Etosha National Park remains one of Namibia’s most iconic wildlife destinations, and visiting in August offers some of the best game viewing opportunities of the year. As the dry season progresses, animals congregate around waterholes, the air becomes cooler and clearer, and the bush is at its thinnest - ideal conditions for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Weather & Landscape:
August is deep into the dry season in Etosha National Park, and the park’s semi-arid landscape reflects the climatic extremes. Rain is rare to nonexistent, humidity is low, and the skies are typically clear and sunny.
- Daytime temperatures average between 25°C and 30°C, while nights and early mornings can be chilly, dropping to around 5°C to 10°C.
- With much of the vegetation dried out or thinned, visibility across the park’s expansive pans and savannahs is excellent.
- The terrain is dusty and golden, with bare trees and fading grasses dominating the view. The vast Etosha Pan remains a dramatic, shimmering salt flat, bone-dry and desolate.
Fauna:
August is one of the best months to view a wide range of wildlife species in Etosha National Park. With limited natural water sources, animals concentrate near the park’s natural and artificial waterholes, making sightings predictable and rewarding.
- Large herds of elephants, zebras, springbok, and blue wildebeest are common. Giraffes, black-faced impalas, oryx, and kudu are often seen browsing sparse foliage.
- Lions and hyenas are frequently spotted near waterholes, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. With luck, visitors may also spot elusive leopards and cheetahs stalking prey across the open plains.
- While August isn’t peak birding season, there are still plenty of resident bird species, including ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, and raptors such as martial eagles and bateleurs.
Animal Behavior & Sightings:
The scarcity of water in August leads to intense animal activity at the remaining water sources, making this an exceptional time for sightings and behavioral observations.
- Mixed-species gatherings are common at waterholes like Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni. Watch how different species take turns or cautiously share water sources.
- Predators often stake out waterholes, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Lions are especially territorial and vocal this time of year.
- Elephants, warthogs, and rhinos engage in regular dust bathing and wallowing to regulate their temperature and protect their skin.
- The dry air and soft light during early mornings and late afternoons create ideal conditions for photography, with clear animal silhouettes and golden backdrops.
Travel Tips:
- August is part of the peak tourist season in Namibia. Campgrounds and lodges inside Etosha National Park (such as Okaukuejo, Halali, and Dolomite Camp) are often fully booked months in advance.
- Mornings can be very cold, especially on open game drive vehicles. Bring a fleece or windbreaker, and peel off layers as the day warms up.
- Gates open at sunrise – an ideal time to spot predators and catch the cooler hours when animals are most active.
- Despite cooler temperatures, the Namibian sun is strong. Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of water.
- Some of the best sightings may be a little off the road. Binoculars help in spotting birds of prey, distant herds, or hidden big cats.
- If you’re self-driving, remember that refuelling stations and shops are limited inside Etosha National Park. Plan ahead, especially if venturing toward remote areas like the western gate or the Galton Gate.
