Thursday, February 25, 2016

Have you any idea how beautiful Namibian Sable are??



The sable (Hippotragus niger) are less robustly built and lighter in mass than their close relatives the roan. It is a horse-like antelope with a long mane and easily identified by their distinctive swept-back horns. They are a savannah woodland species, dependent on cover and the availability of water. They prefer open woodland or grassland with medium to high stands of grass and avoid woodland with a high density of trees or where the grass is short. 

Sable are gregarious and herds of 20 to 30 are common, with larger temporary aggregations of up to about 200. They may fall prey to lion, but most predators attack with caution.

Sable occur in the north-eastern parts of Namibia, mainly the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and they have also been introduced into Waterberg Plateau Park and can be found around the newly opened Dolomite Camp in Etosha National Park

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

The majestic Sossusvlei...





The Sossusvlei is perhaps the highest sand dunes in the world. Situated in Namibia, these dunes are as high as 300 meters. The Sossusvlei cover a great expanse of almost 500 square kilometres of the mighty Namib Desert, which is considered to be one of the oldest deserts by many geologists. Literally meaning 'the gathering place of water', the Sossusvlei is actually a clay pan which holds rain water to form a lake. This pan retains water for a long time due to the high clay content and this attracts a large crowd from people all over since it is a rare sight. 

 

Specifically speaking, Sossusvlei is only a circular shaped depression filled with water in the heart of the Namib Desert. Also known as the ‘Vlei’ the Afrikaans word for pan, it is the place where the dunes come together, causing the Tsauchab River to stop its course. Most often, the river does not flow this far because it is dry. But a surprise bout of rainfall could turn this dead Vlei into a spectacular lake flanked by ruddy and sparkling dunes. But now, the gigantic dunes are also considered to be a part of the Sossusvlei and the dunes as well as the Vlei come under the area of the Sossusvlei.

 

The dunes surrounding the pan have an impressive history of formation. It has been said that the residue or sand from the Orange River were carried all the way to the western coast of Africa and deposited into the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The strong currents of the ocean moved this material towards the north and replaced them back on to the land. 



By this constant re-deposition, dunes began forming on the coast and were shifted further inland by winds. The sand deposited on the windward side makes the dune flat, while the leeward side is considerably steeper. However, the patterns on the dune vary according to the direction and speed of the wind and these dunes have taken a million years to be developed. The Sossusvlei today is ever changing and evolving.


The Sossusvlei may be known for its vast expanse of giant dunes, but what makes them even more impressive is their colour composition. The presence of iron oxides in the sand coupled with innumerable particles of garnet gives the dune its brilliant hue. The shades vary according to the age of the dunes, and the older the dune the brighter the sand’s colour. These varying shades of red are the highlight of the Sossusvlei and they define the stark beauty of the Namib Desert. The dunes do not look the same at different times during the day, as the sun plays on the colour of sand. The Sossusvlei is a hub for several die hard photographers who have captured and immortalised the timeless beauty of the dunes and the Vlei. 
 

 
The Sossusvlei is a formidable, enormous and stunning region of deposited sand causing the particles to form dunes for thousands of centuries. The dunes that surround the clay pan and the pan itself are the pride of the Namib Desert and are a major tourist attraction.






Monday, February 22, 2016

Midgard Country Estate

Midgard Country Estate


 

Midgard Country Estate is an ideal family hide-away, a first or last stop for international visitors, the perfect venue for intimate meetings, team-building events or weddings. Acquired in 1937, Carl Werner List originally farmed the 12.000 hectare estate, developing this private and intimate world into a household name in Namibia. Midgard Country Estate was born.



Today we invite our guests to enjoy the tranquillity, while marveling at the pioneering German Settler spirit which gave birth to it all. “Midgard”, a word found in Old Norse, Middle English and High German languages, has varying meanings, but is popularly thought to mean “A paradise where the earth rises again, fertile and green, creating a protected world and a safe empire for the people”.



It’s an intimate world. One which offers 46 newly decorated and fully equipped rooms, Carl’s Dining Room & Bar, the African Boma, two swimming pools, the Pool Bar & BBQ Terrace, gym and sauna, and a private skittle alley (Kegelbahn). These are all spaciously situated in a sprawling country garden, bordering the banks of the Swakop River, as it meanders through the estate on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.



Guests are free to soak up the ambience and enjoy doing absolutely nothing; or they can explore our activities such as hiking and mountain trails, drive along 4x4 tracks, play volley ball, tennis, table tennis, pool or outdoor chess and view our vintage car collection. 




One of the estate’s major attractions is a sundowner drive to Hilltop, where guests can enjoy a stunning 360° view over the Otjihavero Mountains and watch the sun set with sundowners in hand. They can also experience what life was like on a traditional Namibian Farming and Game Estate in years gone by, with a morning or afternoon nature-game drive through the separate 2.000 hectare nature reserve, along the Swakop River.




Wildlife found at Midgard Country Estate includes giraffe, blue and black wildebeest, oryx, kudu, hartebeest, eland, warthog, baboons and smaller antelope species such as the steenbok. The riverfront is a birder’s dream.



For school groups, church, scout or other groups of we have opened the historic Midgard Train Station, just 2 walking minutes from the main lodge.











Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Ongwediva






Floods in Omusati Region have displaced about 250 people who relocated to higher ground. One person also died and many were left destitute.

About 86 homesteads were extensively damaged, while several schools and churches were deluged by the heavy rains and mahangu fields submerged, leaving the affected villagers without food and shelter.

A young girl lost her life after attempting to cross a turbulent stream while herding a flock of goats.



Most of the relocated people are mothers with babies, schoolchildren and people with disabilities in Onesi and Ruacana constituencies of the Omusati Region.

The floods were caused by a combination of rains in the region as well as the Cunene River bursting its banks following heavy rains in neighbouring Angola.

Governor of Omusati Region Erginus Endjala said the region was hard at work to provide for the affected communities and assist them to return to their homes as soon as the waters subside.
“The figure of 250 is only those who are severely affected and have been relocated, but several other people have also been affected,” said Endjala.



Fifty families in Okatjaningwa and Eenawa villages have been relocated to the ELCIN centre near the Etunda irrigation project.

Besides the relocation, Endjala said, authorities have also ensured that food and ablution facilities were provided for those affected.

Endjala said the relocated residents were provided with tents.
The region is also strategizing on how the water can be diverted to its usual natural channels to ease the burden of those affected.

“Engineers are already on site and a preliminary report was completed on Monday to see how the water can be channelled to Olushandja dam,” said Endjala.

Endjala appealed to the affected communities to remain calm, assuring that the authorities would do their best to assist affected residents.



Monday, February 15, 2016

Be a VET for a day



Chris Pearson, WildCon Events, says that on a WildCon Safari, travellers are actively encouraged and safely guided to participate ‘hands-on’ in locating animals from the helicopter, monitoring vital signs, taking important measurements; injecting antibiotics and reversal drugs, and fitting tracking collars.


Says Pearson: “The entire conservation procedure is funded by our packages, which are sold to our clients, thus assisting the game reserves or research organisations concerned with the financial burden of these conservation necessities.”


Edith Delalande, Office and Marketing Manager for Brothers Safaris and African Vet Safaris, says travellers can participate in a specialist veterinary safari, which gives them a rare and unique hands-on opportunity to become involved in wildlife conservation.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Kayak Trip to Pelican Point

 

An excellent way to spend a morning is on a gentle kayaking trip to Pelican Point.  These trips start at 07:45 from Mola Mola Safaris in Walvis Bay. You will be met here to jump aboard a landrover and set off for Pelican Point, a sand bar near Walvis Bay. 
 
A number of sturdy sea kayaks await and you will be guided to three colonies of up to around 6,000 cape fur seals. The seals love to play around the kayaks, jump and occasionally even land on one if they misjudge the distance! 
 
It's possible to see dolphins and flocks of gulls and cormorants are often overhead. There is a stop on a beach for warm brotchens (rolls) and coffee for elevenses. 

No previous experience in kayaks is needed as it's a very gentle trip.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Traveling with children NEWS...

Airline check-in staff no longer have to ensure that foreign passengers are carrying an unabridged birth certificate (UBC) when travelling with a minor, confirmed Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Director General, Mkuseli Apleni. However, the DHA says the UBC requirement for travelling minors is still being “strongly advised”.




DHA has confirmed during a media briefing on February 5 that the short-term recommended changes to the immigration regulations, which came into effect in June 2014, have been completed.  Although Apleni said the department was still looking into issuing a travel advisory that would address the recommendation on the issue of ‘strongly advising’ travellers accompanied by minors from visa-exempt countries to carry a UBC.


DHA has stated that, as of December 18, 2015, travellers transiting through Lanseria international Airport, OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport will no longer require transit visas. 



The pilot project of capturing biometric data from foreign travellers at South Africa’s international airports has been completed and is now in full effect. All foreign travellers as well as transiting travellers, are submitting biometric data at arrival and transit counters at Lanseria international Airport, OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. Claudette Vianello, Marketing, Media and PR Manager for Lanseria told Tourism Update that the biometric project was in place and biometric data was being take from all international passengers.
If a traveller’s biometric data was captured at the country of origin during the visa application process, then the traveller would not have to submit biometric data upon arrival into South Africa, confirmed Stoltz. In all other cases, all foreign travellers passing through South Africa’s ports of entry will submit biometrics upon arrival and departure. From January 2016, training had been provided to immigration officials by DHA to ensure efficient use and management of the biometric capturing system, said Apleni.
In October 2015, DHA said it would introduce an Accredited Tourism Company programme for China, India and Russia, which would allow accredited travel agents and tour operators to apply for a visa on behalf of the traveller. On January 28, 2016, DHA provided a list of tour operators in China that had been accredited by the Chinese state and DHA. Accredited travel agents and tour operators can now apply for a visa on behalf of the Chinese travellers and the traveller no longer has to apply for a visa in person. Chinese travellers will then submit biometric data on arrival in SA.



Apleni said DHA was undertaking research in relation to forming the Accredited Tourism Company in India and Russia.
The South African Visa Application Centre in Beijing and India told Tourism Update that travellers could apply for a visa in person, via a travel agent or representative, although the VFS Global website says that in some cases, an Indian traveller may have to appear at the South African High Commission in Delhi and the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Mumbai before the visa is issued.



Apleni said the department would now move on to implementing the medium-term recommendations, which should be completed by October 31. The next recommendations include increasing visa facilitations centres in Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates and Bostwana and looking into issuing visas on arrival to travellers who already have a valid visa for the UK, USA, Canada and any other country that applies stringent checks on visitors to their country. Apleni said DHA was also going to consider a visa waiver for China, India and Russia.


DHA said all recommendations to the immigration regulations should be completed by March 2017.



Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Top 5 BEST sundowner points


Caprivi

 

Set out through the scenic dry northern region of Namibia into a verdant paradise of powerful African rivers and sparkling waterways. The Caprivi is a unique region inspired by the fresh waters of the Kavango, Zambezi, Linyanti, Kwando and Chobe Rivers. It provides a stunning and sudden contrast from the semi-arid and arid landscapes of the rest of the country, and supports an exciting abundance of plant, animal and bird life.

Kaokoland 



Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe and the home of the Himba people. Although it is harsh and offers little respite at midday, the rugged landscape is especially attractive during the early morning and late afternoon when it is transformed into softly glowing pastel shades.

Damaraland


The setting is an absolute dream and the sun downer setting and service are second to none.

Etosha National Park


Actually every spot at Etosha National Park is an extraordinary setting. 


Namibian Coast

 
Beats all the other sunset settings. 


Friday, February 5, 2016

Scenic Air introduces Tira’s Taxi...




Scenic Air has introduced a cost-effective flight option from Windhoek to the Sossusvlei area (and return) called Tira’s Taxi, which runs on set arrival and departure times.

Daily flight details:
  • Travels to: Sossusvlei Lodge Airstrip (Sossusvlei Lodge); Geluk Airstrip: (Kulala / Little Kulala); Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Airstrip: (&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge); Wolwedans Airstip (Wolwedans Camps)
  • Departure from Windhoek International Airport only
  • Latest International flight arrival, to connect with the Tira’s Taxi, is 08h45 (Summer Time)
  • Departure and arrival times from Windhoek International Airport will be fixed. Scenic Air reserves the right to change the sequence of lodges around as per passenger bookings.
  • Travel times applicable during Namibian Summer:
    • Windhoek International: Check-in 09h15 and depart at 10h00
    • Sossusvlei Area: Departs at 14h00
    • Windhoek International: Arrival at 15h15
 

For more information send an email to info@namibiareservations.com or call us at 067304716

 

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Hilton Garden Inn to open in Windhoek




The United Africa Group (UAG) will soon start construction of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel in the heart of Windhoek. This will be the third Garden Inn hotel in Africa.


The hotel will cost around R325 million (€18 million) and will be solely owned by UAG. Construction is planned to start soon and is expected to be completed by early 2018.



"This hotel will be the biggest in the city with a huge conference and convention centre, restaurant and a parking lot for up to 350, and will have at least 180 rooms," said Haddis Tilahun, UAG Founder and Executive Director.









Monday, February 1, 2016

Etosha Specials CRAZY...

Eagle Tented Camp





Double Room: N$3420.00
Single Room: N$2250.00


Etotongwe Lodge




Double Room: N$810.00
Single Room: N$486.00

Mondjila Safari Camp

 
Double Room: N$1050.00
Single Room: N$599.00

Emanya@Etosha


 Double Room: N$1800.00
Single Room: N$1125.00

Rustig Toko Lodge



Double Room: N$1530.00
Single Room: N$900.00



All prices include breakfast and are per night.
Prices valid until 30.06.2016
Only at Namibia Reservations


Email: info@namibiareservations.com
Tel: +264 67304716