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Pictures from Etosha in Namibia   Namibia ETOSHA SAFARI
Pictures of wildlife in Etosha National Park, Namibia

 
Picture of giraffe, Etosha
THE 'PLACE OF DRY WATER'

Tricks of geology can have dramatic effects on a landscape.  Etosha in northern Namibia is a parched wilderness left behind after a river changed course in the distant past.  The fate of an immense lake was sealed and its waters eventually dried to leave an expansive pan that now bakes in the hot sun.  But in this land of extremes, the barren landscape of Etosha is surrounded by an Eden where rains and underground springs allow vegetation and wildlife to flourish.

  
A land of mirages

The vast pan that lies at the heart of the Etosha National Park in Namibia is a place of limitless horizons.  This dusty depression is a stark, flat wilderness of sun-baked clay and minerals that covers over 6000 square kilometers.  The name Etosha is derived from the native Ovambo language, and has been translated as 'Place of Dry Water' or 'Great White Place'.
Picture of Etosha pan, namibia
Gemsbok on the Etosha pan - the vestige of an ancient lake.
Precious water
In a dramatic contrast, the dry Etosha pan is surrounded by bush and grasslands where animals thrive.  Water holes fed by underground springs are lures for thirsty herds of big game.
 
Picture of zebras, Etosha
Photo of giraffes, Etosha
Giraffes gather at a water hole as the sun sets on Etosha.
Photo of giraffe, Etosha
The proportions of the giraffe force it to adopt an ungainly posture when drinking.  It is at this time that the tallest of animals becomes vulnerable to predatory lions.
Photo of lion, Etosha
Etosha's lions have priority over most other animals at the precious water holes.  Only elephants can drive them away.
Etosha, Namibia Etosha, Namibia
Experiences of early travelers to the wildlife-rich Etosha area were typified by the comment of an American trader in 1876.  He famously wrote "all the menageries in the world turned loose would not compare to the sight I saw that day."  Hunting was to take a heavy toll on animals before the German colonial administration established a game reserve early in the 20th century.
Giraffes, Etosha
Elephants, Etosha
Etosha, Namibia
NAMIBIA: Deserts and Wildlife
More photos of the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Namibia. Namibia wildlife
EAST AFRICA: Safaris
Photos of African wildlife on the evocative Serengeti and Masai Mara. African wildlife
OTHER DESTINATIONS
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Pictures of wild animals in the pristine Okavango Delta wetlands of Botswana. Botswana, Okavango
BOTSWANA: Elephants of Chobe
Pictures of the elephants that create a dramatic spectacle in Botswana. Chobe elephants
AFRICA WILDLIFE WALLPAPER
African animal photos as wallpaper for your computer desktop.
LIVING EDENS: NAMIB
The Namib Desert, "Africa's Burning Shore".  From The Reader's Digest World on PBS Online.
LIVING EDENS: ETOSHA
A guide to Etosha and its wildlife.  Another website from The Reader's Digest World.
NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE
A guide to the diverse sights of Namibia, with photos.
THE ELEPHANTS OF AFRICA
The natural history of elephants.  From PBS Online.
ELEPHANT INFORMATION
Information about elephants and links to other useful sites.
SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL
Campaigning for the rights of tribal peoples including the San Bushmen.
A TOUR AROUND NAMIBIA
From the Great Outdoor Recreation Pages.
AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
Working to preserve the wildlife and wild lands of Africa.  Includes information about the lives and conservation of elephants, rhinos and lions.
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
Working to leave our children a living planet.
DESTINATION NAMIBIA
The Lonely Planet travel guide to Namibia.