Quick Access: Waterholes
Waterhole Etiquette & Strategy
Maximize your wildlife sightings while staying safe and respectful.
Be Silent
Switch off your engine and keep your voice down. Animals have sensitive hearing; loud noises will cause them to flee before they even reach the water.
The Golden Hours
During the dry season (May-Oct), midday is excellent for Elephants, while early morning and late afternoon are best for Lions.
Stay in your Vehicle
Never exit your car at a waterhole. Predators often hide in the tall yellow grass nearby, waiting for prey. You are only safe inside your car!
Wildlife Finder
Where to find the "Big Six" of Etosha National Park.
Lions
Social cats often seen in prides. Look for them resting in the shade during the day.
Okondeka
Elephants
The giants of the park. Best observed during the midday heat when they gather to drink and bathe.
Leopards
Master of stealth. Often found in trees or thick riverine bush. Very elusive.
Rhinos
Endangered and shy. They arrive at the waterholes long after sunset.
Giraffes
Stunning to watch as they spread their legs to reach the water.
Cheetahs
Fastest land animal. Prefers open plains for hunting.
Batia
Cheetah
Giraffe
Blue Wildebeest
Located on the route between Namutoni and Halali, Batia is situated in a vast, open grassland area. Its excellent visibility makes it one of the premier spots for sighting Cheetahs on the hunt. During the dry season, large mixed herds of Zebras and Wildebeests congregate here, attracting the park's top predators.
Find on MapCharitsaub
Cheetah
Lion
Zebra
Situated in the wide, open plains west of Namutoni, Charitsaub is a classic natural waterhole on the edge of the salt pan. Its expansive 360-degree views make it a highly productive area for spotting predators, especially Cheetahs, which rely on the flat terrain. Large dazzles of Zebra and other plains game are frequent visitors, attracting the resident lion prides.
Find on MapChudop
Giraffe
Leopard
Eland
A high-yield artesian spring near Namutoni. Its consistent water flow makes it a favorite for large giraffe towers and the elusive leopard.
Find on MapGoas
Leopard
Zebra
Rare Birds
Goas is a unique natural spring consisting of two large water basins. Surrounded by thick broken veld and large trees, it offers the perfect camouflage for Leopards, which are frequently spotted here. It is also a vital drinking spot for massive herds of Zebras and a paradise for birdwatchers looking for endemic species.
Find on MapHomob
Elephant
Giraffe
Verreaux's Eagle
A stunning natural spring located in a depression below the road level. It offers a 180-degree view of the Pan. Watch for "ghost" elephants covered in white calcrete dust arriving here to drink in the heat of the day.
Find on MapKalkheuwel
Lion
Elephant
Giraffe
Widely considered a photographer's paradise, Kalkheuwel is famous for its high wildlife density and close-up sightings. The waterhole is often bustling with activity, from massive elephant herds to resident lion prides waiting in the surrounding mopane scrub. It’s the perfect place to sit and wait for the action to come to you.
Find on MapKlein Namutoni
Giraffe
Lion
Bateleur Eagle
Located just a short drive from Namutoni Fort, this scenic artesian spring is a magnet for Giraffes. The surrounding lush vegetation and reed beds provide a sanctuary for the tiny Damara Dik-Dik and a vast array of birdlife. It’s the perfect spot for quiet observation in the soft morning light.
Find on MapMoringa (Halali)
Leopard
Black Rhino
Elephant
Located right at the Halali Camp, the Moringa waterhole is a legendary spot for night-time sightings. Its elevated terraced seating provides a perfect view over the pool. It is world-renowned for frequent leopard visits and being a reliable drinking spot for Black Rhinos under the floodlights.
Find on MapNebrownii
Lion
Elephant
Spotted Hyena
Located on the edge of the vast Etosha Pan, Nebrownii is a theater of wildlife activity. Known for its extremely white, chalky dust, it offers a surreal backdrop for photography. It is a prime location to witness large elephant herds "ghosting" through the dust and resident lion prides patrolling the open landscape.
Find on MapOndongab
Lion
Black Rhino
Giraffe
A quiet and atmospheric waterhole located on the edge of the great Etosha Pan. Because it is less frequented by large tour groups, Ondongab offers a peaceful setting to observe wildlife. It is a favored spot for resident lion prides and a reliable place to catch a glimpse of the elusive Black Rhino during the golden hour.
Find on MapOkaukuejo Waterhole
Black Rhino
Elephant
Lion
Arguably the best waterhole in the world. Famous for its theater-like seating where you can watch Rhinos and Elephants interact all night long.
Find on MapOkondeka
Lion
Blue Wildebeest
Located on the edge of the great Etosha Pan. This is a contact spring and a classic spot to find the resident lion pride hunting in the open plains.
Find on MapOlifantsbad
Large Elephant Herds
Red Hartebeest
Zebra
True to its name "Elephants' bath", this waterhole is a favorite for breeding herds. It features two separate drinking basins and is surrounded by mopane shrub, providing excellent close-up photography opportunities.
Find on MapOlifantsrus
Black Rhino
Elephant
Lion
Famous for its state-of-the-art double-story viewing deck, Olifantsrus offers a unique "eye-level" perspective of the animals. Located in the quieter western part of the park, it is a premier hotspot for observing shy Black Rhinos and large elephant bulls in a peaceful environment.
Find on MapSalvadora
Cheetah
Lion
Zebra
Known for its incredible views over the Etosha Pan. The open plains around Salvadora are a prime hunting ground for Cheetahs. It’s a great spot to see large herds of zebras and wildebeest trekking across the salt crust.
Find on Map