Namibia is reknown for its vast desert and its white Atlantic sea beaches. Further north however, more central to southern Africa, we find the seasonal oasis of Etosha National Park, a collection of dry pans which attract a variety of birds and game. Etosha, which means “great white area” is the name given to the largest pan in the park, stretching over 120km, covering 4800 square kilometer area . This large salt pan in the heart of Etosha park is part of the Oshikoto region, one of 4 parts of Ovamboland, former homeland to the Ovambo people, which was split into the Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto regions after Namibia’s Independence, which is evidently referred to as the 4-O-Region.

Etosha National Park has 4 main gates. Anderson’s gate is the southern gate found along the C38, the nearest town being Outjo. Von Lindequist is the eastern gate along the B1, the nearest town to the south being Tsumeb. Galton Gate lies south-west of the park and finally King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate found in the north of the park just off the B1 south of Ondangwa.

Wild Life

The park is home to over 300 species of bird, of which a third are migratory. The most sort after birding attraction is in January/February when the seasonal rains fill the salt pans and attract large flocks of flamingo from the north for breeding. Fischer’s pan, named after Lieutenant Adolf Fischer, who was stationed there in the mid 1880’s, is the most ideal spot for birders interested in this seasonal migration of birds. Flamingos, Egyptian Geese, African Spoonbills and Great White Pelicans are just a few of the bird species seen in the rainy season. During the dry season the avian sightings change to birds of prey which include the Yellow-billed Kite, Black-shouldered Kite and the endangered Egyptian Vulture.

The park is not short of land animals, with sightings of 4 of the big 5. Elephants and Lions are best seen at the many waterholes across the park. Leopards are in the park to but being solitary animals are a rare sighting, often hiding in the dense vegetation. The park is also home to a large number of the endangered Black Rhino. Aside from the Big 5; Zebra, Giraffe and Wild dog inhabit the vast Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park offers a unique experience in Africa, as we see the wildlife of this beautiful continent in the vast deserts and salt pans of northern regions of Namibia. The seasonal rains allow for adventures to witness in awe the “Pink Cloud” as flocks of flamingos migrate into Etosha National Park. Any experience in the bush is always a great option to escape the rat race of the City. Etosha National Park is one of the few preserved and untainted parts of Africa to find that escape.

Our Featured accommodations for this week are 2 exceptional lodges in the park. aha Epacha Game Lodge & Spa  and  aha Eagle Tented Lodge. Book your stay direct through Hotel Stays and experience Etosha National Park for yourself.

Author: Sebastian Bergman – Account Executive Hotel Stays Africa