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Etosha Park supports 114 species of mammal and over 340 species of bird including numerous endemics and rarities. At the heart of the park is a salt pan that is surrounded by sparse shrubs and grassy plains that become hilly mopane woodlands as you move away from the sunken saline desert.
As vegetation in most areas is sparse, the animals have learnt to drink during the day when predators are inactive and it is the safest time to be out in the open. It is not uncommon to see up to 7 different species of game at any waterhole.
Like everything in Namibia, the pan is ancient - 2 million years or so - and was formed when a great continental upheaval diverted the Kunene River towards the sea, leaving a massive inland lake that soon dried up. Usually a shimmering white horizon, the pan fills with water after a good rainy season and becomes a vast knee-deep lake.
About 30 springs and waterholes along the pan's southern edge attract large concentrations of every representative species in the park - especially in the dry season, which runs from April to September.
Wildlife you are likely to see, at close quarters if you spend some time at the waterholes, includes a growing number of rhino - both black and white - and the endemic black-faced impala and Damara dik-dik. The Namibian trademarks, gemsbok and springbok, are common and there are good numbers of southern Africa's big game including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, brown and spotted hyena, eland, roan, kudu, wildebeest, red hartebeest, Hartman's mountain (only in the west) and Burchell's plains zebra, and black-backed jackal.
Birding is excellent, particularly after good rains when up to a million flamingos may congregate in the pan. Etosha is one of only two places in southern Africa where blue cranes and greater and lesser flamingos breed. Raptors are common with 46 species recorded including the Bateleur, martial, Wahlberg's and tawny eagles; and Egyptian, African white-backed and lappet-faced vultures. Ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards and black korhaans are easily spotted around the pan; and there are several specials including violet wood-hoopoe, Rüppell's bustard, Caspian plover, pygmy and red-necked falcons, three varieties of babbler and the pink-billed lark.
Photography at Etosha National Park is exceptional: the waterholes allow for unobtrusive close-ups and dramatic angles of the wildlife while the salt pan throws up a backdrop of shimmering white beneath a parched blue sky.
Etosha, by comparison to the other great parks of Africa, is an undiscovered gem. A handful of lodges operate on the perimeter of the park and they offer sunrise and sunset game drives into the park as well as on their own private reserves. The park has only three places to stay inside its gates: the government-owned Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali resorts. They each overlook one of over 30 waterholes and the Etosha Pan.
Next to Etosha Pan is Fischer's Pan. During the rainy season, it is often filled with water and is an excellent birdwatching site. West of Okaukuejo is an unusual stand of Moringa trees - normally found on rocky hillsides - called The Phantom Forest for its inexplicable presence on a sandy plain.
The list of mammals and birds is long and Etosha National Park is an excellent self-drive destination: the roads are excellent and the waterholes clearly marked. All you have to do is drive there, turn your engine off and wait.
Itinerary Type: Sample
Accommodation: Standard
Days: 19
Countries: Botswana, Namibia
Highlights: Central Kalahari, Chobe, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Caprivi, Damaraland, Etosha, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Windhoek
Mushara Bush Camp is in a private reserve on the eastern edge of Etosha with family-friendly activities in and around the camp, luxury tented suites, a pool and play area for the kids.
Onguma The Fort is one of few super luxury lodges to choose from around Etosha National Park and is certainly one of the best places to stay on the eastern side.
Etosha Safari Lodge is a Gondwana Collection property on the edge of Etosha offering comfort, convenience and total serenity.
Being this close to the southern entrance gate into Etosha National Park, the wildlife haven of Namibia, you'd expect it to come at a price tag, but not at Taleni's Etosha Village. An affordable lodge offering great value for money and a comfortable stay.
Onguma Tamboti Campsite on the eastern border of Etosha defines luxury camping. Private individual sites, own bathroom and wash up area.
Onguma Bush Camp is a family lodge on a private reserve just outside the eastern entrance gate into Etosha National Park.
Situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, Ongava Lodge provides luxury in thatched chalets, beautiful views, a hide at the watering hole and you are right on the doorstep of Etosha National Park.
Etosha Safari Camp is a quirky lodge on the southern edge of Etosha, bringing a unique local atmosphere and funky fun-loving vibe to accommodation alternatives on this side of the park.
A lavish lodge situated just outside the eastern entrance gate of Etosha National Park. Elegant and sophisticated. Well located. A first choice when looking to explore this side of the park without compromising on a luxury stay.
Onguma Tented Camp is a luxury and sophisticated tented lodge overlooking a waterhole on the private Onguma Reserve, on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. Secluded and wild. Simply relax and enjoy the African bush.
Attention to detail makes Mushara Outpost the luxury tented camp to stay at on the eastern border of Etosha National Park. Modern. Sophisticated. Pure comfort and tranquility.
Mokuti Lodge is only four minutes from the eastern entrance of Etosha, with everything you need from a spa, multiple pools, bars and restaurants to all-day activities and tours into the park.
I feel that Edward is honest, extremely helpful, and a true professional. I will recommend this company and Edward's expertise to anyone heading to Africa. A perfect trip!
