Namibia Oberland

The roads were pretty awful as we headed further east and the scenery changed from low shrub and scrub to grassy savanna and finally to more dusty open land. As it was the dry season the wildlife clustered around the waterholes, giving us plenty of viewing opportunities. We finally left the park at Anderson Gate (same admin to leave as we had to formally check out; also our last chance for petrol) and made the short drive to Overland Lodge. We absolutely loved this lodge; our favourite hotel in Namibia by far. It had its own waterhole with wonderful viewing platform and they encouraged the Black Rhino to come, which was great. The host was super friendly and chatty, and we could get any snacks any time of the day. Our chalet was incredible; two enormous rooms with floor to ceiling windows in both the air room and huge bathroom, straight out onto the bush behind. A lounge area and 4-poster bed below a canvas style roof completed the picture. We sat on the platform and watched the sunset as millions of quelea birds flocked to the waterhole; the sound of their wings was amazing. Then after 15 minutes of frantic activity every single bird left and silence fell… until the rhino appeared. A perfect evening ended with a delicious meal outdoors watching the rhino.


Etosha Oberland Lodge is nestled in a private nature park adjacent to the southern entrance of Etosha National Park. The Lodge combines luxury with a lot of privacy. The accommodation at Etosha Oberland Lodge comprises of beautifully appointed chalets that offer comfortable amenities such as an en-suite bathroom, an outdoor shower, private sun terrace offering unique views of the savannah, air conditioning, a tea/ coffee station with a fridge, mosquito nets, a hairdryer and a safe. All chalets are positioned apart from each other, hardly perceived by their neighbours and promise much privacy. The main house with two restaurants (indoor and outdoor), two pools, a bar and cosy lounge with a fire place. Breakfast is served in the eastern breakfast room. The garden invites guests to tea time and in the restaurant in the evening a 4-course menu is served.

Etosha Blend Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend. Named after one of Africa’s finest and most import Game Reserve, our Etosha-Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, represents the meticulous dedication in pairing two opposing cultivars to come together in perfect harmony. Both components were aged separately in 225l barrels for 12 months before being blended together. The depth of Shiraz spice and sweet fruit complements the Cabernet Sauvignon’s boldness and dark berry flavours. Just as Namibia and the Etosha National Park are inseperable, so our assistant winemaker, Etosha Kahimunu, is an inherent part of Erongo Mountain Winery. This wine is dedicated to him and made in a very friendly appealing style to resemble his personality.
Large mopane trees are home to many private places that have a fantastic view of the wide grassy plain and to the water hole. Guests can observe numerous wildlife with a sundowner drink (oh yes, we took full advantage of this) on the restaurant terrace after an eventful day. Etosha Oberland is conveniently situated a 10km drive from Andersson Gate, south Etosha Park, a good starting point for excursions. https://wetu.com/iBrochure/en/Home/6009-201088/etosha_oberland_lodge

Black Rhino. There are five species of rhinoceros, two of which live in Africa: the black (Diceros bicornis) and the white (Ceratotherium simum). They are almost the same bluish-grey colour and are sometimes known as hook-lipped (for the black) and square-lipped or wide (for the white). The rhino is a huge animal and ranks as one of the largest land creatures. It has an immense, solid body, and short, stocky legs. Its thick skin appears to lie in folds but is actually just creased at the joints. Most species have little hair and they have two slightly curving horns that project from its long nose. The horns continue to grow throughout the life of the rhino and it consists of a fibre-like material similar to a mixture of hair and fingernails. It appears to be permanently joined to its nose but can be torn out during fighting. The name rhinoceros comes from two Greek words and means nose-horned. The animal has three toes on each foot. Each toe ends in a separate hoof and on each front foot is a fourth toe that is rudimentary, or no longer used. The rhino differs from the hippopotamus that has four developed toes. The hippo is a relative of the hog, camel and cow, whilst the rhino is more nearly related to the horse. The black rhino lives in thorny bushland. Depending on the rains, these lands can be dry and barren or wet and shrubby or grassy.  They feed mostly in the cool morning and evening hours. These factors allow the black and not the white rhino, to be able to adapt to the desert. In the hot, dry season, it feeds at night and rests during the day. Although it appears clumsy, the black rhino can move swiftly. Distribution: Namibia, especially Etosha and the black rhino has managed to adapt to regions of Kaokoland and Damaraland. Diet: The mouth of a rhinoceros is suited for its food and it uses its pointed upper lip to grasp small branches. A typical rhino's diet includes grass, leafy twigs and shrubs. In captivity, hay and special protein and mineral biscuits are added. Colouring: In overall colour they are dark grey, the under parts lighter grey. As with elephant and white rhinoceros, they tend to take the colour of the ground on which they live, through the habit of wallowing in mud and dust-bathing. Breeding: They are known to drop calves at any time of the year and have no fixed breeding season. The gestation period is about 15 months and a single calf is born at a mass of about 40kg. Size: Adults stand about 160cm at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1,000kg. The black rhino has a front horn that is sometimes as much as 107cm long. It uses this horn to defend itself and to dig. The rear horn may be the same length or shorter. The digging horn is so strong that the animal can easily uproot bushes and small trees with it. It then feeds on the leaves and twigs.