The Etosha Express Safari is a 3 day accommodated safari to Etosha National Park, and is an excellent way to view the diverse game of the area, especially if time is short and expectations are big. The tour sets off north from Windhoek to the large town of Otjiwarongo, (the place where fat cattle graze, in the Otjiherero language). Accommodation on the safari, is all situated within 25kms of the Anderson Gate entrance to the Park.

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Etosha means 'place of dry water' and is centred around a huge depression, or 'pan' some 5,000sq km's in size. The pan provides a vast, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages, set against semi-arid savannah grassland and scrub. It is quite rightly described as one of the best game reserves in Africa, a haven for close on 114 species of mammal, including the white rhino and endangered black rhino, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe and numerous species of antelope. Ornithologists should not despair, there are some 340 species of birds in the park – sufficient to keep both nature and wildlife enthusiasts content, no matter how long or short their tour.

We recommend combining this safari with either the Sossusvlei Shuttle or the Sossusvlei Express Safari.

Day 1: Windhoek - Etosha Park

Guests will be collected from their accommodation in Windhoek at around 7.45. There is a brief stop at Otjiwarongo, and the lodge itself is situated outside the gates of Etosha National Park, (Links) the tour arriving just in time for a fabulous Namibian sunset. Accommodation is in a twin share rooms or permanent tents, with en-suite bathroom facilities. The evening meal is prepared by the guide, and after the long drive with an early morning wake-up call looming, a good night's sleep is on the cards.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: lodge near Etosha

Day 2: Etosha Park

A sunrise departure is vital, not just to be first at the gate, but to get on with the fabulous game viewing, (which is best in the early morning and late afternoon) until the mid-morning light breakfast. The morning drive across the Etosha Park is great fun and will take in many waterholes. Apart from being in pursuit of the big 4, (there are no buffalo in Etosha, so you can work out what the others are on the way) identifying the huge variety of plains game is an interesting diversion. The arrival at Halali signals a welcome rest during the hottest part of the day. As the guide prepares a delicious lunch, it's time to get out the speedo's and bikini's and jump in the pool, or for those who can't get enough of the wildlife, then there's a great waterhole here. After something to eat, it's time to visit the mighty Etosha Pan and marvel at the sheer immenseness of the saltpan, not to mention it's inhabitants. The loop continues back to Okaukuejo (the place of the women) which is also the site of the Etosha Research Station, calling into some well-known waterholes en-route before leaving the park prior to sunset. Accommodation is once again in twin share rooms or permanent tents, with en-suite bathroom facilities. The evening meal will be prepared by the guide, and with another early start the following day, the tour won't take much rocking to sleep tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: A lodge near Etosha

Day 3: Etosha Park - Windhoek

Day 3 begins with an early morning game drive (±3 hours) inside Etosha, looking for predators as well as plains game and don't forget the many bird species found inside one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Your guide will give you a light lunch en-route to Windhoek via the craft markets at Okahandja. Arrival in Windhoek is sometime late afternoon, and guests will be dropped at their accommodation. Any onward travel arrangements, including airport transfers, should be arranged in advance. Many guests join the Sossusvlei Express, which departs at midday the following day.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Mode of transport

Vehicle with a pop-up roof (not air-conditioned)

Number Of Participants

Maximum of twelve

Included

Tour in a small group with an English speaking driver / guide.
Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary

Excluded

Beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Travel Insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Any optional activities
Visas

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.