Olifantsrus Activities
The main attraction of Olifantsrus Camp in Etosha, is the spectacular double-storey hide-out, which is located outside the safety fencing around the camp, but safely hidden behind massive glass panels – affording guests the opportunity to be up-close to the wild animals drinking at the waterhole. Flood-lights provide longer viewing hours all through the night.
Game Viewing at the Hide-Out
Game viewing at Olifantsrus is something special, due to the availability of a safe lookout-point, situated right at the waterhole. The bottom floor has huge windows, affording views at eye-level with the wildlife drinking water.
The second floor has large openings, which is covered with canvas, but can be opened, to give viewers the opportunity to watch the animals from above. The 270-degree views over the plains of Western Etosha brings endless photographic moments and the sunset is particularly breathtaking when viewed from the top floor of the hide-out.
The hide-out is outside the fencing and can be reached by a wooden
pathway, leading over the fence and into the modern building. It is
the ideal place to settle early morning or around sunset and to capture
the animals visiting the waterhole and interacting with each other.
Game Drives
The Western part of Etosha was off-limits to the general public until fairly recently, which means not much development took place in this area.
Galton Gate is a new entrance to the park and there are only two camps, being Olifantsrus and Dolomite Hill, on this side of the Park. This means the wildlife lived fairly undisturbed by human interaction and game drives brings one in contact with large herds of animals.
Self-drive excursions can be undertaken to the waterholes in the area. The animals mostly congregate at the waterholes as this source of life is hard to come by in the arid landscape.
Visitors Information Centre
Wildlife Management is a science which does not have exact answers to all problems. Because humans are still learning about nature and how it should be managed, a variety of projects have been undertaken over the years – some with a lessor degree of success than others.
One of these projects was the control of elephants in Etosha, because these gentle giants don’t have any natural enemies and their numbers can easily increase beyond control.
At Olifantsrus – which means Place of rest for elephants – is a small museum and interpretation centre, displaying the sad story of how humans tried to figure out how to manage the wildlife in this part of the Park. It provides insight on the usage of the massive equipment at the entrance of Olifantsrus Camp.
The Interpretation Centre is open to all visitors to Etosha, even if
not staying overnight at Olifantsrus Camp.
Picnic Sites
Picnic sites are provided at Olifantsrus Camp, for those who don’t camp or were not lucky enough to book a campsite at this exclusive camp.
When travelling between Galton Gate and Dolomite Camp or Okaukeujo, make a stop at Olifantsrus for a well-deserved break and enjoy a picnic before continuing on to your destination.
Firewood and firelighters can be bought from the small Kiosk at reception at Olifantsrus. Light meals are also available for those who are in too much of a hurry to enjoy a barbecue, but who want to stretch legs and enjoy a break.