Waterberg Plateau Park

The Waterberg Plateau east of Otjiwarongo towers above the surrounding plains by 200 metres. The table mountain massif is 20 kilometers wide and 50 kilometers long and consists of porous sandstone. Rain just seeps through the porous ground until it gets to an impermeable clay layer. While it is very dry on top of the plateau, there is a lot of surface water and strong permanent springs at the foot. That is why the vegetation here is abundant, green and very diverse. One can see wild fig tree, fire lilies and coral trees. This fertile plain is also the habitat for many animals.

In 1972 the Waterberg and the surrounding plains, alltogether some 400 square kilometres, were placed under nature conservation and is now a National Park. Endangered animal species have been settled in the park, among them White and Black Rhino, Damara Dik-Diks, Sable Antelopes and Blue Wildebeets. Some Cape Vulture pairs made the Waterberg their breeding ground, unique in Namibia. The wings of these almost extinct birds spread over 3 metres.

Great hikes and relaxation in a stunning natural environment await the visitor of the Waterberg Plateau National Park. The park offers daily safari and nature drives to the plateau. The excellent Bérnabé-de-la-Bat Restcamp has a restaurant, holiday chalets and a big swimming pool. The Waterberg area boasts some excellent private lodges and guestfarms.

Traditionally the Waterberg is the settlement area of the Herero people. In August 1904, 1600 German soldiers encircled the Hereros – about 40,000 men, women and children - under their leader Samuel Maharero at the Waterberg and defeated them in a dramatic battle close to annihilation. Only very few Hereros could escape annd flee through the Kalahari desert (Omaheke) to Botswana. A war cemetery still reminds of the gruesome events.

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