eurasian bittern
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Eurasion bitterns (Botaurus stellaris) favour a tall, thick emergent vegetation habitat growing in the interior or permanent and seasonal large wetlands. Often heard more than seen, they are active both day and night, often relying on their camouflaged plumage to escape danger.
Distribution Caprivi and Etosha National Park.
Diet: Forages within the cover of marsh plants and reeds in search for fish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates.
Description Large bittern with fairly short legs, stout bodies and necks with the inner toe longer than the outer. Cryptic plumage of brown or buff with dark streaks, lacks ornamental plumes of other members of this species. Botaurus is Latin for 'a bellowing bull' because of the booming call of this bird. Stellaris is Latin for 'starry or speckled'.
Breeding: Females lay 2 to 4 eggs which are incubated for around 26 days.
Size: 60cm. Weight: 1kg.
Anderssons Camp
A mid market lodge, situated on the Ongava Private Reserve, just south of the Andersson entrance to Etosha.
Dolomite Camp
On a small hill on the extreme western side of Etosha - Dolomite is the newest (and fifth camp) to open within the park boundries. It is a small personal lodge as opposed to the traditional resort feel of the other camps within the park.
Epacha Game Lodge and Spa
Traditional slightly formal up-market lodge. Situated on same property as Eagle Tented Camp
Etosha Mountain Lodge
A small private lodge, borders on Etosha however the distance to the park entrance makes it fairly un-suitable for day visits
Etosha Safari Lodge
Within 10km of the Etosha entrance this mid-range lodge offers an ideal base from which to explore the park
Halali
One of the five camps situated inside the park, generally less popular with visitors than Okaukuejo or Namutoni but has the advantage of a secluded quiet spot lit waterhole
Little Ongava
Luxury accommodation, each unit with private pool, great place to spoil yourself. Guided tours on private nature reserve and inside Etosha Park
Okaukuejo
Extremely busy accommodation inside the park with a good spot-lit waterhole, great choice if location is deciding factor on where to stay
Ongava Lodge
Upmarket accommodation, situated on private game reserve with easy access to the National Park
Ongava Tented Camp
On the same property as Ongava Lodge, but offering a more traditional tented safari style experience
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Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
A non-profit organisation aimed at conserving Namibia's cheetah population
Toshari Lodge
Once called Etosha Gateway lodge this is a budget accommodation option which has recently been renovated.
