Size & Location: 406km² ,300 kilometres north east of Windhoek
When to visit the park: April - October (dry, pleasant daytime temps. Below freezing at night)
Climate: Avg. temperatures range from about 20°C to 40°C
Rainfall: 500mm per annum between November and March
Altitude: 1878m above sea level

PARK INFORMATION:

Emerging suddenly out of a uniform scrubland is a gigantic orange rock with sheer sides and a flat top, the Waterberg Plateau towers over the surrounding plains, a considerable 200 metres higher. Whilst the plateau is arid on top, there is a lot of surface water and strong permanent springs at the foot of the mountain resulting in a lush and green vegetation where one can, find wild fig trees, fire lillies and coral trees. Dinosaurs once roamed this area and their prehistoric legacy can be found in the form of several three-toed footprints not far from the Waterberg. The first human inhabitants were San people, who left ancient rock engravings.

The Waterberg was the site of one of the major turning points in Namibia's History. It was here, in August 1904, that about 40.000 Herero men, women and children under the leadership of Samuel Maharero, were surrounded by 1600 German colonial soldiers and, in a devastating battle, almost annihilated.

Wildlife includes: Black and White rhino, buffalo, eland, gemsbok, giraffe, kudu, roan antelope, sable antelope, impala, klipspringer, steenbok, black-backed jackal, caracal, cheetah, brown hyena, leopard. 200 bird species have been recorded. The Park is also home to 20 types of bat and 13 frog species.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
* Hike up to the Plateau edge
* Visit to the military cemetery
* Observe wildlife in the quiet serenity of the plateau

LINKS:
Waterberg Plateau
Waterberg Plateau accommodation
Waterberg Plateau Safaris