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The elephants of Etosha National Park, Namibia

Last updated on by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

The impressive tall elephants of Etosha National park have successfully adapted to the desert conditions of the area. Chances of viewing them are good.  Below are a video, pictures and guide to help you spot them:

Elephants Etosha National Park

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Some facts...

  • There are around 2000 desert elephants in Etosha
  • They are considered the tallest in Africa
  • They do not have long tusks probably due to mineral deficiencies as they adapted to the desert conditions

Finding Elephants in Etosha

  • The chance to spot elephants is quite high during the dry season. If you visit during the rainy one, you have to try the North of the park
  • Okaukuejo is a good spot to see elephants especially at night time

Video of elephants in Etosha National Park

Let's start with a short video of some elephants in Etosha National park

Up close with elephants

Yes we got that close, I did not zoom that much!

Spotting elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia 1

Jsut near the road we spotted a group of elephants. They were truly magnificent and huge. Lucky for use they were very close and were moving quietly. We had plenty of time to admiore them.

Spotting elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia 2
Spotting elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia 3
Spotting elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia 4
Spotting elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia 5

Lone old elephant

At the Okaukuejo waterhole, I saw an elephant by himself so it was probably quite old. I really enjoyed watching it drink. 

elephant at waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia 1
elephant at waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia 2

Elephant group at night

But my absolute best viewing was at the Okaukuejo campsite. You can easily walk to a waterhole nearby. I was awaken by a fellow traveler (not intentionally) at 4:30 am and was really not happy, you can imagine (I was planning to get up early but not that early...).

But then I was fully awake so I decided that it would be better to go to the waterhole than stay in my tent. Well the result is that I gave a huge hug to the women who woke me up!!!! Huge Hug!!!! Because when I arrived there there was around 20 elephants which were just starting to leave. Amazing experience to see so many at once and how they interact together.

elephant group at night in Etosha National Park, Namibia 1
elephant group at night in Etosha National Park, Namibia 2
elephant group at night in Etosha National Park, Namibia 3

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Discover more things to do with photos and planning information in my online Namibia Travel Guide.

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Comments

  1. Sivasish Thakur says

    hi Claire…loved reading and knowing about the elephants of Etosha. I have visited several game reserves in Kenya including Amboseli where one can get up close with the giants. Etosha is in my wishlist and I always wondered about the profusion of mega wildlife in a largely desert zone. Etosha is definitely a wonderland of nature and hope to be there some day.