Etosha National Park in Namibia ranks among the premier safari destinations in southern Africa. It’s a magnificent world of wildlife and wild landscapes, with spectacular salt pans and large numbers of lions, elephants and so much more to enjoy as you explore this special place. Etosha also has a superb portfolio of high-end lodges and tented camps worthy of such a fantastic experience, and most of these add a whole new dimension to a safari. Most Etosha lodges and camps lie just outside the southern or eastern boundaries of the park, and some inhabit their own private conservancy areas, ensuring a strong sense of exclusivity. Below are 10 of the best.
1. Etosha Safari Lodge (Etosha NP)
Etosha Safari Lodge has modern lodge-style rooms in a great location close to Etosha National Park
Enveloped in a vast wilderness area under a seemingly endless northern Namibian sky, Etosha Safari Lodge has fine chalets with brick feature walls and wooden floors. The look is bright, modern and colorful, making use of the abundant natural light that floods the whole property. It’s a refreshing alternative to the darker old-style safari decor found in many lodges.
The blissfully quiet location will feel like your very own corner of Africa, with the convenience of being close to the park entrance. The swimming pools, restaurant and expansive lounge areas all take full advantage of this special location.
2. Mushara Bush Camp (Etosha NP)
Sleep under canvas within easy reach of Etosha and enjoy the fine amenities
If you’re looking for a magical safari experience that blends luxury and high levels of service with accommodations that feel like a part of nature, Mushara Bush Camp is an excellent choice. The canvas safari tents let in cool breezes and the night sounds of Africa, while keeping you safe and allowing you to sleep in great comfort. The public areas, which include a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, are set in beautiful grounds. The restaurant is in a lovely open-sided building with soaring thatched ceilings. The location is also excellent, in a secluded stand of trees close to Etosha’s eastern gate.
3. Etosha Village (Etosha NP)
Etosha Village is ideally positioned next to Etosha and has a good mix of facilities and rooms
One of the closest places to stay to Etosha’s Anderson Gate, Etosha Village puts you in a prime position for entering the park early and staying until sunset. The rooms are bright and filled with understated luxury touches. Everything here, from the swimming pool and the restaurant to the public lounge areas, is surrounded and shaded by a thick mopane tree forest. It’s a beautiful spot, and you’ll love dining under the stars. In addition to excursions into the park, staff can arrange guided walks in the area.
4. Mushara Lodge (Etosha NP)
Mushara Lodge lies east of Etosha and is an excellent place to stay in luxurious surroundings
In a quiet patch of country east of Etosha and conveniently close for trips into the park, Mushara Lodge is a fine base for exploring this beautiful corner of Namibia. The chalet-style rooms and public areas have soaring ceilings of wood and thatch, which create a sense of spaciousness. The earthy colors throughout are also perfectly suited to making you feel a part of Etosha’s special landscape.
Facilities include a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. There are also plenty of shaded lawns on which to relax while you plan your next move, or you can simply do nothing at all.
5. Onguma Bush Camp (Onguma Private GR)
Onguma Bush Camp has appealing rooms in lovely grounds close to Etosha
Called a camp but really a luxury lodge, Onguma Bush Camp has rooms in bungalows that resemble traditional African huts with thatched roofs and mud walls. Wonderfully cool inside, the large luxury rooms have high ceilings. The whole place spreads across an area filled with palm trees, woodlands, lawns, swimming pools and ponds. The location just outside Etosha National Park is also a winner. The camp is beautifully set within exclusive Onguma Private Game Reserve, which draws many of Etosha’s most sought-after animals.
6. Mokuti Etosha Lodge (Etosha NP)
Mokuti Etosha Lodge sits right alongside the park boundary and is filled with luxury experiences
In a delightfully shaded and exclusive setting close to Etosha’s eastern boundary, Mokuti Etosha Lodge has a distinctly luxurious feel. The spacious suite-style rooms have a stylish, contemporary design, with exposed stonework, soothing color schemes and slick modern furnishings. The elegance spills over into the public areas, where the bar, restaurant, swimming pool and spa center provide wonderful places to spend your holiday. The only difficult choice is whether to go out and explore, or stay in and enjoy the pampering.
