Dominated by the immense Etosha Pan and bordered by savannah, the eastern section is where you can see predators, especially the leopard and cheetah, as they prefer the open savannah for hunting. It’s also the most visited side. While we were able to drive along the safari tracks in the western part without seeing another vehicle, it was a different story in the east as we encountered more tour groups and traffic. There were also a lot more safari tracks that crisscrossed the park and led to more waterholes.

Random highlights and trip notes:

Spotted hyena bounding across the plains near the Okaukeujo entrance.

At the Halali Waterhole,  we saw two prides of lions drinking and hanging out. They appeared to be two mothers and their cubs.

A black rhino and her baby. Both of them chasing the lions away from the waterhole. Later on six rhinos showed up.

On the second night in Halali, a lone zebra taking a drink almost becoming a meal as the mother lion hidden in the bush made an attack.  Cubs chasing banded mongooses and birds.

Black-faced impala along Rhino Drive. These animals are only found in Etosha and are considered endangered. We did not see any rhinos on Rhino Drive. Go figure.

Lots of birds including the African Grey Hornbills, Glossy Starlings, Marabou Storks.

Guided morning and night drives: Bat-eared Foxes, an Aardwolf, resting antelopes with their eyes reflecting our light in the dark, Rhinos, Jackals, and a likely African Wild Cat.  Aren’t the bat-eared foxes cute?

Elephants goofing around a waterhole

The fences around Namutoni campground that were flattened by elephants, letting critters roam the campsites.

Driving around Fisher Pan twice hoping to see the elusive cheetahs.  At this point Kim wanted to kill us.

Photo Exhibit

Accommodations:

Halali Campsite
Site 35
https://www.nwr.com.na/resorts/halali-resort#/halali-overview

 

Namutoni Campsite
Site 5
https://www.nwr.com.na/resorts/namutoni-resort