Namibia: All about Etosha National Park
| March 26, 2021 | Fancy a Namibia safari? In Namibia, yes, but more precisely in the superb Etosha National Park! Bewitching Namibia, land of contrasts and vast expanses of wilderness, offers you exceptional experiences. Namibia, the least densely populated country in the world after Mongolia, has become one of the most visited destinations on the continent.
Origin of Etosha National Park
Etosha means “huge white area” or “place of dry water”.
- Etosha National Park is located in the Kunene region, 400km north of the capital Windhoek and 125km south of the border with Angola.
- The famous Etosha reserve was created in 1907 by German colonists who made it the largest hunting area in the world with nearly 100,000km2.
- In 1967, the reserve obtained the status of a national park with an area reduced to 22,935km2.
Etosha, one of the most beautiful animal reserves in Africa
Etosha National Park is home to 114 species of mammals, 340 species of birds, 110 species of reptiles, 16 species of amphibians and one species of fish! At its center: Etosha Pan, a dry salt lake that fills with water only a few weeks a year. It attracts thousands of waders including impressive flocks of flamingos.
In other words, Etosha is a world out of the ordinary … Wild life in its purest form, hectares of sparse vegetation dried by the sun, between grass, shrubs, acacia forests and myriads of mopanes. In the middle of these plains stretches out as far as the eye can see, an immense dry salt marsh occupying nearly a third of this natural site.
It is said to be visible from space, it is in honor of this section that the place was named “ Etosha, white earth “.
Source: Nasa Earth Observatory
In addition, the flora counts 134 different plant species. In this arid region the vegetation often consists of small shrubs and bushes.
The most numerous mammals that live in the park are elephants, rhinos, zebras, black-headed impalas, but also lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, elands and giraffes as well as antelopes, warthogs, cubs animals such as foxes, mongooses, hares, porcupines, squirrels …
Due to lack of water, you will not find buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles or monkeys.
Do not look for the Desert Lion or the Desert Elephant, they are found off Etosha in the Namib Desert along the west coast of Namibia. Moreover, this step represents a great opportunity for an extension to your safari.
There are four gates to access the park:
- Gate by Andersson (explorer who discovered the site in 1851)
- Gate of Von Lindequist (hunting reserve status in 1907)
- Gate of King Nehale Lya Mpingana (Chief Ovambo who opposed the German troops)
- Gatton’s Gate (explorer who discovered the site in 1851)
How about a safari in the famous Etosha reserve?
It is certain, you will return from Etosha with a memory full of unforgettable memories, superb photos, with only one desire, to go back!
We have put together the most beautiful places and types of accommodation for you for tailor-made holidays that suit you, far from the beaten track. So don’t hesitate any longer, contact us!
A safari trip requires some preparations
In according to your desires, your tastes, your budget, you will have to choose the type of accommodation that suits you among those we have selected for you, from basic camp to high-end lodge, from bungalow individual at the comfortable hotel.
Then, there will be the choice between a few options: a “roots” version safari driving a 4×4 topped with a tent, a safari assisted by a driver who will also serve as your guide, or more luxuriously a safari in aboard a small Cessna 210 (4 seats) departing from Windhoek.
When to go to Etosha: wildlife throughout the seasons?
For a safari, there is an important difference between the dry season and the rains.
In our opinion, Etosha is much better in the dry season, the water points attract an incredibly large and varied fauna. During the rainy season, the animals find water everywhere, they stay away from water points which therefore do not offer the same spectacle as in the dry season.
However, if you are passionate about ornithology, we recommend the rainy season, many species gather in the areas around Namutoni!
Namutoni is a small village that was originally a German fort. It served as a police station for the colonial army of German South West Africa.
- Dry season: May to October
- Rainy season: December to March
South African Travellers is an agency based in Cape Town which, for more than twelve years, has specialized in destinations in Southern Africa, in particular tailor-made trips to Namibia. Our rangers will be happy to create the safari of your dreams step by step.
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See you soon !
Irina .
