Otjozondjupa Region
Home to Etosha National Park, Namibia's wildlife capital. Experience incredible game viewing, diverse ecosystems, and some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife photography opportunities.
About Otjozondjupa Region
Otjozondjupa Region is synonymous with wildlife and conservation in Namibia. Dominated by the world-famous Etosha National Park, this region offers some of the continent's most accessible and rewarding game viewing experiences.
Etosha, meaning "Great White Place" in the Oshivambo language, centers around a massive salt pan that attracts huge concentrations of wildlife to its waterholes. The park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, and offers visitors the chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Beyond Etosha, the region features the unique Waterberg Plateau, historic towns like Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo, and serves as a crucial conservation area for endangered species protection and research.
Major Attractions
Etosha National Park
Namibia's premier wildlife destination with diverse animals around salt pan waterholes
Waterberg Plateau
Elevated plateau with unique ecosystem and endangered species breeding program
Otjiwarongo
Regional town serving as gateway to northern Namibia with good facilities
Grootfontein
Historic town near massive Hoba meteorite and San cultural sites
Wildlife Viewing Guide
Elephants
Large herds frequent Etosha waterholes
Lions
Etosha lions are known for their impressive size
Black Rhino
Critically endangered, best seen at night
Leopards
Elusive cats occasionally spotted
Popular Activities in Otjozondjupa
Safari Accommodations
Etosha Safari Lodge
Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Halali Rest Camp
Mushara Lodge
Photography Tips
Waterhole Photography
Set up early at popular waterholes like Okaukuejo for the best wildlife action. Animals are most active during early morning and late afternoon.
Equipment Recommendations
Telephoto lens essential (400mm+), spare batteries, dust protection, and plenty of memory cards for those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
Best Times
Golden hour photography: 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset. Night photography at Okaukuejo waterhole offers unique opportunities.
Conservation Success
Black Rhino Recovery
Etosha is a success story for black rhino conservation, with populations slowly recovering thanks to intensive protection and monitoring programs.
Community Involvement
Local communities play a crucial role in conservation through employment opportunities and benefit-sharing programs from tourism revenue.
Quick Facts
Famous Waterholes
Floodlit for night viewing, famous for rhinos
Excellent for lions and large herds
Good for elephants and predators
Popular morning and evening spot
Best Time to Visit
May - October: Peak game viewing, clear skies
November - April: Lush landscapes, bird migration