Sitting in the African bush there is nothing, but tranquillity occasionally interrupted by bird cries and the wild animals walking around. There is something soothing about sitting and watching the tranquil scene of the animals drinking at a waterhole. Springbuck, Impala, warthogs and giraffes take their turns around the waterhole.
Very skittish and careful as there might be something lurking in the water or bush. Etosha National Park lies in the north of Namibia and forms the gateway to Ovamboland. This is a very popular tourist destination and Namibia’s foremost wildlife sanctuary. The name “Etosha” means great white area and refers to the biggest salt pan, in Africa, that takes up most of the National Park. In March 1907 Etosha National Park was proclaimed a game reserve in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Friedrich von Lindequist.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
Etosha is home to many different species of antelopes and birds that will greet every visitor from the moment they enter one of the three main gates: Galton, Von Lindequist, or Anderson. Although the local tribes knew about the Etosha pan, Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton were the first Europeans to record the pans existence on 29 May 1851. In 1886 the German Reich occupied Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Sesfontein and established a fort at Namutoni to stop the spread of rinderpest to livestock. The fort was destroyed in 1904 but was rebuilt after the area was declared a game reserve in 1907.
Today, visitors to Namutoni can enjoy stunning panoramic views from atop the historic fort, which overlooks the park's vast landscape. Over the years, the park's boundaries have shifted. Initially, it stretched from the Kunene and Hoarusib Rivers to Namutoni, but later excluded these rivers and instead included the areas between the Hoanib and Ugab Rivers, which were later removed as well. The sight of the never-ending white pan leaves a lasting impression on visitors, but the wildlife makes Etosha a unique place to visit. Researchers and conservationists have worked tirelessly to preserve the flora and fauna of the park.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
It is not surprising that tourists across the globe want to come to Etosha and experience the heartthrob of Namibia. Animals such as giraffes, zebras, springbuck, impalas, blue wildebeest and hyenas draw visitors from across the world. While Etosha may not have buffalo, it is also home to lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos, known as the "big four" of the park. It is not only because they are magnificent, but they also have this aggression in them. A lion sleeps most of its life but when it hunts it explodes into action and embodies tremendous power.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
Leopards, stealthy and agile, strike with sudden aggression while elephants are unperturbed but possess an unyielding strength when threatened. The thrill of witnessing such moments is a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Etosha's waterholes are the perfect place to capture remarkable moments as the animals gather to drink. For photographers, nature lovers or travellers seeking some peace, Etosha National Park is the perfect place to visit. The wildlife, raw beauty and landscapes make Etosha unforgettable and a true Namibian heartthrob.
Author: Janke Murray