The Pan
itself is believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a
shallow lake fed by the Kunene River. Subsequent climatic and tectonic
changes have since lowered the water level so that the pan only holds
water for a brief period each year - it teems with flamingos and
pelicans in the summer. The saline and mineral residues together with
moisture from perennial springs attract an immense number and variety of
game and birds from mid March into November just before the new wet
season starts.
Etosha is
known for its endemic species of impala, the black faced variety and is
said to have the tallest elephants in Africa, measuring up to 4m at the
shoulder. The park is also well recognised as being one of the last wild
sanctuaries of the endangered black rhino.
Despite
the massive size of Etosha, only the southern edge of the pan is
accessible to casual visitors. There are three rest camps within the
park at Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni. An extensive network of roads
links the campsites with over 30 water holes in the central and eastern
region - ideal places to sit and wait it out for game.
Etosha's
drawback is that the only accommodations within the park are the three
large rest camps that become especially crowded during regional school
holidays. (Entry is by permit only - reservations should be made
well in advance)
Particular
points of interest include:
- Andoni
(the northern most waterhole) - excellent birds
- Namutoni
- the former imperial German fort, a good view from the ramparts and
tower
- Klein
Namutoni waterhole - the best place to see black-faced impala
- Fischer's
Pan (near Namutoni) - excellent birds, good for springbok and
wildebeest
- Bloubokdraai
road - good for Damara dik-dik (Africa's smallest antelope)
- Chudob
waterhole (near Namutoni) - especially good for eland and giraffe
- Batia
(between Halali and Namutoni - near Springbokfontein) - elephant,
blue wildebeest and springbok
- Halali
- well shaded camp site in an area of dolomite outcrops
- The
Charitsaub, Salvadora/Sueda waterhole cluster (between Halali and
Okaukuejo) - excellent for plains game
- Oliphantsbad
(near Okaukuejo) - excellent for elephant
- Okaukuejo
("the place of the women") - site of the Etosha Research
Station, a good place for black rhino under the floodlights at
night, has a good view from the water tower across to the
Ondundozonananandana Mountains
- The
Haunted Forest (near Okaukuejo) - a forest of legendary moringa
trees (Moringa ovalifolia)
- Ongava
Game Reserve - private reserve at Andersson gate on the southern
boundary, night drives, game walks and the presence of white rhino
are particularly good
