One of the largest national parks in Africa, one of the oldest and is Namibia’s number-one tourist destination. Etosha National Park is home to 114 large and small mammal species, more than 400 recorded bird species, scores of reptiles and even a fish species. Etosha is the country’s flagship park. The size of the park has been reduced considerably since it was first proclaimed in 1907, but it still remains larger than several European countries.
The Oshindonga name for the pan was Etotha, meaning ‘the place where no plants grow’, but early European traders, unable to pronounce the name, called it ‘Etosha’. The pan was once part of the massive Lake Kunene fed by the Kunene River, which at some time in the distant past dried up, leaving the current pan system. Newly excavated fossils belonging to marsh-dwelling antelopes such as sitatunga, lechwe and tsessebe, and a 90- cm long catfish, are testament to much wetter periods.
Etosha has a proud record of black-rhino conservation, and white rhino were recently re-introduced. The park has also played a major role in the recovery of the endemic black- faced impala. The Etosha Ecological Research Institute attracts scientists from around the world.
Etosha’s waterholes are famous among international tourists for spectacular game viewing and at the Okaukuejo waterhole at night it is possible to see black rhino, lion and elephant.
Discover Etosha East, a hidden gem in north-western Namibia that’s part of the iconic Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Etosha East is a sanctuary of adventure and natural beauty, offering vast open plains, semi-arid savannahs, and tranquil bush camps that provide an immersive safari experience.
At the heart of Etosha East is the mesmerizing Etosha salt pan, a colossal expanse of 5,000 square kilometers that even has its own spot on satellite images. This otherworldly landscape is a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts. Picture yourself watching majestic lions, elephants, and elusive black rhinos in their natural habitat, while giraffes graze gracefully against the backdrop of the stunning salt pan. The pan is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
The pan undergoes dramatic transformations with the seasons. During the rainy season, it experiences partial flooding, though most of the water comes from the Ekuma, Oshigambo, and Omuramba Ovambo rivers rather than direct rainfall. These rivers flow erratically, creating a dynamic landscape that changes with each season. In exceptionally wet years, the pan can turn into a shallow lake, shimmering with water that, while not drinkable due to its high salt content, adds to the area’s otherworldly charm.
Etosha East stretches across a vast area characterized by open savannas, sparse bushlands, and a network of seasonal wetlands. The landscape is defined by the Etosha salt pan, an immense, flat expanse of 5,000 square kilometers, which is one of the largest salt pans in the world. This natural wonder is a remnant of an ancient lake that once covered much of the region, and its shimmering surface is a stunning visual contrast to the surrounding arid terrain.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer, a birdwatching enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape, Etosha East promises a unique and unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s most spectacular settings.
