Etosha National Park Guide

Etosha National Park Game Drives

Explore Etosha's diverse habitats on expertly guided game drives, spotting wildlife around waterholes and experiencing the magic of African game viewing

65+ tours
From $95
2-4 hours
Etosha National Park Game Drives

Game drives are the heart of the Etosha experience, taking you through the park's diverse landscapes to encounter incredible wildlife in their natural habitat! These expertly guided drives traverse grasslands, woodlands, and around the iconic salt pan, visiting strategic waterholes where animals gather to drink. Early morning drives catch predators returning from hunts and animals beginning their day, while afternoon drives offer opportunities to see wildlife activity peak around waterholes before sunset. Experienced guides use their knowledge of animal behavior, park geography, and recent sightings to maximize your wildlife encounters. Whether you choose morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives, these excursions provide intimate encounters with Etosha's diverse wildlife and showcase why this park is considered one of Africa's premier game viewing destinations!

Featured Game Drives Tours

Discover our top picks for game drives in Etosha National Park

7 Day Namibia Desert, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park Camping
From $1,241.03
Free Cancellation

Discover Sossusvlei, observe flamingos and other bird species in Walvis Bay, explore Swakopmund, visit a shipwreck, discover Cape Cross, and enjoy game viewing in Etosha National Park.

5.0(1)
168h
View Details
4 Day Etosha National Park
From $760
New

This tour is specifically a 4-day experience concentrated on Etosha National Park with two full days of game drives focused entirely within this park. In essence, this tour provides a focused, moderately priced, mixed camping experience concentrating on Etosha with group camaraderie, tailored for those who prefer a well-rounded but accessible glimpse of Namibia's premier wildlife park

96h
View Details
6 Days Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park Lodging
From $1,946

Embark on a popular tour that encompasses the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, a brief visit to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, concluding with a captivating game-viewing experience in Etosha National Park.

4.0(1)
144h
View Details
4 days Etosha National Park and Swakopmund Lodging
From $1,212.75
Free Cancellation

  This tour gives a close encounter with nature getting a memorable time with wildlife and the beautiful nature. Etosha national park is rated as one of the best national parks in Southern Africa. This 4 day/3 night safari offers a game drive inside Etosha National Park and one night in Swakopmund.

4.0(1)
96h
View Details
3-Day Safari Adventure Tour at Etosha National Park from Windhoek
From $1,031.71

Immerse yourself in nature and join our shared safari tour in Namibia on an exciting 3-day safari adventure at Etosha National Park with accommodation at Etosha Safari Lodge! Relish in the stunning game viewing in a photographer's paradise and look for 4 of the Big 5 animals that can be found in the Etosha National Park, Namibia. The breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters will create memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for adventure and relaxation!

72h
View Details
3 Days Etosha National Park
From $992.25
Free Cancellation

Exploring Etosha is an adventure like no other. Visitors can embark on game drives through the park's network of roads, which provide access to various waterholes and prime wildlife viewing spots.

72h
View Details
3 Days Etosha National Park Camping
From $825.78
Free Cancellation

Exploring Etosha is an adventure like no other. Visitors can embark on game drives through the park's network of roads, which provide access to various waterholes and prime wildlife viewing spots.

72h
View Details
3 Day Camping tour at Etosha National Park
From $920
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

We at Quest tours and tours have a special way on how we do guide our tours we go the extra mile to make your safari a memorable one. Etosha National Park is one of the biggest Nature parks in Namibia in position of the big 4 , with Quest tours and Safaris you will get to explore the unfiltered, raw nature to its fullest .

5.0(5)
72h
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3 Day Etosha National Park Self-Drive Tour (B&B)
From $1,048.47
👤Private Tour

Spend the full day game-driving inside the park. Stopover at the different watering holes and observe the sometimes-large number of different animals quenching their thirst.  If you are lucky, you get to see and snap a photo of the endangered white or black rhinoceros. Watch herds of springbok antelope, along with zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, elephants and lions, to name just a few. There are hundreds of different species of animals, not to mention birds and insects, that roam this part of Namibia. Etosha is home to four of the BIG 5 species. The buffalo is the only mammal not found in the park.

72h
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Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park (Camping)7 D/6 N
From $2,114.4

Start and end in Windhoek! With the sightseeing tour 7-Day Namibia Desert and Etosha National Park (Camping), you have a 7-day tour package taking you through Windhoek, Namibia, and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

5.0(1)
168h
View Details
6 DAYS ETOSHA,SWAKOPMUND & SOSSUSVLEI- NAMIBIA (Lodging)
From $1,680
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This 6 Days Lodging Safari is the best of Wildlife, abit of the Coastal City and the Oldest Desert in Africa. This safari combines the wildlife of Etosha National Park by which guest will have game drives to see animals like Elephants, Hippo, Giraffe and Lions and in Swakopmund clients will have 2 activities (Quadbiking & Sandboarding) to mention a few activities after that they will be heading Sossusvlei they will have a complete Desert Excursion to visit all the dunes including Deadvlei,Big Daddy,Sesriem, Dune 45 and Sossusvlei Dunes itself! This is one of the best tours for a newcomer to explore Namibia's most visited two Destinations.

4.0(5)
144h
View Details
2 Days wildlife Etosha Safari- Camping
From $300

On this 2 Days camping Wildlife Safari clients can expect to enjoy them self with Game Drives in Etosha National Park on the game drives clients will be able to see animals like Elephants, Hippo, Giraffe and Lions. Enjoy the wonderful view of the tall necks of Giraffes slowly moving in front of the red shimmer of the setting sun. All meals will be prepared by our tour-guideas included in the Itineraryand we will provide all camping equipment including tents, pillows, and all utensils. Soall you need is your luggage and we good to go!

4.0(3)
48h
View Details
3 DAYS ETOSHA WILDLIFE SAFARI- Namibia (Camping)
From $480

On this 3 Days camping Wildlife Safari clients can expect to enjoy them self with Game Drives in Etosha National Park on the game drives clients will be able to see animals like Elephants, Hippo, Giraffe and Lions. Enjoy the wonderful view of the tall necks of Giraffes slowly moving in front of the red shimmer of the setting sun. All meals will be prepared by our tour-guideas included in the Itineraryand we will provide all camping equipment including tents, pillows, and all utensils. Soall you need is your luggage and we good to go!

5.0(1)
72h
View Details

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Why Choose Game Drives in Etosha National Park?

Expert Guides

Knowledgeable guides maximize wildlife encounters with park knowledge and animal behavior insights.

Strategic Routes

Drives planned around recent sightings and optimal viewing times for best wildlife encounters.

Waterhole Focus

Visit prime waterholes where animals gather, providing excellent viewing opportunities.

Multiple Options

Choose morning, afternoon, or full-day drives to suit your preferences and schedule.

Types of Game Drives in Etosha National Park

Early Morning Game Drives

Dawn drives when predators are active and animals beginning their day, optimal wildlife activity.

Early morningPredator activityOptimal viewingCool temperaturesWildlife activity

Afternoon Game Drives

Afternoon drives visiting waterholes as animals gather, leading to sunset viewing opportunities.

AfternoonWaterhole viewingAnimal gatheringsSunset timingPeak activity

Full-Day Game Drives

Comprehensive full-day drives covering multiple areas, waterholes, and extended wildlife viewing.

Full dayMultiple areasExtended viewingComplete experienceComprehensive

Private Game Drives

Exclusive private drives with personalized itinerary and flexible timing for your group.

PrivatePersonalizedFlexibleExclusiveCustomized

What to Expect on Your Etosha Game Drive

Duration

Morning drives: 2-3 hours starting at dawn. Afternoon drives: 3-4 hours ending near sunset. Full-day: 8-10 hours with breaks.

Wildlife Encounters

Spot diverse wildlife including Big Five, antelopes, birds, and various mammals throughout drive.

Waterhole Visits

Spend time at strategic waterholes waiting for and watching animals come to drink.

Photography Opportunities

Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography with guidance on best angles and techniques.

Expert Commentary

Guides share wildlife knowledge, animal behavior, park ecology, and identification tips.

Park Exploration

Explore different park areas, habitats, and key wildlife viewing locations.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Morning drives best for predator activity and cooler temperatures

2

Afternoon drives ideal for waterhole viewing as animals gather

3

Bring layers - mornings cold, afternoons warm, temperature changes throughout day

4

Binoculars essential - enhance wildlife viewing significantly

5

Camera with zoom lens recommended for best wildlife photography

6

Patience key - spend time at waterholes waiting for animals

7

Follow guide's instructions - they know best viewing techniques

8

Stay quiet and still at waterholes - increases animal approach chances

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is a game drive in Etosha?

A: Game drives are guided vehicle excursions through Etosha National Park to view wildlife in their natural habitat! Drives use open safari vehicles or closed vehicles with pop-top roofs. Guides take you to strategic locations, especially waterholes where animals gather. Drives typically 2-4 hours covering different park areas. Guides share wildlife knowledge and maximize viewing opportunities. Essential Etosha experience - primary way to see wildlife. Can be self-drive or guided. Guided drives recommended for better wildlife spotting and park knowledge!

Q:How much do game drives cost?

A: Guided morning game drives: $95-150 per person (2-3 hours). Afternoon game drives: $110-170 per person (3-4 hours). Full-day game drives: $180-280 per person (8-10 hours). Private game drives: $250-400 per vehicle (2-4 hours). Prices include guide and vehicle, sometimes park entrance fees. Park entrance: $10-15 per person per day (if not included). Prices vary by operator, vehicle type, and inclusions. Book through lodges or tour operators. Self-driving costs only park entrance and vehicle rental!

Q:When is the best time for game drives?

A: Early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM) best for wildlife activity! Morning drives catch predators returning from hunts and animals starting their day. Afternoon drives visit waterholes as animals gather. Midday (10 AM-3 PM) less productive - animals resting in shade. Dawn and dusk when most wildlife active. Full-day drives combine both prime times. Weather also factors - early morning cooler, afternoon warmer. Early morning and late afternoon drives most rewarding for wildlife viewing!

Q:What vehicle is used for game drives?

A: Game drives use various vehicles: Open safari vehicles (best viewing, wind in face, exposed), closed vehicles with pop-top roofs (better protection, good viewing), and standard 4x4 vehicles! Open vehicles provide best experience but less protection from elements. Closed vehicles with pop-tops good compromise. Self-drive usually standard rental vehicles. Professional operators use purpose-built safari vehicles. Vehicle type affects experience - open vehicles more immersive but weather-dependent. Choose based on preferences and weather!

Q:Can I do self-drive game drives?

A: Yes! Self-driving very popular in Etosha - well-maintained roads and clear waterhole locations! Many visitors rent vehicles and explore independently. Requires good map, wildlife knowledge, and patience. Advantages: Flexibility, lower cost, your own pace. Disadvantages: Less wildlife knowledge, may miss animals, need to navigate. Guided drives recommended for first-time visitors or serious wildlife viewing. Experienced self-drivers enjoy flexibility. Both options valid - guided drives offer better wildlife spotting!

Q:What should I bring on game drives?

A: Essential items: Binoculars (crucial for wildlife viewing), camera with zoom lens, layers (cold mornings, warm afternoons), sunscreen, hat, water bottle, snacks (if full-day), and sense of adventure! Warm jacket for morning drives essential. Camera with good zoom for wildlife photography. Binoculars enhance viewing significantly. Comfortable clothing for sitting. Sun protection important. Don't forget camera battery and memory cards. Pack for varying temperatures throughout day!

Q:How long are game drives?

A: Morning game drives: Typically 2-3 hours starting at dawn (6-7 AM). Afternoon game drives: 3-4 hours (3-4 PM start, ending near sunset). Full-day game drives: 8-10 hours with breaks for lunch and rest. Duration depends on type and operator. Shorter drives focus on prime viewing times. Full-day drives cover more area and maximize opportunities. Most visitors find 2-3 hour drives perfect balance. Longer drives rewarding but can be tiring. Choose based on stamina and wildlife interest!

Q:What wildlife will I see?

A: Game drives offer opportunities to see Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo), giraffes, zebras, numerous antelope species, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, and birds! What you see depends on luck, time of day, season, and guide skill. Waterholes increase viewing reliability. Dry season (May-Oct) better when animals gather at waterholes. Big Five possible but leopard and rhino more challenging. Common sightings: Elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, various antelopes. Guides maximize viewing opportunities through knowledge and timing!

Don't Miss the Perfect Etosha National Park Experience

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Why Visit Etosha National Park?

Iconic salt pan

Big Five wildlife

Excellent game viewing

Comfortable lodges

Professional guides

Perfect Namibian safari experience

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Etosha has a semi-arid climate. Dry season (May-October) offers better wildlife viewing, while wet season (November-April) brings lush vegetation.

Best Months

May to October offers the best wildlife viewing with dry conditions and animals gathering at waterholes.

Peak Season

July to September brings peak tourist season with excellent wildlife viewing, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to March offers lower prices but wet weather and dense vegetation.

Plan Your Etosha National Park Trip

Transportation Tips

Organized safari tours include transportation. Self-drive is possible but guided tours are recommended for the best experience.

Car Rental Deals in Etosha National Park

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Etosha National Park adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Etosha National Park

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