A Complete Guide to Etosha National Parks’ Waterholes

Considering that your best chances of seeing Africa's charismatic animals in an arid savannah landscape are at a water source, we thought we'd dedicate an entire guide to the numerous waterholes in Namibia's greatest wildlife sanctuary: Etosha National Park. Each of these life-offering waterholes, fed by natural springs and fountains or man-made boreholes, is unique and attracts a remarkable ensemble of wildlife, big and small. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 10 waterholes with you…

Best time to travel

The perfect time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter, between June and October. A lack of rainfall means that animals tend to visit and gather around the waterholes en masse. During the wet season, November to April, animals scatter throughout the park as they do not need to seek out water sources.

Location

Etosha National Park, in northern Namibia, is around 22.270 km² — about half the size of Switzerland 🇨🇭! There are 40+ waterholes to be discovered across the park, mostly straddling the perimeter of the famous Etosha Pan. Waterholes can be found within close proximity to all of the park’s entrance gates and rest camps. 

Top 10 waterholes

Although we cannot predict what animals will be where when, we can give you a brief overview of the best waterholes in the bunch that you ought to include in your adventure to Etosha.  

Around Okaukuejo rest camp

1. Okaukuejo

This famous waterhole is considered by many to be the best place in all of Africa to see endangered black rhino. It is right next to Okaukuejo rest camp, where the floodlight draws black rhino and elephants almost every night, especially between June and December. This isn't only a popular waterhole for animals, but also for tourists. We recommend getting here just before sunrise to make the most of the gorgeous morning light and avoid the masses. 

2. Okondeka 

If you're after the king of the jungle, then Okondeka is your best bet. This natural fountain waterhole is on the west side of Etosha Pan, just north of Okaukuejo. Lion and other predators are often spotted here with a kill, but you can also expect giraffe, zebra, springbok, ostriches and wildebeest all together on the surrounding plains. For the best light for photographs, visit this waterhole in the afternoons or mornings. 

3. Olifantsbad 

“Olifantsbad” translates to “Elephants Bath”, and for good reason. Visit this waterhole in the morning to see elephants, zebra, black-faced impala, red hartebeest and black-faced impala.

4. Nebrownii 

Large herds of elephants, springbok, zebras, gemsbok, ostriches, and giraffes descend on this waterhole. Owing to the small size of the waterhole, elephants tend to fight over access to it, making for some dramatic action photos. The best time of day for pictures is in the mornings and afternoons. 

Around Halali rest camp 

5. Goas

This oasis-like natural spring lies about halfway between Andersson gate in the south, and Von Lindquist Gate in the east. There's a chance of spotting a leopard here, along with plenty of birds, elephants, black-faced impala, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. For the best photos, come in the morning or afternoons.  

6. Salvadora 

This waterhole is set against a beautiful vista of Etosha Pan extending far towards the horizon in the north. This waterhole is popular with cheetahs, which are bizarrely known to climb the tree! You can also expect to see enormous herds of zebra drinking here. The best lighting is in the mornings.

7. Moringa 

The floodlit Moringa waterhole is conveniently located at Halali camp, allowing visitors to stake out animal guests early in the mornings and late into the evenings. The hide is perched up on a koppie (rocky hill), affording views of the black rhino, elephant, leopard, and plains game below. Listen out for the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle, and the sandgrouse symphony after sunset.

8. Homob

This picturesque waterhole is 43 km west of Halali and in a large depression, above which is the parking lot affording great viewing. Wildlife 'highway' trails ramble through the parking lot area, letting you see and capture wildlife from up close as they walk past, towards or away from the waterhole. The morning light is the best for photographs. 

Around Namutoni rest camp

9. Namutoni 

This floodlit waterhole is observed from inside Namutoni rest camp. From an elevated platform, you can watch giraffes saunter by, and at sunset, expect hundreds of red-billed queleas to fly in to roost in the reeds. The lighting at sunset will silhouette your subjects. 

Accommodation

To be in on the action, and have early and private access to Etosha's teeming waterholes, we'd recommend staying within or near entrance gates to the park. Here are some suggestions.

How to include Etosha National Park in your next adventure

Etosha likely features on every travellers' ”to-do” list as it is Namibia's primary wildlife destination. Etosha is in the north of Namibia and is a popular first stop destination from Windhoek.

Insider tips

• Etosha and its waterholes are popular, so we recommend heading off to the waterholes at the crack of dawn, whenever the gates open, to secure front row seats to nature's show. 

• Fuel is available within the park at 3 places: Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Halali, although they're prone to running out, so don't let your tank get too low! 

• Pack binoculars, and for avid photographers, a 300mm lens and tripod. 

• Download offline maps - such as Maps.me or Google Maps -  for your time in Etosha (and Namibia) and print physical copies so that you don't get lost! 
  

No one can predict which animals will visit which waterholes and when. Oftentimes, you will have to be patient and wait it out to catch sight of an elusive species, or even the more common ones! To maximise your chances, get to a waterhole early, park in a good position, turn the engine off, and wait... Rest assured that Etosha will find ways to reward you nonetheless.