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Etosha National Park

Etosha, meaning 'place of dry water', is centered around a huge, flat calcrete depression (or pan) of about 5,000 square kms in extent in far north Namibia. The 'Pan' provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains, and sometimes for only a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos.

Etosha National Park is one of Africa's major wildlife sanctuaries, being proclaimed a game reserve in 1907 and covering an area of more than 22 750sq kms. Despite being a highly 'managed' environment featuring a cluster of man-made water-points around the central pan and its boundary designated by a patrolled electrified fence, this is indeed one of the most special game parks in Africa. During the drier months of June to November the water points exert a magnetic pull on the big game herds, and forms the centerpiece for visitors looking to see the nearly 150 mammal species to found in the Park, including several rare and endangered species such as the black rhino, black-faced impala, tssesebe and gemsbok.

The Etosha Park (from 1958) is located 435km (Okaukuejo) or 530km (Namutoni) north of Windhoek. The park can be entered through either Von Lindequist (Namutoni) or Andersson Gate (Okaukuejo). It is one of the Africa's largest parks covering area of 22.270km². The Etosha pan's size is 4.590km², while all pans cover more than 5.100km².

Accommodation

Okaukuejo
The oldest camp in the park, opened in October 1957, is the home of Etosha Ecological Institute. Established in the end of last century as a control post to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, illegal hunting and gun trading. Attractions: water tower (1963), floodlit water hole in the camp frequently visited by elephants, rhinos, lions and different species of antelopes.

Namutoni
The camp was opened in 1958. The first fort (1902-03), erected as a border post and was attacked in 1904 by 500 Ovambo's. The garrison of seven German soldiers successfully defended fort for the whole day and retreated later during the night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambo's. After Herero uprising Namutoni fort was rebuild and later used as a police post but during the course of time fall in disuse. Restoration works began on the end of 30s when one of the towers was destroyed by lightning. In 1950 the Namutoni fort was declared a National Monument. The restaurant, additional accommodation units and shop were added in 1983.

Halali
The newest camp was opened in 1967. The name derived from the sound of traditional German hunting horn used to announce the end of the hunt. The only hills in the park are located here.

Onkoshi
It is the latest addition September 2008 and is nestled on the rim of the pan on a secluded peninsula.

Altitude.
The average height of the park is around 1000 m above sea level.

Attention: SPEED LIMIT IN THE PARK IS 60 KM/H



Accommodation inside the Etosha National Park | Accommodation inside the Etosha National Park
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