Etosha Pan Travel Information

The Etosha Pan is a large endorheic salt pan, forming part of the Namib Desert in the north of Namibia. The 120-kilometre-long (75-mile-long) dry lakebed and its surroundings are protected as Etosha National Park, one of Namibia's largest wildlife parks. Herds of elephants occupy the dense mopane woodland on the south side of the lake. Mopane trees are common throughout south-central Africa, and host the mopane worm, which is the larval form of the moth Gonimbrasia belina and an important source of protein for rural communities.

It was first explored by the Europeans Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton in 1851. American commercial traveller McKeirnan visited the area in 1876. The area exhibits a characteristic white and greenish surface, which spreads over hundreds of kilometres. The pan developed through tectonic plate activity over 10 million years. About 16,000 years ago, when ice sheets were melting across the Northern Hemisphere land masses, a wet climate phase in southern Africa filled Etosha Lake.

Today, Etosha Pan is seldom seen with even a thin sheet of water covering the salt pan. It is assumed that today's Kunene River fed the lake at that time but over time plate movements caused a change in river direction causing the lake to run dry and leave a salt pan. Now the Ekuma River is the sole source of water. Typically, little river water or sediment reaches the dry lake because water seeps into the riverbed along its 250-kilometre (55-mile) course, reducing discharge along the way. The year-round meager vegetation lends gives the Etosha its characteristic green colouring. In particularly rainy years the Etosha pan becomes a lake approximately 10 cm in depth and becomes a breeding ground for flamingos, which arrive in their thousands.

Recommended Accommodation Facilities

ETOSHA AOBA LODGE

Etosha Aoba Lodge is located on the Namutoni side of the Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier game-viewing destination. It is tucked away in a tranquil setting amidst tall Tamboti trees and savanna bushveld.

The lodge consists of ten well-appointed thatched cottages and a large open plan common area, all connected by gravel paths. Each cottage has electricity, en suite facilities and a private furnished veranda. Décor is basic but tasteful, in a neutral color theme using indigenous materials wherever possible.

Delicious and satisfying meals are taken in the main lodge overlooking a small waterhole. The chef uses home grown and local produce as inspiration for her Euro-Namibian fare. Venison from the reserve is often found on the menu.

Etosha Aoba Lodge is a wonderful base for the self-drive visitor to Namibia who wants to explore Etosha National Park under their own steam. A mere 6 miles from Von Lindequist Gate, Aoba is perfectly located for excursions into the eastern and northern sections of the park. In addition, Aoba offers its guests a number of walking trails and hides on its own private reserve, as well as a number of optional activities: the eclectic game viewing vehicle is a highlight in itself, and "sundowners" at a point on the reserve overlooking the spectacular Fisher's Pan are one of the real treats at Aoba.

We think that Aoba, with its friendly, intimate atmosphere and choice location, is the pick of the lodges on the eastern side of the Etosha National Park.

ANDERSSONS CAMP

Okaukuejo Camp (formerly known as Okaukuejo Restcamp) stands near the public southern entrance of Etosha National Park, at the western end of the famous Etosha Pan. It officially opened for visitors in 1957, and is the oldest and largest of the three former government-run rest camps - the other two are Halali Camp and Namutoni Camp.

Okaukuejo is now operated by the para-statal Namibia Wildlife Resorts. It was completely upgraded and re-furbished in late 2007, when there was a step-change for the better in its accommodation. The service and food proved harder to improve, but great strides have been made in these areas too – see our reviewers' comments. Okaukuejo Camp is also the administrative centre of the park, and home to Etosha Ecological Institute, responsible for the research and conservation of the park's flora and fauna.

Okaukuejo's main attraction is the large, flood-lit waterhole, which receives exceedingly regular visits from a wide diversity of wildlife. These animals include herds of antelope, lion, family groups of elephant and black rhino, which are seen remarkably frequently. It's not an over-statement to say that this is probably the best place in Africa to observe black rhino in the wild – as there are often a number of individuals which come down to this waterhole to drink at night.

The spectacle starts at dawn and continues throughout the day, and it's especially fun to sit back after dinner with a bottle of wine, watching the water's nocturnal visitors and their interactions. Beside this, the landmark stone tower at the heart of Okaukuejo rest camp is an excellent spot to relax and watch the sun go down behind distant mountains.

Okaukuejo Camp boasts a total of 104 chalets, scattered all over the camp's grounds. They are all equipped with fridges and tea-stations, and come in six different types, depending on their location and size:

• There are five Premier Waterhole Chalets set in close proximity to the waterhole. The double-storey buildings have two en-suite bedrooms (one queen-size bed, two single beds), lounge areas, private patios, as well as balconies, overlooking the waterhole and its wildlife activity. Note that these rooms are usually booked on a full board basis.

• The 30 Waterhole Chalets at Okaukuejo are considerably smaller than the Premier Chalets, with one en-suite double bedroom and a private patio, complete with chairs and a table. None the less, they are built close to the waterhole and provide good game viewing opportunities.

• The two self-catering Family Chalets have well-equipped kitchenettes, and braai areas adjacent to shaded verandas. They are very spacious, with two en-suite bedrooms and comfortable lounge areas.

• There are also 25 Bush Chalets at Okaukuejo Camp. Each has one double bedroom, a bathroom, a lounge area and barbeque facilities.

• In addition, Okaukuejo Camp has 40 en-suite Double Rooms and two Disabled Access Chalets. The latter are set close to the waterhole, and have double bedrooms and spacious, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with low appliances, as well as braai facilities.

• As befits one of the country's original restcamps, there are 26 camping sites at Okaukuejo. Whilst staying here, guest have access to three ablution blocks with showers and toilets, and can use the three communal field kitchens, complete with cooking areas. Power points, hot & cold water, and braai facilities are available at all camping sites.

The main facilities at Okaukuejo are typical of a rest camp and include a restaurant, where all the meals are served as a buffet, a bar, a kiosk, a curio shop, a post office, as well as a fuel station and a swimming pool. There's also a tourist shop, selling basic food items, and a tourist centre, displaying the ongoing park research. In cases of emergency, there's a state clinic on site.

Whilst staying at Okaukuejo, activities mainly consist of wildlife viewing – and the vast majority of visitors come in their own cars, and drive themselves around the park. Etosha was set up as a reserve for visitors to drive themselves, with a network of very well-marked and signposted roads.

In addition to your own game drives, the flood-lit waterhole often delivers an outstanding game viewing experience in the evening. In recent years, the park authorities have started running their own guided game drives, which leave in the morning (06:30), in the afternoon (15:30) and in the evening (20:00). There's also a nature walk possible within the camp, and sometimes it's possible to visit to the Etosha Ecological Institute.

HOBATERE LODGE

The name Hobatere means, “Find me” and once you do, you will enjoy a warm welcome and personalized service. Hobatere Lodge is located 80 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of the Etosha National park, situated in a concession area of 32 000 ha which is home to a wide selection of game including Lions, Oryx, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and Elephants.

Its activities give our guests ample opportunity to spot game, including game drives and night drives, bird watching and guided walks. There is also a hide overlooking a nearby waterhole and a sundeck with a view of a waterhole, which is floodlit for part of the night.

As well as the accommodation at the lodge, consisting of 14 thatched rooms and bungalows nestled between large Mopane trees, a rustic tree house situated a short distance away offers accommodation for the more daring. It is in a dry riverbed and overlooks a waterhole. Overnight here for a sense of real adventure and in the morning be collected for hearty breakfast at the lodge.

Enjoy an unsurpassed big game experience in absolute comfort at Hobatere Lodge.

At a glance:

• Located on the western border of the Etosha National Park situated in a concession area of 32 000 ha which is home to a wide selection of game.
• As well as the lodge accommodation, Hobatere Lodge also has a treehouse which is a short way away from the lodge itself, which is in a dry riverbed and also overlooks a waterhole.
• Etosha is famed for its diversity of wildlife and Hobatere is primarily a big game experience – morning game drives, night drives, hides and decks overlooking waterholes etc
• Game in the area includes Lions, Oryx, Eland, Kudu, Giraffe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and Elephants
• The lodge has a hide overlooking a waterhole as well as a sundeck overlooking a waterhole which is also floodlit at night until approximately 22H00 for optimal game viewing

Accommodation:

• 3 thatched double rooms next to each other with a double bed
• 3 thatched double rooms next to each other with a double and a single bed
• 6 thatched alone standing twin bungalows
• 2 thatched single rooms next to each other that can be used either for single guests or tour guides
• All with en-suite bathrooms with a shower
• All have mosquito netting
• 220 volt AC electricity is supplied by generator, with standard South African three-point plugs in each chalet
• Daily laundry service is available for a small fee, as it is run by a community based business

Treehouse
A rustic tree house situated away from the Lodge offers accommodation for the more adventurous. It overlooks a waterhole and consists of two beds as well as a table and two chairs. There are no shower facilities at the tree house and guests are provided with a chemical toilet and a hand washbasin. Shower facilities will be provided for guests at the Lodge. Tree house guests have the choice of either having a dinner pack taken along to the tree house, or having Dinner at the Lodge. This must be booked in advance with the lodge. Guests will be collected from the tree house in the morning, at a time discussed with them, for breakfast.

Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Verandah and Boma area where meals are served
• Indoor garden with a small terrarium
• Comfortable lounge with a small library
• Curio Shop

Activities & vehicles:

• An Afternoon Game Drive on a part of the 32 000 ha concession area with a wide variety of game to be seen
• Night Drives are offered after Dinner each night giving guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals
• Bird watching and guided walks are offered on request in the mornings before breakfast
• A hide overlooking a waterhole nearby the Lodge where guests can sit and observe animals throughout the day
• A game viewing deck with a view point over a waterhole which is also floodlit at night until approximately 2200 hrs.

LITTLE ONGAVA

Location:- Ongava Game Reserve, a 70,000 acre private reserve on the southern boundary of Namibia's Etosha National Park, has three camps: Ongava Lodge, Ongava Tented Camp and Little Ongava, each located in a different part of the reserve. Guests can choose the style of accommodation and size of camp that suits them best. The camps are managed independently and each has its own full-time staff, guides, managers and vehicles. All three camps have a similar activity schedule. Ongava Tented Camp is situated more towards the center of the game reserve, at the base of the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana Range, meaning "mountain where the boy took the calves".

Little Ongava is built along a crest of a hill with wonderful views onto the plains below and is the ideal lodge from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha. Little Ongava is a premier-styled camp with only three luxury guest chalets - small and very personalized!

Etosha has great concentrations of game, especially in the dry winter months, and there are wonderful views out onto the salt pans which dominate the center of the park. Etosha's only drawback is that the accommodation offered within the park is in the form of large, impersonal public rest camps. Ongava offers an excellent alternative. Little Ongava offers the full Etosha experience while providing great accommodation and service, as well as the opportunity to take night drives and nature walks on the reserve, activities that are not allowed within Etosha. Little Ongava is operated by Wilderness Safaris.

At a glance:

• Accommodation - Capacity - 6 guests
• 3 spacious and very luxurious brick and thatch suites
• Each suite with their own plunge pool
• En-suite bathroom, a “sala”, an additional outdoor shower
• Game drives
• 24 hour electricity
• A true african safari

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided by three spacious and very luxurious brick and thatch suites, each of which has its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a “sala”, an additional outdoor shower and a view of the waterhole in front of camp. Little Ongava’s main lodge is also constructed of brick and lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining under an African sky or under thatch.

Activities: Mornings are normally spent within the Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park, returning to Ongava in time for a well earned lunch. After tea, guests head out onto the private reserve to enjoy more flora and fauna. The option of tracking White Rhino on foot is available as are night drives. Additional activities also include full day excursions into Etosha National Park, taking along a picnic, subject to availability of vehicles and also a visit to one of the hides on the property. Private vehicles can be booked at an additional charge subject to availability either prior to departure or directly with the Camp Manager.

Wildlife: Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier game viewing destination. It is one of Africa's largest game parks, being nearly the size of Switzerland. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season making for exciting game viewing. Species that can be seen year round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Oryx, Kudu and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rock Thrush, Hautlaub's Francolin, Rockrunner, Ruppell's Parrot, Whitetailed Shrike and Chesnut Weaver. A highlight of Ongava is that it is one of the few private game reserves in Southern Africa where guests have a chance of seeing both Black and White Rhino. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking White Rhino on foot with an armed guide is a highlight not to be missed. Ongava Game reserve also has a good population of Lion, Eland, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Black-faced Impala and a number of other antelope species.

Access: Situated along the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park, adjacent to the Anderson Gate in northern Namibia. South of Okaukuejo. In own private game reserve 30,000 hectares in size. Access by road or air into Ongava airstrip.

Child Policy: Children over the age of 8 years are welcome.

Power supply: There is 24 hour electricity to all rooms.