Okaukuejo Etosha National Park

 

In 1897 the Rinderpest 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.

 

In 1901 a military post was established at Okaukuejo and a round look out tower was constructed (not the one that can be seen today). The camp was later used as a Police outpost. The facilities, like those of the other camps were completely refurbished in 2007, being the 100 years anniversary of the Etosha National Park.

 

Okaukuejo is a popular camp and has a waterhole at the edge of the camp which is illuminated for night-time game viewing.

 

Okaukuejo Tower

Good camping

Rondavel

Map of Okaukuejo Area

The Waterholes:

Aus: Good water hole. Here you should see black faced impala, elephant, gemsbok, kudu, springbok, zebra and even rhino.

Gemsbokvlakte: A good waterhole for viewing in the dry months. Attracts a variety of game including elephant and lion.

Homob: Close to the edge of the pan

Kapupuhedi: Not so popular as the water hole dries up.

Okaukuejo: One of the main reasons why visitors choose to overnight at Okaukuejo is the close proximity of this busy waterhole and the busy nigh-time activity around it. The viewing platform is about 50 metres from the hole which is floodlit after dark and you are guaranteed some excellent views of the various animals as they come down to drink.

Okondeka: On the edge of the pan this water hole is frequented by the plains animals. You might see giraffe and even lion here.

Olifantsbad: Attractive mopane veld. Good variety of game including elephant, lion, black nosed impala, red hartebeest, gemsbok, kudu, zebra.

Ombika: A good waterhole visited by a variety of animals.

Ondongab: Not so popular as the water hole dries up.

This is a daytime photograph of the waterhole at Okaukuejo taken from the viewing platform in order that you can appreciate the close proximity that you can get to the animals. It's very popular throughout the night as a drinking place which allows for some excellent close up photography.

---

Acknowledgements and further reading:  GV1, GV6, 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

Local Area Attractions and Articles of Associated Interest:
Halali	Okaukuejo	Etosha National Park	Tsumeb
Namutoni	Schutztruppe Fort

Of Interest:

• Okaukuejo - pronounced 'O-ka-kwi-you". The difference in pronunciation of the word alters the meaning completely.
• Okakweyo - Means to draw water from a small well or fountain
• Oshikweyo - Means to draw water from a larger fountain
• Okakwiyu - Means 'a fertile woman who can bear children each year'

Etosha Okaukuejo Namibia

Home | Getting Here | Cities & Towns | Touring Namibia | Sitemap

Namibia -1on1