Accessing cash is important for tourists visiting Etosha National Park, as it is often needed for entry fees, fuel, tips, and small purchases at shops or lodges. While some larger lodges may accept card payments, many places prefer cash. There are no ATMs inside the park itself, so visitors need to plan ahead and withdraw money in nearby towns before entering.
One of the closest and most convenient towns is Outjo, located about 90 kilometres south of Etosha’s Anderson Gate. Outjo is a common stop for travelers heading to the park and has several major banks, including Bank Windhoek, Standard Bank, and First National Bank (FNB).
These banks all provide ATM services that accept international cards such as Visa and Mastercard. The ATMs are located along the main road through town and are easy to find, making it simple for travelers to withdraw money before continuing to Etosha.
Another good option is Tsumeb, which is near the eastern entrance of Etosha at the Von Lindequist Gate. Like Outjo, Tsumeb has a selection of banks and ATMs, including Standard Bank, Bank Windhoek, FNB, and Nedbank. ATMs can also be found at service stations and shopping centres. Tsumeb is also a convenient place to refuel your vehicle, stock up on groceries, and buy travel supplies before entering the park.
For travelers using the southern entrance, the Etosha Trading Post is located just a few kilometres outside Anderson Gate. It has a small cash machine, a fuel station, and shops selling last-minute essentials.
However, ATMs here are not always reliable and may run out of cash, so it is safer to withdraw enough money earlier in Outjo or Tsumeb.
Planning ahead and carrying enough cash ensures a smoother trip in Etosha, as you will be ready to cover all your expenses once inside the park.
