Etosha (In and around), Namibia

Favorite thing: The southern entrance and exit to the Etosha National Park is called the Andersson Gate. The entry is named for Charles Andersson, a mid-19th century explorer in the area.

The Andersson Gate represents the route C38 entry and exit at the mid-southern point of Etosha. There is a rest and supply camp (Okaukuejo) a few kilometers north of the Andersson Gate. (see separate tip on Okaukuejo)

Fondest memory: The Andersson Gate is the exit point to a section of Namibia that features several very nice lodges and game reserves. We stayed at Ongava (see separate tip/accomodation comment). This is an area of Namibia that you'll wish to visit after your trip into and out of Etosha.

Favorite thing: Approximately 10 km into Etosha Park (after entry at Von Lindequist, see separate tip), one comes to the Fort Namutoni welcome and rest camp. This is the last real vestige of civilization that you'll find in Etosha until you approach another gate, retrace your trails back to Von Lindequiest or find your way to Hatali, a camp in the central part of Etosha.

There is petrol, restroom, food concessions and even a small lodge. The fort itself is an old late-19th century German fort, from the days of German Southwest Africa, a designation that ended with World War I. The fort looks like something out of an old French Foreign Legion movie.

The lodge within the fort is simple, with shared accommodations. Prices are reasonable, but space can be hard to come by, depending on your timing.

Fondest memory: Fort Namutoni hosts several different wildlife representative from the surrounding Etosha Park. I remember watching a group of beaded mongoose(s) playing in the shadow of the old fort.

Favorite thing: One of THE most impressive places to visit in Namibia, especially if you like game-viewing, is the Etosha National Park. This huge park is located in the north central part of Namibia. Access is limited to daylight hours, and there are only three gates into and out of Etosha.

If you're wishing the enter from the east, the entrance is called the Von Lindequist Gate, named for an early 20th century governor of what was then "German Southwest Africa". After entering at von Lindequist, it is only a short drive on to Fort Namutoni, which is basically the welcome area for eastern Etosha. (see separate tip on Namutoni)

Fondest memory: When we entered Etosha via the Von Lindequist Gate, we had, within 5 km into the park, seen several giraffes, wildebeests, springboks and kudus. And, the trails of elephant dung along the road suggested bigger things ahead.