Giant Bullfrog
Frogs | Namibia
Introduction: The bullfrog or giant pyxie (Pyxicephalus adspersus adspersus) is the largest frog in Namibia. They prefer a habitat of open grass or bush country at both low and high altitudes. When the bullfrog is disturbed it will blow itself up and attack with open jaws, giving a nasty bite. Bullfrogs are heavily built amphibians with a wide head and strong jaw bones. Their call is similar to cattle lowing and large numbers will call day or night, collectively.
Their short and powerful legs are equipped with a 'shovel feature' on each heel for digging. They have the ability to burrow into the ground using a backward, shuffling movement. The Ovambo people are known to eat and treat the bullfrog as a great delicacy.
Distribution: Etosha National Park and throughout the country less for the Namib Desert and the southern regions of the country.
Diet: Omnivorous. You name it, if it moves it will eat it! Rats, reptiles, small birds, insects, scorpions, crabs, snails and even other frogs.
Colouring: Varied from green to olive to brown, with darker spots or markings with occasional back stripes, skin folds.
Breeding: Large numbers collect in shallow pools to breed starting with the first spring rains until midsummer. Mating pairs crawl about laying eggs in spurts. Three to four thousand eggs are laid in shallow water. They are black at one pole and dirty white at the other, encased in jelly capsules 4mm long. Tadpoles and juveniles have been found in the stomachs of adults and baby bullfrogs have been known to eat each other.
Maximum size: 245mm.
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 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.