Waterberg Plateau

Waterberg Plateau is an ancient sandstone block rising sharply from the plains between Windhoek and Etosha national park. The name comes from the springs at the foot of its 200-metre sheer cliffs.

The inaccessibility of much of the area made it a natural choice to safeguard endangered animals. Black rhino are among the species that have been translocated from the threat of poachers and, in other cases, predators.

The plateau is home to the Waterberg national park, notable for its rich birdlife. Private vehicles are not allowed but there are guided drives and a 4-day trail for bush-wise hikers. Amongst the features of the plateau are petrified dunes and dinosaur footprints left some 200 million years ago.

In 1904, the foothills were the site of a decisive battle when the Herero uprising was brutally put down by occupying German forces.