Etosha National Park

Namibia is characterized by its desert habitat. The harsh environment forms a magnificent backdrop for a different kind of safari. Animal populations are smaller, but sightings in this sparse setting tend to be rewarding. Not to be missed is Etosha Pan, the largest salt pan in Africa and a seasonal wildlife magnet.

• Excellent waterhole-based wildlife viewing at Etosha
• Long coastline with marine animals, such as seal colonies
• Good infrastructure and excellent self-drive safari options
• High-end and budget safaris
• Low population and vast undeveloped areas
• Highly photogenic scenery and colors
• Desert habitat doesn't support high animal densities
• Not a great destination to see big cats

The sunny, virtually cloudless days of the Dry season (May to October) are a very pleasant time to visit. Although from June to August it can get very chilly overnight and in the early morning. The Dry season also happens to be the best time for wildlife watching, as animals gather around any water and are easy to find.

Most visitors to Botswana will have a stopover in South Africa to pick up a direct flight from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Botswana’s main airport is Sir SeretseKhama International Airport (GBE), located 11km/7miles north of Gaborone, the capital. For travelers, it is more common to fly into Maun Airport (MUB) and Kasana Airport (BBK). When combining a safari in Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, it is common to fly into Maun and depart from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia. In most cases your tour operator will collect you from the airport and will arrange all further transportation.

The open, arid landscape of Namibia doesn’t support animals in great numbers, but you’ll certainly have no trouble seeing the ones that do live here. These include plenty of wildebeest, zebra, lion and elephant, with large groups congregating in Etosha. The country is particularly good for seeing cheetah, which are widespread, while the more elusive black rhino and brown hyena confine themselves to coastal locations.

A subtropical desert climate is the norm in Namibian parks. In the winter (May to October), this means barely any rain and afternoon temperatures that usually stay below 28°C/82°F. The rain finally arrives a few months into summer (November to April), accompanied by humidity, and fierce heat in the desert areas that approaches 40°C/104°F.

There are few direct flights to Namibia, and most people have a stopover in OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) Johannesburg, South Africa. Some of the main airlines flying to Johannesburg have add-on connections. This often includes an overnight in Johannesburg.

Namibia's main airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) located 40km/25mi east of Windhoek, the capital. Onward travel is either by small aircraft or car. Because of excellent roads and safety in Namibia, many people choose the self-drive option. In most other cases, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and all further transportation as part of the tour.

Passport, Visa and Other Entry Requirements Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Namibia embassy to verify the information below is current. A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.

All foreign visitors will need to carry a return or onward ticket. Citizens from most countries do not require a visa and will get a 30-day entry permit on arrival. Children (under 18 years of age) must have a certified copy of their full, unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport to enter Namibia. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or no parents, the child must have an affidavit from the missing parent(s), which gives their consent for the child to travel.

Namibian Dollars.