5 Best places to stay in Etosha National Park

For 50 years tourists were prohibited from exploring this scenic western third of Etosha National Park, but that all changed with the opening of Dolomite Camp in June 2011.

The most upmarket Namibia Wildlife Resorts camp in Etosha offers two tiers of chalets, with the pick of the bunch boasting private plunge pools and waterhole views. While self-drive safaris are not allowed, well-trained rangers offer daily game excursions into this unexplored corner of Etosha.

This previously restricted area of the Park is host to high numbers of Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Giraffe and Antelope. Once-endangered species like the Black-faced Impala and Black Rhino have been successfully bred.

Just 20 suites share this prime location, and the daily game drives into the bush ensure an exclusive peek into this wild world.

Set on Etosha Heights Private Reserve, bordering the Etosha National Park, this luxury lodge offers unrivalled bush luxury across nine spacious chalets (including one family suite). Perched on a dolomite hillside, you’ll enjoy memorable wilderness views from every angle, whether relaxing on your private terrace or tanning at the spacious pool deck.

Twice-daily game drives offer memorable encounters with endangered rhinoceros, and – because this is private land, not national park – bush walks and wilderness picnics can be arranged.

It’s a luxurious option close to the iconic national park, and a fine complement once you’ve ticked off the sights of Etosha.

Namutoni Camp emerges like a mirage from the shimmering heat of Etosha, with the white turrets of the old German fort dating back to 1897.

The history, combined with a beautiful location overlooking King Nehale waterhole, has made Namutoni a popular rest camp in the east of the Park.

There are campsites and simple double rooms on offer, but the best option is the spacious Bush Chalets.

Within the surrounds you’ll find all the services and facilities a traveller could ask for, including an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, curio shop and viewpoint over the floodlit King Nehale waterhole.

From Namutoni there’s easy access to a number of other wonderful waterholes, including Fisher’s Pan; a renowned birding hotspot that draws flocks of breeding flamingos during the wet season of late summer.

This government-owned camp in Etosha is the largest in the Park, with more than 100 rooms and chalets.

The upside of staying in such a busy camp is the raft of services available: from restaurants and a swimming pool, to the on-site petrol station.

You lose a little of that wilderness feel, but it’s perfect for those first-time safari-goers who want the comforts and security of a big resort.

The other plus is the camp’s floodlit waterhole, with grandstand seating, which brings all the big game to you. For the best game viewing, get to the waterhole 30 minutes before sunrise, when predators are often active.

Epacha is one of the better private game reserves that dot the countryside outside the gates to Etosha.

Set on a 13,000-hectare private nature reserve, the 18 luxury chalets enjoy plenty of peace and quiet.

They all offer stunning bushveld views, whether you’re on the private balcony, ensconced in a romantic four-poster bed or cooling off in an outside shower.

Morning, afternoon and evening game drives are possible in Epacha – known for its black rhino and sable antelope.

There are also daily guided drives into Etosha, which has four of the big five – lion, leopard, elephant and a healthy population of endangered black rhino. Also look out for more than 400 species of birds.

Back at base, the small Mystique spa offers an open-air couples treatment room, that ups the romance factor.