Namibia: Etosha National Park Map

The Etosha National Park is regarded by wildlife aficionados as one of Africa's greatest and most intriguing wildlife sanctuaries. It was once the biggest national park in the world, covering almost 100 000km2, but in 1967, when Namibia was under South African rule, the apartheid authorities reduced it in size to its current 22 275km2 as part of a tribal resettlement scheme.

Depending on rainfall, the pan is either dry or filled with shallow water, which attracts thousands of wading birds including flamingoes to the glistening pans. The park has all of the ‘big five’, and is not to be missed.

While in the area, make sure to visit the mineral and metal-rich town of Tsumeb, especially if you are interested in geology.