THE PARK THAT WAS ONCE A LAKE
Very few species are absent in this surprisingly abundant corner of Namibia. Herds of Springbok and other antelope, often up to several hundred strong, elephant, lion, rhino and giraffe wonder the dry floor of this vast, white and desolate pan.
Centered on a vast saltpan desert, Etosha National Park is located in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia. It was declared a national park in 1907 and is the second largest in Namibia. This was once the site of a massive lake, which subsequently dried up as its feeding tributaries changed course millennia ago. Partly as a result, the vegetation around the pans is generally of the dry variety (including grass and thorn savannah and dry-forest). The area is by no means short of animal life however. Thanks to a number of perennial springs and watering holes in the South, plenty of game is sustained here including 250 lion and more than 2000 elephants. An added advantage of the dry vegetation is that wildlife is relatively easy to spot - from greater distances and in more detail.
view sample trips that include Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park highlights
- Watch the sun set over the Etosha saltpan
- Spot an endangered black rhino
- Visit Etosha is during the summer rains when the pan briefly fills with water, attracting an incredible array of birds including pelicans and flamingo
- Spend an evening by a floodlit watering hole, G&T in hand, and watch as the wildlife comes to you. Happy hour with a twist.
Etosha National Park accomodation
Little Ongava Camp
Unsurpassed views over the plains below, only three private suites and excellent cuisine are just the beginning of a list of features that makes this fabulous little lodge truly special. Located in the private Ongava gamer reserve, the camp offers both exclusivity and quick access to the adjacent greater Etosha National park. Each room is tastefully laid out with its own plunge pool, 'al-fresco' shower, sala and en-suite bathroom.
