Etosha National Park

Predators are present in the park, including lions.

Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

It is situated 313 miles north of Windhoek. Covering an area of 8,598 square miles, the park contains a huge saltpan 80 miles long. This saline desert sustains no vegetation, although during heavy rains the formation of shallow lakes attracts water birds such as flamingos and pelicans.

In contrast, the vegetation around the pan is savanna grassland and Mopani woodland. Here, the "Haunted Forest" gets its name from the strange looking moringa trees.

Etosha is home to many game species, including elephants, giraffes, zebra and large numbers of antelope. Predators include lions, leopards and cheetahs. There is a wide range of birds, including ostriches and the large kori bustard.

A network of gravel roads runs along the edge of the pan. The dry season in Etosha coincides with its winter, extending from May through September. This is the time when the park attracts most of its visitors, as the temperatures are much cooler than in the extremely hot summer months.

Three rest camps offer bungalows and campsites. There are also restaurants, shops and picnic sites.