Question 1

Which campsites can you find in Etosha National Park?

Accepted Answer

Within the park, there are several official campsites, each with its own illuminated waterhole where you can spot wildlife in the evening. The best known are  Okaukuejo  (known for its elephants) and  Halali ( a beautifully situated waterhole where black rhinos and leopards regularly come to drink in the evening). Other options in the park are  Namutoni (eastern side)  and  Olifantsrus (western side) .

Question 2

Do the campsites in Etosha have a shop and restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the larger campsites have facilities, but prices are very high and the quality is unfortunately mediocre. The range in the shops is often very limited. We therefore recommend that you  do a big shop before entering Etosha  (for example, in larger towns such as Tsumeb, Outjo or Otjiwarongo).

Question 3

What is the ‘Vet Fence’ (Veterinary Control Fence)?

Accepted Answer

The  Vet Fence  (often referred to colloquially as the  fat fence  ) is a veterinary control line that runs right across Namibia. This boundary was established by the government to control the spread of  foot-and-mouth disease  and prevent diseases from being transmitted from wildlife to the livestock of commercial farmers.

Question 4

Do I need to take the ‘Vet Fence’ into account when entering Etosha?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. At strategic points around and inside the park, strict checks are carried out on which foodstuffs you are carrying. Generally, you may  not transport raw (red) meat or unpasteurised dairy products  from north to south. So do not buy excessively large quantities of fresh meat beforehand. If you do have something with you that is officially not permitted through the checkpoint, there is a chance you will have to surrender it if it is discovered.

Question 5

What is the best way to spot wildlife in Etosha?

Accepted Answer

The best strategy is simply to drive from waterhole to waterhole and wait patiently there. Because the park is so dry, the animals are forced to come to these watering holes. Particularly during the dry winter months (June to October), you sometimes do not need to move for hours to watch the complete  Big Five  pass by.

Question 6

Why is staying in Onguma just outside the park highly recommended?

Accepted Answer

The campsites in Etosha itself can feel very busy and touristy. Onguma is located directly on the eastern boundary of the park and offers a much quieter, more exclusive experience. The great advantage for campers staying at the Onguma Campsites is that you can use the beautiful, luxurious facilities at Onguma Lodge free of charge, including the swimming pool and the atmospheric restaurant overlooking its own waterhole.