African game reserves and national parks are unique and each has a distinctive card that attracts visitors. The water holes in Namibia’s Etosha National Park are what bring us back year after year. Each waterhole has its own unique character and in the dry season (June to October) these waterholes are a magnet for game, making Etosha a haven for wildlife photographers.
Visitors to Etosha want to see and photograph as many animals as possible, but they usually only have a few days, if that. Here we list all of our favorite watering holes stretching from the Okaukuejo Camp in the west to the Namutoni Camp in the east with tips that should help you save valuable time and improve your game viewing and wildlife photography.
Okaukuejo rest area:
okaukuejo – This must be the most popular watering hole in Etosha. There is a constant procession of animals from morning to night which can be seen from inside the camp. Our recommendation would be to sit at the waterhole from just before sunrise until 09:00, as the light is perfect for shooting with the sun over your shoulder providing front lighting. We have seen hyenas and lions drinking and then when the doves start to fly the black backed jackals give chase and we have managed to get some great action shots. If you sit at the watering hole the rest of the day you won’t be disappointed as there are elephants, herds of gazelle, wildebeest, gemsbok and zebra that come to drink.
Whether you stay at the watering hole or go for a walk, be sure to return just before sunset, as the setting sun creates great silhouettes and reflections in the water, and after the floodlights come on , we have also seen black rhinos fighting. like a lion kills after the sun has set!
gemsbokvlakte – We suggest you visit this watering hole in the afternoons: here we have seen herds of gazelles, gemsbok, elephants and zebras.
Olifantsbad – this is a morning watering hole and attracts elephants, zebras, black faced impalas, giraffes, redbuck and we have seen an African wildcat drinking here.
Nebrownii – This watering hole is close to Okaukuejo, but still has an impressive number of drinking sets here. We have seen large herds of elephants, zebras, gazelles, gemsbok, ostriches and giraffes. The watering hole is small so the elephants tend to get aggressive towards each other which makes for nice action shots. Lighting is good both in the morning and in the evening for photography.
okondeka – The light is better in the afternoons. For scenery this has to be one of the best watering holes in the park. The waterhole is on the edge of the tray and animals come from miles around to drink, so you can get pictures of masses of animals spread out for miles. We have seen giraffe, zebra, gazelle, gemsbok, ostriches and wildebeest all gathering on the plains surrounding the watering hole. There is also a resident pride of lions that hide in the dunes to ambush the animals.
Halali Rest Camp Area:
moringa – this watering hole is seen from inside the Halali camp and is illuminated. In the mornings there are usually only a few small herds of animals drinking here, but evening is when the action begins, with herds of elephant, black rhino, lion and leopard making an appearance!
goas – is our favorite watering hole in this area. We have seen large herds of elephants and black faced impalas as well as black rhinos, lions and leopards. Lighting is good both in the morning and in the evening.
savior – It has a superb backdrop of the open plains and the pan. The zebras love to drink here and we have seen herds of about 2000 zebras drinking at this watering hole. Mornings provide the best lighting.
rietfontein – this waterhole has a large open plain surrounding it so you can see the animals approaching from a distance. Lighting for photography is best in the evenings.
homob – We have seen some small herds of kudu and wildebeest here, but also a leopard. Morning light is best.
Namutoni Rest Camp Area:
Namutoni – This trough can be seen from inside the camp and is illuminated. It has not provided us with good sightings except at sunset when hundreds of red-billed queleas come to roost and fly in and out of the reeds on their wings against the light. Keep an eye out for giraffes as you may get lucky and get silhouetted against the setting sun. There is also a platform in the fort where you can watch the queleas and other animals.
Klein Namutoni – Evenings provide the best lighting, but mornings can provide pretty silhouettes. We have seen giraffes, hyenas, lions, leopards and elephants drinking here.
chudop – this water hole is very picturesque with a floating island of reeds. Mornings and evenings provide good lighting for photography.
kalkheuwel – this water hole faces south, so the light for photography is good most of the day. The waterhole attracts many animals and is very close to the parking area so you don’t need a long lens to get good photos.
two palms – We have mainly seen zebras here, but the two palm trees are a good background for pictures in the morning or a silhouette in the late afternoon.