Wildfires in recent weeks have destroyed much of Etosha National Park – approximately 10% of the park – and killed many animals. With several fires raging through the park roughly 30 rhino (25 black and 5 white), 50 giraffes, 7 elephants, at least 2 lions and nearly 370,000 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed.

Of course these are only rough estimates and wildlife officials caution the death toll could be higher as the park encompasses 2.2 million hectares.

Despite the parks extensive preparation ahead of the fire season, the fires of 2011 was fuelled by strong winds. With greater rainfall than normal earlier in the year, resulting in tall grasses and thick growth only added to the destruction.

I set out to evaluate the fires at Etosha myself

I set out to see the destruction for myself and visited the park over a 3 day period. A large section had been destroyed along the southern edge between Namutoni and Halali. Several plumes of smoke across the distant horizon could be seen at any given time. More scattered areas had been burned between Halali and Okuekuejo.

It was a bit shocking to see such large areas affected by the natural cycle we sometimes have trouble coming to terms with but my general analysis after my 3 day visit was that many of the trees still appeared to be alive and with the rainy season on its way the park’s environment will quickly rebound.

Did it affect my wildlife viewing?

I don’t think it did. I still saw plenty of plains game, large herds of elephant, a pride of lionesses and their cubs along with separate sightings of 2 pairs of male lions. Impala, springbok, and ostrich all seemed to be attracted to the burned areas, perhaps to eat the ash from the vitamins and minerals that are released.

If you’re planning to visit Etosha National Park in the near future don’t change your plans.  You will still see plenty of wildlife you came looking for. The fires at Etosha are completely natural and will benefit the ecosystem in the long-run.