False Travel Namibia 23 From space Etosha’s 120km- wide salt pan is clearly visible. A sheen of algae and other vegetation produces the green colour. In the rainy season the basin fills with water. M- SAT LTD / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY ETOSHA FACTFILE n GETTING THERE: Okaukuejo is 450 kilometres from Windhoek. You can rent new- model camping- equipped 4WD vehicles in Windhoek from N$ 800 upwards. There’s a choice of two entry points – the Anderson gate near Okaukuejo or the Von Lindequist gate near Namutoni. n WHERE TO STAY IN ETOSHA: There are three restcamps in the park: Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni. The latter is noted for its Beau Geste style fort , while Okaukuejo is renowned for its floodlit waterhole. Accommodation types range from basic campsites to luxury chalets. Bush chalets cost N$ 750 per person sharing on a B& B basis at Halali and Okaukuejo. Bush chalets cost N$ 1,500 per person sharing on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Namutoni. Camping costs N$ 200 per site plus N$ 100 per person. In addition there is a daily entrance charge of N$ 80 per person. n WHERE TO STAY OUTSIDE ETOSHA: There’s also a growing choice of options on the edge of the park, including upmarket Ongava Lodge ( www. ongava. com), Mokuti Lodge hotel, ( www. namibsunhotels. com. na) and Mushara Lodge ( www. mushara- lodge. com) Meanwhile 40 new self- catering chalets are due to open in October just one kilometre from the Anderson gate ( www. etosha- village. com). The only problem with accommodation outside the park is that you risk missing the best wildlife action at dawn, dusk and after dark. n ACTIVITIES: Night drives from Namutoni camp cost N$ 500 per person. Morning and afternoon drives from Halali cost N$ 350. n HEALTH AND SAFETY: Malaria does occur in this region of northern Namibia, although only rarely in Etosha. Consult a travel clinic or your GP about health precautions before you travel and ensure your immunisation status is up to date. Observe park rules and gate times and give elephants plenty of room. n FIND OUT MORE: The tourism and camps at Etosha are run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts ( www. nwr. com. na). To make a booking email reservations@ nwr. com. na Giraffes on Etosha pan in the dry season. Ann & Steve Toon Blue wildebeest are best seen in east Etosha. Gondwanaondwanaondwana Collectionollection

False Portfolio 24 Travel Namibia The Himba people in North Namibia are among the most photogenic tribes on the planet. In this stunning series of images, photographers Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher record the anticipation and joy surrounding a wedding in Kaokoland. Beckwith and Fisher have dedicated their lives to recording the traditional cultures of Africa and have been given the United Nations Award of Excellence for their vision and understanding of the role of cultural traditions in the pursuit of peace in the world. The Wall Street Journal wrote: “ These two western women have gone further and deeper into tribal Africa than any photographers have before.” Himba wedding