ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha National Park is considered one of the best game-viewing locations in the world. "Etosha" means in Oshivambo "Great White Place", obviously derived from the vast salt pan that constitutes a large portion of the Park's surface area.
The Etosha National Park is one of Namibia's favourite natural attractions. The park is located around Etosha Pan, a low-lying area of approximately 6,000 square kilometres, which, in times of heavy rainfall, may form a shallow lake which draws vast numbers of waterfowl. In other times, the lake as such dries out, but trees, grassland and pools remain, drawing a rich collection of game and birds, one of the best game viewing areas in Africa from the largest to the smallest.
At the east end of the pan is Fort Namutoni, which the Germans built, then attacked, taken and destroyed by the Ovambos. After retaking the fort, the Germans rebuilt it, and today it is perfectly preserved, looking like a Foreign Legion fort lifted straight from the Sahara.
Other camps in the Park are Halali and Okaukeujo, and the latest additions are Dolomite Resort and Olifantsrus Campsite.
Around the Park, there are a number of the best accommodation establishments in Namibia. These are extremely popular amongst visitors as they are located close to the different entry points to the Park.
VINGEKLIP - THE ROCK FINGER
The Vingerklip, 95 km West of Outjo, is the geological leftover of a Ugab Terrace. Its geological history can be read like an open book when looking at the layers of the conglomerate. The Rock Finger stand on a hilltop and has a height of 929 m above sea level. The rock itself is 35 metres high. Visitors can climb the hill to view the rock formation, but it is prohibited to climb the Vingerklip.
Travelling westwards en route to Khorixas is the Ugab Vingerklip (finger of rock) situated amongst the rugged Ugab Terraces. If you stay on the tarred road, you will miss this. About 35 m high, this distinctive monolith has been moulded into its curious shape by erosion.
The Ugab River cut down the highland until the Canyons became only some stone pillars, comparable to the Monument Valley in America. The best known is the Vingerklip. Vinger=Finger, because it is so thin and high.
The hills of the Ugab Terrace, near the town, deserve special mention for their unusual shapes. A particularly interesting section can be found on the Setenghi property, where some of the formations have been likened to castles from the middle ages. These are made of conglomerate and stand on the edge of a plateau that stretches for more than 80km and eventually forms the northern boundary of the Ugab River Valley.
TOURS
There are various short tours available guided by local guides, for example, Desert Tour to go and see the Desert Elephants. More information on request.
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