Etosha National Park is massive, stretching over 22,000 square kilometers of pristine African savannah. Because of its size, choosing the right entrance gate is crucial for your safari itinerary. The park features four official gates, each serving as a strategic entry point to different ecosystems, rest camps, and major regional highways. Planning your route around these access hubs will save you hours of driving on bumpy gravel roads.
The Golden Rule: Driven by the Sun
All park gates open strictly at sunrise and close precisely at sunset. This applies to both the outer park boundaries and the internal fences surrounding the rest camps. You must be inside your designated camp before the sun drops – driving inside the park after dark is strictly prohibited for your own safety.
Andersson Gate
Main Southern Entrance
10km to Okaukuejo
C38 from Outjo
Permit Office
As the main southern artery into Etosha, Andersson Gate is the busiest and most popular entry point for travelers. Coming from Windhoek or Outjo via the well-maintained asphalt C38 highway, this gate delivers you directly to the park's administrative heart. From the gate, it is a short, 10-kilometer drive to Okaukuejo Resort, famous for its floodlit waterhole. This is the ideal starting point if you are visiting Etosha for the first time.
Locate on Interactive Map →Von Lindequist Gate
Eastern Gateway 12km to Namutoni
B1/C38 from Tsumeb
Permit Office
Situated on the eastern boundary of the park, the Von Lindequist Gate connects Etosha with the historic mining town of Tsumeb and the northern B1 highway. It serves as the direct access hub to Namutoni Camp, characterized by its old German fort. The surrounding eastern plains are known for lush green vegetation after rains and excellent leopard sightings. It is the perfect exit gate if you are heading further north into the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip).
Locate on Interactive Map →Galton Gate
Western Wilderness Entrance Near Olifantsrus Camp
C35 from Ruacana/Kamanjab
Remote Area
For decades, the western corner of Etosha was restricted to researchers. Today, Galton Gate allows adventurous self-drivers to cross the entire park from west to east. Accessible via the C35, this gate leads you through rugged, hilly landscapes that are home to the rare Hartman’s mountain zebra. It provides access to the exclusive Dolomite Camp and the Olifantsrus camping site. It is highly recommended if you are coming from Damaraland or Kaokoland.
Locate on Interactive Map →King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate
Northern Plains Access North of Onkoshi
Permit Office
Andoni Plains
Named after a historic local ruler, this gate is located on the far northern tip of the park. It opens directly onto the vast, flat Andoni Plains, a paradise for birdwatchers and large herds of wildebeest and zebra during the dry season. King Nehale Gate is predominantly used by travelers exploring the vibrant cultural regions of Owamboland or those looking for a quiet, untamed safari experience near Onkoshi Resort.
Locate on Interactive Map →Park Tariffs & Payment Procedures
To keep your check-in smooth, please understand that no payments are accepted directly at the outer park gates. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) uses a centralized system to process conservation fees.
The Official Step-by-Step Entry Process:
- At the Gate: Stop at the entrance, fill out the vehicle and passenger register, and receive your temporary entry slip.
- At the Camp: Drive directly to the reception office of the first rest camp you reach (e.g., Okaukuejo or Namutoni).
- Payment: Present your slip, pay the daily fees based on your length of stay, and secure your official receipt. Keep this receipt safe, as gate rangers will verify it when you exit the park.
While major credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are officially accepted at Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni, the remote park camps frequently suffer from satellite network and power failures. When the system is down, card terminals won't work. Always carry enough cash (NAD or ZAR) to cover your entrance fees. Also, do not rely on park ATMs, as they are often out of order or empty. Withdraw cash in advance in towns like Outjo, Otjiwarongo, or Tsumeb.
Current Daily Tariffs (Per 24-Hour Cycle):
| Category | Fee (per Day) |
|---|---|
| International Visitors (Adults Ages 16+) | NS$ 280 |
| SADC Nationals (Adults Ages 16+) | NS$ 180 |
| Namibian Citizens (Adults Ages 16+) | NS$ 60 |
| International Children (Ages 8–15) | NS$ 180 |
| Children under 8 (All Nationalities) / Namibian under 16 | FREE |
| Vehicle Fee (Standard Sedan / 4x4 up to 10 seats) | NS$ 60 |
* Note: 1 Namibian Dollar (NS$) is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR). Fees apply for a continuous 24-hour interval starting from your timestamped entry.