Namutoni Etosha
For many visitors a stay-over at Namutoni is the high-light of their Etosha
ETOSHA GAME PARK NAMUTONI. For many visitors a stay-over at Namutoni is the high-light of their Etosha tour. The fort building offers some good photo opportunities and watching a sunset…
Etosha Game Park Namutoni Camp
In 1897 the R inderpest swept through Southern Africa decimating the vast cattle herds. The proactive response of the German authorities was to draw a quarantine cordon from Okaukuejo in the west and across the southern edge of the Etosha-Pan to the waterhole at Namutoni. All known of animals that crossed the line were shot.
The small garrison of 7 men at the Station were held under siege for several hours by about 500 Ovambo warriors in 1904. They escaped under darkness and the Station was sacked and destroyed. A new fort was built and commissioned by 1906.
For many visitors a stay-over at Namutoni is the high-light of their Etosha tour. The fort building offers some good photo opportunities and watching a sunset over the veld from the north tower is a must. The camp is situated close to several waterholes that are popular. Though the waterhole at Namutoni, itself, has a dense reed bed, so you can't see much.
The facilities, like those of the other camps were completely refurbished in 2007, being the 100 years anniversary of the Etosha National Park.
Chudob: Fed by an artesian fountain this waterhole has a floating reed island. You should find Eland here along with Giraffe, Elephant, Warthog and Black Faced Impala.
Groot Okevi: Ground water level spring. Elephant, Gemsbok, Kudu, even cheetah and Leopard.
Kalkheuvel: A favoured water hole of photographers. You can get good close-ups of the animals at this busy water hole. Lots of game, and also birds such as bateleur eagle, black breasted snake eagle, tawny eagle and the black (yellow billed) kite.
Klein Okevi: Ground water level spring. Black Faced Impala, Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Kudu, Gemsbok, Zebra and even Cheetah can be seen here.
Klein Namutoni: An artesian spring about 2 km south of the camp. Good game viewing especially early morning and late afternoon. Popular with Elephant, Giraffe, Kudu, Gemsbok, Kudu, Black Faced Impala, Zebra. Don't miss taking a tour around Dikdik drive where you have a good chance of spotting the tiny and often elusive Damara Dikdik.
Koinkas: Fed by an artesian fountain is reasonably frequented by game
Namutoni: An artesian spring on the western side of the camp. Dense reeds. Not many animals come here.
Ngobib: The water hole is in a hollow. Not very visible, but does attract Elephant, gemsbok, kudu zebra cheetah and leopard.
Okerfontein: A strong cantact spring on the edge of the pan. Not very popular, but lion and cheetah can sometimes be seen there.
Tsumcor: Busy waterhole. You should see plenty of animals here. Good photography
Twee Palms: Picturesque, Makalani Palms, don't miss the closing gate at Namutoni.
Acknowledgements and further reading: GV1, GV6, H9, P1, P2
Etosha is a National Park area, so there are entrance fees payable to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The accommodation and facilities in the Etosha are managed and operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts
Etosha Area Attractions & Articles of Associated Interest:
Of Interest: The original outpost at Namutoni was built in 1897 and served as a cattle plague quarantine station. It was built of reeds and was situated near to the waterhole. Malaria was a major health concern.
Before you rely on this
This subject changes over time. Verify it with current official sources before relying on it.