One of the largest national parks in Africa, one of the oldest and one of Namibia’s number-one tourist destinations. Etosha National Park is home to 114 large and small mammal species, more than 400 recorded bird species, scores of reptiles and even a fish species. Etosha is the country’s flagship park. The size of the park has been reduced considerably since it was first proclaimed in 1907, but it still remains larger than several European countries.
The Oshindonga name for the pan was Etotha, meaning ‘the place where no plants grow’, but early European traders, unable to pronounce the name, called it ‘Etosha’. The pan was once part of the massive Lake Kunene fed by the Kunene River, which at some time in the distant past dried up, leaving the current pan system. Newly excavated fossils belonging to marsh-dwelling antelopes such as sitatunga, lechwe and tsessebe, and a 90- cm long catfish, are testament to much wetter periods.
Etosha has a proud record of black-rhino conservation, and white rhino were recently re-introduced. The park has also played a major role in the recovery of the endemic black- faced impala. The Etosha Ecological Research Institute attracts scientists from around the world.
Etosha’s waterholes are famous among international tourists for spectacular game viewing and at the Okaukuejo waterhole at night it is possible to see black rhino, lion and elephant.
Natural features: The park is dominated by an expansive salt pan and several smaller pans. Scenic waterholes have abundant game. The veld is flat and open, with the only hills around Halali Rest Camp and in the extreme west of the park.
Vegetation: Lakes and Salt Pans, Nama Karoo and Tree and Shrub Savannah biomes.Vegetation type: Karstveld Pans, Western Kalahari, Mopane Shrubland, Etosha Grass and Dwarf Shrubland, North-Eastern Kalahari Woodlands, Western Highlands, Cuvelai Drainage. African moringa tree (Moringa ovalifolia) at Fairytale Forest, water-thorn (Acacia nebrownii), Trumpet- thorn (Catophractes alexandri), Mopane (Colophospermum mopane), Purple-pod terminalia (Terminalia prunoides).
Wildlife: Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Black-faced Impala, Lion, Giraffe, Leopard, Eland, Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Blue Wildebeest, Oryx, Damara dik-dik. The 407 bird species recorded include Woolly-necked Stork, Lappet-faced Vulture, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Carp’s Tit, White-tailed Shrike, Ruppell’s Parrot, Meyer’s Parrot.
Tourism: Game viewing. Bird-watching. Photography.
Premier waterhole chalets, waterhole, family and bush chalets, double rooms, camping. Restaurant. Bar, kiosk, shop, post office, swimming pool. Flood-lit waterhole, Guided morning, afternoon and night game drives.
Family and bush chalets, double rooms, camping. Restaurant, bar, kiosk, swimming pool. Flood-lit waterhole, guided morning, afternoon and night drives. Nature walks within the camp.
Bush chalets, double rooms, camping. African fusion restaurant, steakhouse, bar, curio shop, bookstore, swimming pool and flood-lit waterhole.
Opens up the restricted western side of the park to a limited number of visitors. Guests are accommodated in permanent luxury tents with an elevated view of the endless plains of the park.
Low impact, environmentally friendly with only 15 accommodation units.
“Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia”
To Plan Your Trip to Etosha:
www.wheretostay.na
Like this:
Like Loading...
Where To Stay South Western Africa Trip Planner. 