← Rössing National Marathon·4 nights

Etosha: A Four-Night Safari Extension From Swakopmund

A rest night in Windhoek, then three nights beside Etosha's eastern gate, with game drives into a park in its green season.

Duration4 nights
TransitDaily Swakopmund to Windhoek shuttle, then a long road north by private transfer or hire car
DepartsSwakopmund

After the Rössing National Marathon: Etosha

The Route: Swakopmund → Windhoek → Etosha (Von Lindequist Gate) → Windhoek → Swakopmund Logistics: Etosha is a long way from the coast: about 570 km to Okaukuejo and about 660 km to Namutoni by road. A daily shuttle runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek, and the northern leg needs a private transfer or a hire car. Marathon Month: March Duration: 4 nights

Swakopmund ──(about 4 hours, daily shuttle)──> Windhoek ──(long road north)──> Mokuti, Von Lindequist Gate ──> Windhoek ──> Swakopmund

Etosha is a safari, not a recovery break. It needs long days in a vehicle and a lot of waiting at waterholes. The plan puts a rest night first, so your legs have a day to settle before the long drive.

March in Etosha. March falls in the green season. At Etosha Safari Lodge, March has averaged about 78 mm of rain, and annual rainfall is about 418 mm, mostly in summer. Animals are not tied to the permanent waterholes, which is why most visitors prefer May to October for game viewing. March gives lush scenery, fewer visitors and harder animal-spotting. Expect afternoon showers and heat.

Getting there and back

A daily shuttle leaves Swakopmund at 07:00 and reaches Windhoek at about 11:00. The return leaves Windhoek at 13:00 and arrives about 17:30. Confirm the stop in Windhoek when booking, because the pickup names vary. From Windhoek, arrange a private transfer or hire car north. Ask your operator for the current journey time, and do not plan an arrival after dark. The Foreign Office advises care on the roads, and the long distances call for rest stops.

Night one: Windhoek

Spend the Sunday afternoon after the shuttle resting in Windhoek, about 352 km from Swakopmund. Eat early and sleep. Sort your transfer north for the next morning.

Nights two to four: Etosha

Mokuti stands about 40 m from the Von Lindequist gate on the eastern side of the park. It has spacious suites and a restaurant serving African and international food. The lodge has four waterholes on the property, and offers sundowner drives, night trips to the waterholes, a bush walk with the Hai//om people and a reptile park. A herd of bontebok lives on the lawns.

Etosha is about 22,270 km² and covers a large salt pan of about 4,760 km², which is usually dry and fills briefly in summer. The park was proclaimed a game reserve in 1907 and became a national park in 1967. It has about 114 mammal species and about 340 bird species, and it is the world's single most important custodian of the black rhino.

Game drives are seated, which suits recovering legs. Keep the days short, drink water and carry binoculars.

Where to stay and eat

Mokuti is the verified base next to the gate. Book early for the rooms with views, and ask about meal times, because the drives start early.

Getting home

Return to Windhoek in a single long day, sleep, then take the 07:00 shuttle to Swakopmund. Leave a day in hand before an international flight.

Practical notes

  • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention. The Foreign Office advises health preparation at least eight weeks before travel.
  • Carry insect repellent, a hat and a waterproof in March.
  • Check road conditions before you set out, because rain can change the surface.