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WATERBERG
PLATEAU, NAMIBIA
In
depth guide to the seasons, animals, birds & wildlife
habitats of the African safari region
of the Waterberg Plateau in Namibia.
To request a private safari tour of the Waterberg Plateau in Namibia,
click here >>> |
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Emerging
suddenly out of a uniform scrubland is a 600ft
(200m) gigantic orange rock with sheer sides and
a flat top. It is what remains of the sandstone
casing which once covered large portions of Namibia,
and which has formed numerous other peculiar peaks
in this region. Glowing gold in late afternoon
sun, the Waterberg Plateau looks
too tempting to drive past.
It
is sometimes referred to as the 'Lost Eden'
because once up there, the animals of this lush
tableland have no way down. It is as though
time has stood still. It seems almost possible
that a dinosaur could emerge from this unusual
place, after all they once roamed the area and
left a prehistoric legacy of several three-toed
footprints not far from Waterberg.
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vast scrubland does not seem worth fighting over
but nevertheless, it was the scene of a terrible
massacre of the Herero people by German colonists
in 1904. Almost the entire Herero community was
decimated and a graveyard within the Waterberg
Plateau Park is a poignant reminder of the dead.
At this time, Herero women under the influence
of German missionaries were considered inappropriately
dressed, and were trussed up in Victorian clothes
from neck to ankle, including petticoats and a
wide bonnet, in temperatures reaching 104°F
(40°C). The Herero women subsequently adopted
this garb as their traditional costume and wear
it with great aloofness and pride in the nearby
town of Otjiwarongo.
In
the shadow of the Waterberg plateau is a restful
public resort with camp sites, chalets and cottages
with impressive views over the surrounding savannah.
Inside the resort you can go walking by yourself
on marked paths leading around the plateau and
up to the very edge, where you should not proceed
without a guide. The plateau itself can be explored
on a Nature Conservation guided game-viewing vehicle,
and although the animals are secretive, you get
the sense that you are being watched - probably
by a leopard. |
| ANIMALS
& BIRDS
Leopard,
buffalo, giraffe, blue wildebeest and the exquisitely
coloured and horned roan and sable antelope are
amongst the animals living atop this magnificent
brick-red sandstone edifice. White and black rhino
are well protected up here, as is a rare breeding
colony of Cape vultures.
More
than 200 bird species have been recorded in the
park with seven of them endemic to Namibia, including
Ruppell's parrots chattering in the trees around
the camping area. There are also plenty of raptors
with various eagles, buzzards and falcons.
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| SEASONS
Rainy Season: about 85% of the
region's average annual rainfall of 20inches (500mm)
falls between November and March. These are the
summer months with temperatures reaching 104°F
(40°C)
Dry Season: April to October
is generally dry with very pleasant daytime temperatures
but cold enough at night to send the barometer
below freezing.
WATERBERG
SPECIALITIES
· Walking around and up
to the plateau's edge
· Standing beneath trees
full of chattering Ruppell's parrots
· Game driving atop the
plateau
· Swimming in the divine
pool of the resort on the slopes of the plateau
· Watching the colours
of the plateau turn golden in afternoon sun
· Imbibing the clean clear
air
FACTS
You can only access the plateau with a Nature
Conservation guide either on foot or by vehicle.
Accommodation at the resort must be booked in
advance and there are private lodges nearby.
This is a low-risk malarial area.
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Follow the links below to Namibia's premier wildlife regions and game reserves.
PRIVATE SAFARI LODGES WE RECOMMEND IN THE WATERBERG PLATEAU REGION |
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Home | Game Reserve Index | Wildlife Checklist | Bird Checklist
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