Waterberg Plateau Park

The Waterberg Park is situated +/- 280 km north of Windhoek. The mountain owes its name to the springs that surface from its lower slopes. The lush vegetation that growing here contrasts sharply with the thorn savannah of the surrounding plains. The plateau itself is one of the most interesting geological sites in the country and some features such as dinosaur tracks and petrified dunes make a must stop for travellers on the way further north. One of the most well known reasons for establishing the park was to protect and resettling endangered species (Black and White rhinoceros, Buffalo, Roan and Sable antelopes). Encounters of Leopards, Rock Dassie, Klipspringer, Tsessebe, Wild dog, Lesser Bush babies and Cheetahs are not unusual. The only known Cape vulture colony in Namibia lives on the western edge of the Waterberg plateau.

The plateau rises over 200 metres above the surrounding plains and is between 8 and 16 kilometres wide and from south-west to northeast about 49 kilometres long. The average altitude of the plateau is between 1650 and 1710 meters above sea level. The area is also very rich in a plant life with approximately five hundred plants that have been recorded in and around the park.

The geology of the plateau is just as interesting as the recent history of the area. The eroded sedimentary rock formed after it was deposited during Karoo Age about 220 to 180 million years ago. More recently, a Rhenish mission station was established at the Waterberg in 1873, than later destroyed during Nama/Herero wars and rebuilt again in 1891. During 1904 in time of Herero uprising the battle between Hereros and German Colonial forces took place at the Waterberg. As recognition of those who lost their lives and a reminder of this event a graveyard can be seen near the camp.

The rest camp can accommodate over 200 people and there are several facilities available. (see below for more information) To protect the environment private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau but park personnel organize regular excursions daily. (see below for more info)

Flora and Fuana.
One of the Waterberg’s most interesting facets is its diversity of flowering plants, trees and shrubs. Large common cluster Leaf Figs form dense canopies near the springs, where ferns create lush undergrowth. Magnificent Karee, Lead Wood and Buffalo-thorn trees can also be found here. Broad-leaf woodlands typical are typical of the sandveld of eastern and northeastern parts of Namibia and found on the sandy plateau. In addition, you will find Wild Syringe, striking Silver Cluster-leaf with its silver grey foliage and Kalahari Apple Leaf. Among the rocky outcrops the Weeping Wattle, its striking yellow flowers appearing from September to December are found. The Lavender bush and the Laurel fig, growing against the rocks add to the beauty of the rock faces. Brightly coloured lichens, of which there are more than 140 species in the Waterberg paint the rock face with brilliant abstract colours.

Ever since the park was proclaimed in 1972 as a sanctuary for Namibia’s declining eland population, it was a breeding centre for rare and endangered species. You will also find black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, roan, and sable roaming in the park. Other common antelopes included are kudu, impala, gemsbok, eland, klipspringer and steenbok. Predators in the park are leopard, cheetah, brown hyena, caracal and black-backed jackal.
In the environs of the Bernabe de la Bat Rest Camp are also home to several wonderful small mammal species. In and around the rest camp the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik can be seen from time to time while lesser bush babies might reveal themselves at dusk. Along the forest walk, packs of banded mongoose are quite often encountered.

Waterberg Camp is the gateway to the Waterberg Plateau, one of the most spectacular features of the northern region, towering some 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, with sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations.

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Guided morning and afternoon game drives – Guided and self-guided trails on plateau – Nature walks within the camp

Daily guided drives are offered to the plateau, which is managed as a breeding area for rare and endangered species, including black and white rhinoceros, disease-free buffalo, sable and roan antelope. The natural beauty of the area can also be explored on foot, by means of guided trails or self-guided trails, as well as a number of short trails from the camp, offering spectacular bird viewing opportunities and a high diversity of interesting flora.

Accommodation is provided in basic bush chalets, two and four bed bush chalets and double rooms, all nestled along the base of the Waterberg Plateau cliffs, amongst towering trees. The restaurant, bar and kiosk are housed in the historic Rasthaus, originally built in 1908 and used as a police post for several years. The open-air swimming pool with a view of the Plateau above is the perfect remedy for the weary guest. The Camp also has a very basic shop and a camping site available.