Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
The first Europeans in Etosha were traders and explorers Charles John Andersson and
Francis Galton, who arrived by wagon at Namutoni in 1851. They were later followed in
1876 by an American trader, G McKeirnan, who observed: 'All the menageries in the
world turned loose would not compare to the sight I saw that day'.
However, Etosha didn't attract the interest of tourists or conservationists until after the
turn of the 20th century, when the governor of German South West Africa, Dr von Lind-
equist, became concerned about diminishing animal numbers and founded a 99,526-sq-km
reserve, which included Etosha Pan.
At the time the land was still unfenced and animals could follow their normal migration
routes. In subsequent years, however, the park boundaries were altered a few times, and
by 1970 Etosha had been reduced to its present size.
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Why Go?
Etosha is completely unique in Namibia and indeed in Southern Africa: the desolate nature of the pan, the low-cut
landscapes, and, of course, the waterholes mean that wildlife viewing is some of the easiest and most productive
on the continent. It's also one of the best places to spot the highly endangered black rhino in southern Africa, and
you can do it from the relative ease of the waterholes right next to the camps.
Gateway Town
Most people call in at Outjo, if approaching from the south - it's about 100km to Andersson Gate in Etosha from
here on a smooth sealed road. Outjo is a fine place to stock up on supplies at the supermarket, use the internet and
indulge in some good food. If you're heading straight to the eastern side of the park (if you were coming from the
Caprivi Strip or Rundu, for example) you'll go via Tsumeb, another handy launching point for the park; it's about
110km from Von Lindequist Gate.
Wildlife
The opportunity to see black rhinos is a big draw here; they are usually very difficult to spot but as they come to
some of the waterholes around the camps, it couldn't be easier! We found jackals and giraffes to be quite prolific
as well, and if you don't see antelopes such as springbok and gemsbok you must be wearing a blindfold.
When to Go
Etosha is really a year-round destination but May through to October (the dry season) is really the ideal time to go
as the grass is short and water supplies have dwindled to a few waterholes making wildlife easier to spot.
Moving Around
You need your own transport to get to the park and using your own car, preferably one with high-clearance, giving
you a better view, is an ideal way to explore Etosha.
