Etosha National Park in Namibia is a natural wonder and a major wildlife sanctuary. Its beautiful landscapes make the perfect backdrop for exceptional photography.
At Etosha National Park in Namibia all of the Big Five game and just about every other African animal can be seen, some such as the Elephant, live in massive herds. Ancient waterholes and springs near the Salt Pan attract thousands of plains game and birds. Sometimes during the rainy season the Salt Pan undergoes a startling transformation from its dazzling, moonlike appearance to a glossy sheet of water.
The dominant predators of Etosha National Park in Namibia are Lion. There are also good populations of Hyena, Cheetah and Leopard, although these cats are seen less often. Rhino and great herds of Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and Springbok are present. Etosha Elephant are some of the biggest in Africa. There are well over 300 species of bird with wetland species present in the rainy season.
Etosha measures more than 22 000 square km and is situated about 4 hours drive north of Windhoek. The main entrance to the park is called the Andersson Gate situated near Okaukuejo in the south. The eastern entrance is the Von Lindequist Gate near Namutoni. The newest gate is King Nehale which is in the north-east of the park.
All gates are only open between sunrise and sunset so guests must ensure that they plan their itineraries well with more than enough time to get to their camp or depart before sunset. Etosha is designed as a self-drive destination and has a good network of marked routes to the camps and waterholes.
Etosha notes:
- Maximum driving speed is 60km per hour (37 miles p/h)
- Roads are not tarred but fine for 2WD vehicles
- No driving in the park after sunset
- Best time to visit is from May - September (cool, dry months)
- Birding is exceptional in the rainy season from November - March
