Etosha is the Oshiwambo name for the large, white pan, a shallow depression that formed 12 million years ago.
The park protects an area of 22 270 square km². The vegetation around the pan ranges from grass savanna to mopane woodlands.
Aeons ago the waters of the Kunene River filled the pan. Today, Etosha occasionally floods after solid rains, providing breeding ground to many flamingos and pelicans.
Offically proclaimed as game reserve in 1907 by German colonial governor Dr F. Von Lindequist, the Etosha National Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007.
A typical Etosha scenery: young Elephants walk in front of one of the many waterholes as Kudus, Oryx, Wildebeest, Springboks and Zebras take their turn on replenishing their resources of the precious, vital liquid.
The permanent waterholes ensure optimal wildlife observation and survival throughout the year. Additionally, Okaukuejo Restcamp features a floodlit waterhole for spotting the nocturnal game, especially rhinos.