Etosha National Park

Etosha is one of Africa’s largest and oldest National Parks. The vast, salt pan that is visible from space, covers 2 270 000 hectares (5 500 000 acres) and is home to an abundance of wildlife.

There are a number of waterholes, including both natural springs and fountains and others fed by man-made bore holes. These waterholes provide the best opportunities to see big and small game, especially during the day in the winter months when more animals are drawn out of hiding to drink at the water’s edge.

Areas with thicker vegetation are an ideal place to spot elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and even the elusive leopard. Lions are camouflaged in the pale-golden colour of the grasslands, while giraffe grase high above the dry vegetation. Birders will love the rainy season in Etosha. After good rains, the salt pan fills with water attracting a flock of flamingos. More than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park. Among the migratory species, the European bee-eater is possibly the most popular sighting.