Etosha National Park Information

Etosha National Park entrance fees

The following conservation fees apply from 1 April 2026. Park entrance fees are charged separately from accommodation and activity fees.

Daily visitor fees

Daily vehicle fees

Halali, Namutoni and Okaukuejo campsite fees

• Halali Camp rates and information
• Namutoni Camp rates and information
• Okaukuejo Camp rates and information
• Campsites accommodate a maximum of eight people and two vehicles per site.

Olifantsrus Campsite

• Olifantsrus camping rates and information
• Campsites accommodate a maximum of eight people and two vehicles per site.
• Day visitors may use the picnic facilities until 16:00, subject to current camp rules.

Etosha National Park rules and visitor guidelines

These rules protect visitors, wildlife and the park. Instructions from park officials and signs inside Etosha always take precedence.

• Report to reception or the relevant park office when you arrive.
• Carry a valid driver’s licence and obey all road signs and speed limits.
• Travel only on marked tourist roads. Off-road driving is prohibited.
• Remain inside your vehicle except at rest camps and clearly designated places where leaving the vehicle is permitted.
• Return to your camp or leave the park before the published closing time.
• Do not disturb, remove, injure or collect wildlife, plants, rocks or other natural material.
• Do not feed or intentionally attract wild animals.
• Pets are not permitted.
• Motorcycles are not permitted.
• Do not litter, and keep noise to a minimum—especially at waterholes.
• Unsealed or loaded firearms are not permitted. Ask gate staff about current declaration and sealing requirements before entering.
• Drones may not be flown without official permission. Any drone brought to the park must be declared and registered at the entry gate.
• Single-use plastic retail carrier bags are restricted in Namibia’s protected areas. Ask gate staff if you are uncertain about an item.

Raw-meat controls apply when leaving through certain gates. See the Meat Regulations tab for the essential rules and a link to the detailed veterinary information.

For additional detail, consult the official NWR park regulations.

Etosha weather, seasons and wildlife viewing

Etosha is rewarding throughout the year, but conditions and wildlife movements change with the rainfall. Rainfall is unpredictable, so the descriptions below are seasonal guidelines rather than guarantees.

November to March: the wetter, greener season

Summer is hot, and rain often arrives as afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms. Temporary pools form across the park, vegetation becomes greener and animals are less dependent on the permanent waterholes. This can make wildlife more widely dispersed, but it is an excellent period for birding, dramatic skies, green landscapes and seeing young animals.

April to May: the transition into the dry season

Rainfall usually decreases, temperatures become more comfortable and the landscape begins to dry. Wildlife gradually starts returning to the better-known water sources, while the park may still retain some green-season colour.

June to August: the cool, dry season

Mornings and evenings can be very cold, even when afternoons are pleasantly warm. As natural surface water dries up, animals increasingly gather around established waterholes. Warm clothing is useful for early drives and open-vehicle activities.

September to October: the hot, dry season

These months are normally dry and increasingly hot. Wildlife can be strongly concentrated around waterholes, which often makes sightings more predictable. The landscape is dusty and sparse, while heat and glare can be intense during the middle of the day.

Flamingos and the Etosha Pan

When sufficient rain and flooding reach the pan, Etosha can attract large numbers of waterbirds. Greater and lesser flamingos may also attempt to breed on the pan, but suitable conditions occur irregularly and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Etosha is itself an important flamingo breeding location; the birds are not simply passing through on their way to the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Read more about the Etosha Pan.

Malaria and mosquito precautions

Malaria risk in northern Namibia varies according to season, rainfall, location and the traveller’s individual circumstances. Parts of the wider Etosha region fall within areas for which public-health authorities recommend malaria precautions. Visitors should not assume that any month is completely risk-free.

Before travelling, consult a doctor or qualified travel-health professional for advice based on your complete itinerary, medical history, age and travel dates. A healthcare professional can determine whether prescription malaria prevention is appropriate and which medication, if any, is suitable for you.

Reduce mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long trousers after dusk, and sleeping in screened or air-conditioned accommodation or under a properly treated mosquito net where necessary.

Seek prompt medical attention if you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms during or after travel, and tell the healthcare provider that you have visited a malaria-risk area.

Check the latest Namibia travel-health guidance before departure.

Guided game drives in Etosha

Guided drives use customised open safari vehicles and are operated from the main NWR camps. Drives are currently offered from Halali, Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Dolomite and Onkoshi, subject to availability and local operating conditions.

Current guided-drive rates

The following NWR rates apply for July 2026 to June 2027:

• Morning drive: N$650 per person
• Afternoon drive: N$650 per person
• Night drive: N$750 per person

Rates, departure times, minimum numbers, age restrictions and booking arrangements can change. Enquire with NWR or the applicable camp before arrival where possible, and reconfirm availability at reception. Advance reservations may be restricted during the rainy season.

See the relevant camp page for accommodation and contact information:

• Halali Camp
• Namutoni Camp
• Okaukuejo Camp

Etosha National Park entry gates

• Anderson Gate: The main southwestern entrance, reached via the C38 from Outjo. Okaukuejo is the nearest major park camp.
• Von Lindequist Gate: The principal eastern entrance, approached from the Tsumeb side. Namutoni is the nearest major park camp.
• Galton Gate: The western entrance serving the western section of Etosha and the route towards Dolomite and Olifantsrus.
• King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate: The northern entrance, providing access between Etosha and north-central Namibia.

Opening and closing times

Etosha’s park and camp gates open and close according to seasonal sunrise and sunset times. Times change regularly during the year and visitors must return to camp or leave the park before the applicable closing time.

Consult the official 2026 Etosha opening and closing schedule. For travel in another year, obtain the current schedule from Namibia Wildlife Resorts rather than relying on an older timetable.

Allow sufficient time for wildlife on the road, slower gravel-road travel and check-in procedures. Do not plan to arrive at an entry gate at the published closing time.

Raw-meat and veterinary-control regulations

Veterinary controls affect travellers carrying raw meat through Etosha. Based on the current park guidance:

• Raw meat may be brought into Etosha National Park.
• Raw meat may not be taken out through Anderson, Galton or Von Lindequist gates. Prohibited meat may be confiscated and disposed of.
• Visitors may exit through King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate with raw meat, subject to current veterinary requirements.

Regulations can change and enforcement decisions rest with the authorities. Declare relevant products when asked and follow the instructions of gate and veterinary officials.

Read our detailed Veterinary Regulations page before travelling with meat or animal products.