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Best time to visit Etosha National Park

Namibia

The best months to visit Etosha National Park are Jul – Oct. Dry season, animals at waterholes.

Quick facts

💰 Currency NAD (Dollar) Pegged 1:1 with ZAR, both accepted
🗣 Language English / Afrikaans English widely spoken
🕐 Timezone CAT (UTC+2) No DST
☀️ Best Months Jul – Oct Dry season, animals at waterholes
🎒 Daily Budget ~$40–70 USD Budget self-drive safari
🛂 Visa Visa-free many 90 days for EU/UK/US/Aus/NZ

When to go

Africa's greatest self-drive safari: floodlit waterholes, black rhinos at midnight, vast salt pans, and budget camping under Namibian stars.

Health & Safety in Etosha National Park

  • Etosha is in a low-risk malaria area, and prophylaxis is recommended during summer (Nov–Apr)
  • Stay in your vehicle at all times except at designated rest areas and camps
  • Lions, elephants, and rhinos are wild and dangerous, so maintain safe distances. Never leave your car near a predator

For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Etosha National Park travel guide.

Timezone: CAT (UTC+2) (No DST)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Etosha National Park?

The best months to visit Etosha National Park are Jul – Oct (Dry season, animals at waterholes), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Etosha National Park budget breakdown.

Find a travel companion for Etosha National Park

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See the full Etosha National Park guide