Monday, March 30, 2015

Beautiful landscapes in Damaraland

Damaraland is part of the Kaokoveld, the most sparsely populated area of Namibia - and this in a country that is already one of the countries with the least inhabitants compared to size; just 2 inhabitants per square kilometer.


Southern Damaraland has many attractions, and the landscape is totally different from the rest of Namibia, with interesting geological formations.



Brandberg Mountain- The highest one in Namibia.
 The 'fire mountain', is so called because of the effect created by the setting sun on its western face, which causes the granite massif to resemble a burning slag-heap glowing red.  


 Twyfelfontein rock art- Desert winds, heat and cold caused them to deep grooves to develop in the stone. Further erosion caused them to break away from the cliff face and tumble down. Therein, gigantic boulders placed near one another, form a maze of towering passagesFlat smooth surfaces had provided an ideal workface for ancient San artists. Their artworks are called petroglyphs or rock engravings, which were created by removing part of a rock surface by abrading, carving, incising or pecking. 


VingerKlip-The Vingerklip is the geological leftover of a Ugab Terrace, its geological history can be read like an open book when looking at the layers of conglomerate. The Rock Finger stand on a hill top and has a height of 929 m above sea level, the rock itself is 35 metres high.

For more information please contact us at

Friday, March 27, 2015

RiverDance Lodge

Life on the River
Early mist on a bed of silver,
You will find us on the banks of the mighty Okavango River
Across, Angola to the east Caprivi To the west, Golden sunsets, where earth and sky would meet
Where the sounds and sights of nature touch the senses and break down all human fences.

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

 Accommodation
 Peace and privacy are at the heart of RiverDance and its stunning, architecturally designed wooden and glass rooms. Nestled amongst hundreds of trees, spacious water front units are tastefully decorated with local linens, extra length beds and your choice of pillows for a most relaxing sleep

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

 Dinning
 Deliciously prepared Namibian cuisine and only the best cuts of meat are served with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. You will be welcomed with song and dance and be wished a good rest by the kind people of the Kavango. 

Things to do

Fishing and Boat cruises
Fishing on the Okavango is done either from the riverbanks or from small fishing boats. Guests are also welcome to join us for an unforgettable cruise on the mighty Okavango River to experience a sunrise or sunset you will never forget.



Plants and Stargazing
At once revealing and sharing it mysteries, the stunning forest of the Kavango region.


For more information please contact us at 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Seaside Town


http://www.namibiareservations.com/swakopmunde.html
Swakopmund offers visitors an action packed holiday and safari adventure with activities to suit all ages. There certainly is no shortage in things to do in this lively seaside town. Swakopmund emanates romance and history from German settlers, artists, beautiful gemstones, Herero women and fishermen; a unique and exciting mixture of cultures surrounded by the extraordinary Namib Naukluft Park, one of the largest desert areas in Africa.

Adventure activities
 Sand-boarding
    Quad biking
    Desert tours
    Camel rides
    Skydiving
    Microlight flights
    Skeleton Coast Tours
    Desert camping

   Ocean activities
    Surfing
    Kayaking
    Dolphin Cruises
    Fishing
    Shore-based angling
    Kite-surfing
    Parasailing

Apart from action and adventure activities visitors can simply enjoy long walks on the beach or explore the beautiful town of Swakopmund with its many coffee shops, restaurants and interesting places. The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre is also a popular attraction offering a casino and a cinema.

Places to see in Swakopmund
The Kristall Galerie is a must-see and houses the largest known crystal cluster in the world
The National Marine Aquarium and a crystal gallery
The 25 meter Damara Tower
 The Transport museum

For more information please contact us at 

Monday, March 23, 2015

Caprivi Strip

Namibia is an arid, rough land full of contrasts, but still inviting and easy to travel. As one of the most scarcely populated countries in the world, it’s not the right place to get lost in the crows. But it is a top destination for those who enjoy nature, grandiose landscapes, spectacular sand dunes and first-class wildlife viewing.

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

The Caprivi Strip is a narrow strip of land between Botswana on the south, Angola and Zambia to the north, and Namibia’s Okavango Region to the west. The Caprivi is the wettest region in Namibia with its high rainfall and a number of major rivers like the Okavango, Kwando and Zambezi. The abundance of water sustains a large variety of animals, including a large population of elephants. The wildlife is being protected in four reserves. There are no fences however, so the animals can roam freely across the borders of the neighboring countries.

National parks & reserves in the Caprivi Strip

Popa Falls Reserve
Popa Falls lie at a point where the Okavango River breaks up and drops 2.5m over a rocky section, caused by the first of five geological faults.The area by the riverside at Popa Falls is thickly vegetated with tall riverine trees and lush green shrubs, which encourage waterbirds and a variety of small reptiles. Footbridges have been built between some of the islands, and it's worth an hour's stop to spend hopping among the rushing channels, or walking upstream a little where there's a good view of the river before it plunges over the rapids.


Mahango National Park
The eastern boundary of Mahango National Park is the Okavango River, which is also the reserve's focus.On the higher and drier land of the bank, are wide belts of wild date palm-forest, as well as the lush riverine vegetation that you'd expect. Further from the river are dry woodlands and acacia thickets, dotted with a few large baobabs. 


Mamili National Park
This unfenced swampland reserve of about 350km² was created shortly before Namibia's independence and consists largely of marshland, veined by a network of reed-lined channels. It includes two large islands: Nkasa and Lupala. Mamili is located in the southwest corner of the eastern Caprivi Strip, where the Kwando sharply changes direction to become the Linyanti.

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

For more information please contact us at:

Friday, March 20, 2015

Luderitz-Exploring Namibia's Historic Diamond Town

The small town of Luderitz is located in the South of Namibia and if you are lucky enough to have some free time on your holiday, then you should definitely go on a tour of it and its surrounds. From quaint old German-style architecture, to beautiful wide-open skies and crystal clear seas with white beaches, Luderitz is a small town with a lot to see.

Arriving
The first great thing about Luderitz is that it has its own airport. Flights go to Luderitz from Windhoek once a day, and getting a ticket is usually not a problem.
One can also drive from Windhoek to Luderitz. It's a straight shot along the B4 and will take you about 6-7 hours to do.

The Nest Hotel
The perfect stopover for “Namibia” holidaymakers, business people and conference organisers and delegates.
http://www.namibiareservations.com/neste.html
The Nest Hotel in the twilight.

Take your time
Luderitz exists as a town largely thanks to the diamond industry in Namibia, and to this day diamonds continue to be an important part of the town's economy. With the railway being refurbished and new buildings going up all the time, the future is looking bright for this sometimes forgotten town.
 
colourful buildings
But today we will concern ourselves with the past and of particular interest is the unique architecture of Luderitz. Colourful buildings built during the time of German occupation line the streets, and businesses more than a hundred years old can be found on some of the streets.

Historical sites
The town also has several historical sites, which are worth visiting. There is a wealth of information on the town’s history and you can find this information at any tourist centre or hotel in Luderitz.
 A memorial for those who died fighting for their land.

For more information please contact us at 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Eastern Accommodation in Namibia

The largest town east of Windhoek is Gobabis, an important cattle-ranching centre. A monument of a bull welcomes visitors at the entrance to the town. Gobabis is the gateway to the Trans Kalahari Highway, linking Namibia to Botswana and South Africa. The completion of this highway resulted in the development of several new tourist lodges in the surrounding area.

1. Guesthouse

Annalies' Place Guest house offers the visitor to Gobabis an experience of warm homelike hospitality.

2. Lodge

Eningu Clayhouse Lodge
The uniquely styled clay buildings blend perfectly with the Kalahari sands of the area.

3.Lodge / Camping

Harnas is a sustainable nature reserve and a Wildlife Foundation Charitable organisation which protect wild animals.

4. Lodge / Tented Camp
http://www.namibiareservations.com/sanduene_lodge.html
SanDüne Game Lodge is a 4600ha fenced game farm with more than 1000 animals.

 For more information please contact us at

Monday, March 16, 2015

Felix Unite River Lodge

The Cabana’s at Felix Unite's Orange River Camp in Noordoewer Namibia, boast Magnificent views of the Great Orange river, with air conditioning and decorated in true African Style.


Activities:various Orange River Trips, desert walks into the Namibian desert to view the petrified forests.

1.Orange River Canoe Trips
http://www.namibiareservations.com/orange_river.html
 Felix Unite River Adventures off Orange River Canoe Trips down the Great Orange River in Southern Namibia, these Canoe trips range from Day trips to 4 & 6 day Orange River Canoe Trips. They supply all canoeing equipment, ie. 2 man Mohawk canoes, paddles and life jackets. Experienced guides will accompany you providing catering, safety and assistance.

2.Fishing on the Orange River
 Fishing on the Orange River is very exciting – sometimes the takes are so soft and subtle that they are very easy to miss while other times they smash the flies really hard. It is a great trip to do and combined with a bit of catch and release fishing……the fish in the Orange will certainly put a serious bend in your rod!!!

For those returning from Orange River rafting adventures, extreme white water rafting excursions and extended river trips hungry for great food, a quiet atmosphere and good times, the Restaurant is the perfect solution.

For more information please contact us at

Friday, March 13, 2015

Cultural experiences in Namibia

Namibia is one of our favourite places for cultural experiences in Africa. Despite having one of the world's lowest population densities, we've found some of our best experiences here, and have really enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know people of a radically different cultural background.

People
Eleven ethnic groups make up the majority of the population, which is overall around two million people, with each tribe contributing its own traditions to the core of Namibian culture. The population is youthful, with 44 percent aged fourteen and under and only 4 percent aged older than 65. About 60 percent live in the far north, where rainfall is sufficient for grain farming.


The oldest inhabitants, the San, are known to be great storytellers and love music, dance and mimicry.


The Nama of the south have a tradition of prose and poetry and a natural talent for music.


 Eight Owambo sub-tribes reside in Namibia, the largest being the Kwanyama. One of the interesting features of the traditional Owambo social system is that lineage is traced through the mother and through maternal ancestors


The Herero are a pastoral cattle-breeding people. Herero women wear Victorian-style dresses adapted from the wives of Rhenish missionaries.


The Himba women (of Herero descent) rub their bodies with a mixture of red ochre and fat, wear traditional body ornaments and garments, and have hairstyles that correspond to their age, sex and social status.

Language
Most Namibians speak Bantu languages like Oshiwambo and Otjiherero as their first language. Others speak Khoisan languages (Nama/Damara and various Bushman languages). Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language, which became popular as a common language during occupation. German is spoken by most of the white population. However, English is the official language, and is mainly spoken by young people and urban dwellers.

For more information please contact us at: 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Rooisand Desert Ranch

Rooisand Lodge is situated on the fringe of the Namib Desert, halfway between Windhoek and the Atlantic coast.Surrounded by the magnificent scenery of red sand dunes – deposited in distant times by wind from the Kalahari Desert – vast grassland and rugged mountains, Rooisand Lodge affords its guests a wonderful sojourn with every convenience.

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

Activities: 

Tennis
Two tennis courts with floodlights.
 
Hiking
Get acquainted with the magnificent surroundings of Rooisand Desert Ranch by hiking - in the company of an experienced guide if you like. There is plenty to explore (we can also take you part of the way by Jeep).
 
Sundowners
Let us take you to one of the many spots at Rooisand Desert Ranch which afford breathtaking views of the glorious African scenery.
 
Rock Climbing
Rooisand Desert Ranch boasts a number of impressive rock formations. A climbing tour includes Rooisand's Sphinx.

Birdwatching
Two massive rockfaces on the grounds of Rooisand Desert Ranch attract a wide variety of indigenous birds for nesting.
 
Rooisand Minerals
Farm Rooisand has several sites where beautiful minerals can be found - quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst and others. Rooisand also boasts some deposits where a very rare type of amethyst occurs. Its colour - like that of ordinary amethyst - is a grape purple, but this turns into hues of green and yellow after several days' exposure to sunlight.

For more information please contact us at:  

Monday, March 9, 2015

Namibian Cuisine

Foods in Namibia


Food plays a very big part in all cultures in the world and for Namibia it is no exception. However it is a bit more complicated when it comes to Namibia; as it hosts eleven different ethnic groups; hence one particular dish cannot be singled out; rather the most favoured and dishes with influences from countries like South Africa.

Here are a few:

1.Potjie Kos: Originated from South Africa, a dish prepared in a large, black three-legged cast iron pot that is placed on an open fire. Ingredients in this pot can be meat-based or chicken-based with vegetables. Some vegetarians might enjoy their plain vegetable pot. This meal usually takes about 3-4 hours; but with good company around the open fire, the wait is over before you know it and definitely worth the while.

2.Braaivleis: Is the Afrikaans word and in most countries it is known as the ‘barbecue’-maybe a bit more popular in Namibia and South Africa. The menu varies from meat, chicken, corn, garlic bread and sausages and accompanied with your favourite salad.

3.Boerewors: Another Afrikaans word for the well-known South African sausage. The recipe originated from South Africa and still stands the test of time and will always be the most enjoyed sausage in Namibia; as well as South Africa.

4.Biltong: This too was at first a South African delicacy, but Namibia is now known for making the best biltong (our top quality of meat-might play a role in this case). Yes this is dried meat, first marinated for days, then spiced and then hung to dry for 2-3weeks. This piece of meat can stem from game which include 'Kudu', 'Springbok' and 'Gemsbok'. The beef biltong comes from the cows and cattle. Then there can be sausage (boerewors) dried and that will be known as the popular Afrikaans word 'droeewors'.

5.Mopane worms:
Although this dish belongs to the Oshiwambo ethnic group; it is a very famous and tried out dish for many that dare to try and taste something new. These caterpillars are found in the northern parts of the country and are fried to get a crispy coating. Definitely something more original.

6.Kapana:
This local delicacy is like a street snack. It is red meat barbecued in the open-air and sold at the market in Namibia's townships. Some might say but is that not like 'braaivleis'? No not really, this is prepared in a different matter, men from the townships take the time everyday cut meat into small pieces and serves it with peppers, onions, chillies and sauces. If you want to experience a real African-food delight, try kapana.

7.Mielie pap (maize meal):
Is a well known traditional porridge made from maize meal also part of the Bantu inhabitants' tradition in South Africa. This is mainly the staple food of the Oshiwambo community, but is enjoyed by most ethnic groups of Namibia. The word 'pap' stems from Dutch, which means 'porridge'. It can be made into a very thick consistency and can be eaten with the hand. It usually accompanies braai's (barbecues), or is served with a meat dish and a tomato and onion stew.

8.Tripe (Afval):
Yes, tripe is also a traditional food in Namibia. In Namibia it is known for many Afrikaans-native speaking as 'afval', translated from the word offal. This is a type of edible offal from stomachs of ruminants (e.g. oxen, sheep, goats). This dish is usually prepared as a curry. For best results it should be prepared as a 'potjie' dish, to cook slowly over an open fire.

9.Game:
Namibia has different game as compared to a country like England; where they have partridge and pheasant or deer's, in Namibia Kudu, Springboks, Ostriches, Crocodile; come up on the menu. Game in Namibia is very popular during the winter period, but can be enjoyed all year round as biltong or just as a meat dish on it's own.

10.Pluck (Harslag):
This too is an African cuisine, coming from the Dutch ancestry and in Afrikaans it is called 'Harslag'. This includes: the heart, lungs, kidneys and livers of animals. Africans have turned these edible components of animals into cuisines, cutting it into small pieces; preparing it with onions and potatoes in a sweet and sour white sauce or with gloves, cinnamon, peppers and chillies for a more spicy flavour. Most might cringe with just the thought, but if it is enjoyed by so many, why not give it a try?

For more information please contact us at:

Friday, March 6, 2015

Stunning view over the city

The Hilton Hotel Windhoek


Admire the beautiful raindrop chandelier in the reception area and art displayed throughout the hotel. Feel at home in a contemporary guest room or select a suite or executive room offering more space, a garden terrace and access to the Executive Lounge, in which floor-to-ceiling windows showcase 180-degree views of Windhoek.

 Rooms and Suites


Rooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind; providing a place to unwind or to catch up on work. Explore the various types of rooms, explore the amenities, and choose the space that's right for you.

 Dining and Relaxing

Start the day with a hearty breakfast or nutritious light bite; savor innovative dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients, or simply relax with a cup of coffee in the hotel lounge. From business brunches to pre-dinner drinks and everything in between, the options at Hilton are catered especially for you.


Relax by the swimming pool, sipping a cocktail from the Skybar and admiring the sunset from the rooftop. Work out in the 24-hour rooftop fitness center or schedule a relaxing treatment at the spa.

For more information please contact us at  

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Growing grapes for the greater good

Neuras Harvest Festival


16 203.8kg of tantalizing grapes were painstakingly hand-picked from 16 January to 16 February this year, and yes, all of that in just a month!

After the 10 month fermentation and maturing process that lies ahead – and what a wait that will be - an even more tantalizing 3 340 liters of Shiraz, 710 liters of Grenache, 935 liters of Mourvedre, 200 liters of Merlot and Petit Verdot, 800 liters of port, 500 liters of Rosé and two 50 liter vats of brandy will be produced… something to tempt every palette. An approximate 9 712 bottles will be filled with the true taste of Neuras and Namibia.
Neuras, N/a’an ku sê Wine and Wildlife Estate – an oasis of wine and wildlife creating a conservation legacy.

February was certainly carnivore month at N/a’an ku sê, with magnificent cats having been collared and released.
Leopard 084


February’s first carnivore collaring saw splendid leopard 084 joining the ranks of our monitored felines. Approximately 300km north of N/a’an ku sê a farmer had caught a gorgeous female leopard in a trap cage, and our team quickly flew to the site - proving that “rapid response” is another tool in N/a’an ku sê’s repertoire of rescuing tactics. 
 
Not to be outdone…
the cheetahs join the ranks
 

Kanaan, a breathtaking 33 000 hectares of spectacular locations… and wild free-roaming carnivores. Our intrepid Kanaan based researcher soon discovered a marking tree with obvious signs that wild cheetahs had chosen the spot for their social antics. And sure enough… a camera trap caught images of the spotted predators.

A trap cage was quickly set up, and soon a gorgeous male cheetah, whose natural urge to visit his territorial marking tree got the better of him, entered the cage.

For more information please contact at  

Monday, March 2, 2015

Not Just a Place but an Experience

GocheGanas Nature Reserve & Wellness Village Windhoek, Namibia

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

Health and wellness resort provides a holistic approach to living with specialised treatments to revitalize and realign mind, body and soul.
This spa is the ideal place to obtain mental, spiritual, and physical well being in a beautiful and tranquil surrounding.

Treatments:
  • Outdoor Safari - experience wellness treatments in nature
  • Khanya of Africa - with Marula extract, natural stones, crystals and macracas
  • Shadiva of India - Ayurvedic treatment that uses Indian principles
  • Facials - restoring and anti-aging, as well as hydrating and lymphatic drainage
  • Body Therapies - body peels and body wraps, hydrotherapy and crystal baths, organic body peel and bath
  • Massage - full body massage, back and neck massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy
  • Reflexology
  • Indian Head Massage
  • Manicures and Pedicures
 



















  • Spa Facilities:
  • 11 treatment rooms
  • Crystal Bath
  • Hydrotherapy bath
  • Vichy shower
  • Indoor heated pool
  • Kneipp Showers
  • Sauna
  • Gym
  • Fruit and juice bar
 
For more information please contact us at