Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Dik-Dik of Namibia


The Kirk's dik-dik  is a small antelope native to Eastern Africa and one of four species of dik-dik antelope. It is believed to have six subspecies and possibly a seventh existing in southwest Africa. Dik-diks are herbivores, typically of a fawn color that aids in camouflaging themselves in savannah habitats.  They are also capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 kilometers per hour. The lifespan of Kirk's dik-dik in the wild is typically 5 years, but may surpass 10 years.  In captivity males have been known to live up to 16.5 years, while females have lived up to 18.4 years.

Dik-diks are some of the world's smallest antelopes, with the largest, the Kirk's dik-dik, standing between 14 and 18 inches tall and weighing no more than 7.2 kg. Female dik-diks tend to be 1 to 2 pounds heavier than males. Dik-diks are dainty creatures with a pointed, mobile snout, large eyes and ears, prominent preorbital glands, pipestem legs, hare-like hind limbs that are significantly larger than their forelimbs, and a vestigial tail. Their coats, depending upon their habitat, range from grey to gray-brown with tan flanks, limbs, and an erectile head crest and whitish eye rings, ear lining, underparts, and rump".


 














Similar to other dwarf antelopes, Kirk's dik-diks exist in monogamous pairs on territories. Territories are marked with dung and urine that are deposited in a ritual that is performed to help helps maintain pair bonds. During the ritual, the female will excrete, followed by the male, which samples the female's urine stream to check her reproductive capacity. He paws over and then marks his dung and urine over her deposit. Finally, the pair marks nearby twigs with secretions from their pre-orbital glands. Kingon 1982 states that, "The male courts the female by running up behind her with his head and neck stretched and his muzzle pointing out in front. Copulation begins with the male standing on his hind legs behind the female and waving his forelegs at an acute angle to his own body in the air over her back". Copulation typically occurs anywhere between three and five times within a 9-hour period.



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Huab Lodge


Huab Lodge, situated in Damaraland Namibia, began as an idea to generate funds to saveNamibia’s desert–dwelling elephants from being harassed and shot. Since 1992 awareness has increased, as has tourism and the “value” of the elephant is changing. The original farmland is a small, unique area called Monte Carlo which boasts stunning views bisected by the mostly dry Huab River. The former rest camp which accommodated tourists in the 1970s now houses the lodge’s staff.   At a special site just down river from the old rest camp, where the Germans built the so-called German Bath in the late 1800s, Huab Lodge was erected. Despite its size the unique main building blends well into its surroundings. The irregular thatch roof mirrors a mountain on the opposite bank. The lodge’s stone and thatch bungalows spread along the elevated north bank of the river ensuring a private and magnificent view – even from the shower!







Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Animals At Erindi Private Game Reserve

Erindi Private Game Reserve offers the widest selection of exciting species (in the greatest numbers). An authentic, unadulterated, and unforgettable game viewing experience.

















Monday, October 31, 2016

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia. 
Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia. The park was proclaimed a game reserve on March 22, 1907 in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist. It was designated as Wildschutzgebiet Nr. 2 which means Game Reserve Number 2, in numerical order after West Caprivi (Game Reserve No. 1) and preceding Namib Game Reserve (No. 3). In 1958, Game Reserve No. 2 became Etosha Game Park and was elevated to status of National Park in 1967 by an act of parliament of the Republic of South Africa which administered South-West Africa during that time. Etosha National Park spans an area of 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 sq mi) and gets its name from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park. The Etosha pan (4,760 square kilometres (1,840 sq mi)) covers 23% of the area of the total area of the Etosha National Park. The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros.




Monday, September 5, 2016

Come Explore Nambwa Tented Lodge

Nestled high amongst majestic trees of the Mayuni Conservancy in Namibia, Nambwa Tented Lodge is the only lodge uniquely situated inside the Bwabwata National Park in the heart of the Kavango – Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, (KAZA). Built with privacy and comfort in mind, each spacious tented suite is linked by a wooden walkway and boasts their own private viewing deck.

10. Nambwa Viewing Deck 
The main feature of the lodge is the majestic viewing deck, with rewarding views of the floodplains below and the large herds of elephant, buffalo and plains game that seek refuge and security under the tented suites for the night. The area is a sanctuary for more than 35 species of both large and small game and over 330 different bird species. The unique landscape combination of floodplains, woodlands and Kalahari sand dunes ensures a truly unique safari experience.




Thursday, December 31, 2015

Explore Namibia

Random Places in Namibia......

Boating trips on the Kunene River (water levels permitting) provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases.


The Twyfelfontein area

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

The hotel’s locally acclaimed Penguin Restaurant with outside terraces is open 7 days a week and serves a wide ranging menu including fresh Lüderitz lobster.  

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

Wolwedans Dune Camp

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

Brandberg Rest Camp is located in Uis, a once booming little mining town in the heart of Damaraland  



Etosha

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

Friday, November 20, 2015

Canyon Village


Quiver trees, Nama culture, rugged landscape and an impressive sweeping rock formation characterise Canyon Village. Stone-and-thatch chalets are positioned in a horse-shoe design around a celebration of young quiver trees and the sprawling thatched central area, bedecked with bougainvillea, serving as restaurant, bar, lounge and reception. A cart drawn by a team of mules waits outside, conveying luggage to the chalets in a flurry of activity and laughter. 'Take a walk on the South's side' is a suitable motto for this Fish River Canyon lodge. The history of southern Namibia is depicted in murals on the restaurant's wall and a colourful and lively rendition of life in the golden time of the missions graces the wall in the reception area. An ox-wagon with hundreds of years of history ingrained in its wood stands in the buffet area and a well-preserved horse cart has been placed amongst the boulders in the cosy bar. Take a moment to honour the ancient Nama deity, Haitsi Aibeb, at the front entrance and to request a blessing for the journey ahead.

                                                                
 
   
For more information please email us at  
Or visit

Monday, September 14, 2015

Damara Mopane Lodge


    http://www.namibiareservations.com/damara_mopane_lodge.html
As if an African kingdom of old, Damara Mopane Lodge is constructed in a semi-circle of interlinking pathways leading to a lavish swimming pool at its centre. Innovatively designed, each chalet has its own small garden planted with vegetables.A wash of fresh green brightens the interior as does the heart-shaped mopane leaves stencilled throughout the lodge. Situated near Khorixas en route to the famed Twyfelfontein engravings, Damara Mopane Lodge incorporates the spirit of Damaraland and the Damara people, extending its hand to locals and visitors alike in a 'Hello neighbour' greeting, linking cultures and nationalities.

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







http://www.namibiareservations.com/damara_mopane_lodge.html
 
A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. It also the best spot for a sundowner drink and to gain a view of the intriguing construction of the lodge.Whether sitting on your stoep looking out onto your vegetable garden, swimming in the pool or celebrating sunset from the deck, this novel and delightful lodge provides a good base from which to explore the rich sandstone treasure of Damaraland. 

 
                                                                              
For more information please contact us at