Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The pan was originally a lake fed by the Kunene River. However the course of the river changed thousands of years ago and the lake dried up.The pan now is a large dusty depression of salt and dusty clay which fills only if the rains are heavy and even then only holds water for a short time. This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds including impressive flocks of flamingos. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds.
Day 1&2
We depart from Windhoek to fly across Namibia’s scenic central to land at the south eastern border of the Etosha National Park.
This is a privately guided tour with your own plane a guide!
Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
Believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a shallow lake, Etosha is said to have the tallest Elephants in Africa, (up to 4m at the shoulder), Etosha is recognised as being one of the last wild sanctuaries of the endangered Black Rhino.
A San (Bushman) legend about the formation of the Etosha Pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the women slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent; you can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular viewing!
Arrive at Mushara Outpost. The Mushara Outpost accommodates 16 guests in custom made tent like structures, of wood and canvas which are nestled on the banks of an ancient dry river bed known to the locals as an "omaramba". The Lodge is all about old fashioned hospitality with warm, friendly and personalized service on the door step to the magical Etosha Pan National Park. Each tent is set on a wooden deck, a meter and a half above the ground, giving us a different perspective of the bush. Large glass windows from ceiling to floor allow for plenty of air movement during night. For the very warm afternoons, air conditioning adds an extra level of comfort.
Day 3
Morning departure for another private flight to Onkoshi Camp.Onkoshi
Camp is situated on the edge of the pan on a private peninsula in Etosha National Park. Onkoshi Camp is a small, intimate and environmentally friendly camp that can accommodate a maximum of only 30 guests, ensuring a private and exclusive safari experience. Onkoshi Camp offers breathtaking views over the Etosha pan, spectacular sunsets and vast open spaces as far as the eye can see. Facilities at Onkoshi Camp are luxurious combined with exciting wildlife activities.
Onkoshi Camp offers luxurious accommodation. All rooms are built on raised wooden decks, with thatched roofs, canvas walls and large, wooden-framed retractable doors providing magnificent views. Rooms are luxurious and beautifully decorated with locally crafted fittings and furnishings, using a blend of metal and wood combined with natural fabrics to create a natural and ethnic ambiance. Chalets offer ¾ beds, except in the honeymoon chalet where a king-size bed is provided. No children under the age of 6 are permitted. Solar energy is provided for the power requirements of the camp. Facilities at Onkoshi Camp include a Restaurant, a Lounge, Bar, Sunset deck as well as an Infinity pool.
Activities at Onkoshi Camp include guided morning, afternoon and night game drives to surrounding areas of the park, including access to exclusive areas within the north-eastern sand veldt area of Etosha; Guided walks and moonlight walks on the Etosha Pan are available (weather permitting and when conditions allow). All guided game drives are conducted in specially modified land-rovers, using professional and experienced guides who will share their knowledge of the wonders of nature with guests. Etosha National Park is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and is world famous for its spectacular plains game and general wildlife including elephant, black and white rhinoceros, lion, leopard, cheetah, large herds of springbok, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and a multitude of other fascinating wildlife species.
Day 4
Morning breakfastis followed by your private charter back to Windhoek. It’s here where we say our goodbyes, after a short but amazing and memorable trip!
Please note that this is not a normal Air Charter. All Fly-in Safaris as a holistic experience from beginning to end. The Pilot is an experienced, knowledgeable and qualified Safari Guide that will guide and provided information throughout the trip, both in the air and on the ground during excursion and activities. Full intercom headsets are provided in the aircraft so as to communication with the Guide as well as each other.
During flights from area to area the routing follows scenic landscape and other highlights so as to provide a complete experience, both from the skies and on the ground. Guests can enjoy complete flexibility with regards to departure and arrival times as the pilot/guide always accompanies the guests. The aircraft also stays with the group for the duration of the Safari, providing additional evacuation possibilities or change in Safari plans as may be requested by the guests.
*All prices are subject to availability and actual booking dates.
*Prices are per estimated per person sharing
Another cool video of the Etosha Park
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