Friday, February 27, 2015

Best of Namibia Fly-In Safari

7 day Namibia Fly-In safari explores the red dunes of Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha Game Reserve.

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

To observe Namibia from the air is an awe-inspiring experience: the vast expanses of moving, rippling sands, the great blue skies and grey of the ocean extending to the horizon.This safari explores four distinct regions: the sands and red dunes of Sossusvlei; the icy, life-filled coasts at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay; the stark plains of Damaraland, with their desert-adapted elephants; and the amazing wildlife abundance on the savannah of Etosha.

DAYS 1 & 2: Little Kulala Camp
Depart by light aircraft from Windhoek for a one-hour flight to Sossusvlei, Little Kulala Camp, for two nights to explore the Reserve.



DAYS 3 & 4: Damaraland Camp or Desert Rhino Camp
Fly over the Namib Desert for an alternative view of the dunes from the air and then due west to Meob Bay on the Skeleton Coast.
 

 
DAYS 5 & 6: Ongava Tented Camp or Ongava Lodge
Fly by light aircraft today from Damaraland to Ongava Game Reserve for a further two-night stay at the camp of your choice. Highlights are the game drives into Etosha National Park as well as night drives, nature walks and hides on the private Ongava Game Reserve.


DAY 7: Windhoek
Depart Ongava by light air charter back to Windhoek where the safari ends at either Windhoek Eros or Windhoek International Airport.
 
For more information please contact as at

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Ai Ais

Welcome to Ai Ais Resort in Fish River Canyon

Meaning ‘burning water’ in the local Nama dialect, /Ai-/Ais is in reference to the natural thermal springs found at the base of the mountain peaks at the southern end of the Fish River canyon. It is popular with tourists, who come for both the hot springs, and the challenging 85 km Fish River Canyon hike. The area has rugged and beautiful scenery and diverse flora, containing elements of both the Succulent karoo (winter rainfall) and Nama karoo (summer rainfall) biomes..

Accommodation:
Riverview/Mountainview Rooms
   

Camping site:
The Camping Site at Ai Ais is situated right alongside the riverbed at the end   of the Fish River Canyon.

Attractions & Activities
- Spa facilities
- Swimming pool
- Play a Game of Tennis
- Hiking
- Explore the Fish River Canyon


For more information please contact us at



Monday, February 23, 2015

Popular attractions in and around Otjiwarongo


Otjiwarongo is an attractive, neatly kept town which enjoys all the modern amenities of supermarkets, banks, hotels and restaurants. The area also offers various popular attractions.
Places to visit:
1.Crocodile Farm
The crocodile farm near the eastern border of town, where you can observe and photograph crocodiles at close range and learn about the breeding habits of these reptiles.The ranch exports the skins, but sells the meat locally.
• Guided tour
• Wide selection of crocodiles
• Curio shop
• Restaurant and refreshments 

2.Cheetah Conservation 
Namibia has the largest remaining population of free-ranging cheetahs, some 2 500, in the world. The Cheetah Conservation Fund, which is specifically dedicated to the survival of cheetahs, has established an information centre 44km outside of Otjiwarongo. They welcome day visitors who can meet and learn more about cheetahs and cheetah conservation in Namibia.

3.Waterberg Plateau
The spectacular Waterberg Plateau rises about 200m above the surroundinglandscape.Waterberg Plateau is a unique flat-topped plateau with stunning scenery and excellent wildlife. It’s largely made of sandstone, often sculpted into amazing shapes, and is dotted with freshwater springs. The diverse patchwork of wooded areas, grasslands and verdant ravines on the top is particularly well suited to hiking trips.
It is situated about 50km east of Otjiwarongo. 

http://www.namibiareservations.com/waterbergwildernesse.html
For more information please contact us at

Friday, February 20, 2015

Home Away From Home

 Welcome to Okonjima, home of The AfriCat Foundation– the perfect African safari destination.

http://www.okonjima.com/content/The_Okonjima_story

Namibian safaris are truly wonderful and as The AfriCat Foundation rehabilitates cheetahs, wild dogs hyaenas and leopards, there are opportunities to see these beautiful carnivores in their natural environment.

 Things to Do: 
 
1.THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION: AfriCat is a non-profit organisation set up to conserve and protect threatened cheetah, leopard, and other wild carnivores of Namibia.

2.BUSHMAN TRAIL:
Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. It constitutes an easy walking trail and is highly informative.

3.GAME DRIVE: After dinner, guests are invited to join a guided, night-drive in the 20 000ha / 200km² private, nature reserves.
 
4.PHOTOGRAPHY:  With the abundance of animals and bird life and 
 spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer’s paradise

 


 Accommodation

The Grand, African Villa:
The Villa overlooks a natural waterhole and is situated in a secluded wilderness area, approximately 10 km from our Base.



        For more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com



Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Damaraland Paradise

Paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland.Waving palms whispering in the wind, spectacular surroundings which harbour the famous desert elephant, the rare black rhino, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and many other wild animal species, sunsets to dream of. This is Palmwag Lodge, one of Namibia's oldest and most popular tourist rendezvous.


Beautiful landscape,breath taking view.

Activities:
1.Sightseeing
Damaraland wildlife excursion-Enjoy a tour in open 4 x 4 game-viewing vehicles. Spectacular close-up viewing of Namibia’s only free-ranging game e.g. zebra, kudu, oryx, springbuck and with a bit of luck the endangered black rhino and desert elephant. 


2.Rhino Tracking
Rhino tracking excursions are guided by a qualified guide from Palmwag Lodge and a qualified tracker from the Rhino Rangers / Save the Rhino Trust


Directions
Palmwag Lodge is situated just a few kilometres north of the junction of the C43 and the C39. Heading north, it is on the left, immediately after the veterinary fence, and its concession stretches off to the west, as far as the Skeleton Coast. 

For more information please contact us at: 

Monday, February 16, 2015

Namibia Tourist Attractions

Heroes Acre Windhoek Namibia
Heroes Acre is an official war memorial of the government of Namibia and is located in the Auas Mountains, less than 10km south of the capital city of Windhoek. The idea for such a memorial was suggested by the founding father, President Sam Nujoma on a visit to Zimbabwe in 1997. Mansudae Overseas Projects, a company from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), was controversially given the contract to build the 732 acre monument. The inauguration of the Heroes Acre Monument was on the 26th August 2002, celebrated annually as Heroes Day.
 Commemorative sites at Heroes Acre include:



The Entrance Gates: As you approach Heroes Acre, the entrance gates are flanked by 2 kneeling women offering bouquets of flowers, a symbolic welcoming gesture in true Namibian tradition.


The Obelisk: At 34m high, the obelisk is the focal point of the monument. The bravery, courage and perseverance of those who participated in Namibia's long and fierce liberation battle is represented at the rear by a Copper Mural which takes on the appearance of a sword.


The Unknown Soldier:A statue 8m high, cast in bronze in the form of a warrior, represents all Namibians who died in the struggle for independence from colonial rule. It weighs 4 tons. The soldier is carrying an AK 47 assault rifle, the most reliable and effective small arm of the era, the standard weapon of (PLAN) the People's Liberation Army of Namibia. An anti-tank grenade is brandished in his right hand. The wording underneath the soldier and on the front face of the pedestal are a cast replica of President Sam Nujoma's own hand-writing. It serves as a symbolic resting place for all sons and daughters of Namibia who gave their lives during the liberation struggle. It states:

'Glory to the fallen Heroes and Heroines of the motherland Namibia! Sam Nujoma 26th August 2002'





 The Bronze Mural: A bronzed mural illustrates the struggle of indigenous Namibians. Viewed from left to right, the 4 plates depict:The suffering and oppression under Imperial Germany's colonial rule from 1884 to 1915. The Herero nation suffered near extinction in the 1904-1907 uprising.Petitioning the United Nations for Independence from the South African occupation in the early 1960's at the onset of apartheid policies.The 26th of August 1966 was when SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) attacked a contingent of South Africa forces at Ongulumbashe in the northern Omusati Region of Namibia. A state of war now existed between PLAN and the South African apartheid regime, a fight that would last for the best part of 30 years.'Freedom Fight We Have Won' was sung victoriously on the 21st March 1990, when the flag of South Africa was lowered and the national flag of Namibia was raised for the first time. The mural is completed with the Unknown Soldier leading victorious fighters into Namibia. A mother and child at the rear are praising them for their bravery and sacrifices.


The Eternal Flame: 'Represents the undying spirit of freedom and recognition of the ultimate sacrifice that all of the fallen sons and daughters made for Namibia'. Provision has been made for 170 resting places at Heroes Acre. There are 9 symbolic graves of: Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, Kaptein Jacob Marenga, Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, Chief Samuel Maharero, Chief Nehale Iya Mpingana, Chief Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Chief Ipumbu ya Tshilongo, Chief Hosea Kutako, Mama Kakarakuze Mungunda.

For more information please contact us at:
info@namibiareservations.com
www.namibiareservations.com

Friday, February 13, 2015

The Sun Set


Welcome to Wolwedans
Wolwedans is more than a mere collection of camps – it’s ethos lies in setting an example in ecotourism, sustainability and its commitment to the conservation of NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Your African dream desert vacation becomes real with us. Our Collection of Camps nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of diverse and breathtaking desert scenery. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia.


Desert Chefs 
 Weddings 
The setting could have fallen out of the pages of a fairytale: your toes caressed by the warm dune sand, the golden desert chapel glistening in the late afternoon sun
 
Mountain View Suite
With 200 square metres of deck rising above the dunes, the Mountain View Suite provides ample living space and adds a touch of luxury to the Wolwedans Collection.
Dine & Wine
All meals at Wolwedans are a lavish, but unpretentious affair. They always exude a sense of occasion with elegant table settings, candlelight and exuberant menu announcements in the local Nama language, paired with excellent local and South African wines.
Wellness
So as not to neglect your physical wellbeing during your stay, Wolwedans has a seasonal massage therapist specializing in Swedish massage, Marula Oil Massage, Indian Head Massage and Foot Massage. Enjoy a range of soothing massages in the serenity of the surrounding desert, making your Wolwedans experience even more memorable.

For more info please contact us at:

                                       

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Unrivalled access to the red dunes of Sossusvlei


Family-friendly Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Comprising 23 thatched and canvas "kulalas" with en-suite bathrooms and verandas, each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop for sleep-outs under the stars. There are also three tents which can accommodate a family of four each.
The convivial main area includes a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the riverbed – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista and to contemplate the day’s exciting activities.

Things to do at Kulala Desert Lodge 

Visit Sesriem Canyon

The result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth.Views from the top are breathtaking, while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons. 

Star bed

Sleep out under the starry starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the roof or your unit.




Horse riding safari*

Ride through some of the most spectacular and unusual scenery on the planet on well-schooled horses.
                         
 
If you wish to make a booking, please contact us at: 

Thursday, February 5, 2015

5 Namibia Safari Essentials


Safari in Namibia- there's nothing quite like it.

Namibia is a great place to go on safari. Not only will you see amazing animals — leopard, cheetah and desert-adapted elephants anyone? — but you can also see shipwrecks on the otherwise empty Skelton Coast, climb red sand dunes, and walk through canyons. On top of this Namibians are amongst the nicest people on the planet and they love sharing their gorgeous country with visitors.

One of the Skeleton Coast's many wrecks.


What you need to bring with you on a Namibian safari will, of course, depend a great deal on the way you travel. If you are driving yourself and camping, your needs will differ greatly from if you are being driven by a guide and staying at the top lodges.

1. Washable multi-purpose shoes
The most useful thing I had with me were my Crocs. They weren’t the dorky ones — I could get away with wearing them with a skirt for dinner. They were extremely comfortable (and I am prone to blisters). I wore them every day except on rocky hikes. Most importantly I could rinse them off in the shower every night, and they dried almost instantly. This is extremely important in such a dusty environment.

You’ll be thankful for washable shoes if you unexpectedly encounter rhino dung on a walking trail.
  

2. A carabiner
A carabiner is always useful to attach your hat, water bottle, or whatever to your day bag. When you walk up a sand dune, or walk the 1.1 km to Deadvlei, the carabiner is useful for attaching your (washable multi-purpose) shoes to you belt or your day-pack.
A carabiner.


It is much easier to move through the sand in bare feet, especially climbing a steep sand dune before breakfast. Your toes will help you dig in to the sand so instead of two steps forward, one step back, you will be two steps forward, 1/2 back. Yes, you could wear your boots, but on the dunes the sand will leak in, and you won’t get the toe help. And yes, it is a bit chilly on the sand in bare feet until the sun comes up, but just dig your toes under the surface a bit to warm them up. Clip you shoes to your pack and you won’t have to carry them. Nor will you worry that they get lost at the base of the dune, hidden by blowing sand during your climb.
 
Deadvlei, in bare feet.

You’ll probably want the air on your toes to walk to Deadvlei. There is a mixture of loose sand and hard-baked (but nice and smooth) salt pan. Most people do this walk around 9:00 – 10:00 in the morning, when it is starting to get warm. It just feels more fun in bare feet. But under no circumstances should you leave your shoes in your vehicle — you must carry them with you (leave your hands free for photos with your carabiner). If you walk back from Deadvlei after about 10:30 am without shoes, you will burn your feet on the sand. The guides will tell you the story of the guy who had to take off his t-shirt, and borrow his friend’s, and tie them around his shoeless feet to walk back. Don’t be that guy.


3. Closed-toe boots


Also useful are closed toe shoes or boots — Blundstones in my case. You’ll need these for rocky hikes, like the Sesriem Canyon in Sossusvlei and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein rock engravings. You’ll also need closed toe footwear in the evenings. 
In the winter (June – September), it can get very chilly at night, and you’ll need the warmth of boots and socks. (And, despite the chilly mornings and evenings, winter / early spring is when you want to go to Namibia because the lack of leaves on the trees make it a lot easier to spot wildlife). Closed toe boots are also essential for foot protection from mosquitoes, especially in the malarial zones (Etosha National Park being a main one). Mosquitoes are rarer in the winter, but you may find some at dawn and dusk.

If you want to catch the last golden hour of the day outdoors you'll need to keep warm.


You’ll also want protection from snakes. In the winter it will be unlikely that you’ll see them — in the afternoons they’ll be warming up in the sun and in the evenings they’ll be cold and practically hibernating, under a rock or in a tree. Your chances are only a little greater at other times of the year, as they are more afraid of you than you of them- but it is wise not to take chances.
Hiking through varying terrains makes having appropriate shoes a must. 


4. Ziploc bags
Travelling with Ziploc bags is a great way to keep your stuff clean and organized, whether it be to separate your dirty socks and underwear from the rest of your clothes, stash your leak-potential toiletries, or keep fresh that bag of cookies you bought from the market (and prevent crumbs from getting in your clean underwear). Most importantly, Ziploc bags are the best way to keep dust out of your electronics.


There is a lot of dust in Namibia. A lot. Again, depending on how you are travelling, your dust issues will vary. If you are driving yourself, you will find yourself in public open safari vehicles to get to Deadvlei and other 4-wheel drive necessary places. Even if you are travelling in a Land Cruiser, you will need to transfer to the lodge’s open vehicle when in private game reserves. And in these open vehicles, any time another vehicle passes you will get blasted by dust. So, keep your camera in a Ziploc bag. For these open vehicles, you may also want to bring a scarf or a buff to put over your nose and mouth too (particularly for the drive to Deadvlei).

 

It can get mighty dusty on the mighty dunes of Sossusvlei.

Ziploc bags are also useful to protect your camera when you’re climbing dunes (there is a constant breeze of gritty sand), on the beach along the Skeleton Coast, and for storage in your bag, as the dust will get everywhere.

5. Moisture
The desert is dry. Dryer than you think. So bring all the humectants you can fit in your bag — conditioner, moisturizer, sunscreen, hand cream, chapstick, whatever. Yes, the nice lodges will supply some of it, but you’ll want the extra strong varieties that you know work for you.
Elephants have always known the importance of a moisturising mud bath.



Your safari in Namibia will be spectacular no matter what. You’ll be especially happy if you bring the above essentials with you.

For bookings and information, please contact us at: