Discovering Waterberg Plateau

Enjoy scenic walks on the Waterberg Plateau in Namibia, spot endangered African wildlife during game drives in the Waterberg Plateau National Park and lean about the culture of the Herero people.

Wonderful Scenery on Walks and Hikes

The Waterberg Plateau is actually a National Park and the ideal place to protect endangered creatures. This flat topped mountain in Namibia has sheer sides creating a lofty surface where the animals live in peace. A private game reserve has also been established at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau.

You can explore the red cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau, Namibia, on various marked paths or go on guided walks that are offered at lodges and camps in the area. Overnight hikes take place over 4 days from April to November and you can follow the trail yourself or take a guided option.

The guided hiking option at the Waterberg Plateau in Namibia involves
Rhino tracking and following Hyena and Leopard movements; the Waterberg has the highest concentration of Leopard in Namibia. The plateau is about 200 metres off the ground and the views to the horizon are wonderful.

The Waterberg Plateau in Namibia has interesting red sandstone formations and diverse flora and fauna. The flat surface is arid but rainwater tends to settle and there are natural springs at the base of the mountain hence the vegetation is lush and green. There are around 500 plant species and some are endemic. At the Waterberg Plateau, you can see Wild Fig trees, Coral trees and also Flame Lilies amongst other unusual specimens for this region of Namibia.

View Endangered Wildlife at Waterberg Plateau National Park

The Waterberg Plateau National Park in Namibia was proclaimed in 1972. Its unique features include a wide flat surface, sheer sides and good water supplies, really a naturally safe place to resettle animals that have become endangered due to poaching and habitat encroachment. The animals can't get down and access to the plateau is limited.

Spot Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Roan and Sable antelope, which were successfully relocated to the park, joining a rich diversity of existing animals. The western edge of the Waterberg Plateau is home to the only Cape Vulture colony in Namibia. Birdwatchers will be delighted to note that there are around 200 bird species in the park including black eagles and Rupell's parrot.

Other game on this plateau in Namibia includes Giraffe and common antelope species such as Klipspringer, Impala and Gemsbok (Oryx). You may also see predators such as Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Brown Hyena and Black Backed Jackal. Game drives can be taken onto the plateau or you can enjoy guided walks and hikes.

In the vicinity of the Waterberg Plateau there are two organisations striving for conservation of the Cheetah and Leopard which are threatened species in Namibia. AfriCat and the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia have bases near Otjiwarongo. These worthwhile causes are aimed at research, education and conservation. They both offer exciting safari activities and fantastic photo opportunities.

Ancient History and Vibrant Herero Culture

At more than 850 million years old, the Waterberg Plateau itself is an amazing geological site. It stands tall on the Kalahari plains in Namibia with a mystical, timeless quality. You can enjoy the profound peace and beauty whilst investigating petrified dunes and the dinosaur prints left here around 200 million years ago.

The first human inhabitants were the San Bushmen. Visit their rock engravings that are believed to be several thousand years old. Long before colonial times, this area was the home of the Herero people. The Herero grew wealthy through cattle ranching and often clashed with local Nama tribes and later the German settlers.

One of the most devastating battles took place near the Waterberg Plateau in 1904 where thousands of Herero men, women and children, led by Samuel Maharero were surrounded by German Colonial soldiers. Out of 40 000 Herero only a few escaped in desperation across the Kalahari Desert into Botswana. Visit the military cemetery at the Waterberg rest camp, which is the only reminder of this event.

Experience the unique Herero culture and proud heritage by visiting a local village near the Waterberg. These people are tall and strong and have most unusual brightly coloured traditional dress which has early Victorian influences. The women wear long wide skirts with layered undergarments, and elaborate headdresses in matching cloth that resemble cow horns. The Herero men wear khaki uniforms. Their most special yearly celebration is Maharero Day toward the end of August in Okahandja.

About Waterberg Plateau, Namibia

The Waterberg Plateau north of Windhoek in Namibia offers scenic hikes, wonderful wilderness and African wildlife in the Waterberg Plateau N...more

Waterberg Plateau Lodges

Waterberg Plateau in Namibia is located east of Otjiwarongo and is about 200 metres high. It is 20 km wides and 50 km long. See Waterberg Pl...more

Creators of Unforgettable Memories in Africa.
©2024 Siyabona Africa (Pty)Ltd - All inclusive Holiday