Lodges make up the largest and most varied category of accommodation around Etosha, ranging from simple, comfortable rooms attached to rest camps inside the park to more upmarket private lodges just outside the gates with their own waterholes, swimming pools and guided game drives. They generally suit travellers who want proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and a restaurant on site, as opposed to self-catering campsites, while still keeping you close to the park for early starts. Lodges are found throughout the areas covered on this site, from Okaukuejo and Namutoni inside Etosha itself to private properties around Outjo, Kamanjab and the western Dolomite area, so your choice of lodge often follows from which part of the park you want to explore first. Many privately run lodges offer their own night drives or guided walks in surrounding concessions, which can add sightings you would not get from self-driving alone. When comparing lodges, check how far they are from your preferred gate and whether meals and activities are included, since this varies considerably between properties. See our location guides for Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Dolomite for lodges grouped by area, and our Etosha info page for gate locations.