Etosha National Park: Africa’s Most Intriguing Wildlife Sanctuary

Etosha is one of the most prominent wildlife sanctuary of the Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve in 1907, it was reestablished in June 20 1975 and it is now governed by Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Namibia. The place derives it name from the climatic condition prevailing over there, Etosha means ‘place of dry water’ and is centered around hug cal Crete depression of 5,000 sq km and spread around an area of 22,750 sq km. home to astonishing 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and the list doesn’t end here surprisingly 1 specie of fish is also found here. Etosha pan was one the choosen site for South African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000). The park has been well maintained and the wildlife has protected really well in their natural habitat. This park is for all those who want to see the different life forms, live among wildlife and see the earth in the form which is more than true, real and original. This place not only promises but also fulfills its promise of giving you a true African Safari ADVENTURE!

Where it is located

Etosha National Park is located in the northwestern Namibia in the Kunene region and this park shares boundaries with the regions of Oshana, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa.

From the pages of past

Namibia was earlier known as South West Africa and was a German colony at that time and Etosha was first established in 1907 and occupied 100,000 sq km with the crown of being the largest game reserve in the world and with the passage of time and some political changes the reserve lost its original area of cover and now shrunken to 22,750 sq km.

Flora and fauna

Pelicans and flamingos are found in the salt pan and perennial springs attract the endangered Black Rhinoceros and the endemic Black-faced Impala. Wildlife ranges from rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, elephants and jackals. This national park has all the animals at one place which could not be found in any other part of the world, you would lost the count of number and variety of animals which would find in the park.

Mopane scrubs are found throughout the park. African moringa or ghost trees are special attraction of the park and second most common specie is the red bushwillow and aptly called kudu in the local language.

In the dry season, wind blowing along the pan carry saline dust with and spread over the Southern Atlantic and this salt enrichment provides minerals to the soil downwind pan on which some animals depend heavily.

The park’s 850 km boundary has been fenced to prevent spreading of disease among the animals. Fifty waterholes have been erected to attract animals, which has resulted in excessive grazing around its vicinity.

When to visit

The best time for game viewing is from May to September- the cooler months in Namibia.

Where to stay

• Namutoni- Its on the east gate of the park and is on the site old German fort which was burned by Ovambo people from the south many years ago. Fort has been turned into hotel and there is a shop from where you can get basic supplies. The place is as much adventurous as it sounds to been and its also cool to stay in a fort may be burned.
• Halali – It’s situated south of the pan. You would find most impressive floodlit water hole here with a viewing platform. What you all need to do is set up a camp and sit here at sunset with drinks and watch the glorious rare sight of animals coming to drink water.
• Okaukuejo- Its in the south entrance of the park. There are small huts, restaurant and pool. Instead of sleeping through the night make sure that you have a look at the waterhole and you would enjoy watching rhinos even in the rainy reason.

How to reach

Windhoek International Airport is the closest airport to the park and need to hire a car from Outjo get into C38 Road or else you can go from Khorixas using C39 Road. The journey worth it and you would realize this once you reach the national park.