Etosha National Park is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations and a paradise for photographers. It’s unique landscape and environment create unique challenges for the photographer, but once I learnt how to approach it it became one of my favorite destinations in the world for wildlife.
Located in northern Namibia, this iconic park spans over 22,000 square kilometers and is centered around the vast, shimmering Etosha Pan. While you can forget about photographing all the big 5 - there is no buffalos in the park - the vast plains and abundant populations of elephants, lions and rhinos will provide you all the ingredients for amazing photos.
Exploring Etosha: Inside the Park
Inside the Etosha there are five main camps, each offering unique advantages for exploring the park’s diverse habitats and wildlife. These camps offer the best access as you can be out in the park as soon as the gates open in the morning, while if you stay out of the park you will need to go though the park receptions every time.
Waterhole scene close to Dolomite Camp
1. Dolomite Camp
Located in the western section of Etosha, Dolomite Camp is the only accommodation in this remote area, which is less crowded than the rest of the park. Its elevated position provides stunning panoramic views, and the area is rich in wildlife like black rhinos, lions, and Hartmann's mountain zebras. However, in my experience wildlife on this side of the park tend to be a bit more sparse and the ticker vegetation makes it more difficult to get clean photos.
2. Olifantsrus Camp
This eco-friendly camp is perfect for budget-conscious travelers and features a unique elevated hide overlooking a waterhole, making it ideal for photographers wanting close-up shots of elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. While the elevated hide is perfect for wildlife watching, the elevated perspective is not the best for photography. There is also a lower-level hide with windows, that would provide a great option but the windows are always so dirty that it’s impossible to photograph through them. Also note that there are no rooms here so the accommodation is only suitable for campers, roof tents or ground tents.
Herds of elephants are moving across the whole park. Here is one at sunset at Olifantsrus Camp.
3. Okaukuejo Camp
Night scene at Okaukejo waterhole
The most popular camp in Etosha, Okaukejo provides the best facilities you’ll find in the park. Thanks to its floodlit waterhole, after dark, you can get incredible sightings of rhinos, lions, and elephants gathering around the waterhole. The area surrounding the camp is very rich in wildlife, but it’s very vast. I suggest booking one of the morning game drives, that are allowed to leave the camp before sunrise. This is your best chance to find a lion before the sun comes, so that you are ready to photograph it with the first light of the day.
All of that being said, Okaukejo is also the busiest camp in Etosha and in peak season can be incredibly crowded. Make sure you book well in advance as it fulls up months or even years in advance.
Wildebeest at sunrise in the Okaukejo area
4. Halali Camp
My favorite camp in Etosha, the place where I had some of the most amazing encounters. In this area I’ve seen everything, from big lion prides to leopards, rhinos and even some cheetah hunts. Centrally located, Halali offers access to some of the park's best waterholes, like Goas and Rietfontein. The camp itself has a waterhole that attracts a variety of animals, with a high point of view that makes you feel like there with the wildlife. Halali facilities are not in the best conditions and some heaving maintenance and renovations are required.
A leopard we spotted near Halali camp
Waterhole at Halali camp
Etosha also host abundant birds populations. Here is an egyptian goose I photographed at Goas, near Halali
5. Namutoni Camp
Situated in the east, Namutoni is known for its historical fort and proximity to key waterholes like Klein Namutoni and Chudop. This side of the park might be the absolute best for photography, thanks to less vegetation and more open fields. Like in the other camps, if you can get on the morning guided game drive to increase your chances of success.
Open areas around Namutoni provide amazing wildlife photo opportunities
Lodges Outside Etosha
While the camps within the park offer the best accessibility, they come with some compromise on comfort and experience; being all managed by NWR, all the facilities and services inside the park are rather expensive while the quality is very low. For those seeking more luxurious or private accommodations, the lodges outside the park are excellent options:
King Nehale Lodge: Located near the King Nehale Gate, in the north.east of the park, this lodge offers modern amenities and easy access to the park's northern areas. Guests also have access to a private water hole with hide where it’s possible to spend the afternoon waiting for rhinos and lions to came by.
Onguma Game Reserve: Adjacent to the Von Lindequist Gate, Onguma features several luxury lodges and hides for photographers looking for high-end comfort and unique perspectives.
Etosha Village: Situated near the Anderson Gate, this lodge combines convenience with a touch of luxury.
What camera gear should you bring to Etosha?
Compared to other safari destinations, Etosha’s wide open plains require a bit more reach than usual. I would recommend a minimum of 500mm, or even more if possible. There is a lot of light here; you must be back at camp before sunset and you can only leave after sunrise, so don’t worry too much on having a super fast prime lens. Something like a 100-500mm or a 200-600mm are perfect.
If you can, bring a camera with a telephoto in the 100-500 range and a second camera with a 600mm, maybe with a teleconverter. This way you can always get a wider shot with the zoom lens, then switch to your longer prime to get intimate portraits.
Remember to bring some extra batteries and all you need to keep your camera and lenses clean from all the dust that’s constantly floating in the air in the park. You won’t need a tripod as you will be mainly shooting from vehicles.
You need some long telephoto lenses for a safari to Etosha
Clothing and Extra Gear to Bring
Etosha's climate can be extreme, so pack accordingly:
Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics for the day, warm layers for early mornings and evenings (it gets quite chilly in the morning drives so always get a warm jacket). Make sure you use neutral colors to blend into the environment; avoid white or very bright colors.
Hat and sunglasses: A wide brimmed hat and some good sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
Binoculars: Some good binoculars will help a lot when it comes to spotting distant wildlife.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: Both are vital for a comfortable safari experience.
Water bottle: You will need a lot of water during the hot days in Etosha. Make sure you get a personal, reusable water bottle, and buy a few 5L water tanks. Budget at least 3 liters per person per day.
Wildlife in Etosha
Etosha National Park is home to an incredible variety of mammals, offering photographers a chance to capture iconic species in their natural habitat. Here's a closer look at some of the most remarkable mammals you can encounter.
Elephants
Etosha has a very big elephant population. These gentle giants can often be found at waterholes, providing dramatic photo opportunities as they bathe, drink, or interact with each other, or in big herds crossing the plains an grasslands. Their dust-bathing rituals at sunset create mesmerizing silhouettes against the golden light.
Herd of elephants crossing the Etosha plains
Lions
With a population of around 400 individuals, lions are frequently spotted throughout the park, particularly near waterholes during the dry season. Their behavior—whether hunting, resting in the shade, or socializing in prides—offers endless moments to capture powerful and intimate scenes.
Two male lions taking in the first rays of sun in the Halali area
Rhinos
Etosha is a stronghold for both black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Africa to photograph these critically endangered species. Black rhinos are more common and can be seen at night around floodlit waterholes, while white rhinos are occasionally spotted in the park’s southern regions.
Black rhino at sunrise near Halali
Leopards
On of the most difficult species to be spotter in Etosha, Leopards are elusive and require patience to photograph, but the reward is worth it. Look for them lounging in trees or near densely vegetated waterholes. Their striking patterns and piercing eyes make for breathtaking portraits.
Leopards are some of the most difficult animals to spot in Etosha
Cheetahs
Etosha’s open plains are ideal habitats for cheetahs, the world’s fastest land animals. They are often seen scanning the savanna from termite mounds or resting in the shade after a hunt. Capturing a cheetah mid-sprint requires planning and lot of patience, plus a fast shutter speed, making it a difficult challenge for any wildlife photographer.
Etosha is one of the best destinations to see cheetahs
Cheetah on the hunt
Giraffes
Giraffes grace the landscape with their elegance, often creating iconic silhouettes against the horizon. Their interactions, whether drinking at waterholes or engaging in "necking" battles, offer unique opportunities to photograph their behavior and long, graceful forms.
Sometimes wildlife gets so close that we can experiment with different types of photography, like here with a giraffe
Zebras
Zebras are some of the most common and abundant species you will see in Etosha, but they still provide very interesting photos
Etosha is home to two zebra species: Burchell’s zebra and the rarer Hartmann’s mountain zebra. These strikingly patterned animals can often be found in large herds, making for dynamic compositions. The contrast between their black-and-white stripes and the dusty terrain is a classic safari image.
Springbok and Other Antelope
Springbok are one of the most abundant animals in Etosha, famous for their graceful leaps known as "pronking." Other antelope species, like kudu, oryx, and black-faced impalas, are also common and provide a wide range of photographic subjects, from close-ups to action shots.
Male impala at sunrise
Wildebeest
Often found grazing in the open plains, wildebeest are great subjects for photographing group dynamics. During the dry season, they gather in large herds at waterholes, creating exciting opportunities for dramatic and action-packed shots.
Wildebeest
Best Season for Safari in Etosha
The best time to visit Etosha depends on your photography goals:
Dry Season (May to October): Animals congregate around waterholes, making it easier to spot and photograph wildlife. The dry, dusty atmosphere creates dramatic lighting conditions.
Green Season (November to April): The park is lush and vibrant, with spectacular bird migrations and newborn animals. However the water during this season is abundant so wildlife doesn’t need to come to the waterholes, and abundant vegetation helps animals to hide from our cameras.
While you can get good sightings from May to October-November, in my opinion the best season for wildlife photography in Etosha is towards the end of the dry season, in the months of September and October.
How Long Should You Stay?
Short answer: as long as you can! For a fulfilling safari experience, at least two full days in Etosha is recommended. However, to truly explore the park and maximize your photography opportunities, plan for 5 days or more. Wildlife enthusiasts might even extend their stay; that’s the magic of safari, every day, every game drive is different, and the more time we spend in the park, the better chances we have to get amazing photos.
Join Me in Etosha in 2025
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m organizing two exclusive photography tours to Namibia in 2025, both including Etosha National Park. These trips are designed to provide unparalleled photography experiences, guided by the expertise and knowledge I accumulated in over 20 trips to Namibia. Check out my tour calendar here, and don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter to get early bird discounts.
Etosha National Park is a haven for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture Africa’s beauty. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, your trip will be nothing short of extraordinary. See you in Etosha!
Sunset sky at the end of the dry season. The first clouds are showing up and will soon start to rain.
How Long Should You Stay?
Short answer: as long as you can! For a fulfilling safari experience, at least two full days in Etosha is recommended. However, to truly explore the park and maximize your photography opportunities, plan for 5 days or more. Wildlife enthusiasts might even extend their stay; that’s the magic of safari, every day, every game drive is different, and the more time we spend in the park, the better chances we have to get amazing photos.
Classic Etosha waterhole scene
Join Me in Etosha in 2025
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m organizing two exclusive photography tours to Namibia in 2025, both including Etosha National Park. These trips are designed to provide unparalleled photography experiences, guided by the expertise and knowledge I accumulated in over 20 trips to Namibia. Check out my tour calendar here, and don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter to get early bird discounts.
Etosha National Park is a haven for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture Africa’s beauty. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, your trip will be nothing short of extraordinary. See you in Etosha!
