Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most stunning and important nature reserves. The park was proclaimed as early as 1907 and with a surface of 22,270 km2 it is home to 114 mammal species, amongst others.
At first sight safari enthousiasts seem to be dissapointed as the center of the park consists of an enormous 5000 m2 Salt Pan. It is this pan, the Etosha Pan, after which the park was named. The pan covers almost 25 % of the total surface of the park. It was originally a lake which was fed by the Kunene River. When the course of the river changed a few thousand years ago, the lake dried up and nown consists of great, dusty plains covered with salt and clay. Only after heavy rains are the plains filled with water, but usually not for long.
The temporary water however attracts thousands of birds, among which beautiful flamingo couples. Most of the wildlife moves along the borders of the pan, especially along the southern border. Here you will find a number permanent water sources wich attract large concentrations of wildlife and birds. It’s an excellent sight and safari go-ers will not be dissapointed.
A San legend about the formation of the Etosha Pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the women slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan.
Etosha offers wonderful safari opportunities and especially in the cooler months – from May to September – safari in Etosha is a delightful experience. There are numerous antilope species, elephant, giraffe, rhino, zebra, wildebeest, wild cats, hyena and with a little bit of luck you may even spot a cheetah or leopard.
Some of the animals (like lion and steenbok) can only be found in certain areas of the park. Others, like Eland, roam the whole park searching for green grasses. The sprinkbok, zebra, striped wildebeest and elephant follow a yearly migration pattern, depending on the availabilithy of grass and water.
There is a well established road network within the park, which leads past the campings, restcamps and waterholes. The park is therefore perfectly suitable for self drive safari’s. In addition, it’s also possible to book a guided morning, evening or night drive on one of the safari vehicles of the park itself. These can usually be booked at the reception of 1 of the restcamps, Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni. 
Traditionally, visitors to Etosha have the choice of 3 restcamps: Okaukuejo, Halali en Namutoni. Each restcamp has facilities like a restaurant, shop with basic products, a garage for fuel and fundamental repairs, a swimming pool and different kinds of accommodation and camping facilities.
In 2008 the new Onkoshi Camp was opened, the first new accommodation within the park in about 30 years time. Onkoshi is built in an environmentally friendly manner and offers a luxury experience including all meals and two game drives per day.
In addition there are numerous guesthouses and lodges surrounding the park, from simple to luxury and in different price categories. There are also a number of private game reserves, such as Onguma, where you will find luxury accommodation on a fully inclusive basis, which means including all meals and two game activities per day.
The main entrance is “Andersson Gate”, which is located at the Southern border of the park nearby Okaukuejo Restcamp. There Eastern entrance is “Von Lindequist Gate”, which is near Namutoni Restcamp. In 2003 a new gate in the north-east was opened, called “Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate” (or King Nehale Gate).
The best way in which to spot wildlife in Etosha is to just sit near one of the waterholes and wait to see what will pass through. This is especially valid for the dry months of May till October. In the rainy period (November to March) most of the animals will migrate to the grass plains West of Okaukuejo Restcamp and around Fisher’s Pan near Namutoni Restcamp.
If you have some time to wait by one of the waterholes it’s advisable to look for a place in the shade and turn off your engine. North of Namutoni are two waterholes called Klein (small) Okevi and Groot (big) Okevi, that are regularly visited by black-faced impala, kudu, Oryx, zebra, elephant and a large diversity of birds. Even predators like leopard and cheetah are often seen here. Further to the north is Tsumcor, ideally located to spot elephants. A good location for birds is near Andoni, still further to the north. East of Namutoni is Fisher’s Pan, Aroe and the popular Two Palms, so named because of the two Makalani Palm trees which make an extra special photo opportunity. Lastly we’d like to mention Chudob and Klein Namutoni in the southern part of the park. Both these waterholes receive their water from underground wells and are popular with giraffe, impala, warthogs and Kirk’s dik-dik. In the remaining area’s are many more waterholes and other special locations worth visiting.
Onkoshi Camp, Restcamps (Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni), Etosha Aoba Lodge, Onguma Tented Camp, Epacha Game Lodge, Etosha Safari Camp, Etosha Safari Lodge, Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa, Etosha Mountain Lodge and Kempinski Mokuti Lodge
