What Is Etosha National Park?
Located in the north of Namibia, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Covering more than 22,000 square kilometers, the park is best known for its vast salt pan, dramatic landscapes, and incredible concentration of wildlife.
Etosha offers a unique safari experience. Instead of dense bush, the open plains and waterholes make wildlife viewing accessible — especially for self-drive travelers. From elephants and giraffes to predators like lions and leopards, Etosha is a place where patience is often rewarded in unforgettable ways.
Entry Gates of Etosha National Park: Where and How to Enter
Etosha National Park has several official entry gates, making it accessible from different directions depending on your travel route.
The main entry gates are:
• Andersson Gate (south of the park, near Okaukuejo)
• Von Lindequist Gate (eastern side, near Namutoni)
• Galton Gate (western entrance, more remote and quieter)
Each gate gives access to a different part of Etosha, with varying landscapes and levels of visitor traffic.
We drove to Etosha from Spitzkoppe and entered the park via the Andersson Gate, which is one of the most commonly used and well-organized entrances. Entering from this side gave us direct access to central Etosha and its famous waterholes — a perfect starting point for our safari adventure.
Day 1 – A Guided Safari: Chasing the Big Five
Early Morning Pickup and Safari Start
Early in the morning, our guide picked us up for a full-day organized safari inside Etosha National Park. With the rising sun casting golden light across the plains, we entered the park full of excitement and high expectations.
The Big Five were our ultimate goal, and our experienced guide knew exactly where to go. Throughout the day, we visited multiple waterholes and open plains, scanning the landscape carefully.
Wildlife Encounters on Day One
Etosha did not disappoint. We spotted:
• Towering giraffes moving gracefully through the bush
• Large herds of zebras and wildebeest
• Gazelles grazing calmly in the open plains
• Warthogs darting through the grass
One of the most intense moments came when we encountered an angry elephant, clearly irritated by our presence. He charged toward the vehicle briefly — a powerful reminder that this is true wilderness, and we are only guests.
But despite all these incredible sightings, the lion remained elusive on day one.
Sunset, Searching for Rhinos and Returning to the Lodge
As the day slowly came to an end, we enjoyed a spectacular Etosha sunset, with the sky turning shades of orange and red across the endless plains.
We continued searching for rhinos in the fading light, but once again, luck was not on our side. As darkness approached, we made our way back to the lodge — tired, excited, and already replaying the day’s highlights.
That evening, we enjoyed an amazing dinner, accompanied by live African music in the center of the lodge. After a long day in the park, we fell asleep quickly, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Night Safari: Lions, Owls and the Milky Way
Before calling it a night, we joined a night safari, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.
Under a sky filled with stars — the Milky Way clearly visible above us — we encountered a completely different side of Etosha. Our guide helped us spot nocturnal wildlife, including night owls and other birds rarely seen during the day.
The most intense moment came when we witnessed two lions that had been fighting. One of them was injured and could be heard calling out — a haunting, powerful sound echoing through the darkness. It was raw, emotional, and deeply impressive.
Day 2 – Self-Drive Safari: Finding the Lion at Last
Starting the Day on Our Own
The next morning, after checking out, we entered Etosha again — this time for a full self-drive safari. Driving at our own pace allowed us to stop whenever we wanted, waiting patiently at waterholes and scanning the bushes.
Throughout the day, we once again saw elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles. But this day had something special waiting for us.
Patience Rewarded: The Lion Appears
Near the end of the day, after hours of searching, we finally found what we had been hoping for.
A lion, lying peacefully near the edge of the bushes, almost hidden from view. If we hadn’t taken our time, we would have missed him entirely. This moment perfectly captured what safari is all about — patience, silence, and respect for nature.
Seeing the lion after such a long search made the experience even more powerful.
Camping in Eastern Etosha: Sleeping Among the Wild
After our self-drive safari, we continued toward the northeastern side of Etosha, where we spent the night at a fenced campsite. The fences keep large animals out, but monkeys can still climb over — so keeping an eye on your belongings is essential.
Falling asleep inside the park, knowing wildlife was moving around us, added another unforgettable layer to our Etosha experience.
Is Two Days in Etosha Enough?
We spent two full days on safari in Etosha National Park, and for us, it was perfect. While we didn’t see the entire Big Five, we encountered an incredible variety of wildlife and experienced Etosha by day, by night, and at our own pace.
It’s worth noting that we visited shortly after rainfall. With plenty of water available, animals were more spread out. In drier seasons, wildlife tends to concentrate around waterholes, making sightings easier.
Etosha rewards patience — and those who take their time are often given something truly special in return.
