by Francois Lebrun
•
17 Oct, 2024
Our final stop on this exploration of Namibia is Etosha, an iconic wildlife and safari destination in the north of the country. Etosha is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature. The incredible landscapes, the rich biodiversity, and the chance to witness the raw power of wildlife in their otherwordly natural habitat make this a place like no other. Desert-adapted elephants that appear seemingly out of nowhere, strutting to a waterhole across a shimmering salt pan, parched, their skin encrusted with mud to help remove ticks and parasites. This is one of the images that will stay with us forever. Along with spectacular sightings of giraffe coming for a sip, oryx, springbok "pronking" in high arched jumps, scores of zebras, lion, wildebeest, the list goes on…. September marks the end of the dry season ahead of the summer rains, and is an excellent time to visit. Not only are the temperatures mild during the spring of the southern hemisphere, but a general lack of water ahead of the summer rains mean the animals congregate in breathtaking numbers around waterholes. It’s a truly special experience to sit there and watch all kinds of wildlife come and go in their natural rhythm. Our safari field guide shared some fascinating insights that left us in awe of nature’s wonders. For example, did you know that oryx (one of the mot famous antelope species of Namibia) are brown colour instead of grey like adults? This helps them blend into the winter vegetation which is primarily brown at the time they are born, protecting them from predators. As they grow older, they develop the characteristic striking black-and-white coloring we know oryx for. Also, oryx can survive up to 8 years without drinking water, getting all the moisture they need from the plants they eat. Nature is truly amazing! ππ¦πΎ ποΈ For more info about Etosha and to start planning YOUR very own Namibia adventure, visit us here