Etosha!
Nature reserve since 1907. National park since 1967.
The name Etosha is from Oshidonga word meaning "Great White Place" referring to the Etosha pan.
Etosha pan, visible on above map is a salt and mineral plain, and forms the major part of park. On few spotting places, spectacular view to this large plain is possible.
Majority of park is not acceable to tourists, but about 15-20% is. And it is the best part. of bush, and waterholes, and grass plains.
As per rules, getting out of car, is not allowed. Driving off road is not allowed, vehicles to be on the road at all times.
There are natural waterholes, but also artificial ones. Some of the artificial ones were built during time of Peter Stark, famous Etosha ranger and game keeper (former poacher and former farm foreman, and german elite riding school horseback rider)
The game drives are done by road, from waterhole to waterhole and by following the similar map, as attached above.
As the animals are used to toursits and vehcles, they dont react to cars, and cameras.
They are crossing the road and very calm. Or just grazing near the road.
Entrance to park reminds me of Jurrasic park, and opens with sunup.
Gate closes at sundown.
So, the toursit who stay in lodges out of the part, must be out before sunset.
However, there are camping and lodging options inside the park.
Also, some of the waterholes are lit with reflector to present a better view at night life of the animals on the waters. This is in vicinity of lodges, and restaurants.
Hi guys Saw this on FB and thought to share it with those interested. Source: Gondwana Collection Namibia FB Page The final resting place for the White Bushman Dirk Heinrich Six years after Peter Stark, the White Bushman, passed away on 7 May 2013, his six children from two marriages...
www.africahunting.com
We stayed at Etosha Village. Where lodging is excellent. This is outside of park, few miuntes drive to park gate.
Bush is all around the lodges. And kudus are in the bush.
During first night a kudu cow came near the lodge. I flashed the light to her, and she run away.
Bar and nearby restaurant.
Food is excellent.
There is always some of the bush meat on menu. Kudu, zebra, wildebeest, impala.
On a side note this is not hunting area, it is a national park.
It reminded me of the writing of Peter Stark, gamekeeper, that they were not allowed to shoot for meat.
So, often they resourced to cut a piece of meat from fresh lion kill, for their pot.
Now, I beleive, tourist food is provided either from hunting farms, or from market that gets the meat from hunting farms. (maybe I am wrong on that one, but it wouldnt be the first time when the non hunting venue, is provided by meat from hunters, and for which non-hunting, or anti hunting tourists have no idea)
