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Relict
of an ancient Desert
Waterberg (Afrikaans: water mountain) is a striking table mountain
about 50 km long and up to 16 km wide. It rises east of the
town of Otjiwarongo from a plain covered in thorn bush savannah.
The name probably stems from the many life-giving springs on
the south-eastern slopes. |
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Waterberg is covered
by a roughly 100-m thick layer of Etjo sandstone, the remnant
of fossilised dunes, estimated to be about 180 million years
old. The sand on the plateau originates from more recent times,
though. Rather deep in places, it is deposited by winds from
the Kalahari, which – as the Omaheke (or Sandveld) –
reaches Waterberg from the east. |
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Waterberg’s
red sandstone coat is very porous. Rainwater seeps away as if
absorbed by a sponge. The sandstone, however, is sitting on
an impermeable layer of rock with a slight gradient towards
south-east. Water escapes along this layer throughout the year
in the form of composite springs. |
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Paradise
for Plants and Animals
Waterberg owes its seemingly subtropical flora
to this steady flow of water. About 500 different plant
and 140 lichen species have been identified on the plateau,
the cliffs and in the immediate vicinity.
Among the most impressive trees is the enormous Waterberg
fig tree (Ficus sycomorus): the plank-like roots easily
hide
an adult.
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The lush flora offers
a variety of habitats to a diverse fauna. More than 200 bird
species have been counted at Waterberg. Among the rare species
are the Damara rockrunner, Rüppell's parrot and Hartlaub's
francolin. The cliffs are a sanctuary for Namibia’s last
colony of about 25 Cape vultures. |
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In
1972 a national park of about 406 km² was established
on the plateau. Some rare species were released - like
eland, roan and sable antelope, buffalo, white and black
rhino. In the absence of springs on the plateau seven
artificial watering places were set up.
In 1984 part of the plateau was proclaimed a 'Wilderness
Area', which is the top level of nature conservation world-wide.
Thus nature retained its almost pristine character.
We will introduce you to this wonderful mountain scenery
with its extraordinary flora and fauna - at Waterberg
Wilderness, on our guided plateau
hikes.
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Turbulent
History
The first Europeans arrive at Waterberg and the gushing
spring Otjozondjupa ('Place of the Gourd', now in the Rest Camp)
in 1851. On their forays into the area travellers Francis Galton
and Charles John Andersson come across Dama (Mountain Dama),
San (Bushmen) and cattle breeding Herero. There is also an abundance
of game: gnu, giraffe and elephant, among others. |
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In November 1873 the
Rhenish Mission Society sets up a mission station at Otjozondjupa.
Waterberg is part of the area of Herero chief Kambazembi, who
gives his consent. |
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After the Herero of
Okahandja rise against the German colonial power in January
1904, various groups start to assemble at Waterberg with their
leaders. The decisive battle is fought on 11 August 1904. Thousands
of Herero warriors and their families break through the Schutztruppe
positions and flee into the sandy waste of the Omaheke; only
a few, however, reach the destination, the British protectorate
of Bechuanaland (today’s Botswana). |
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In 1908 the old mission
at Waterberg becomes a police station. The station house, built
in 1910, is still there: in 1955 it is turned into a guest house,
and in 1989, when the Rest Camp is established, into the restaurant. |
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