Flora & Fauna

Realm of Biodiversity

The special appeal of our nature reserve is attributed to the variety of landscapes and habitats: the plateau of Waterberg Mountain, the sheer sandstone cliffs, the lush vegetation on the slopes, the sheltered valley and the open plain on the border of the Kalahari. Each habitat offers special conditions for plants and animals. Flora and fauna is therefore characterized by an amazing diversity.

Flora

With about 480 plant species the Waterberg is regarded as a floral ‘hotspot’, even more so because some species are endemic – they only occur in Namibia or in the immediate vicinity of the Waterberg. The reason for this is the mountain’s location and in particular its geological singularities. Waterberg is the first elevation on the western fringe of the Kalahari: a barrier of approximately 50 km which intercepts with rain clouds. The red sandstone stores precipitation and releases this moisture during the long dry season (May – September).

Huge fig trees and rare plants such as ferns or the African flame tree grow at the upper end of the valley, where our spring keeps the ground damp throughout the year. When the rock depressions on the plateau fill up with water during the rainy season, aquatic plants and even turtles make their appearance.

Fauna

Animal life is highly diverse. Baboons live on the rocks around the plateau, the dense bush on the slopes is inhabited by Damara Dik-Dik (the smallest antelope species), klipspringer, kudu and leopard. The tree and shrub savannah of the plain below is home to giraffe, eland, oryx antelope and hartebeest, impala, blue wildebeest, zebra and springbok. The white rhino move about between the open plain and the sheltered valley. Other than leopard, one will find predators such as cheetahs, some small cat species, hyenas and jackals.

Bird lovers also adore the Waterberg: It is home to more than 200 species – including ostrich, Kori bustard and birds of prey such as the secretary bird, the Cape vulture, lappetfaced and whitebacked vulture, black eagle and bateleur. Then there are the more uncommon species like Rüppell’s parrot, rockrunner and Hartlaub’s francolin. Even various species of geese, ducks, egrets and spoonbills can be seen when the large clay pan in the plain fills up after good rains. Many different weavers and their nest-building can also be observed during the rainy season.

What to experience at Waterberg Wilderness

Our tip: Make sure you arrive before 15h00 in order to join our rhino drive.

Plateau Hike

Your hiking guide climbs the plateau with you (approx. 150 m above the plains). He explains plants and animals in the park to you and gives you an insight into the daily life and culture of the Herero people living in this area.

Rhino Drive

Round trip through the African bush savannah at the foot of the Waterberg. We almost always rub shoulders with rhino. With a little luck you will encounter game such as giraffe, oryx and eland, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest and kudu.

Honeymoon Sundowner

Enjoy your exclusive sundowner on Mount Olympus at the edge of the Kalahari. In the afternoon your guide hikes with you onto the plateau and gives you insights into nature as well as life and traditions of the Herero people.

Activities

All for ONE, ONE for Nature.

Waterberg Wilderness is part of the ONE Namibia company, which wants to preserve wildlife and natural habitats – with income from existing hospitality businesses, sustainable agriculture and the sale of shares. Everyone can help. Actively and directly. As a partner and supporter. ONE Namibia offers a solid corporate concept. Virtual visits via the Internet. Lodge vouchers. Free camping and Rhino Tracking tours. Find out more & participate now.