Etosha National Park
 of 041.jpg)
The Etosha National Park is situated in the Kunene Region of northwest Namibia. The word Etosha can be translated to ‘place of mirages’, ‘land of dry water’, or ‘great white place’ – depending who you are speaking to.
It was established in 1907 when Namibia was a German colony known as South West Africa. At the time the park covered an area of 38, 500 square miles but due to political changes over the years it now covers an area that is quarter its original size. It is still a large protected area of great significance.
The Park is mainly flat and is dominated by a large shimmering salt pan which measures 80 miles in length and 31 miles in width. The pan originated 12 million years ago as a shallow lake which was fed by the Kunene River. Climatic and tectonic changes have since lowered the water levels and the now the pan only holds water for a short time every year. In the summer months it is teeming with flamingos and pelicans and the perennial springs attract a large variety of game and birdlife during the months of March to November - before the start of the wet season when the landscape is covered in yellow blooms.
It is one of the best places to spot cheetah and black rhino as well as many rare antelope species like Damara dik dik, roan antelope and black faced impala. The birdlife is prolific with a count of 340 species which include a blend of savannah, wetland and semi-desert birds.
The vast expanse of shimmering white pans is a photographer’s paradise – especially in the early morning and late afternoon when they go through an amazing range of colour changes from orange to pink, purple and deep blue, forming mirages from the distorting heat – the perfect backdrop for capturing those iconic images of oryx meandering across the salt pans. The sensational rain clouds also form an interesting contrast to the dry and hostile landscape. The lodges and camps have carefully designed seating areas that overlook the numerous waterholes which attract an array of wildlife including impala, zebra, gemsbok, wildebeest and herds of elephants and lion prides.
There are many private reserves bordering the main section of the park and the lodges and tented camps are wild and luxurious with attentive personal, world class service.
