The Okaukuejo Waterhole is found inside Etosha National Park, close to Andersson Gate, and is one of the best and most reliable places to see wildlife in Namibia. It is located at the centre of Okaukuejo Rest Camp, which makes it easy to reach for visitors staying in the camp or passing through the southern section of the park.
This waterhole is active throughout the year, but it is especially busy during the dry season from May to October, when animals come in large numbers to drink. Regular visitors to the waterhole include kudus, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and springboks.
Black rhinos are often seen here as well, and lions sometimes appear nearby, either resting or waiting for prey. The constant movement of animals makes this waterhole one of the top highlights for travellers.
One of the most unique features of Okaukuejo Waterhole is that it is floodlit at night. After sunset, visitors can sit just a few meters from the waterhole in a safe, open viewing area with benches. From here, they can watch animals drinking, interacting, or quietly passing by under the soft lights. This gives guests the rare chance to see both day and night activity without leaving the camp.
The atmosphere is calm, and visitors are encouraged to sit quietly, allowing the natural behaviour of the animals to unfold without disturbance. Many people describe their time at this waterhole as one of the most memorable experiences of their safari in Etosha.
Okaukuejo Rest Camp itself has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Guests can stay in luxury chalets that overlook the waterhole, comfortable bush chalets, double rooms, or well-equipped campsites. Some chalets and camping spots are near the camp fence, which means guests may hear or even see wildlife moving close by at night.
The camp also offers useful facilities, including a restaurant, a shop, a swimming pool, and a historic stone watchtower that gives wide views across the landscape. Even with these facilities, the waterhole remains the centre of attention. For many visitors, it provides some of the best and most consistent game viewing in all of Etosha.
