The Okaukuejo Airstrip is one of the important entry points into Etosha National Park. It is found close to the famous Okaukuejo Camp in the southern part of the park. The airstrip has a gravel surface and is mainly used for charter flights and private aircraft. It gives visitors the chance to fly directly into Etosha without having to spend many hours driving across Namibia.
The airstrip is very useful for travelers coming from Windhoek, Swakopmund, or other towns in Namibia who want to reach the park quickly. It also receives visitors who arrive from abroad and connect through fly-in safari packages. This makes it a convenient option for people who want to begin their safari soon after landing.
Although the Okaukuejo Airstrip is modest in size and does not have many facilities, it is kept in good condition. The landing area is well marked, and operations are managed in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Visitors are usually met by lodge staff or guides who help with transfers to their accommodation.
Many luxury safari packages use the airstrip as part of their service, combining air travel with guided wildlife drives and stays in comfortable lodges. It saves time and allows guests to enjoy more of the park.
One of the biggest advantages of using the Okaukuejo Airstrip is its location near some of Etosha’s most active wildlife areas. From here, visitors can quickly reach waterholes such as Nebrownii, Okondeka, and the well-known floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo Camp, where animals can be seen even at night.
The airstrip is also used for important park operations. These include emergency evacuations, medical flights, and conservation research. Sometimes wildlife can even be spotted right after arrival, as elephants, giraffes, and springboks often move through the area.
By offering a fly-in option, the Okaukuejo Airstrip also supports eco-tourism. It helps reduce the need for long road trips into the park, which lowers vehicle traffic and limits disturbance to the environment.
Overall, the Okaukuejo Airstrip plays an important role in making Etosha more accessible, while also supporting conservation and visitor safety.
