Staying in one of the private areas outside the park is the best way to try and inject some quality into an Etosha experience.
For short visits to Etosha of just 1 or 2 nights we tend to use one of the lodges in this area outside the South Gate, which are more conveniently located to connect on to the wilder landscapes of the northwest.
For longer visits to Etosha we tend to combine with a lodge outside the
East Gate, driving through the park in between the two stops, spending 1 or 2 nights at each.
The best of the lodges here are those on the Ongava Concession, which not only has the best accommodation, but is also a decent game area in its own right, notably including white rhino.