Natural phenomenon in Etosha: Dust-dry pan becomes a huge lake

Anyone visiting Etosha National Park these days will hardly believe their eyes. Where photos on the Internet or in brochures show an endless white, dusty expanse, a gigantic lake spreads out.

The reason for this rare natural phenomenon is very heavy rainfall in the areas to the north and east of Etosha National Park. A branch of the Kunene River and the Cuvelai system in the north and the Omuramba Owambo in the east are the main tributaries of the former lake, which has been dry for millions of years.

It does happen more frequently that parts of the pan and side pans fill with water. However, it is rare for the huge salt pan to turn into a lake. According to Wikipedia, this was last the case in 2008.

The water attracts thousands of flamingos, which also breed in the Etosha pan.

Sven-Eric Stender