Oponona Lake

Located in the Oshana Region in northern Namibia's Uuvudhiya Constituency, Lake Oponona is a natural lake. It is the largest lake in the Cuvelai Basin and is located around 70 kilometers from Etosha Pan.

In a productive year, it retains water until the rainy season after that. Flamingos and other birds sometimes migrate to the lake because it retains water for a long time, while swamps and other wetlands dry out. Due to the massive amount of animals that were relocated there for water during the 2012–2013 drought, Lake Oponona decreased by more than 500 meters.

The lake, which is located about 70 kilometers north of Etosha Pan, is also the source of the Ekuma River, which intermittently flows into Etosha Pan and supports the wonderfully diverse animal life that assembles there.

Because Lake Oponona holds water for a long time and offers fish and drinking water for animals, it should be used in a sustainable way. Because Blue Cranes and other endangered birds, such as White Pelicans, Lesser Flamingos, and Greater Flamingos, depend on Lake Oponona, it needs to receive protection status. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Namibia.

• Location: Oshana, Oshana Region, Namibia