Tips for a route before entering Etosha Park

hi

Question: we’re doing a 3-week trip in Namibia, including 5 days for Victoria Falls. I’ve booked one night in Brandberg, and then I have some questions. I was thinking of spending 2 nights in Palmwag, then heading to Etosha for one night in Okaukuejo and then 2 nights in Halali. Alternatively, from Brandberg, I could book a night near Galton Gate and then enter Etosha. I’m not really sure about the distances, especially with a 4x4. Same for the return trip: Halali to Windhoek seems long. Maybe it’d be smart to break it up on the way back? (We have 2 days to get back if needed.) If so, where?

Thanks for your tips and feedback!

Rachel

Hi there,

From Brandberg, you can head to Palmwag (about 4 hours) and then toward Galton Gate (3h). Since you can now enter Etosha from the west, it’s a real pleasure to cross this area—plus, there’s a great stop at Dolomite Camp, where you can take in the savanna views.

On the way back, between Etosha and Windhoek, Waterberg NP is a solid option with some interesting terrain that’ll be a nice change from Etosha.

Hi Rachel, For distances and travel times, I recommend buying the Travks4Africa map—it’s very reliable.

As for the rest, if I’m not mistaken, you’ve already received detailed answers on another forum. You should’ve shared your itinerary plan with us to make things clearer. Personally, I think 5 days at Victoria Falls is too much, unless you’re on a 6- to 8-week trip!

Maybe you’d like to tell us more about how your itinerary unfolds from your arrival?

Best regards,

hi

Thanks

Have a great day

hi

Thanks

Have a nice day

Rachel

Driving from Brandberg to Palmwag would let you cross the landscapes of Damaraland. From Palmwag, you can then head up to the western entrance of Etosha (Galton Gate/Dolomite/Olifantsrus) for a night, before continuing to Okaukuejo and Halali. This makes a much nicer loop than rushing straight east. And yes, doing Halali from Windhoek in one go (about 500 km, including some gravel roads inside the park and corrugated sections) easily takes 6 to 7 hours of pure driving, not counting stops. By the end of the trip, the accumulated fatigue makes this long drive feel even heavier. Since you have 2 days, it’s smart to split the journey by staying overnight in the Otjiwarongo or Kalkfeld/Omaruru area (for example at Frans Indongo Lodge, Mount Etjo, or Okonjima Nature Reserve if you want to see carnivores). That leaves you with a short morning drive the next day to reach Windhoek at a relaxed pace before your flight.