Wildebeest
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is also referred to as the brindled gnu, a name not used so often in modern times. Despite their appearance, they are very agile animals and if spooked will instantly run off, stopping at intervals to look back to assess the situation, before repeating these activities as needed. They will then remain suspicious, watching their trail for long periods of time. An inquisitive animal, they will stand looking at an intruder while snorting and blowing through their nostrils. They will also run around in circles, prance about waving their tails, and pawing at the ground.
Blue Wildebeest live all over in the open savannah of southern Africa. They are social creatures and live in groups of 20 to 40 animals, sometimes in larger herds, the members of which are usually cows and calves, led by a bull. Other groups consist solely of bachelor bulls. There is considerable competition for rank among individuals who will follow a breeding herd, pressurising the bull in the hope that it will leave.
Distribution: In Namibia wildebeest are commonly found in the Etosha National Park and on several privately owned game farms.
Diet: Wildebeest are grazers and are particularly associated with savannah woodland with the availability of water. Their favoured food source must have high leaf to stem ratio and they prefer the shorter grass swards.
Colouring: A gnu has a slate grey coat, sometimes with a brown tinge, a black tail and a long narrow head carrying horns which curve down and then up. The front quarters are heavily built and there is a mane and a beard reaching down the throat. There are darker creases on the sides.
Breeding: The gestation period for a wildebeest is 250 days with 80-90% of the calves being born in a 3 week period when conditions are most favourable. At birth the calves are licked clean by their mothers, can stand within a few minutes and run with her within 5 minutes.
Size: Adult males stand about 150cm at the shoulder and weigh 250kg, the females smaller at 135cm and 180kg. Both sexes have horns.
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 four 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
Mamselle Nature Camp
Budget self catering bush hut, an interesting experience for the more independent traveler
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
