Etosha National Park stands out and is known for some top-notch wildlife spots around the world. It’s located in northern Namibia. Its big-size covers 22,000 square kilometers of untouched scenery, perfect for an incredible safari adventure.
Etosha houses a rich variety of wildlife with 114 mammal species. That includes the Big Four – lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos, both black and white types. It’s also known for its birdlife, with over 400 species, and is home to 110 kinds of reptiles. Look carefully; you may spot three unusual antelope varieties in Etosha’s terrain – the dark-faced impala, the fluid roan antelope, and the minute Damara dik-dik. This last one, native to Southern Africa, is conspicuously small. As adults, they only grow as tall as 40cm at the shoulder.
The large Etosha Salt Pan is a peculiar yet gorgeous highlight of Etosha. It takes up a fifth of the Park. To give you an idea of its broad expanse, it’s 5,000 square kilometres in size. With an impressive 130 km in length and wide for 72 km, this salt pan is not just a barren land. It’s home to a variety of animal caravans. You’d often see zebras, giraffes, and elephants roaming on the white landscape and the neighboring open plains.
About 12 million years past, this trough was a modest lake nourished by the Kunene River’s gentle flow. That changed with the tectonic shifts altering the river’s path, leaving the trough dry.
The San bushmen have a tale that explains the Pan’s existence. It is a tale where a mother, losing her only child to brutal hunters, cried so hard that she formed a river. This river turned into a large lake. When the sun finally decided to shine upon her land, it evaporated the water, leaving only salt on the ground.
The Pan is full of alkaline, drawing in wildlife that needs salt. When it rains a lot, the Pan becomes a salt-laden lake. It turns into a place with thousands of birds and many pink flamingos to feed.
Vegetation in Etosha
Etosha boasts different types of plant life, like bushland, tall grass, and sun-blasted savannah. You’ll also find Moringa trees scattered about, oddly appearing as though they’ve been flipped, with roots where leaves should be and the other way around.
Some believe that these impressive trees came to be because of an angry Creator. The tale tells that this Creator, upset with the animals, tossed a tree down to Earth in a rage. Fortunately, the tree didn’t hit any creatures. It landed upside down and remained that way. It reminds the beasts never to stir the Creator’s wrath again.
Exploring Etosha on a Self-Drive Safari
Etosha gets many self-driving safari folks! You’re behind the wheel, spotting huge packs of animals, passing the bright white pan, searching for wildlife in the savannah, and taking in the beautiful scene.
You’ll find four main entrances to get into the Park – the Andersson Gate down south, the Von Lindequist Gate towards the east, the Galton Gate on the South-west side, and the King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate up north. Note that these gates open with sunrise and close with sunset. And, every lounger pays a fee at the entry, which helps to keep Etosha running and its conservation efforts going. Now, visiting Etosha offers two stay options. You can either pick a cozy lodge just outside the gates and drive in each day or rest at any of the camps within the Park managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
From the main gates, major roads are paved. But soon, they turn into gravel roads. These change from super-smooth to full of pesky potholes. Speed limit is 60 km. Follow it—no exceptions. Only the southern edge of the Etosha Pan welcomes visitors. No roads cross the Pan, leaving the landscape untouched and peaceful.
Sure, a 4WD isn’t a must-have to discover Etosha. Yet, having a car with high ground clearance and robust suspension makes good sense. It boosts visibility, helping peer over bushes and long grass, and tackles puddles and potholes better. You can traverse all the Park’s roads with a 2WD sedan, but you have to be extra careful during rain. Driving through deep water could drench the spark plugs and the engine, causing a breakdown. You don’t want to be stranded near a group of lions. Believe us!
In the rare chance you face an issue like a car breakdown or flat tire, it’s safer to wait inside your car for assistance. Don’t exit your vehicle. Even though such incidents are scarce, it’s good to be prepared with a charged mobile phone and enough water. Just a precaution!
When to Visit Etosha
If you plan a top-notch safari at Etosha, June to October is perfect. As these months advance, it gets hotter, and the plants dry up. This makes spotting animals quicker. These months are dry hence animals gather more around watering holes because other water points become parched.
Starting in November, the dry summer bushes sprout leaves as they get soaked from the rain. The landscape changes its color and begins looking wonderfully green. The flooding doesn’t diminish the charm, but rather the game viewing experience becomes even more delightful over November and December.
January and February are the rainiest months. During these months, wildlife spreads out across the Park since water is easily available. But during this time, the Pan also fills up with water, which attracts migratory birdlife and flamingos.
Staying in a Private Reserve
It’s wise to plan at least three nights in Etosha. The Park’s distance requires effort to reach, making a shortened stay unsatisfying. Even with three nights, you’ll feel there’s so much left unseen. A perfect plan? Spend a few nights by one gate. Then, drive through Etosha to the other gate. Stay another night or two. This way, you’ll see both salt pan sides without retracing your steps. Plus, you’ll have an extraordinary safari experience.
Are you not a fan of the self-drive adventure? Don’t worry! There’s a different yet equally thrilling way to experience Etosha. You can stay on the outskirts of the Park, in a concession or a private lodge. There, you’ll participate in safari drives led by knowledgeable guides. You’ll go across the savannah to the salt pan named after Etosha. Riding in a game-viewing vehicle, you’ll explore either the local concession or venture into Etosha. This safari is truly a blend of unique experiences.
Ongava is Namibia’s biggest private sanctuary and notably a major private wildlife refuge. This reserve hosts both black and white rhinos, a rare feat! You’ll also get to track these magnificent creatures on foot during your visit. This unique experience is sure to be a memorable part of your Namibian journey.