A Complete Guide to Etosha National Park’s Waterholes
Written by Jess Tyrrell
Considering that your best chances of seeing Africa's charismatic animals in an arid savannah landscape are at a water source, we thought we'd dedicate an entire guide to the numerous waterholes in Namibia's greatest wildlife sanctuary: Etosha National Park. Each of these life-offering waterholes, fed by natural springs and fountains or man-made boreholes, is unique and attracts a remarkable ensemble of wildlife, big and small. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 10 waterholes with you…
Although we cannot predict what animals will be where when, we can give you a brief overview of the best waterholes in the bunch that you ought to include in your adventure to Etosha.
Table of Contents
Seasonality
The perfect time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter, between June and October. A lack of rainfall means that animals tend to visit and gather around the waterholes en masse. During the wet season, November to April, animals scatter throughout the park as they do not need to seek out water sources.
Location and map
Etosha National Park, in northern Namibia, is around 22.270 km² — about half the size of Switzerland 🇨🇭! There are 40+ waterholes to be discovered across the park, mostly straddling the perimeter of the famous Etosha Pan. Waterholes can be found within close proximity to all of the park’s entrance gates and rest camps.
Top 10 waterholes
Around Okaukuejo rest camp
1. Okaukuejo
This famous waterhole is considered by many to be the best place in all of Africa to see endangered black rhino. It is right next to Okaukuejo rest camp, where the floodlight draws black rhino and elephants almost every night, especially between June and December. This isn't only a popular waterhole for animals, but also for tourists. We recommend getting here just before sunrise to make the most of the gorgeous morning light and avoid the masses.
2. Okondeka
If you're after the king of the jungle, then Okondeka is your best bet. This natural fountain waterhole is on the west side of Etosha Pan, just north of Okaukuejo. Lion and other predators are often spotted here with a kill, but you can also expect giraffe, zebra, springbok, ostriches and wildebeest all together on the surrounding plains. For the best light for photographs, visit this waterhole in the afternoons or mornings.
3. Olifantsbad
“Olifantsbad” translates to “Elephants Bath”, and for good reason. Visit this waterhole in the morning to see elephants, zebra, black-faced impala, red hartebeest and black-faced impala.
4. Nebrownii
Large herds of elephants, springbok, zebras, gemsbok, ostriches, and giraffes descend on this waterhole. Owing to the small size of the waterhole, elephants tend to fight over access to it, making for some dramatic action photos. The best time of day for pictures is in the mornings and afternoons.
Around Halali rest camp
5. Goas
This oasis-like natural spring lies about halfway between Andersson gate in the south, and Von Lindquist Gate in the east. There's a chance of spotting a leopard here, along with plenty of birds, elephants, black-faced impala, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. For the best photos, come in the morning or afternoons.
6. Salvadora
This waterhole is set against a beautiful vista of Etosha Pan extending far towards the horizon in the north. This waterhole is popular with cheetahs, which are bizarrely known to climb the tree! You can also expect to see enormous herds of zebra drinking here. The best lighting is in the mornings.
7. Moringa
The floodlit Moringa waterhole is conveniently located at Halali camp, allowing visitors to stake out animal guests early in the mornings and late into the evenings. The hide is perched up on a koppie (rocky hill), affording views of the black rhino, elephant, leopard, and plains game below. Listen out for the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle, and the sandgrouse symphony after sunset.
8. Homob
This picturesque waterhole is 43 km west of Halali and in a large depression, above which is the parking lot affording great viewing. Wildlife 'highway' trails ramble through the parking lot area, letting you see and capture wildlife from up close as they walk past, towards or away from the waterhole. The morning light is the best for photographs.
Around Namutoni rest camp
9. Namutoni
This floodlit waterhole is observed from inside Namutoni rest camp. From an elevated platform, you can watch giraffes saunter by, and at sunset, expect hundreds of red-billed queleas to fly in to roost in the reeds. The lighting at sunset will silhouette your subjects.
10. Klein Namutoni
Just 2-3 km from Namutoni camp, this waterhole is a great option for sunset as you can quickly zip back to Namutoni camp before curfew. Look alongside the road for the charming and tiny Damara dik-dik, and at the waterhole for giraffe, black rhino, elephant, black-faced impala and spotted hyena. Visit this waterhole in the morning for the best lighting, or in the afternoon if you would like your animal subjects to be silhouetted.
Accommodation
To be in on the action, and have early and private access to Etosha's teeming waterholes, we'd recommend staying within or near entrance gates to the park. Here are some suggestions.
Entry level
Etosha Trading Post
Only a 5-minute drive from Etosha's Andersson Gate, this convenient campsite has 12 sites overlooking Etosha's plains. Visit the curio shop, stock up on snacks and have a refreshing swim.
Onguma Tamboti Campsite
This stunning campsite in Onguma, eastern Etosha, has 25 sites tucked under trees in the African bush. Revel in your private bathroom, and visit the restaurant overlooking a waterhole.
Etosha Safari Camping2Go
Enjoy the camping experience without the hassle in one of the 8 self-catering tents, each equipped with 4 beds and an en-suite bathroom. Etosha Safari Camping2Go is the perfect place to get in touch with nature.
Mid-level
Mushara Bush Camp
This chic safari camp hosts travellers in en-suite canvas and wood tents, each with a private veranda with views onto the surrounding bush. Take a dip in the sparkling pool.
Etosha Safari Camp
The Gondwana group is known to be quirky when it comes to its establishments, and Etosha Safari Camp on the southern edge of the park is no different. Featuring a traditional ‘shebeen’ style bar, live music in the evenings from the Etosha Boys, and guided game drives.
Halali Resort
Spacious rooms nestled between shady Mopane trees inside of Etosha National Park. Halali Resort has a floodlit waterhole, attracting leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants, and more! Swim, shop, and refuel.
Fancy
Etosha King Nehale
Sheer opulence set on the Andoni plains - stylish chalets featuring Oshiwambo cultural ornaments, each with a private pool. Indulge in private access to a waterhole frequented by animal guests.
The Mushara Lodge
A total of 10 spacious, en-suite thatched chalets positioned around a sparkling swimming pool and green lawns manicured by wildlife. The traditional safari-style lodge houses a library, bar, fireplace, and curio shop.
Onkoshi Resort
A secluded lodge on the rim of the surreal Etosha Salt Pan. Far removed from public self-drive routes, Onkoshi offers 15 freestanding, elevated chalets with expansive views of the pan, featuring pink flamingoes and 4 of the Big 5 in the rainy season. Explore Etosha on a guided game drive, lounge poolside and delight in delicious meals.
How to include Etosha National Park in your next adventure
Etosha likely features on every travellers' ”to-do” list as it is Namibia's primary wildlife destination. Etosha is in the north of Namibia and is a popular first stop destination from Windhoek.
Here are 3 tours offered by Viatu that feature Etosha:
1. Namibia’s Best in a Week
This unforgettable trip starts in glorious Windhoek, from where you'll go on to see Etosha’s iconic wildlife. Next up, you’ll dip into Swakopmund’s coastal vibe before concluding the trip among Sossusvlei’s world-famous dunes.
2. The Namibian Starter Pack: Self-Drive Adventure on a Budget
Consider this your complete course for “Everything Namibia”. Meet its desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and lions roaming around freely in Etosha. Then, learn about ancient rock engravings before feasting on the cherry on top - epic sand dunes in Sossusvlei.
3. Namibian Wildside: Etosha to Zambezi
This voyage will take you from dramatic salt pan scenery in Etosha to the green rivers of the Zambezi Region and back again, gobsmacking wildlife sightings assured! Marvel at desert-adapted animals and admire elephants and hippos in the waterways of the Kwando River.
Etosha and its waterholes are popular, so we recommend heading off to the waterholes at the crack of dawn, whenever the gates open, to secure front row seats to nature's show.
Fuel is available within the park at 3 places: Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Halali, although they're prone to running out, so don't let your tank get too low!
Pack binoculars, and for avid photographers, a 300mm lens and tripod.
Download offline maps - such as Maps.me or Google Maps - for your time in Etosha (and Namibia) and print physical copies so that you don't get lost!
No one can predict which animals will visit which waterholes and when. Oftentimes, you will have to be patient and wait it out to catch sight of an elusive species, or even the more common ones! To maximise your chances, get to a waterhole early, park in a good position, turn the engine off, and wait... Rest assured that Etosha will find ways to reward you nonetheless. Book your trip now.
