Namibia
Etosha Waterholes
Halali Restcamp & Moringa Waterhole
Halali, lies roughly midway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni and many people travelling across the park use Halali as a convenient lunch stop. It`s the smallest, usually least busy of Etosha`s three main rest camps and occupies a picturesque woodland setting at the base of a dolomite hill, or Koppie. The Moringa ovalifolia, better known as the Phantom Tree, or Fairy-tale Tree, which grows on the slopes, lends its name to this camp’s waterhole. The original mopane trees that surrounded the waterhole reached up to 15 metres but elephants have long-since bulldozed and destroyed them.
The Admin / Reception building above is where you get your permit if you haven`t already purchased one at Okaukuejo or Namutoni, or extend it if you decide to stay longer than first planned. Although Halali and the other two aforementioned camps all have shops, I would advise against relying on them if at all possible and purchase everything you need in one of the towns before entering the Park. The restcamp shops are poorly stocked most of the time although some essentials and other useful items can be found, but there are always plenty of empty shelves during peak season. Another concern is that it's clear that at least some of the staff working within are set on skimming tourists at every opportunity. Very few of the items have price labels on them, tills seem to be ‘out of order’ quite a lot, and receipts can be hard to come by, especially when ludicrous prices are charged for small, basic items. Obvious scams were experienced by my wife and I at both Okaukeujo and Namutoni on our latest visit.
Halali`s Moringa is far quieter than its counterpart at Okaukuejo but lies in a more natural setting. The lighting is best in the mornings although most animals tend to appear later in the day. Elephant, Hyena and Rhino visit often and there’s a good chance of seeing a Leopard coming to drink after dark when the location is floodlit. Honey Badgers are often present, not only at the waterhole but foraging around within the camp`s perimeter during the night.
The covered seating area at Moringo is elevated but quite small so it`s best to dine early and secure a space before the floodlights come on. There is additional standing room along the walkway itself which some photographers may prefer as this puts them a bit closer to the action. A short trail from the camping area leads past the waterhole viewing area and climbs the dolomite kopje to a viewpoint near the summit - supposedly a great spot for watching the sun rise or set over the surrounding countryside.
Halali`s swimming pool.
The following gallery contains additional views of Halali including the camping / motorhome area which is passed on the way to the waterhole. This part of the rest camp was fairly quiet when I stopped off on my last visit during late September / early October. During the height of the tourist season pitches at all the restcamps in Etosha fill quickly so booking ahead is advisable if you intend to stay during the busy period.
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On my last visit to Namibia in 2018 the first rains arrived slightly early. A heavy overnight downpour had created numerous puddles and filled roadside ditches in the vicinity of Halali. Animals were delighted to find an additional source close by, saving them a trip to the nearest waterhole. The Elephant pictured below was feeding happily beside the roadside near the restcamp.
During the dry season dust blown about by the wind or thrown up by passing vehicles coats roadside trees and shrubs, often creating a winter-like scene.