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Nürnberg
Germany
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$$$
ITINERARY (Full Day)
Etosha National Park
Dolomite Camp
Olifantsrus Camp
Okaukuejo Camp
nugget’s Advice
Prepare in advance
Etosha National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Namibia, so book your lodging in advance.
Good to know
Renting your own 4x4 and self-driving through Namibia is the best way to experience this country. Namibia has surprisingly good infrastructure, given that many of the roads are unpaved. Locals and fellow travelers are generally extremely helpful if you to run into any car problems. Also, by driving yourself, you can adjust your adventure to your nugget's pace for safaris, naps and frequent stops.
Recommended day/time
For optimal wildlife photo opportunities and to avoid the heat, excursions are best during the sunrise or sunset. Since this family travel itinerary is a full-day excursion, it will be chock-full of wildlife and adventure from sunrise to sunset!
Recommended time of the year
The best time to travel to Namibia is March-October. The cool air offers clearer skies and ideal photography conditions, and temperatures are milder both during the day and night. June–August is Namibia's winter and temperatures drop to freezing at night, so plan accordingly.
About This Day
Visit Etosha National Park for a family safari and camping adventure. Not only is this Namibia's most famous wildlife reserve, this Africa trip itinerary is exciting and offers fun for all. Start the day off early to enjoy the numerous species of animals, reptiles and birds before lunch. Then, head to Dolomite Camp to relax, regroup and grab some food. Afterwards, head out with the kids for more safari excitement. Continue to Olifantsrus Camp to set up your campsite. Then, go watch some animals as they head to the watering place. Once evening approaches, relax and enjoy the beauty of the Namibian sunset at your campsite. The next day, continue toward Okaukuejo Rest Camp and see the sights along the way. The former military outpost of Okaukuejo is known for its floodlit water hole. It's one of many memorable experiences in Namibia for kids and a great way to cap off your Etosha adventure.
Etosha National Park
Unnamed Road,
$$$
Namibia has some of the best wildlife viewing in Southern Africa. Etosha National Park is the most popular and traversed; making it an ideal option for a family safari. The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species, such as the black rhinoceros.
DIRECTIONS
Galton Gate is the most southwestern entrance to Etosha National Park. From Windhoeak, follow the B1 and C40 north for about 6 hours until you reach signs for the park. If you are coming from the south or west coast, Galton Gate is the best entrance point. Alternatively, you can enter through Andersson Gate if driving from Windhoek and doing this travel guide in reverse.
TIP
While it is advisable to have a 4x4 if self-driving through Namibia, you don't absolutely need one. Roads are pretty easy to traverse through the park.
Dolomite Camp
Unnamed Road,
$$$
Dolomite is one of the more exclusive lodges in Etosha. Stop here for lunch, to regroup after the drive or to catch the view and get a different perspective of the park.
DIRECTIONS
From Galton Gate, follow the park north until you reach the camp. Dolomite is right off the main road.
Olifantsrus Camp
Unnamed Road,
$$$
Olifantsrus is the newest camping-only site in Etosha. Sleep under the stars, meet other traveling families and watch wildlife come to the water hole on the campsite's fantastic viewing platform.
DIRECTIONS
From Dolomite Camp, follow the road east for 40 km (25 miles) until you reach the campground.
Okaukuejo Camp
C38, Okaukuejo
$$$
Famous for its floodlit water hole, Okaukuejo Rest Camp is also the administrative centre of Etosha. Most visitors travel though this camp with its characteristic stone tower, and Etosha Ecological Institute is also situated within the camp. The camp was formerly a military outpost founded in 1901, and the tower was added in 1963. Okaukuejo offers a wide range of accommodations as well as all the necessities, such as a petrol station and a shop. The restaurant and bar offer refreshments and delicious meals, while the swimming pool offers relief on hot days. The water hole is a hub of animal activity starting in the early hours of the morning. During winter, many types of game congregate in close proximity to the camp to quench their thirst. After sunset, floodlights illuminate the water hole; this is the best time and place to see the endangered black rhino.
DIRECTIONS
From Olifantsrus Camp, head east through the park, visiting the various watering holes and sites throughout the day.
TIP
Make sure to arrive well before sunset, so you can catch prime wildlife viewing as the sun goes down. Your nugget will love watching giraffes, elephants and the black rhino wander down to drink. There are chairs and available seating area for making yourselves comfortable as you watch the animals.
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