Affordable safaris to Etosha National Park – Budget safaris and tours to Etosha National park in Namibia
Affordable safaris to Etosha National Park – Most Etosha Safaris start and end in Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek and include transfers to and from the park, as well as game drives and park entry fees. Some of the Etosha Safaris visit Etosha National Park exclusively, making these shorter trips ideal for those on a tight schedule while others combine Etosha with other Namibia travel highlights such as Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon and Swakopmund. Or for those with more time, there are several longer African Safaris combining Etosha Park with top destinations including Victoria Falls, Botswana and its Okavango Delta, South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi among others.
Accommodation in Etosha National Park is in lodge style accommodation or tents at the rest camps – Okaukuejo, Halali, or Namutoni camp. The rest camps feature waterholes for floodlit game viewing at night and various tourist facilities, such as restaurants, shops, and swimming pools.
Self-driving can certainly help keep costs down, one can then book accommodations outside the National Parks that match the budget. If you enjoy two activities a day as opposed to lounging around a lodge deck, opt for fully inclusive rates at the more upmarket lodges to prevent costs from escalating due to activity and meal costs.
As meals, drives, guides, and most drinks are included and these options allow you to pack the credit card away until you leave. These lovely lodges also tend to drop their rates somewhat in the low season (January to April/May). Savings are not, however, as pronounced as in some safari destinations, but may help to make a few nights’ stays possible. Expect about 10% to 25% off.
Guided tours catering to various budgets are also an option but not deluxe camping safaris as wild camping is not permitted in Etosha National Park. More upmarket tours won’t stick a tent village up in, say Namutoni’s campsite, but will book one in at lodges and tented camps outside the park according to budget.
Tours are wonderful for peace of mind plus expert animal spotting (surprisingly difficult for first-timers!). Groups, which are made up of several couples and solos and sometimes families who will leave on set departure dates, can become firm friends and are likely to eat and adventure together, with the guide joining the group for meals. Just opt for a smaller group wherever possible, with the best guide one can afford to maximize the experience.
Many small group tours like this take in several key highlights in the region, such as Damara land and the Skeleton Coast, as well as Etosha National Park. If one’s goal is to spend more time in Etosha National Park itself, there are more focused tours out there. Alternatively, there are tailor-made tours for families, private groups, or couples but these can be considerably pricier.
Less pricey accommodations are also available outside the park but are often further from park gates or on smaller reserves with no representatives of the Big Five. To make up for this, one is likely to find extremely comfortable rooms and extras like spa treatments and good value for money. Where some tend to fall is food both the quality and price. If you know you have a sensitive palate, perhaps check menus and other guest reviews before booking or ask for expert advice from a Great Adventure Safaris consultant.
Travel tip
Go on a night drive if you are staying in Etosha National Park, the chances to see secretive night creatures like civets and aardwolf are not to be missed. Wrap up warm if it’s during winter
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