It all happened in June… the cumulation of firsts. First time in Namibia, first safari in Etosha National Park & my first helicopter flight. It’s crazy to think how big of an impact one experience makes. There are countless reasons why Namibia stands out in the crowd. It has the highest dunes, oldest desert and most ancient tribes to name a few. On the other hand, visitors have an easy access to wildlife. This creates spectacular opportunities to spot & photograph animals. Etosha National Park is located in the northwestern part of Namibia. It homes over 100 species of mammals, 50 species of snakes as well as 340 bird species.
Down the waterhole
Unlike other wildlife parks in Africa, where you drive around for days looking for animals, Etosha holds the ability to bring the animals to you. The area covering more than 20,000 sq km, has more than 33 waterholes. Those are your best option to see wild animals, in particular during sunrise and sunset. Many camp sites in Etosha even have their own waterhole which makes them any photographer or nature lover’s dream. Picture twenty (if not more) elephants bathing and playing in the water.
Now, what else makes Etosha so special? The salt-pan found in the heart of the park can even been seen from space. Many tourists visit the place exactly for that: The moon-like surface of the Etosha Pan. Self driving in the park is allowed mainly because the roads are so well-maintained. You can drive around for hours without needing a 4×4. The park is mesmerizing, even for those who have done a safari before. Not only because of its wildlife, but mainly because of the killer combination of animals & dramatic landscapes.
