Etosha's waterhole game drives are the core experience of any visit. The park's roads are gravel but generally well-maintained and navigable in an ordinary sedan outside of the wet season. A typical day starts before sunrise at the camp's own waterhole, follows a loop through several points, and returns in the evening.
The best waterholes are scattered across the park. Rietfontein and Ombika near Okaukuejo are famous for rhino. Chudob waterhole is excellent for cats. Nebrownii near Halali is known for its variety — everything from elephant to honey badger. Visitors quickly develop a mental map of which waterholes to prioritise based on the season and what animals they most want to see.