Namibia Tracks & Trails Tours now offered on Namibia Reservations

4 Tours of Namibia Tracks & Trails have been included to the Namibia Reservations website.


For more than 20 years Namibia Tracks & Trails has been organizing lodge- and camping safaris in Namibia offering all the excitement of a true African experience backed by the local expertise to make it a truly memorable trip.
We keep social responsibility in mind when planning and guiding trips. We support sustainable tourism and design safaris that have a positive impact on both the client and the indigenous people we meet.
All our guides are dedicated conservationists with an intimate knowledge of the fauna, flora and cultures of the region. They love their country, have been raised in it and know what is has to offer. They speak three languages and are able to communicate with the ethnic groups of Namibia. All our safaris are offered on a non participating basis with the entire camping equipment supplied by us.

More details on the tours offered visit:

http://www.namibiareservations.com/namibia_tracks_trails.html

Dorob National Park regulations expected to be announced in January 2011

The regulations for the newly proclaimed Dorob National Park are expected to be announced in the first week of January 2011.

Following the park’s proclamation on 1 December 2010, holidaymakers in the former National West Coast Recreation Area (which forms the core of the park) complained bitterly about the enforcement of the regulations – which were never publicized.
The coastal office of the Afrikaans daily, Republikein, reports that the park regulations will differ from those in other conservation areas in the interior. Provision will be made for recreation activities such as walking along the beach and in the Swakop River, as well as the walking of pets in certain areas such as the Swakop River Valley.
According to Republikein most of the problems were reported from Mile 72 where spot fines were issued to visitors who did not pass through the gate of the popular campsite on their way to fishing spots along this stretch of coast. Reports were also received of horse-riders and people walking their dogs in the Swakop River being ordered to leave the area by over-zealous Ministry of Environment and Tourism officials.
The proclamation of the Dorob National Park has also raised questions about the status of the Messum Crater – a popular destination with 4x4 enthusiasts. Republikein’s office at the coast has since established that the inland boundary of the Dorob National Park follows the original boundary of the National West Coast Recreation Area. The boundary cuts through the centre of the crater and the western half of the crater, therefore, now falls in the Dorob National Park.
Off-road enthusiasts are advised to familiarise themselves with the new regulations (when they are made public) – especially with regard to off-road travel.

Derived from TourNamibia

NWR Gross Barmen Resort closed for redevelopment

The once popular Gross Barmen Resort and Health Spa will be closing its doors for two years while the more than N$285 million re-development phase gives the resort a new look.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the re-development of the resort on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Permanent Secretary of Tourism. he said the Gross Barmen resort had reached the end of its lifespan as the needs and requirements of the modern tourist have gradually changed. A direct investment of N$220 million was approved by Government for the new concept and design of Gross Barmen and, in addition, Cabinet approved a further N$65 for the redevelopment of the resort through a Government guarantee for financing at the Development Bank.

The new tourism facilities will consist of the main complex of a hotel with 50 beds, a conference hall with 250 seating capacity, 37 chalets, camping sites, a main spa complex with indoor health spa pools, a wellness section with massage rooms, a restaurant and floating bar and recreation facilities such as a mini-golf course, fully equipped gym facilities, squash and tennis courts and a kiddies playground. The Gross Barmen project will officially be launched into the market in the 2012 tourism season as a complete tourism product and will be a complete independent facility operated as a subsidiary of NWR.

Derived from NamibianSun

Dorob National Park - Namibia's 8th National Park

The creation of the first mega-park in Namibia is now one step closer, following the proclamation of the Dorob National Park.
The newly proclaimed park incorporates the former National West Coast Recreation Area, which stretches from the Ugab River southwards to just north of Swakopmund, as well as a large swathe of the Namib section of the Namib-Naukluft Park.
The 780 000 ha National West Coast Recreation Area was proclaimed in 1973, but as it did not enjoy the same status as game and national parks little could be done to prevent indiscriminate off-road driving and the control of quad bikes, as well as other conservation regulations.
This area, which is renowned for its excellent fishing, is also an important breeding ground of the Damara tern. It also has several extensive lichen fields such as those at Wlotzkasbaken and northeast of Cape Cross.
Among the areas excluded from the park are the following: the railway line between Arandis, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the municipal areas of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Hentiesbaai, the peri-urban area of Wlotzkasbaken, Cape Cross Lodge, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, proclaimed roads and several farms in the Swakop River.
The Dorob National Park borders in the south on the Namib-Naukluft Park which in turn is bounded by the Sperrgebiet National Park. North of the Ugab River, the Dorob National Park borders on the Skeleton Coast Park which is to become a transfrontier park with the Ioana National Park in Angola in terms of a memorandum of understanding signed between the governments of Namibia and Angola in 2003.
The establishment of the Dorob National Park on 1 December 2010 is the final piece of the puzzle which will enable Namibia’s conservation authorities to proclaim a mega-park, provisionally named the Namib Skeleton Coast National Park (NSCNP). It will stretch between the Orange River and the Kunene River and will also adjoin the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (between Namibia and South Africa) in the south.
The 10.754 million hectare mega-park will be the 6th largest terrestrial park in the world and the largest in Africa.

Derived from TourNamibia

Information can also be viewed on the Republikein News paper as Afrikaans version: http://www.republikein.com.na/politiek-en-nasionale/toerisme-en-omgewingsake/dorob-kry-status.118451.php

We will keep you updated with more information coming soon!

Lüderitz Package offered by Namibia Reservations

For the perfect getaway or savouring oysters and lobsters, Namibia Reservations offers a wonderful package:

2 Persons - Double Room at Lüderitz Nest Hotel for 2 Nights
2 Days Car Rental - Group B
including return flight on Air Namibia

For only N$ 3 969.00 per person sharing (excluding Airport Taxes)

Special offer is valid until 31.01.2011 Terms and Conditions apply

Contact travel@namibiareservations.com for more details

Developments and updates from Namibia Country Lodges

Developments in Khaudum:
The long-awaited developments in Khaudum National Park are in the final planning stages. The Khaudum North Complex consists of three Conservancies with whom NCL has a Joint Venture. The focus is to promote Tourism and create much needed employment within the Conservancies and to protect one of Namibia last wilderness areas. Renovation work on both existing campsites should kick off at the start of February 2011. The aim is to keep the nine campsites rustic to blend in with the natural wilderness area but to provide communal ablution facilities with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Each site will have its own "braai" area and grid with a water point. Bonus - no electricity for the true nature lover!

Estimated completion is about end of April, weather permitting and provided the elephants don't pop in for a look and disrupt the work.
The second phase will be construction of both Sikereti and Khaudum luxury bush camps.
Both camps will have eight en-suite tented units on decks and one central main area.
The date of completion is difficult to estimate considering the challenging environment of the Khaudum, building logistics and strict environmental guidelines we need to adhere to while building.
For more details: www.namibiareservations.com/tsumkwelodgee.html

Namushasha Country Lodge:
Is enjoying tremendous success with most of their game drives. They are encountering large herds of elephant, buffalo and a variety of antelope species on a daily basis. It still remains a birders paradise though, especially with all the migrants returning with the rainy season.
For more details: http://www.namibiareservations.com/namushashae.html

Auob Country Lodge:
Hosted their first dinner on the dunes under the Southern Cross. Guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the red Kalahari sand while feasting on wholesome farm style cooking. The venue even has a little corner allocated in case "nature calls" Stargazing, under the clear night skies, is a popular activity to round off the evening.
For more details: http://www.namibiareservations.com/auobe.html

Solitaire Country Lodge:
Camels Namibia has agreed to permanently base their six adult camels and two calves at Solitaire Country Lodge. Some guests find the camels amusing, while others dare to
take a short ride. Camels Namibia hopes to offer longer day rides, combined with a sleep-out option by early next year.
For more details:
http://www.namibiareservations.com/solitaire_country_lodge.html

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge:
Renovated their bathrooms and painted the inside of all their rooms. They are systematically converting all their beds to ¾ beds with new mattresses and linen. New cotton duvets will replace the blankets. We should have new images
ready by February.
For more details: http://www.namibiareservations.com/twyfellodgee.html

Contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com for bookings or selfdrive tours of these establishments.

Central Guesthouse on Namibia Reservations Website

Situated in the heart of Swakopmund - Namibia, the Central Guesthouse Swakopmund Bed and Breakfast is located in a quiet side street just five minutes from downtown Swakopmund and a ten minutes walk from the beach and offers great and affordable room accommodation in Swakopmund.
Seven clean and spacious guest rooms with private en-suite bathrooms furnished with exquisite mahogany and modern decor. Each hotel guest room is fitted with high-quality extra-long beds, premium bedding, modern flat screen televisions and a private safe to make your accommodation stay as comfortable and secure as possible. Our pension also offers wireless Internet access, mini bar and DSTV ideal for leisure, tourist and business travelers.

The elegant and esthetically furnished Swakopmund guesthouse lounge and open fireplace highlight the personal and luxurious character of the B & B.
In the mornings we spoil our hotel guests with a magnificent breakfast buffet and a sumptuous food selection complemented with home-baked goodies.
Other hotel accommodation room amenities of our guesthouse include our hotel's own secure parking lot, express laundry service and a comfortable smoking area in the hotel courtyard.

For more details visit our website: www.namibiareservations.com/central_guesthouse.html

or contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Local Sossusvlei & Etosha News from Taleni Africa

All three lodges of Taleni Africa (Sossusvlei Lodge, Desert Camp and Taleni Etosha Village) won an award of excellence and the Sossus Oasis Campsite an Eco Award. The continuous service of excellence; friendly staff, best food and interesting lodge concepts have led to these awards.

Selfcatering in the holiday season:

Etosha Village pffers self-catering in the December - January holiday season. The restaurant is closed from 13.December 2010 to 13. January 2011 wuth catering provided for pre-booked meals. Kitchen staff will be available in this period to assist self-caters who wish to order fresh food supplies such as freshly baked breads, salads, BBQ packs and more. Eating- & cooking utensils are available as well as all other facilities at the Lodge.

For more details of Taleni Etosha Village visit: www.namibiareservations.com/etosha_village.html

News from Kalizo Lodge

This year for us at kalizo went from one extreme to the other with the worst flood we have ever experienced which closed kalizo for 2 months to the best period we have had with wonderful business starting with the Soccer World Cup right through to the new year of 2010.

Kalizo is looking really great with lots of renovations and alterations being done this year. We can now accommodate 6 more people in self catering making a total of 24 people in self catering.

The Fishing was really good this year as well.

Kalizo is now in a conservancy area, which extends from Kalimbeza to Milindi which is fantastic, as we now have a guard at the carmine – bee – eaters. We had a Film crew from Japan who filmed the carmines as well. We are now going to be part of the Kaza, (5 countries,) which will be the largest Conversation area in the World, which will be a benefit to all of us, bringing a large amount of game into our areas.
Kalizo river frontage has been increased by 360meters, and in this area we will be putting in a new Camp site and additional self catering houses.

Val was elected Personality of the Year for the Namibian Hospitality Industry (HAN) for her contribution in promoting the Caprivi Region. They said that Val had worked tirelessly (often against all odds) to promote not only the Caprivi region but Namibia as a whole.

For all those that know the Caprivi, it is a long journey to get here, but once you are here we have excellent game parks in the Caprivi Region and on the border the one of the best game parks in Southern Africa – Chobe National Park. We are also only 250km from Victoria Falls (One of the 7 great wonders of the world.)

For more details and bookings contact: info@namibiareservations.com

New on Namibia Reservations Website

Namibia Reservations has included a new establishment on the website:

Bergheim offers country living and homely atmosphere!
We are surrounded by huge mountains with breathtaking views from our well kept garden. Enjoy sunsets on the Auas Mountain range and relax at one of our two swimming pools.
The rooms are elegant and spacious with en suite facilities and ceiling fans
Bergheim is ideally situated to start of end you tour through Namibia.
Game Reserves and Restaurants are nearby.

Visit our website for more details: www.namibiareservations.com/bergheim.html

or contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Happenings in Namibia

GUEST FARM KIRIPOTIB
They have completed two luxury tents for the ‘budget- conscious’ traveller. These tents are equipped with comfortable beds, en suite bathroom and ceiling fans. Each is also covered by a grass roof, which makes them comfortably cool even in the heat of the day.
http://www.namibiareservations.com/kiripotibe.html NEW AT KUPFERQUELLE RESORT:
• All the rooms now are equipped with small fridges.
• Additional bedside lamps were added.
• A swimming club was formed and now uses the pool at Kupferquelle for training.
• Kupferquelle now also boasts with volleyball equipment, as well as 2 trampolines.
• Throughout the whole resort solar panels were added so that each chalet now has it‘s own solar panel.
More exciting developments are planned for 2011!
http://www.namibiareservations.com/kupferquelle_resort.html
LÜDERITZ NEST HOTEL:
There are so many interesting old and new things to do in Lüderitz. Beside the very interesting city tours on offer, there is the new Oyster Farm and Bar, which is well worth a visit. A selection of boat cruises are also on offer from a sailing boat to a catamaran, also catering for bigger groups. These boat cruises are very exclusive and interesting since
there are many small islands that one passes by during the trip. Of course you will see dolphins and other marine life, but no other place in Namibia will you be able to see the Jackass Penguins.
The opening of the Sperrgebiet road is no longer a distant dream, but will be reality in the near future. This again opens up a whole new route in southern Namibia.
Other news from the hotel is that as from 1 January
2011 all rooms in the hotel will be non-smoking rooms.
http://www.namibiareservations.com/neste.html

ROSTOCK RITZ DESERT LODGE:
Our wildlife is growing at Rostock Ritz and Kücki reported on 4 November that a new baby Oryx was born and spotted during the scenic drive. Julia was at the lodge on 1st and 2nd November and spotted Springbuck, Oryx, Kudus, Ostrich, Jackal and ample
of Zebra during the scenic drive.
With a bit of luck when one stays up a little later at the restaurant, you might see the jackal that comes for his daily evening visit onto the terrace.
http://www.namibiareservations.com/rostocke.html ZELDA GAME & GUEST FARM:
The camp sites have been completely revamped with new water points and each now also has an electricity point. They also added nice large tables at each site.
http://www.namibiareservations.com/zeldaguestfarme.html