Where to Stay in Etosha National Park: Top Lodge Comparisons

When planning a safari to Etosha National Park, choosing the right accommodation can make a big impact on your experience. During our four days exploring Etosha, we stayed at both public lodges inside the park and private game lodges outside, experiencing firsthand the unique advantages each has to offer. With our experience and research, we’re here to help you navigate the differences—whether it’s deciding between Etosha’s public lodges and private game lodges, understanding what each specific lodge within Etosha features, or comparing self-drive adventures to guided game drives. This comprehensive guide on where to stay in Etosha shares everything we’ve learned, so you can make the best choice for an unforgettable experience in Etosha National Park.

Why Accommodation Choice Matters in Etosha

Choosing where you stay when visiting Etosha has a significant impact on your overall safari experience. Whether you choose to stay inside the park or at one of the nearby Private Game lodges outside, your choice will influence everything from wildlife viewing opportunities to the level of comfort, atmosphere, and flexibility of your schedule.

For example, staying inside the park provides unparalleled access to seeing the wildlife, while the Private Game lodges offer more luxurious and catered experience including unique activities like bush walks.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option, compare the experience between public lodges and private lodges, and help you decide which lodge or campsite best aligns with your ideal safari experience.

📝 Check out our 🦁 Comprehensive guide on visiting Etosha National Park where we share our best tips for an ideal itinerary, the best waterholes, how to spot the wildlife, driving tips, and more! If you need help planning your full Namibia road trip itinerary, check out our Namibia Itinerary Guide as well as the 18 unmissable experiences in Namibia!

Should You Stay inside or outside Etosha National Park

When figuring out where to stay in Etosha, one of our key decisions was whether to stay inside or outside the park. To help you make an informed choice, here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Option 1: Staying INSIDE of Etosha National Park

Advantages of staying inside Etosha

The primary advantage of staying inside Etosha is the exceptional access to wildlife. Each lodge within the park features a waterhole that attracts a variety of animals throughout the day and even after sunset. These waterholes are floodlit at night, offering a rare opportunity to observe animals as they come to drink.

While some lodges outside the park and private game reserves also have waterholes, the frequency and abundance of wildlife sightings are not comparable to that within Etosha itself. During our 2 day stay inside Etosha, we saw far more animals at the waterholes than at the ones in the Private Game lodges outside of Etosha.

When staying inside Etosha, you can also start your game drive in Etosha right at sunrise and leave right before sunset. This can be a great advantage for those who want to witness the animals when they are most active and during the softest lighting conditions. 

Disadvantages of Staying Inside Etosha

The main disadvantage of staying inside the National Park is that the lodges are pretty basic and are oftentimes very busy and crowded. The lodges and campsites inside the National Park, especially Okaukuejo, also book out months in advance (sometimes up to 6 months in advance).

When we tried to book our stays inside Etosha, we were not able to secure two consecutive days at Okaukuejo so we had to do one night there and one night in Halali.  

Finally, we stayed at the campsites at Okaukuejo and Halali and they were both quite crowded. The spacing between campsites, especially in Okaukuejo, was minimal which made for a less relaxing stay. 

However, we chose to stay there for the game drives and waterhole so we willingly accepted these drawbacks.

Best Lodges Inside Etosha National Park

Below we have highlighted all the main lodges available inside Etosha National Park. To better help you decide which one you should stay at when visiting Etosha, we have also highlighted some of their unique features and indicated where they are located within the park.

Which Lodge We Recommend INSIDE Etosha

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing which lodge to stay at. However, for most visitors to Etosha, we would recommend staying at Okaukuejo. Not only does it have the best floodlit waterhole of all the Etosha lodges, but it is also conveniently located in the central sector of Etosha. It is usually here that you will find the greatest abundance of wildlife, having access to both the salt pan as well as the barren western plains. 

For the ideal experience inside Etosha, we recommend staying at two different lodges (let’s say Okaukuejo and Halali or Namutoni) so that the time you spend on your game drive serves simultaneously as your transport from one lodge to the next.

In this way, you will not have to backtrack through the same route that you took. Also, this means that everyday, you will be exploring a new sector of the park.  

Option 2: Staying OUTSIDE of Etosha National Park

Advantages of Staying Outside Etosha

In contrast, the abundance of lodges outside Etosha offers excellent quality and value, almost always surpassing the comfort and luxury standards of those within the park. These lodges typically feature more spacious rooms, elegant decor, and a more curated experience with fewer guests. 

African Ambiance

These lodges also emphasize an authentic African ambiance by incorporating cultural elements in their decor which creates a very special experience.  We loved relaxing in their lounges, where we could fully immerse ourselves in the African atmosphere while watching the animals at the nearby waterhole.

Dining

Dining is also a highlight, offering a superior experience compared to the buffet-style meals inside Etosha. We experienced only the dinner services at the private game lodges but would say they are comparable to some of the best restaurants we visited in Africa. 

Game Drives

Additionally, private game lodges provide exclusive game drives on their own reserves, and may offer the unique opportunity to experience a bush walk, which allow for a more intimate wildlife experience. Bush walks, where you can walk directly on the African safari soil, was something that I have always wanted to experience, so staying at a Private Lodge was an obvious choice for us. 

Keep in mind that Private Game Lodges offer both game drives in their own reserves, as well as excursions to the greater Etosha National Park safaris. Also, the Game drive vehicles inside Private Game Lodges are almost always of higher quality, poviding more comfort, better visibility, and easier game viewing.

Unique and Exclusive Experiences

Another unique experience exclusive to Private Game Lodges is the chance to enjoy romantic dinners in the heart of the safari, surrounded by the sounds of nature and lit by lanterns under the stars.

For those seeking an even more adventurous and intimate experience, some lodges offer the opportunity to spend a night in a specially outfitted double-decker camp vehicle, parked right within the reserve.

This unique activity allows you to observe animals visiting the waterhole right next to your vehicle throughout the night, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience.

Booking Flexibility

Finally, the greater number of lodges outside the park also provides more booking flexibility and choice of where to stay.  

If you plan to stay outside Etosha, be sure to choose a lodge near Anderson Gate in the west or Von Lindequist Gate in the east. Since there are no gates in Etosha’s central area, staying at a lodge outside this central region would mean a long drive to access the park. 

Disadvantages of Staying Outside Etosha

As you can see, staying outside of Etosha has several significant advantages. However, the main disadvantage we noticed when staying outside Etosha is the reduced access to the wildlife when hanging out within the lodge. For example, at Okaukuejo inside Etosha, all throughout the day we were able to witness an abundance of animals going by their waterhole.

In contrast, the waterhole in the private lodge outside of Etosha had only a few animals throughout the day. At one point, we did see 3 elephants but they only stayed for a few minutes.

The other disadvantage is that you cannot do self-driving. This wasn’t an issue for us though since we already did 2 days of self-driving through Etosha, and were happy to change it up with some guided drives.

Best Lodges Outside of Etosha

We have highlighted below our top recommended lodge/hotel options that are perfectly located close by the Anderson gate or Von Lindequist Gates (the primary entrances to Etosha National Park).

Best Accommodation Near Von Lindequist Gate (East)

If you are thinking of staying at a private game lodge outside Etosha’s Eastern Von Lindequist Gate, then check out our top recommendations below. We have created a summary table highlighting the unique features of each lodge, their price range, as well as for who each lodge is best for.

Here is a highlight of Mokuti Etosha to give you an idea of what these private game lodges look like!

Best Accommodation Near Anderson Gate (West)

If you’re considering a stay at a private game lodge near Etosha’s Western Anderson Gate, take a look at our top recommendations below. We’ve highlighted three of the best lodges in the area, each offering unique features and catering to a range of budgets.

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⭐ Etosha Village – (Budget)

Etosha Village in Namibia offers a unique blend of nature and luxury, seamlessly integrating comfortable amenities within the stunning landscape of the surrounding mopane forest.

This eco-friendly lodge features three distinct restaurant seating areas and a unique bar. Families will appreciate the large main pool and two additional kiddie pools, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure.

Etosha Village also provides guests with the opportunity to embark on guided morning or full-day game drives, immersing them in the remarkable wildlife and scenery of Etosha.

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⭐⭐ Etosha Safari Lodge by Gondwana – (Mid-Range)

Etosha Safari Lodge by Gondwana offers a stylish retreat overlooking the expansive Mopane woodlands. The lodge features a spacious deck and dining area, private verandas, and tastefully decorated chalets, many with terraces providing sweeping views of the wild plains.

Guests can enjoy a rock pool set at an elevated vantage point, perfect for watching the forest and nearby wildlife. With options for half-day and full-day game drives, as well as guided walks, Etosha Safari Lodge combines comfort with immersive safari experiences in a beautifully scenic setting.

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⭐⭐⭐ Etosha Oberland Lodge – (Luxury)

Etosha Oberland Lodge is known for its luxury, privacy, and eco-conscious approach, situated within a private game reserve just outside Etosha.

The lodge’s expansive infinity pool offers sweeping views of the wild plains, where animals often roam, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and wildlife observation.

Guests can enjoy an intimate five-course gourmet dinner on the outdoor deck overlooking a waterhole, enhancing the experience with unforgettable views.

Fully solar-powered, Etosha Oberland Lodge emphasizes sustainability without compromising on comfort, making it an ideal choice for a serene, eco-friendly safari retreat.

Etosha National Park Lodge Vs. Private Game Lodge Experience

The public game lodges within Etosha National Park provide a distinctly different experience compared to private game lodges. To help you determine which option best suits your safari adventure, we’ve created a comparison table below outlining the key differences.

Wildlife Viewing Comparison

The wildlife viewing within Etosha National Park consists of large open planes with interspersed waterholes. There are a limited amount of roads through the National Park. The sightings we had in Etosha were amazing, usually consisting of large herds of animals with various interactions between the species. However, due to the expansive plains, sometimes the animals can be very far off. The definite highlight though of staying in the Etosha lodges is their incredible floodlit waterhole, allowing you to view the animals even in the middle of the night.

In Private Game Lodges, the game reserve is usually smaller but offering a more exclusive, less crowded wildlife viewing experience. The waterhole at the lodge is usually fairly small but they make up for it with the excellent game drives and animal encounters. There are usually many more roads traversing through the park which means you can usually get a lot closer to the animals. However, since you an only do guided game drives, the time you spend at each sighting will often be limited to 10 or so minutes since you need to allow other guests their turn.

Landscape Comparison

The landscape in Etosha National Park is very dry, barren, with huge expansive plains. On the other hand, the landscape within the Private Game reserves are more varied with a mix of vegetation. You will go from large vast plains, to dense forests, to hills, to low bushes, and more.

Overall, the landscape we saw in the Private Game reserves outside of Etosha were more similar to what we saw at Kruger in South Africa.

Game Drives Comparison

In Etosha National Park, you have the flexibility to embark on self-drive safaris in your own vehicle or join guided drives led by park rangers. In our experience, Etosha’s guided game vehicles are generally more compact, with limited seating and some restricted views due to their structure. However, self-driving offers a unique chance in Africa to explore the park independently, allowing you to linger at waterholes and observe wildlife at your own pace—a freedom that enhances the safari experience.

In contrast, game drives in the Private Game Reserves typically feature custom-built, spacious vehicles designed for optimal comfort and visibility. Though self-driving is not allowed in private reserves, these guided drives offer a more exclusive experience, often including stops to enjoy snacks and a selection of cocktails in the wild, adding an extra touch to the adventure.

Crowds Comparison

During high season, the lodges inside Etosha National Park can become quite busy, especially in shared spaces like campgrounds, pools, restaurants, and popular waterhole areas. However, while out on game drives, the vast open plains of Etosha allow you to explore freely without feeling crowded.

In contrast, private lodges outside the park offer a more secluded experience, as their exclusive facilities are limited to lodge guests only. This difference is particularly evident in their luxurious lounge and dining areas, where you can enjoy a quieter, more personalized atmosphere and attentive service.

Quality of Accommodation Comparison

Lodges within Etosha National Park offer simple, no-frills accommodations that meet a comfortable mid-range standard. The chalets are practical and adequate, though the high visitor numbers, especially during peak season, can detract from the relaxation factor.

In contrast, private game lodges outside the park stand out for their higher accommodation standards, providing thoughtfully designed rooms that reflect a modern African safari style. These lodges often feature top-notch restaurants, stylish lounges, and well-maintained pool areas.

Even if you’re camping at a private lodge, you typically have access to these inviting common areas, enhancing the overall experience with a more exclusive, serene atmosphere.

Dining Comparison

The meals at the Etosha lodges will usually be buffet-style. Overall the food is tasty enough.

Private game lodges, however, often elevate the dining experience with multi-course gourmet meals served in elegant settings. During our stay at Onguma, for example, we enjoyed a three-course dinner on the terrace of their restaurant, overlooking a waterhole—what was an incredibly memorable experience.

Booking Flexibility Comparison

The Lodges in Etosha are incredibly popular, and will usually book out more than 6 months in advance. When we tried to book around half a year in advance, we had difficulty finding two consecutive dates available for Okaukuejo. For this reason we had to alter our itinerary.

On the other hand, there are several great options for Private Game Lodges, thus allowing you to have far more flexibility in booking.

This post is part of our series about Namibia. If you want to learn more about Namibia, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

13 Unforgettable Things to do in Swakopmund, Namibia

Namibia Itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Week Self-Drive Guide

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Spitzkoppe in Namibia (2025)

Complete Guide to Visiting Etosha National Park (2025)

18 Unforgettable Things to do in Namibia (2025)

Complete Guide to Visiting the Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia (2025)

Are Private Game Lodges Worth Staying At?

In our opinion, staying at a private game lodge is absolutely worth it. As highlighted in the comparison table above, both options offer unique advantages, but after spending two days in the Etosha public lodges, we were thrilled to transition to the comfort and personalized service of a private game lodge.

The guided game drives within the private reserves offered a distinct experience, with unique landscapes and the opportunity to get closer to the animals. The expert guides were adept at navigating multiple routes to track wildlife along their migration pathways.

Additionally, the custom game vehicles in private lodges provided far superior comfort and excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. You will understand what I mean after you see that every lodge has a different type of Game vehicle. Personally, we knew the difference right away since we had just previously visited Umkumbe Lodge in South Africa and their game vehicles were some of the best we’ve experienced. 

Between game drives, we thoroughly enjoyed unwinding by the pools and tastefully designed lounges that exuded an authentic African ambiance. With fewer guests and a more intimate setting, the experience felt notably more luxurious and relaxing.

For these reasons, we would highly recommend booking at least part of your Etosha visit in a Private Game lodge. The ones we would recommend the most are next to the Eastern Von Lindequist gate since they have significant-sized game reserves. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Etosha

Your itinerary will depend on if you are going from East to West, or West to East.

For example, if you are visiting Etosha as a first stop after Windhoek, then we recommend going from East to West. In this way, you will be positioned closer to visiting Damaraland, Spitzkoppe, and Swakopmund.

We did it in reverse, from West to East, since we were finishing our trip in Etosha after already visiting Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Spitzkoppe, and needed to head to Etosha after. 

Regardless, we recommend spending at least 3 days visiting Etosha, ideally 4. The optimal itinerary would include 2 days inside the Etosha park, and 2 days in a Private game reserve.

In this way, you will get to experience both the unparalleled proximity to wildlife in the Etosha lodges, and also the exclusive and catered wildlife activities of a Private Game lodge.

We were very happy with how we spend 1 night in Okaukuejo and 1 night in Halali (inside of Etosha), followed by 2 nights in Onguma Private Game Lodge. 

If you want more tips on visiting Etosha, including the best waterholes in Etosha, how to drive through the park, how to spot wildlife, and more, check out our Complete Etosha Visitors Guide. We also have a full guide on the perfect 2-3 week Namibia Road Trip Itinerary.

Namibia Tours that Include Etosha National Park

There are many incredible tours that take you through Namibia, including Etosha. This 21 days Southern African Southbound: Dunes, Deltas, & Falls tour, for example, will bring you through the best highlights of Namibia, as well as going through the Kalahari in Botswana and ending in Victoria Falls.

For a 21 day trip, this G Adventures tour is incredibly well-priced 

If a 21 day trip is too long, and you would prefer to focus more on just Namibia, then you can check out this 14-day Overland Namibia Tour! It will bring you to all the highlights in Namibia including Etosha National Park.

Go2Africa – Specialized Africa Tour Operator

If you would prefer to organize your trip with a Tour operator that specializes in all things Africa, then we would highly recommend Go2Africa. They are Safari experts with first-hand experience of all the safaris and lodges, they support local conservation projects, and even provide 24/7 support once you are on your trip. This is especially important as you can encounter many obstacles while traveling through Africa and having a local to guide you can save you from a lot of stress.

They have a perfect 10-Day Self-Driving Namibia Tour that visits all the highlights that we personally visited. However, on this tour, you will be staying at some stunning lodges rather than camping. Also note that oftentimes, tour operators can get better rates than what you can find online.

We compared booking our trip independently vs. with a tour operator and the difference was often negligible. Also, keep in mind that all their tours are customizable so if you want anything changed or added, they will be happy to help!

Using WISE card in Namibia

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Where to Stay When Visiting Etosha

We hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay for your visit to Etosha National Park. Experiencing the stunning wildlife and landscapes of Etosha is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we’ve found that choosing the right lodge and location can greatly enhance your safari experience. With the right accommodation, you’ll not only enjoy the comfort of your stay but also maximize your opportunities for incredible wildlife sightings and memorable moments. We hope you’ll have the safari experience of your dreams!

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