Etosha National Park – The Number 1 Game Park in Namibia

In 2007, Etosha National Park celebrated its first 100 years of existence and remains one of the best parks in Africa. Seeing Africa’s great game populations against the backdrop of Etosha Pan is like no other experience found in Africa. The Etosha Pan, the defining feature of the park, is an immense shallow depression of some 5,000 km² of dry, white sun-kissed mud. Mirages shimmer in the distance as game animals roam the desolate lands looking completely out of place. For most of the year, the area is dry, giving rise to the name ‘the Great White Place of Dry Water’.

When the rains start in Etosha National Park, the oshanas in Owamboland drain into the pan, creating an important breeding ground for flamingos. Just like the Okavango Delta, the life-giving power of water is incredibly apparent with the onset of the rains. The pan quickly turns into a large lake teeming with grasses and wildflowers, as elephants gracefully wade through.

There are a total of 114 species of mammals, including the rare and endangered black rhinoceros, cheetah and black-faced impala. The only animals not found in Etosha National Park are the hippopotamus and the crocodile. Almost all other animals can be found roaming the park. There are also about 340 different species of birds, including the ostrich and the secretary.

The best places to see animals during the dry season are at one of the park’s thirty-odd watering holes. During the rainy season, the animals hide behind dense vegetation and congregate around natural depressions and puddles that are only present during this season. However, you are almost certain to see lions, plains game, giraffes and other big cats when you visit Etosha National Park. The leopard is a rarity, and if you are very lucky, you may even witness the death of a predator.

What is the best season to visit Etosha? Start planning your safari today! http://wildsafariafrica.com/about/your-specialist-in-african-safari-planning/