Etosha Heights Private Reserve - An Eco-Tourism and Conservation Success Story
ETOSHA HEIGHTS PRIVATE RESERVE
An Eco-Tourism and Conservation Success Story
Just a few years ago, Etosha Heights was something else entirely—a patchwork of cattle farms and hunting concessions, divided by fences and defined by what it could give, not what it could be.
Today, it feels completely different. The fences are gone, habitats have been restored, and the air is filled by the rumble of elephants and the soft footfall of antelope. It’s not just a reserve anymore—it’s a living, breathing eco-tourism and conservation success story, and we’re proud to be part of its rebirth and journey. Since 2017, when Natural Selection partnered with Etosha Heights Private Reserve, we’ve been on a mission to turn this land into a wildlife stronghold—a place that protects and connects. And it’s working.
This 65,000-hectare reserve forms a critical buffer along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, Namibia’s most iconic protected area, and the land now breathes as part of a greater 2 million hectare ecosystem. This allows the wildlife to roam freely across this vast, restored wilderness. With an exceptional diversity of animals and flourishing numbers, the game-viewing here is as reliable as it is rewarding, and guests can experience the magic of Etosha, without the crowds.
A WILDLIFE RENAISSANCE
Over the past 5 years the reserve has seen a significant increase in both variety and density of wildlife and the game watching opportunities for visitors are exceptional. Bi-annual wildlife counts since 2017 record healthy populations of the following threatened or endangered species: both black and white rhino, over 270 elephant (elephant previously did not use this reserve), approximately 100 locally endemic black-faced impala, 80 sable antelope, 370 giraffe and over 30 lion. Etosha Heights provides an important roost and breeding area for 2 of Namibia’s vulnerable vulture species; the white-backed and lappet-faced vulture.
HOW COLLABORATION WORKS TO BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
Conservation does not happen in isolation. Etosha Heights has become a beacon of collaborative conservation, with the Natural Selection Foundation and numerous partners driving initiatives that ripple across the landscape. Some of these include:
Rhino Protection & Anti-Poaching
Etosha Heights is a proud Black Rhino Custodian area, and with both black and white rhinos roaming free, protection is paramount. A 24/7 anti-poaching team of rangers, camera surveillance systems, and advanced monitoring technology keep the rhino safe. Natural Selection supports these efforts through its 1.5% revenue contribution and CCR Fee, funding ranger training, surveillance towers, and even gyrocopter patrols.
Science & Education
The Etosha Heights Conservation Centre (EHCC) is a hub for research and learning, run in partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Namibia University of Science & Technology, and others. From collaring elephants and lions to monitoring giraffe movements and predator-prey dynamics. EHCC’s work informs vital conservation strategies across nearly 2 million hectares of the Greater Etosha Landscape.
Species Recovery & Cheetah Conservation
In 2022, the Natural Selection Foundation supported the release of four cheetahs onto the reserve in collaboration with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and NUST. These big cats, rescued from conflict zones, were given a second chance in a safe, prey-rich environment. Their progress was tracked by researchers, and has contributed to global knowledge on cheetah ecology.
Building Knowledge for the Future
The reserve isn’t just saving wildlife—it’s shaping the next generation of conservationists. Through hands-on research opportunities, EHCC has already supported Bachelor graduates, Honours and Masters students, as well as African veterinarians training in advanced wildlife care.
Wild Shots Outreach
We also support Wild Shots Outreach, a conservation education programme which runs workshops through our Etosha Heights camps for unemployed young adults from nearby villages to learn about photography, conservation and the appreciation of beauty in nature as seen at the end of a camera lens.
“Conservation is a long game, and Etosha Heights is proving what’s possible when land is given back to nature—and when people work together with patience, respect, and vision.”– Dr. Jennifer Lalley, Natural Selection Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer
AND THE BEST PART…
Every time you stay with Natural Selection, you do more than just go on safari—you help keep this story going. Your visit funds the anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, community projects, and education for the next generation of conservationists.
1.5% of every booking at our three lodges - Safarihoek, Safari House and Etosha Mountain Lodge - together with a Community, Conservation and Reserve (CCR) Fee paid by each guest, goes straight back to these efforts in the reserve. You are part of a story that matters.
We remain committed, through responsible eco-tourism and long-term conservation initiatives, to protecting Etosha Heights for generations to come. Its success is proof that occasionally, we conservationists get it gloriously right. When given the chance, nature will not only recover, it will flourish.
