Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Okaukuejo was the first tourist camp to open in Etosha and it currently functions as the administrative hub of the park, and home of the Etosha Ecological Institute. It is situated at the western end of the pan, and about 120km north of the town of Outjo. The Okaukuejo waterhole is often voted as the best of all the rest camp waterholes and enjoys an amazing array of wildlife. Animals that visit appear to be oblivious of the camp – unaware of the bright lights or the people sitting on benches just behind the low stone wall. The light doesn’t penetrate into the surrounding bush. It creates something of a stage – with the water at its centre – focusing the attention on the animals that come to drink. During the dry season, you’re bound to see something of interest by just sitting here for a few hours in the evening – so bring a couple of drinks, your binoculars, and some warm clothes in winter, and settle down to watch. Among the regulars are elephants and jackals, while lion and black rhino often visit during the dry season.