Location & how to get to Etosha

What is the nearest airport to Etosha National Park?

The closest major airport to Etosha National Park is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located near the capital city of Windhoek. Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, travellers have the option to fly directly into Etosha or take the journey overland. Travellers driving to Etosha National Park should expect the journey to take roughly 6 hours, but the roads are generally well-maintained and smooth. 

What is the best way to get to Etosha?

While planning a trip to Etosha National Park, it is important to consider where you'll be staying, as there are camps and lodges located both inside and directly outside of the park, and the timing of your visit. Etosha National Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and these hours will vary throughout the time of year.

1. By road from Windhoek

Suitable for explorers

Travelling from Windhoek to Etosha by road will take about 6 hours. The journey is 415 kilometres (258 miles) long, and travellers can expect to see amazing views of Namibia along the way. Because Etosha National Park is located in an isolated location, travellers less interested in the geography of the area may find this to be an overly-long route, but they'll see incredible desert views along the way.

2. By plane from Windhoek

Suitable for travellers on a tight schedule

Travelling from Windhoek to Etosha by plane is a shorter route - the journey from Windhoek to Ongava Lodge's airstrip will take approximately an hour. Air Namibia also offers daily one-hour flights from Eros Airport, also located in Windhoek, to Ondangwa Airport, which is located just north of Etosha National Park. There is a well-maintained, clearly signposted road which goes between Eros airport and the park, so travellers driving won't have to worry about getting lost along the way.

3. By road from Swakopmund

Suitable for explorers

Travelling from the coastal city of Swakopmund to Etosha by road will take travellers approximately five hours. This journey of about 492 kilometres (306 miles) is a great option for self-driving travellers who are heading to Etosha National Park after exploring Namibia's beaches. The route is usually quiet and isolated, but well signposted.

4. By plane from Swakopmund

Suitable for great planners

Travellers looking to travel from Swakopmund to Etosha by plane should fly out of Walvis Bay Airport to Ondangwa Airport, located just north of Etosha National Park. However, this one hour and fifteen-minute flight only operates once per week, so travellers should carefully plan their journey if they're looking to fly to Etosha from Swakopmund.