The Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier safari park and is one of the finest parks in Africa in season. It encloses a vast saltpan that becomes an immense, shallow lake in rainy periods, attracting great numbers of flamingos and other water birds. The surrounding open plains are home to tens of thousands of animals with large herds of springbok, gemsbok, zebra, wildebeest, elephant and, of course, the predators - particularly cheetah and lion. The diminutive Damara dik-dik is one of the more rare and delightful animals seen here. Raptors such as Bateleur, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Red-necked Falcon are fairly common.

Another attraction is the vast Etosha pan itself, once the inland delta of the Kunene River. The river’s course changed millions of years ago, leaving behind a salt encrusted barren, shallow depression. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing.

Within the park are three large rest camps catering for those on a modest budget, and a couple of eco-lodges. Other smarter options are situated just outside the park gates.