The word ''etosha'' means place of dry water or, according to other sources, huge, white area. The park was reduced in 1947 by allocating Kaokoland to Herero. The present size of the park is 77 per cent less than before the Odendaal Commission. Best time for visit. Winters are cool and dry in the park.
Game tend to stay closer to water holes and chances to spot species are better.
The rainy season normally begins at the end of October - beginning of November. The oldest camp in the park, opened in October 1957, is the home of Etosha Ecological Institute. The camp was opened in 1958. The garrison of seven German soldiers successfully defended fort for the whole day and retreated later during the night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambos.