solar-powered, built from sustainable materials, panoramic pan views.
- Etosha Heights Safarihoek: Eco-conscious, modern luxury, supports conservation.
- Etosha King Nehale (North): Solar power, local materials, supports community.
5. Budget-Friendly Guesthouses, Hostels & Camping
Ideal for budget travelers, backpackers, or overlanders:
- Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni Rest Camp Campsites: Bring your own tent/camper, ablutions, braai, pool access.
- Eldorado Guesthouse & Camping (Anderson Gate): Friendly, simple rooms, great value, camping, ostrich farm.
- Etosha Trading Post Campsite: Shaded, clean, communal kitchen, affordable, close to Anderson Gate.
- Oppi-Koppi Rest Camp (Kamanjab): Popular for overlanders, bar/restaurant, pool, camping.
- Oshivelo Country Lodge (North Gate): Budget rooms, camping, self-catering, bar.
6. Self-Catering Cottages & Private Villas
For independent travelers, families, or longer stays:
- Mushara Bush Camp & Mushara Lodge: Family tents, kitchenettes, private braai areas.
- Etosha Safari Camp & Etosha Village: Kitchen facilities in rooms, private or communal.
- Etosha Trading Post Chalets: Private self-catering units, close to Anderson Gate.
7. Public & Private Campsites
For campers and overlanders—inside the park or just outside the gates:
- Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni Campsites: Best access, floodlit waterholes, ablutions, shop.
- Etosha Village, Etosha Trading Post, Eldorado Campsite: All offer secure, shaded camping with amenities.
- Onguma Tamboti Campsite (East): Private reserve, shaded, pool, access to Onguma activities.
Etosha Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onguma The Fort | East Gate | Luxury Lodge | $400–$900 | Private, panoramic, gourmet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Ongava Lodge | Anderson Gate | Luxury Lodge | $350–$750 | Hilltop, rhino tracking, pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Mushara Outpost/Lodge | East Gate | Boutique Lodge | $250–$450 | Chic, family suites, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Epacha Game Lodge & Spa | Anderson Gate | Luxury Lodge | $350–$700 | Spa, opulent, game drives | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Okaukuejo Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $60–$300 | Floodlit waterhole, range | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Halali Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $50–$250 | Central, leopard, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Namutoni Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $50–$200 | Fort, birding, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Dolomite Camp | Inside Park (West) | Boutique Camp | $120–$350 | Remote, exclusive, views | Yes | No | Some | Inside Park |
| Etosha Village | Anderson Gate | Mid-Range Lodge | $80–$160 | Family, self-catering, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Mushara Bush Camp | East Gate | Family Lodge | $150–$250 | Family tents, play area, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Etosha Safari Camp/Lodge | Anderson Gate | Camp/Lodge | $90–$180 | Vibrant, music, camping | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Etosha Trading Post | Anderson Gate | Campsite/Chalets | $10–$60 | Camping, self-catering, shop | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Eldorado Guesthouse | Anderson Gate | Guesthouse/Camp | $15–$50 | Budget, friendly, ostriches | Yes | No | Some | Near Park |
| Onguma Tamboti Campsite | East Gate | Private Campsite | $15–$35 | Pool, reserve, activities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and vary by season or room type.
Conclusion
Etosha National Park offers something for everyone—whether you want to watch elephants at a waterhole from a luxury lodge, camp beneath Namibian stars, relax in a family cottage, or keep to a tight budget in a friendly guesthouse.