Information about one of Namibia's
National parks.
The Etosha National Park (from 1958) is located 435 km (Okaukuejo Camp) or 530 km (Namutoni
Camp) north of
Windhoek. The park can be entered through either Von Lindequist (Namutoni) or Andersson
Gate (Okaukuejo). It is one of the Africa's largest parks covering area of 22 270 square
kilometres. The Etosha pan's size is 4 590 square kilometres, while all pans cover more
than 5 100 square kilometres.
Name. The word ''etosha'' means place of dry water or, according to other sources,
huge, white area.
History. Game Reserve 2, proclaimed by German Governor Friedrich Von Lindequist in
1907, comprised the Etosha pan and most of Kaokoland and covered almost 100 000 square
kilometres. The park was reduced in 1947 by allocating Kaokoland to Herero. According to
recommendations of Odendaal Commission (1962) park's area was reduced even further. The
present size of the park is 77 per cent less than before the Odendaal Commission.
Best time for visit. Winters are cool and dry in the park. Game tend to stay closer
to water holes and chances to spot species are better. The rainy season normally begins at
the end of October - beginning of November.
Average rainfall figures: Okaukuejo: 412 mm,
Halali: 430 mm, Namutoni: 442 mm.
Camps. Okaukuejo. The oldest camp in the park, opened in October 1957, is the home
of Etosha Ecological Institute. Established in the end of last century as a control post
to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, illegal hunting and gun trading.
Attractions: water tower (1963), floodlit water hole in the camp frequently visited by
elephants, rhinos, lions and different species of antelopes. Namutoni. The camp was opened in 1958. The first fort (1902-03), erected as
a border post and was attacked in 1904 by 500 Ovambos. The garrison of seven German
soldiers successfully defended fort for the whole day and
retreated later during the
night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambos. After
Herero uprising Namutoni
fort was rebuild and later used as a police post but during the course of time fall in
disuse. Restoration works began on the end of 30s when one of the towers was destroyed by
lightning. In 1950 the Namutoni fort was declared a National Monument. The restaurant,
additional accommodation units and shop were added in 1983. Halali. The newest camp was opened in 1967. The name derived from the sound
of traditional German hunting horn used to announce the end of the hunt. The only hills in
the park are located here.
Olifantsrus Camp. The newer
camp in Etosha Park.
Vegetation. The vegetation groups can be identified as follows: grass plains along
the pan (e.g. Andoni, Chudob), mopane woodland (Okerfontein), mixed thorns and terminalias
(Namutoni), dense woodlands (tamboti, thorns, mopane) (Namutoni-Okerfontein).
Altitude. The average height of the park is around 1000 m above sea level.
Attention:
SPEED LIMIT IN THE PARK IS 60 KM/H
All meals, park entrance fees, all
activities (professionally guided morning, afternoon,
and night game drives to surrounding areas of the park, including access
to exclusive areas within the north-eastern sandveld area)
Onkoshi Honeymoon Chalet
1
-
-
All meals, park entrance fees, all
activities (professionally guided morning, afternoon,
and night game drives to surrounding areas of the park, including access
to exclusive areas within the north-eastern sandveld area)
Accommodation and camping per night
Halali: on request
Unit type
Number of units
Daily rates per person
Single rate
Note
Premier Bush Chalet: Honeymoon suite (new
developed chalet with Jacuzzi) double bed
5
-
-
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 4 adults
Family chalet 4 beds, min 2
2
-
N/A
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 4 adults
Bush chalet 2 beds: access for disabled
10
-
-
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 2 adults
Bush chalet 2 beds
10
-
-
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 2 adults
Bush chalet 4 beds, min 2
10
-
N/A
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 4 adults
Double room 2 beds
39
-
-
Bed and breakfast
Maximum 2 adults
Camping
40
-
-
Maximum 8 persons per site
Provision for children will be made
upon arrival; however the booking must be made in advance.
Disabled access units available - please specify when booking
Provision for children will be made
upon arrival; however the booking must be made in advance.
Disabled access units available - please specify when booking
Other facilities: shop,
kiosk, swimming pool, restaurant, fuel (no diesel). No banking facilities.
Conference facilities (40 pax):
Rate: on request.
Other facilities: shop, kiosk,
swimming pool, restaurant, fuel, mail facilities, fire wood. No banking facilities.
Restaurants:
Open: 7.00-9.00, 12.00-14.00, 18.00-22.00
Meal times:
7.00-8.30, 12.00-13.30, 18.00-20.30
retreated later during the
night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambos. After
Herero uprising Namutoni
fort was rebuild and later used as a police post but during the course of time fall in
disuse. Restoration works began on the end of 30s when one of the towers was destroyed by
lightning. In 1950 the Namutoni fort was declared a National Monument. The restaurant,
additional accommodation units and shop were added in 1983.
