Morning/Afternoon: Start with a scenic drive from Windhoek (or other departure points) to Etosha National Park, arriving around mid-day.
Accommodation: Check-in at a comfortable lodge or camp near the southern edge of Etosha, such as Okaukuejo Camp, which is renowned for its floodlit waterhole. Other options include Halali Camp or one of the private lodges just outside the park gate.
Afternoon Game Drive: After settling in, embark on your first afternoon game drive. This initial drive typically focuses on the park's southern regions, where there is a high chance of spotting animals near the waterholes. The park’s expansive landscape, punctuated by mopane woodlands and acacia trees, offers diverse animal sightings.
Evening: Return to the camp or lodge for dinner, followed by optional viewing at the camp’s waterhole. At night, waterholes often attract lions, rhinos, and elephants.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner Bed & Breakfast
Morning: After breakfast, head out on a full-day game drive that covers some of the park’s most iconic areas. You’ll likely explore the central and eastern sections, which are teeming with zebras, antelope, and possibly large predators like lions and cheetahs.
Highlights: This is a day to visit the Etosha Pan itself, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding bushveld. The pan’s saline plains often attract migratory birds like flamingos during the rainy season.
Lunch Break: Stop at Halali Camp or a designated picnic area within the park for a lunch break and relaxation before continuing the game drive.
Afternoon Game Viewing: Spend the afternoon visiting popular waterholes like Goas and Nebrowni, where you might see elephants bathing or lions resting. Keep an eye out for rare black rhinos and leopards, which may be spotted in more secluded areas.
Evening: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner. Relax by the fire or enjoy a night at the waterhole for evening animal sightings.
Early Morning Game Drive: Start with a sunrise game drive, a great time to spot predators on the hunt. Early hours are ideal for spotting lions, hyenas, and sometimes elusive leopards in action as they patrol near waterholes.
Breakfast & Check-Out: After the game drive, return for breakfast at the lodge and check out.
Final Game Drive on the Way Out: As you make your way out of Etosha, enjoy a final mini game drive.
Return to Windhoek or Next Destination: Begin the journey back to Windhoek or continue your Namibian adventure.