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Etosha travel info Declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, the Etosha National Park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
A massive mineral pan, meaning "Great White Place", dominates Etosha. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. Today, the Etosha Pan rarely has water as it is supplied mostly from rainfall but with high evaporation rates, the water quickly disappears. A San (local tribe) legend about the formation of the pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the women slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family that she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan.
The game viewing in Etosha is excellent, the best time being from May to September. Mighty herds from the interior gather at its water holes, especially giraffe, elephant, zebra, kudu and the rarer black faced impala and red hartebeest. Etosha is also renowned for its lions, as well as leopard and cheetah.
Seasons
The best time to view game is during the cooler, dry months between May-Sep. Avid birdwatchers are advised to visit Etosha during the rainy season from Nov-March. The average daily temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Days throughout the year are pleasant.
Wildlife
You should see: elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, oryx, impala, eland, lion, hyaena, jackal, kudu, impala (black-faced),
You may see: black rhino, leoprad, cheetah,
Precautions
Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.
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