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| Map of Etosha National Park |
For over more than a century, the wildlife sanctuary of Etosha has been protected as one of the oldest African National Park.
Located in northwestern Namibia, just south of the Angolan border, this huge reserve is the home of a great many animals, including some endangered species like the black rhinoceros. The park is set around the vast Etosha pan and has a few camps opened to visitors. It must be seen from a vehicle as it is strictly forbidden to get out in the wilderness. At night, the camp lodges are closed by a gate, usually from sunset to sunrise. During the night, each camp has its own lit waterhole, where visitors can see the animals silently and safely protected.
The countryside is made of a vast saline area (the Etosha pan), woodlands, savanna, and grasslands. All of this makes it possible to observe a wide variety of animals: mammals, reptiles, birds, and four of the big five: lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros (but not the buffalo).
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| An ostrich near the Etosha pan. |
As I visited the park, we stayed at two different rest camps: first at Halali Camp, and then at
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| The Okaukuejo tower |
Okaukuejo Camp, which is both the oldest and the park headquarters.
Although it is quite rare to be able to see or even approach leopards, we were lucky to spot a mother leopard and its two cubs. The mum did not seem to mind being observed and it gave us the chance to see them interact for quite some time.
As a matter of fact, many animals, when they feel there is no danger, are rather easy-going and even curious to look at you! This was the case with two rhinos, two jackals, and even a group of nosy ground-squirrels.
Among the big birds that can be seen in the park, three are often encountered: the ostrich, the Northern Black Korhaan, and the Kori Bustard.
Indeed, Etosha National Park looks like it is an animal kingdom enabling visitors to watch them in their natural environment.
Christian Sorand
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| Sunset in the park |
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| Springbok |
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| A Leopard with one of its two cubs. |
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