Etosha National Park, proclaimed in 1907, is one of Southern Africa’s finest and most important game reserves
The park covers an area of 22,270 km² and is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, more than 300 bird species and even one species of fish. The 4,731 km² salt pan, the largest of its kind in Africa, is the centre piece of the park. The pan’s shimmering white crust of salt crystals extends as far as the eye can see. In previous times this was a lake the size of Holland fed by several rivers, probably including the Kunene as well. When the rivers gradually changed their course the water in the lake started to evaporate until only the huge dry depression remained. The San (Bushmen) tell a rather gripping legend about the formation of Etosha Pan: in a raid on a village all the men and children were murdered, only the women were spared. One of them was so distraught about the death of her family that she cried and cried until her tears had formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan.
Etosha National Park covers a vast area which is under protection since German colonial rule and has since become one of the most productive game parks in Africa – with 114 mammal species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species, 340 bird species and one species of fish.
Great numbers of plains game such as zebra, kudu, Oryx, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, impala and eland abound on the grasslands while elephants can also be seen in large herds.Lions dominate the predator food chain and cleverly use the waterholes as hunting grounds, while smaller predators like the black-backed jackal trot about seemingly oblivious to the presence of humans. Since every animal needs water there is constant coming and going at the waterholes. Traffic rules are simple: the stronger one always has the right of way. The diversity of species drinking at the same time can be staggering.
Etosha Game Drives
On our game drives guests experience fascinating perspectives of wildlife in Etosha. Our vehicles, designed for any weather condition, are spacious and comfortable and offer 360 degree unobstructed views from elevated seats. We receive up-to-date information on game movement and therefore have a high success rate for spotting game.
The Mushara Collection
Mushara offers luxury accommodation on the doorstep of the famous Etosha National Park, located just 8 km from the Von Lindequist gate of the reserve.
