About Etosha

Etosha National Park, proclaimed in 1907, is one of Southern Africa’s finest and most important game reserves.

The park covers over 22,000 square km and is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, more than 340 bird species.

At the centre of Etosha lies an immense 4,700 square km salt pan, the largest of its kind in Africa. The pan’s shimmering white crust of salt crystals extends as far as the eye can see.

In previous times this was a lake the size of Holland fed by several rivers, probably including the Kunene as well.

When the rivers gradually changed their course the water in the lake started to evaporate until only the huge dry depression remained.

Mammals

Etosha National Park is the best place in Namibia for game drives and viewing wildlife.

Elephant, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, eland, kudu, oryx and steenbok are common and huge herds of springbok can be seen on the plains.

The diminutive Damara dik-dik is also common in Etosha and Roan Antelope and Red Hartebeest are also regularly seen.

Black Rhino are a particular feature of Etosha and they are frequently seen at some of the floodlit waterholes.

White Rhino are also found in the east of Etosha most commonly.

There is a very good chance indeed of seeing lion in Etosha. Cheetah are well-suited to the open plains and although leopard and caracal are present, sightings are a real bonus.

Hyena are present in good numbers and sightings common. Black-backed jackal trot about seemingly oblivious to the presence of humans!

Since every animal needs water there is constant coming and going at the waterholes. Traffic rules are simple: the stronger one always has the right of way.

The diversity of species drinking at the same time can be staggering. This is the place to watch Namibia’s greatest daily wildlife dramas unfold.