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Etosha National Park, Namibia

Okaukuejo Rest Camp

This is a government run public rest camp on the west side of Etosha National Park. The complex is giant so do not expect an intimate experience. Booking can be difficult as they sell out months in advance and they only have a 7 day reservation policy.

If you do stay here, we like to recommend the self catering chalet houses. There is a restaurant, a swimming pool and actually one of the most interesting flood light lit watering holes in the park. Your evening is sure to be eventful sitting in the natural theater of Africa.

 — Mango's view

Okaukuejo is situated at the southern center of the pan, and about 120 km north of Outjo and 15 km from Anderson gate, the western entrance to Etosha National Park. It currently also functions as the administrative hub of the park. Accommodation is basic in self catering condos, but the location is perfect to relax in the evening.

Okaukuejo also has a waterhole which is floodlit at night, giving you an opportunity to see some of the shy, nocturnal wildlife. The animals that come appear to be oblivious of the resort - unaware of the bright lights or the people sitting on benches just behind the low stone wall. The light doesn't penetrate into the surrounding bush. It creates something of a stage, with the water at its center, focusing the attention on the animals that come to drink.

During the dry season, you are bound to see something of interest by just sitting here for a few hours in the evening, so bring a couple of drinks, binoculars, and some warm clothes to settle down and wait. Among the regulars are elephants and jackals, while lion and black rhino often visit.

The game viewing in Etosha is excellent, including lions, black rhino, elephants, and cheetahs.

Includes: variable booking conditions