boudecca

In process of making reservations in Namibia for mid to late August when I learned many places I wanted to be are already fully booked due to school holidays August 26 - September 6.

Now I think I'll try to book earlier in August. Looking for some advice on what Etosha Rest Camps are best for game viewing in August. Understand Okaukeujo is fully booked but am hoping some of these reservations are being held by consolidators/travel agents. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks for comments.

tockoloshe

We've had that problem, but we just kept phoning regularly (more successful than writing) and spaces did come free about 2 months before departure.

canadian_robin

If it were me, I would spend some time in each of the three camps, so that I could cover the entire park. Driving distances are long, so it is difficult to visit the far east or far west if you are staying on the opposite side of Etosha. If I had to go with one, it would be Halali because of its central location. Robin

canadian_robin

Seems I'm out of date - there is now a 4th camp. See www.nwr.com.na (namibia wildlife resorts). Robin

boudecca

Thanks to everyone for responding. I got an email this morning telling me there was availability for two days in mid August and instructing me to contact the reservation office. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I had come across something on one of the forums saying that some camps were better for viewing at certain time of the year. Do you think that's true. boudecca

Gritty

I really hope you can get a spot at Okaukeujo. That's the best camp for watching wildlife from the camp itself. If you can't stay there, I second the strategy of staying at Halali because of its central location. I found that the best game viewing tended to be around the eastern and western ends. I seem to remember the span between Halali and Namutoni being especially productive (this was in very early September).

grantagogo

I have an opportunity to visit Etosha for 8 days from either June 5-12 or September 27-Oct 3. We will be traveling in a small motorhome. Any recommendations as to which time is better?

safarilover

I have been to Etosha perhaps a dozen times, most recently September 28-October 3, 2009. It was my most disappointing visit yet, as it was beastly hot (no pun intended), we were rained out at night at Okaukuejo, and the game viewing everywhere was not up to par.

In my opinion, the game viewing is best in August or very early September. I have not been there in early June, but the days would be at their shortest, limiting the number of hours you could spend at waterholes, and it would be rather cold in the mornings and evenings especially if you plan to spend time at the Okaukeujo waterhole at night.

Last year I booked late and had to wait till rooms were released by the tour companies--about 30 to 45 days before the arrival date. It made me nervous, but the days I wanted came through. I have had good luck working with Madeleine at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts office in Cape Town.

A note about Halali--it is a nice quiet camp and the accommodation is good, particularly the 2-bedroom chalets. Halali is close to Goas, a really beautiful waterhole that gets lots of game. While there is a lighted waterhole at Halali, it is a distance from the chalets and you have to navigate a dark, rocky path to get there.