Monday, June 29, 2015

Wildlife in Namibia

The beautiful part of Namibia is extraordinary for the variety of wildlife found.

Etosha's Wildlife


Etosha National Park is home to four of the Big 5. Elephants and lions are common in the park, while the elusive leopard hides in the densely vegetated areas. However, one of the best reasons to visit Etosha is its healthy population of black rhinoceros. This archaic beast is endangered and the waterholes are probably among the best places in the world to see this precious animal.

Zebra’s


There are only three species of zebra extant – the plains zebra, including the Burchell’s zebra found in Etosha; the mountain zebra, including Hartmann’s mountain zebra found in north-western Namibia. Zebras are very social animals. They live in groups ranging from small ‘harem’ groups dominated by a stallion, to large herds. A zebra’s stripes are basically vertical around its fore quarters, but horizontal around its rump. Each animal’s stripes are different, and as individually characteristic as fingerprints on a human. The purpose of the stripes is not known. 


Cheetahs are famous for their speed and agility but are also one of Africa's most endangered big cats.The CCF gives guest the opportunity to experience the cheetah like nowhere else.

Bird life


The Zambezi or Caprivi Strip can be found in the extreme north east of Namibia and this region alone is home to over 425 species of birds. The network of rivers and deltas formed by the confluence of the Kwando, Zambezi and Chobe rivers create an ideal space for avid bird watchers to catch a glimpse of some of the unique birdlife on offer in Namibia.
The African Pygmy Goose
Pel’s Fishing Owl

Lions


Most lions are concentrated in three separate populations: the central Kunene Region and the Etosha National Park, eastern Otjozondjupa and Kavango, and eastern Caprivi. However, lions roam over large areas and some individuals may move from one population to another.

Giraffe



Giraffe are widely and thinly spread across a broad zone in the northern half of Namibia, including the desert landscapes of Damaraland and the Kunene region.

For more information please contact us at 

Friday, June 26, 2015

Western Caprivi in Namibia

Namibia's wild and seldom visited Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) National Park is a watery wonderland of wildlife rich islands, river channels and wetlands. In many ways the park mirrors Botswana's Okavango Delta.Wild is the best word to describe this park, there's nothing fancy about, no luxurious campsites or guided tours, you're on your own, driving on a series of unmarked 4x4 trails. Nkasa Rupara holds the distinction of being the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia.

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

The focal points of the 320km² national park are Nkasa and Lupala, two large islands in the Kwando / Linyati river. During the dry season the islands can be reached by road but after the rains 80% of the area becomes flooded, cutting them off from the mainland. The good news is that it remains a sanctuary for birds, with more species of birds recorded here than anywhere else in Namibia.


In addition to large herds of elephants and buffalo, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, impala, red lechwe, reedbuck and the elusive sitatunga can be seen.


The splendid Nkasa Lupala Lodge borders the park to the north - and as the are is unfenced much of the wildlife from the park wanders through the property. Nakasa Lupala lodge also has exclusive rights to offer game drives in the park as well as game viewing from a boat on the Linyanti (a very exclusive experience) - so those wanting a little more than a self drive experience in the park should consider spending time at the lodge.

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


For more information please contact us at 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Kambahoka Restcamp

Omaheke, meaning ‘sandveld’, describes the cattle-farming region well. The basic campsites in the area combine simple camping on fine Kalahari sand under the shade of acacia trees with a rich cultural experience. Different ethnic groups are highlighted at each campsite and by visiting them all, you gain a sampling of three interesting Namibian cultures, Herero, San and Tswana.

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

Situated next to the Aminuis salt pan, 180 km south-east of Gobabis, Kambahoka Restcamp consists of seven campsites, each with a table and barbecue area, and basic facilities.


At Kambahoka Rest Community Campsite you will have an opportunity to meet with and experience the traditions & culture of the Tswanas, Herero’s and Bushmen Admire the massive salt pan which presents itself in the form of an imaginary


Activities

    Cultural performance and storytelling around the fire
    Visit to nearby homesteads
    Guided walk to the salt pan
    Delicious meal prepared by local woman
    Craft & donkey cart rides
 

Nearby Attractions
    Kalahari Desert
    Traditional villages
    Ominus Salt pan

For more information please contact us at 

Monday, June 22, 2015

Places to see in Otjozondjupa Region


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


Otjozondjupa region is one of the fourteen regions of Namibia, its capital is Otjiwarongo. An outstanding landmark within this region is the Waterberg Plateau Park.

Accommodation around Otjozondjupa



They offer highly competitive prices for a unique experience you will never forget! Come and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Aloegrove and forget about your everyday life!




Situated just 35 km north from the town of Grootfontein and 3 km from the B8, Fiume Lodge is an ideal stop over for travelers en-route to the north of Namibia, the Caprivi as well as Botswana and Victoria Falls. The Lodge’s ideal location also provides easy access to Bushman land, Khaudom National Park and Etosha National Park.

Weavers Rock Guestfarm



Weaver’s Rock Guestfarm is situated on a hilltop about 30 km south of Otjiwarongo. The guest farm offers 5 rooms, a swimming pool and a mountain lake. The visitor will experience home cooked meals, a wellness salon, sun downer drives and a scenic mountain trail.

Bush Pillow Guest House

Bush Pillow Guest House is an up market Guest House situated in the center of the Cheetah Capital, Otjiwarongo. It is the perfect retreat for the discerning tourist, business executive or simply for that overnight stop after a long days drive.




Enjoy your stay in our spacious en-suite thatched-roof African-fusion style rooms, equipped with wireless internet, air-conditioning, satellite television, mini bar and coffee station. Laze at the pool or take a short walk to the famous woodcarvers market; savour Namibian cuisine at its best in the lapa restuarant; taste the sunshine in the local beers and wines in the fully licensed bar; warm yourself at the fire in the boma while marvelling at the stars of the Southern skies.

For more information please contact us at

Friday, June 19, 2015

New on our Site



 Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is situated within the Skeleton Coast Park in a 16 400km ² private concession; the camp is ideal for the more adventurous guest truly seeking an unusual and remote wilderness experience. The Skeleton Coast is well named; it is wild and desolate, however offers one of the most magnificent locations on the planet. The Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is built on an island in the dry Khumib riverbed, approximately 20km inland from the coastline.

Accommodation

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

6 Meru-style tents with spacious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. The main area of the camp consists of an open-plan lounge, bar and dining area with spectacular views of the desert. Weather permitting, evening meals may be served in the open-air 'dining room' under an old, gnarled leadwood tree.

Activities


To explore the surrounding wild landscapes. The area around Skeleton Coast Camp is diverse and offers from roaring sand dunes and windswept plains to towering canyons, saltpans and Cape fur seal colonies. Freshwater springs and the early morning mist off the Atlantic Ocean sustain a surprising amount of life, from larger mammals to the extraordinary Welwitschia plant.most activities are done in 4x4 vehicles that are closed to the elements, although all vehicles have pop-top roofs and sliding windows to enjoy the fine weather. Activities include full-day nature drives or walks with a picnic lunch, returning to camp in the evening. Due to the pristine nature of this area many parts are accessible only on foot, as vehicle tracks can damage the environment. 


For more information please contact us at 

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The Beautiful Okahirongo River Camp



Long grass blows in the wind, lone green trees adorn the vast landscape and springbok roam through the spectacular vistas. The landscape is dotted with the mysterious fairy circles, round patches in a sea of grass entirely devoid of vegetation. Until today research has reached no definite explanation as to their origin. This isolated area of the Kunene region is home to the Himba people, one of the last semi-nomadic desert-dwelling peoples to grace the continent.

Accommodation


Okahirongo River Camp is an eco-friendly lodge built on a sweeping ridge and opening up to breathtaking views of the Kunene River. The entire camp is run by solar generated power and comprises two lounges, a library and dining room, decked out in African elegance. The turquoise waters of the swimming pool spell out refreshment from the desert heat and simply delight in the exotic grandeur of the natural surroundings.
 
The Luxury Tent
 
Built into the rocky terrain all the accommodation are constructed with wood and canvas and each have a magnificent view of their own.
 
The Family Suite
 
A private veranda guarantees utmost comfort and the exclusive right of being at one with nature.

 Activities



Explore the magical surroundings on an early morning walk or a scenic drive into the mountains or golden sand dunes complete with unforgettable sundowners. The wonders of the Kunene River will provide plenty of entertainment, be it fishing (conventionally and fly fishing), cruising along the river in awe of the rich bird life or be on the lookout for some mighty crocodiles.

For more information please contact us at 

Monday, June 15, 2015

Namibian Car Rental

Book a car rental in Namibia and discover culture, wildlife and natural scenery in abundance.




 Toyota vehicles fully equipped with everything you need to concur the exiting Namibian terrain and experience the beauty of this country first hand, may it be a dessert adventure or a trip to our majestic Kaokoland.

Britz 4x4 Rentals

Britz offers campervan, motorhome, RV and car hire options to make your  holiday an experience of a lifetime.
 


At KEA we look for opportunities to create an amazing holiday – to go wherever you like and do whatever you want.


Travelling Namibia by 4x4 is the way to explore this beautiful country.  Odyssey will make this possible for you. Whether you will be touring Namibia and relax in luxurious accommodation and style or prefer to unleash the wild in you by camping, we will make your “odyssey” possible.

For more information please contact us at 

Friday, June 12, 2015

Lovedale Farm Holidays




They are 19 km from Helmeringhausen on the C27 road to Sossusvlei. Just 300km from Sossusvlei, Lüderitz or Fish River Canyon, Lovedale is definitely the place to stop and relax. They are only 500m off the C27 main road and can be reached with any kind of vehicle, from bicycle to bus! 

Self-catering accommodation


We have 3 self-catering units, fully equipped with bed linen, towels, fridge, stove and everything you need in the kitchen. Each unit has its own BBQ-area where you can enjoy your own BBQ (with succulent swakara chops and sausage, bought locally) with a view over the fields and the docile environment of a windmill in the distance with water falling into the nearby reservoir. The Eagle Village is our open plan units (Bateleur, Black Eagle and Martial Eagle). This is our contribution to a greener tomorrow with solar geysers, hot water donkeys and solar power for electricity.

Activities


The have an informal hiking trail, the Aloe trail which is a 45 minute (2km) walk near the farm stead.  Alternatively one is welcome to walk in the veld and enjoy the beautiful scenery, game and excellent bird viewing opportunities on the way. swakara farming information tours and farm drives can be done if booked in advance. The swakara farming information tour is also available for people who is not sleeping over and just want to see what swakara farming is about. The best times for this are in our swakara lambing seasons which are from 20 January to 28 February, 1 July to 30 August and 15 October to 30 November. For these tours booking is essential. These tours are more or less 1-3 hours long.

Lovedale Farming

Home of one of the oldest swakara studs in Namibia - since 1946. We farm with black and white swakara in stud form as well as in commercial flock form. Swakara is still the main farming activity with round about 1200 active breeding swakara ewes and many champions and record holders were bred out of the Lovedale stud.Knowledge and experience are therefor shared with young and new farmers as well as tourists who are interested in Namibian farming conditions. In short: "We try to help where we can to help in building a better future".

For more information please contact us at  

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Namibia a Campers Paradise

There are a medley of sights, smells, tastes and sounds to be experienced and enjoyed through camping in Namibia – from the harsh, barren, stony plains around the Fish River Canyon, past the vast red dunes of Sossusvlei, along the wind-swept shores of the cold Atlantic Ocean to the seemingly endless plains and rocky mountains of Damaraland and the humid forests on the banks of the Zambezi River in Caprivi. Each corner holds a secret treasure of its own. There is a wide choice of sites all over Namibia for seasoned campers or nervous novices on their first camping holiday, from luxury campsites under shady trees and grassy lawns, to wild places under a camel-thorn tree in a sandy riverbed.

Ababis Guestfarm


Ababis guest farm is situated about 250km southwest of the capital Windhoek on the northern outskirts of the Naukluft massif.

Acacia Rest Camp
 
Acacia Park Restcamp is situated in Otjiwarongo. The restcamp offers a variation of different self-catering accommodation facilities including chalets, rooms, permanent caravans and a campsite and caravanpark.
 
Betesda Lodge & Camping


Betesda Lodge is situated on beautiful farmland near Sossusvlei and is located 38kms from the gate at Sesriem.
 


Brandberg Rest Camp is located in Uis, a once booming little mining town in the heart of Damaraland, an unspoilt rural area in Namibia. Uis lies on the way between Swakopmund and the Etosha Game Reserve.
 
Camp Kwando


Kwando Camp is just outside the famous Mudumu National Park in the Zambezi Region (previously called the Caprivi Strip). This luxury camp offers spectacular views over the Kwando River.
 



Literally metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cross Lodge presents a unique and serene stop for travellers along this vast untamed and seldom explored wilderness on the Skeleton Coast. The Lodge is situated 60km north of Henties Bay and 120km north of Swakopmund.

For more information please contact us at 

Monday, June 8, 2015

The unique Tsauchab River Camp


The unique Tsauchab River Camp guest farm with its exclusive chalets and private camping sites is situated on the banks of the Tsauchab River, surrounded by the imposing Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains.The Tsauchab River, with its giant wild fig trees and sparkling clear springs, is the main source of water when in flood to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei.This natural phenomenon abruptly ends in a dry lake at the foot of the world’s highest dunes. 

Accommodation

Our chalets are located 800m away from the reception and restaurant area. The chalets are built on the bank of the Tsauchab River surrounded by nature. The accommodation comprises out of two spacious double bed chalets, three thatch roof chalets and one family chalet all with on-suite facilities. Although the chalets are not built for self-catering, barbeque facilities was built at each chalet with a wash-up. We can supply cutlery and crockery to our guests needs. The chalets do not have electrical points, only 12 V lights in the chalets. 


Camping

Spread alongside the Tsauchab River, we’ve constructed nine exclusive camping sites with four additional exclusive camping sites under a grove of False Ebony trees at Naukluft View. Each camp site designed and located exclusively with a private tiled out bathroom facility (hot-water showers with flush toilets) together with an extra, unique, tree shower (hot water) and flushing bush toilet with a view!

Activities
 
 
With five different hiking trails (21km, 6km, 4km, 2,.8km, 2,5km) we can accommodate all group ages. Our circled 4x4 trail in the Tsaris Mountains makes this an exceptional 4x4 trail. The trial overlaps with the 21km hiking trail and accommodates both experienced and non experienced 4x4 enthusiasts. All our un-guided activities on our property are free of charge for all our guests to enjoy!
 


The beautiful sunsets combined with the indigenous fauna, and flora will leave an unforgettable impression on you.

For more information please contact us at 

Friday, June 5, 2015

Plants and Vegetation in Namibia




Due to the climatic differences within the country, Namibia has a broad variety of plant species from desert and semi-desert vegetation to evergreen subtropical plants.


About 70% of Namibia is savannah. In Central Namibia, thornbush-savannah is dominant with extensive grasslands and acacia bush. Sporadically you see trees, mainly camel-thorn trees and other kinds of acacia which often grow near dry riverbeds. 


East of the Skeleton Coast, the Welwitschia is another desert-adapted species that absorbs dew and precipitation from fog over specially developed structures on their leaves. It grows flat on the ground and has only two leaves from its thick trunk. The leaves continue to grow throughout the long life of the plant. It is hard to determine the age of these plants, but it is believed that they live up to 1,500 years or more. 


Towards the north-east, where there is a higher rainfall, the thornbush savannah slowly turns into Mopane savannah and there is a greater number of trees. In the relatively humid Caprivi the dominant vegetation form is the woodland savannah, interspersed with single baobabs, wild figs and makalani palms.    


Not much grass grows in the arid south of Namibia. Trees are also scarce. Succulents - water-storing plants - can be seen frequently in this region. Most impressive is the Kokerboom or Quivertree, endemic to Namibia and Namaqualand. It can reach a height of 9 metres and is frequently found in the area around Keetmanshoop and in the Tiras Mountains.

For more information please contact us at 

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Fun Facts About Namibia

 Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib desert along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek's Christuskirche, built in 1907. In the north, Etosha National Park’s sprawling salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes.


The second least densely populated country on earth. After Mongolia which is also a vast country, there are just over two million people living in a country which is half the size of Alaska.

Namibia’s national anthem “Namibia, Land of the Brave’ was composed by Axali Doeseb. The words of the first verse echo the country’s long struggle for independence: “Namibia, land of the brave, Freedom’s fight we have won, Glory to their bravery, whose blood waters our freedom”. The chorus is “Namibia our Country, Namibia our Motherland, we love thee”.


Known as the “Gem of Africa”, is a unique place for eco-tourists. Much of Namibia is as it was centuries ago. Due to this, it has a host of natural wonders and amazing places.


Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s finest parks, both in size and diversity of wildlife – home to Africa’s tallest elephants, the endangered black rhino, and 91 other species of mammal. Etosha is especially popular with photographers in the dry season who flock to the waterholes (along with the wildlife).

 

The Namib-Naukluft Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the largest in the world


The sun Bushman of the Kalahari Desert, are considered Namibia’s first people. They traditionally followed the migratory patterns of the animals and still have no homeland. They speak a clicking language.


For more information please contact us at