Africa’s Top 7 Watering Holes for Wildlife Watching—See Who Stops By!
Watering holes are the lifeblood of Africa’s wilderness, drawing animals big and small to drink, cool off, or simply socialize. For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like sitting by a watering hole and watching the drama of nature unfold. From the stealth of predators to the grace of elephants and the occasional chaos of a territorial dispute, these natural gathering places provide unparalleled opportunities for observation. Here are Africa’s top seven watering holes, each offering unforgettable wildlife moments.
1. Okaukuejo Waterhole, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Why It’s Special
The Okaukuejo waterhole is one of Etosha National Park’s most iconic spots. Located right next to the Okaukuejo Rest Camp, this watering hole is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to watch wildlife 24/7. During the dry season, herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and springbok congregate here, while predators like lions and hyenas lurk nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Rhinos, both black and white, are frequent visitors, making this one of the best places in Africa to spot these elusive creatures. The viewing platform and benches provide a comfortable vantage point to witness nature’s drama unfold.
Wildlife Highlights
Elephants bathing and interacting in family groups
Black rhinos at night
Predators like lions and hyenas stalk their prey
2. Chudop Waterhole, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Why It’s Special
Another gem in Etosha, Chudop Waterhole, is known for its abundance of predators and large herbivores. Surrounded by open plains, the waterhole offers excellent visibility, making it a favorite among photographers. During the cooler hours of the day, lions are often seen lounging nearby, waiting for thirsty prey.
Bird enthusiasts will also appreciate the flocks of ostriches and other water birds that visit this waterhole, adding a splash of color to the arid landscape.
Wildlife Highlights
Herds of wildebeest and zebras in the mornings
Lions resting in the shade
Flocks of flamingos during the wet season
3. Mashatu Euphorbia Waterhole, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
Why It’s Special
Mashatu Game Reserve is a private wildlife haven, and its Euphorbia Waterhole is a prime spot for observing animals in their natural habitat. Hidden viewing hides allow visitors to sit just meters away from the action, offering a unique perspective of the animals as they drink and interact.
Elephants dominate this waterhole, with large herds arriving regularly to quench their thirst. Cheetahs and leopards are also known to frequent the area, making it a hotspot for big cat enthusiasts.
Wildlife Highlights
Massive herds of elephants
Cheetahs stalking prey nearby
Birds of prey swooping in for a drink
4. Ngweshla Waterhole, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Why It’s Special
Hwange National Park is known for its incredible elephant population, and Ngweshla Waterhole is one of the best places to see them in action. Located in an open plain surrounded by acacia trees, the waterhole attracts a wide variety of animals, from majestic elephants to playful baboons.
The nearby Ngweshla picnic site provides shaded seating, making it an ideal spot for visitors to relax while watching the wildlife. During the dry season, the concentration of animals in this waterhole is truly astounding.
Wildlife Highlights
Elephants and buffalo sharing the waterhole
Predators like lions and wild dogs on the hunt
Large flocks of waterfowl
5. The Great Tsavo Waterhole, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
Why It’s Special
The Great Tsavo Waterhole, situated within Tsavo East National Park, is a hotspot for Kenya’s famous red elephants, named for their reddish hue caused by rolling in the park’s iron-rich soil. The waterhole is a lifeline in this arid region, and it’s not uncommon to see herds of up to 100 elephants gathering at once.
The area is also frequented by giraffes, zebras, and impalas, while predators like lions and leopards remain on high alert. The sheer scale of wildlife interaction here is unforgettable.
Wildlife Highlights
Massive gatherings of red elephants
Giraffes and zebras mingle at the water’s edge
Spectacular sunsets reflecting off the waterhole
6. Shumba Camp Waterhole, Kafue National Park, Zambia
Why It’s Special
Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest reserves, is home to the Shumba Camp Waterhole, a remote and serene spot where wildlife comes alive. Guests staying at the nearby Shumba Camp enjoy direct access to this waterhole, which attracts lions, leopards, and even the elusive cheetah.
Plains game such as puku and hartebeest are frequent visitors, and birdlife is prolific, with fish eagles and kingfishers often making an appearance. The tranquil surroundings make this waterhole a must-visit for those seeking a more intimate wildlife experience.
Wildlife Highlights
Lions lounging near the water
Rare antelope species like sable and roan
Abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles
7. Mboma Island Waterhole, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Why It’s Special
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the Mboma Island Waterhole is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The delta’s unique ecosystem supports a vast array of animals, and this waterhole is a focal point for their activities.
Visitors can enjoy both land and water-based safaris, as the waterhole is accessible by traditional mokoro canoes. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are regulars here, while predators like lions and leopards lurk nearby. The surrounding papyrus reeds and floodplains create a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Highlights
Hippos and crocodiles sharing the water
Elephants crossing the delta to reach the waterhole
Rare sightings of leopards and wild dogs
Tips for Visiting Watering Holes
1. Patience is Key
Wildlife visits are unpredictable, so be prepared to wait. Often, the most memorable sightings happen when you least expect them.
2. Time Your Visits
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit watering holes, as animals are most active during cooler hours.
3. Stay Quiet and Respectful
Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could disturb the animals. Use binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses to observe from a safe distance.
4. Hire a Guide
Local guides know the best spots and times for sightings, enhancing your experience with expert knowledge.
Watering holes are more than just a source of water—they’re a stage for the raw, unscripted drama of the animal kingdom. Whether you’re captivated by elephants splashing playfully, predators stalking prey, or birds darting across the surface, these watering holes offer some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in Africa. Pack your camera, bring your patience, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at these incredible natural theaters.
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
