In Africa, Etosha National Park is exceptional. A salt pan that is so big it can be seen from space is the park’s defining feature. Nevertheless, a lot of wildlife gathers near the waterholes, virtually ensuring that you will see some game. Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa’s and Namibia’s most accessible wildlife parks.
The park is free of malaria, can be reached in a standard sedan, and the rest camps offer a variety of lodging options in addition to restaurants, viewing decks, shops, and gas stations. Luxurious camps have now been added to the park’s inventory in the distant regions of Etosha.
Etosha means the ”great white area” and refers to the huge salt pan. This is an impressive sight and undoubtedly the largest salt pan in Africa.
Subsequently, when it rains, the water pools in the pan attracts hundreds of thousands of flamingos!
Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. It is also one of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence. The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. As you travel further north in Namibia towards Etosha National Park, you will find a place that offers visitors a complete contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive pan that covers 4731km² and large camel thorn trees mixed with Mopani trees. This diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park.
The Etosha Pan is completely dry in winter. It seems implausible that a wildlife sanctuary would be located in this endlessly white space. Due to the clay in the pan, the park is a wasteland of white dust. As cars kick up dust, the bushes beside the road turn white, and park visitors typically have a dusty air! Due to the moderate weather and wildlife concentration near the waterholes, this is also the time of year when the majority of visitors visit the park. However, zebra and springbok are in abundance in the nearby areas.
When it rains heavily in the summer, Etosha National Park transforms from a barren, dusty wasteland into a lush, green haven. Newborn animals and birdlife can be seen in the park at this time of year. Many migratory birds from Europe travel to the southern hemisphere to take advantage of the vegetation’s fresh growth. Having a car with the right equipment can make the trip much more enjoyable. Driving during the rainy season can become much difficult because the roads may be flooded. Additionally, it is advisable to drive much further in order to see the wildlife because it is common for animals to avoid the once-active waterholes that presented such risks during the dry season.
Unexpectedly, there is a surprising amount of game in Etosha National Park, including both common and rare animal species. Elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to vitamins and nutrients available in the ground), the endangered black rhino, and even leopard live in places with denser flora. Giraffes soar above most of the dry vegetation, while lions blend in with the pale, golden hue of the grasslands.
The Etosha rainy season is ideal for birders. The salt pan fills with water after a big rain, drawing a flock of flamingos. In Etosha National Park, more than 340 different bird species have been counted. The European bee-eater is arguably the most often sighted migratory species. The ostrich, the largest bird in the world, and the kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird, are also found in the game reserve.
To create an itinerary just for you based on your travel wishes, get in touch with one of our Africa Safaris Specialists.
