Olifantsrus - The hidden gem of Etosha

Le Roux van Schalkwyk



Probably one of the most frequently asked questions during this time of year is: “Where will you spend your summer holidays?” The most frequent response is likely to be that people are going to the coast. Now I don't see the point in getting out of town just to see the same faces which I have seen all year round just in a different setting. So why not mix it up and escape to Olifantsrus in Etosha National Park instead?

Being the newest camp of Etosha, Olifantsrus was opened in 2014. It is an ideal place to spend an alternative summer holiday. Offering a mere 10 camp sites as the only accommodation option you are assured that there will be no overcrowding, resulting in a peaceful camping experience. Most campers are self-drive tourists and only stay for one night, arriving late in the evening and leaving again early in the morning. When camping here for a couple of nights, you are likely to have the place to yourself and thus having exclusive access to the impressive double storey hide at the waterhole, with little or no disturbance.

Situated 130 kilometres west of Okaukuejo, Olifantsrus is found in the western part of the park which was previously closed off to visitors. While it still seems to be a little cut off from the rest of the park, this is an advantage to visitors as the drive from Okaukuejo is too long for a mere day visit, thereby allowing you plenty of undisturbed animal sightings. Your view is not continuously disturbed by tip-hunting tour guides who arrive in their masses with large tour vehicles. During a recent trip to Olifantsrus we enjoyed the sighting of two lions and a leopard at a waterhole for longer than three hours sharing the experience with only one further vehicle.

The Olifantsrus hide is built adjacent to the waterhole. The first level allows for an eye level view of animals quenching their thirst in the unrelenting heat from behind a safety glass. The upper storey gives a great view of all the activity around the waterhole. Watching elephants drinking right under your nose is an experience to behold. The raised platform is also a great place for close-up photos of these giant creatures.

What also impressed me immensely was the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. NWR does not always have the greatest track record of service delivery, for which reason it was a pleasant surprise to be taken care of by these great people, who work in a relatively remote and tiny camp.

The rustic camp's history is an interesting one, although very sad. As a result of the severe drought during the early 1980's, more than 500 elephants were culled and processed on the site where the camp is situated. Fortunately this site's purpose could be turned into a spot, where you are now able to view these silent giants from up close with the only remnants from the past being the large metal structures which served as temporary abattoir and the small exhibition stand which illustrates that sad part of history.

Olifantsrus is truly a gem in Etosha that will not only ensure a memorable visit to the park, but also allows you to escape the crowd.