The Waterberg Plateau towers 400 metres above the surrounding plains, and 1878 metres above sea level, dominating the landscape for miles around. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. The first human inhabitants were San people, who left rock engravings believed to be several thousand years old, and a small band of San were still living their traditional lifestyle on the plateau until the late 1960's.
Many tourists are attracted by the red glowing reflections during sunsets from the Waterberg plateau that can be observed from many kilometers away. It is the most important sanctuary for endangered animals in Namibia. White and black rhino, buffalo and shy antelope species roam on top of the nearly inaccessible plateau of the mountain. 200 bird species and a great variety of reptiles and amphibians are also part of this biosphere of Waterberg. Game drives are offered, but the best way to discover the area is on foot. A network of walking trails is laid out, offering an opportunity to take short walks or up to 3-day hikes across this huge 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. Visitors can still view the graves of German soldiers who lost their lives at Waterberg near the Bernabe De La Bat rest camp. |
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| Waterberg - table mountain on the edge of the Kalahari |
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