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Wildlife of Etosha National Park

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

The large arid area of Etosha is one of the best game viewing park in Southern Africa. It is home to a wide range of mammals and birds, including endangered species and is quite accessible. See what animals you could spot in Etosha:

wildlife of Etosha National Park Namibia

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Wildlife in Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is home to:

  • 4 of the big 5
  • 114 species of mammals
  • 340 species of birds

Including:

  • Lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants (see link to posts below)
  • Rhinoceros
  • antelopes, oryx, kudus, jackals, gnous... 
  • And the small 5
Spotting lions Etosha National Park Namibia Getting close
Giraffes Etosha National Park Namibia
Elephants Etosha National Park Namibia
zebras Etosha National Park Namibia

Red Hartebeest

One of the best wildlife scene I observed in Etosha National Park was a family of Red Hartebeest. It was so pure!

I even have a short video for you!

Rhinos

There are roughly 700 rhinoceros in the park (although it can vary fast) including some endangered black rhino. Black rhinos have a pointy face but the white rhino as a wide face.​ But both are grey in color!

There are rarely seen during daytime but can be spotted at waterholes during nighttime.

Rhino in Etosha National Park, Namibia
Rhino in Etosha National Park, Namibia 1
Rhino in Etosha National Park, Namibia 2
Rhino in Etosha National Park, Namibia 3

Some Gnous

Gnous or Blue Wildebeest are not the most beautiful animals to my opinion. However they are very useful.

There is often one with herds of zebras because they are good at finding water.

gnou in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Cheetah

We spotted only one cheetah int he park but they tend to disappear in the bush. We were lucky to spot this one quite well.

They prefer to hunt in the early morning and late evening, so it is your best chance to spot them.​

cheetah in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Smaller animals

We also saw smaller animals, here a jackal and a hyena

jackal and hyena in Etosha National Park, Namibia

The leopard turtle: So lucky to have spotted it from the bus!!!

leopard turtle in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Birds

bird in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Before visiting Namibia, I had no idea that nests could be that big

bird nest in Etosha National Park, Namibia

We were all focusing on the giraffes on the other side, until our guide told us to turn around and look down!

bird dinner in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Wateholes meeting points

I really enjoyed when at some waterholes we spotted many different animals co-existing in peace (of course there were no lions!)

Waterholes: wildlife meeting point
Waterholes: wildlife meeting point 2

Want to see MORE of NAMIBIA?

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

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