Namibia, Botswana and Zambia
Waterberg Plateau
- Parent Category: Namibia
- Category: Waterberg Plateau
Waterberg was the site of one of the major turning points in Namibia's History. It was here, on the foothills, that the Herero people lost their last and greatest battle against the German Colonial forces at the beginning of the century. The Herero were forced to retreat from the Waterberg and headed eastward to British Betchuanaland (now Botswana). Thousands were killed by the following Germans and many lost their lives due to lack of food and water. Estimates are that nearly two thirds of the Herero population lost their lives during this period.
The plateau and 41000 hectares of surrounding land was declared a Nature Reserve in 1972. The plateau is largely inaccessible and several of Namibia's endangered species (such as black & white rhino, sable antelope and blue wildebeestwere) soon translocated here to protect them from predators and poaching. The programme was very successful and Waterberg now supplies other Namibian parks with rare animals.
While visiting the Waterberg Plateau you will have the chance to see many different species of birds over 200 different species have been recorded here including spectacular black eagles and Namibia's only breeding colony of Cape vultures. The scenery is fantastic and there are several short, self guided bush walks and two longer hikes if you are feeling energetic.
