Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa.

The park is malaria free, accessible in a regular sedan car and the rest camps provide a range of accommodation as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops and petrol stations. Luxurious camps in Etosha’s remote areas have now added top end accommodation to the park’s offerings.

                 Accommodation

The various accommodation options in Etosha National Park are well equipped with restaurants, shops, curios, swimming pools and petrol stations. The three main camps (Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni) offer various types of accommodation from camping to chalets overlooking floodlit waterholes. Situated deeper in the park are the more exclusive camps (Dolomite and Onkoshi) that provide a safari experience for discerning travelers.

                                           

 Wildlife

Here are close on 114 species of mammal in Etosha. They include the black-faced impala – there are no southern impala in the park – and the threatened black and white rhino. There are no buffalo, hippo, crocodile or monkeys. When the rainy season starts in the summer months, October to April animals seldom need to visit the drinking places along the tourist routes. So this is not the best time to visit the park. At this time of year, however, large herds of game can be seen on the grass plains west of Okaukuejo and in the area around Fischer’s Pan near Namutoni. The formation of large herds is a defence strategy against the relatively high concentration of predators which follow the game. From time to time large concentrations can also be found on the Andoni Plains north of Namutoni.

Birders will love the rainy season in Etosha. After good rains the salt pan fills with water attracting a cloud of flamingos. More than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park. Among the migratory species, the European bee-eater is possibly the most popular sighting. The game reserve is also home to the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and the heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard.

Please note that Etosha National Park is immensely popular, hence advanced bookings are recommended.

                            Etosha National Park View