Encounter Etosha's wildlife at the waterholes

Etosha has a unique drawcard...more than 40 waterholes which are a magnet for thirsty wildlife. And you'll be waiting nearby in an open 4x4 to watch the residents of Etosha drink at the water's edge, predator and prey alike. Families of elephant sidle up to bathe in the mud, giraffe swoop in a yoga-like pose to take a sip, warthog trot to the water's edge and lions sit side-by-side with an eye always on the plains game. Most camps have a spotlight on nearby waterholes where you can spy on the secretive black rhino or shaggy hyena. The crusted salt pan becomes a giant waterhole after the rainy season ends in March, where flamingos and pelicans land in their hundreds.