Fish River Canyon

In the far south of Namibia, the Fish River rises in the centre of the country, before flowing south into the Orange River, on Namibia’s border with South Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish River Canyon – the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and probably only second to Arizona’s Grand Canyon in terms of size. Approaching the Fish River Canyon from the north is like driving across Mars. The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series of spectacular cliffs, formed by the Fish River as it meanders between boulders over half a kilometre below. Its size is impressive: 161km long, up to 27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest. Keep in mind that the river is seasonal and generally only flows in the rainy season from January to April.

Accommodation & Activities in that Area:

Fish river Lodge

They offer hiking trips into the Fish River Canyon. A Five Night Canyon Hike, Scenic Sundowner Drive, Day Drives and Day Hikes. Accommodation  at 20 Chalets - Outdoor decks overlook the canyon, additional outdoor showers, large bathrooms with sufficient storage space, double basins and an outdoor platform allows guests to sleep under the stars.

Ai Ais National Park

The area around the southern part of Fish River Canyon was proclaimed a conservation area in 1969. The land was as poor in potential for agriculture as it is rich in potential for tourism, and this was a way of protecting the area from uncontrolled development. The 345,000ha national park now encompasses Ai-Ais and Hobas. A more recent initiative has seen the park linked with the environmentally similar Richtersveld in South Africa, to form Namibia’s first transfrontier or peace park: Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Ai-Ais Resort

Hobas 

The Famous Ongava Game Reserve..

Ongava Lodge    

     

The well-established Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Placed as it is close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vantage point is beautiful and overlooks a well-frequented waterhole and the plains beyond.

Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets. There are impressive views over the camp’s waterhole from the main lounge and dining areas and there is also an inviting pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch or on the dining deck under the stars.

Activities include game drives into Etosha, spending time in the camp hide, and nature drives and walks on the reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.

Little Ongava

Little Ongava is perched on the crest of a hill commanding magnificent vistas of the plains stretching for miles to the horizon, offering an extraordinary experience as the focal point of an Etosha journey.

This intimate camp has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views of a productive waterhole below the camp, the open deck allowing for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky. Guests at Little Ongava share a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. Day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides overlooking waterholes, walks and rhino tracking with experienced guides can all be enjoyed exclusively on this reserve. Game drives and day trips into nearby Etosha National Park are also offered.

Ongava tented Camp

The classic safari style camp is tucked in a hidden valley at the foot of a dolomite hill in Ongava Game Reserve bordering Etosha National Park.

Eight large comfortable Meru-style tents all have en-suite facilities, open air showers and private verandas; the family unit sleeps four. The main area, built of stone, canvas and thatch, fronts onto a much-frequented waterhole; watching wildlife coming to drink from here or from the swimming pool is a favourite pastime.

Ongava’s proximity to Etosha allows for game drives in the Etosha National Park and on the Ongava Reserve itself. Other possibilities include guided walks, birding and visiting hides. Ongava holds one of the largest rhino custodianships for the Namibian government in the country and is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where guests can see both black and white rhino.

Andersson's Camp

Nestled in mopane scrub on white calcrete soils, Andersson’s Camp is situated 4.5 km from Etosha’s Andersson Gate. The camp was named after Swedish explorer Charles Andersson – one of the first Europeans to “discover” Etosha, Africa’s largest saltpan.

The resurrected former farmstead that stands on the site now forms the centre of a charming camp fronting onto a productive waterhole. The 18 tented en-suite units (including two family suites) are raised on decks. The camp is an exciting example of sustainable construction; this model of eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe and down-to-earth experience for small groups, families and independent travellers to the Etosha region and is easily accessible by either road or air.

Activities include morning and/or afternoon game drives in Etosha National Park, and morning and afternoon/evening drives (on request in camp) and nature walks on Ongava Reserve. The sunken hide at the waterhole in front of camp is an excellent place from which to watch wildlife coming down to drink.

Ongava Wildlife

Everything is exciting about Lake Oanob.

The Lake Itself...

Situated on 6200 hectares in the beautiful Hardap Region and only 100 kilometres south of Windhoek. Open all-season, Lake Oanob Resort offers superb lake views, genuine, heart-felt hospitality and is the perfect place to relax and be invigorated.

Accommodation...

The Lake Oanob Resort offers many different types of accommodations. From Luxury Chalets to En-Suite rooms and Family Rooms over to a Special Suite and different Campsites as well. Most of our accommodation are situated by the Lake site.

Activities...

Some activities you can enjoy year-round include game drives, hiking, boat rides, canoeing, aqua cycling, giraffe pool bar, swimming in our outdoor pools or in the lake.

Felix Unite - Cabana Namibia

Cabana Accommodation Namibia ~ There are 17 en-suite Cabanas sleeping two each, 2 Family en-suite Cabanas sleeping 4 each, 1 Honeymoon Suite sleeping Double only. Each Cabana has air conditioning with mini coffee bars. Cabanas are available on the following basis, either bed only, bed and breakfast or Dinner, bed and breakfast. All meals are served in our restaurant situated on a “”koppie”” overlooking the vast Orange River.

 

 Felix Unite also offers the Orange River Day Trips & the Breede River Day Trips.

The Stunning We Kebi Safari Lodge

In the almost forgotten tongue of the San Bushmen, We Kebi means invitation. To hold true to the tradition of the San people of the desert, who roamed the plains and mountains surrounding We Kebi for thousands of years. We invite you to come and experience the solitude, privacy and tranquility at We Kebi Safari Lodge. Our wish for each of our guests is to give them the opportunity to experience individual and luxurious accommodation in a real African setting. Each of our free standing en-suite luxury chalets has its own pavilion and a 180 degree uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. An hour's drive from We Kebi on the C19 will bring you to the world famous dunes of Sossusvlei. Come be our guest for the visit of a lifetime.

New look for Namibian resort - Windhoek Country Club Resort

The Windhoek Country Club Resort, which is owned by Legacy Hotels and Resorts, has recently refurbished 26 of its bedrooms.

The bathrooms have been rebuilt and all rooms now have separate bath and showers. The rooms have new furniture, a fresh coat of paint, new wallpaper and fittings.

The remaining rooms will be refurbished in stages over the next few months to ensure guests’ comfort is not compromised.

Winter – an ideal time to travel in Namibia

It’s that time of year again when Namibians pull out their winter woollies and seek the sun. Fortunately there’s plenty of sun at this time of year, because Namibia enjoys a summer rainy season, which means our winter days are clear and cloudless. 

Only a few tough farmers and lucky tour guides who have the good fortune to travel up north to warmer climes still bravely don their shorts in the morning. The rest of us dress up for the cold, but by midday we’ve all shed a layer or two and found a spot for soaking up the sun.

Our nights can become really cold though, with July usually being the coldest month in the interior. Right through winter you might well experience the famous east wind at the coast, which brings really hot weather.
There is lots to do in Namibia during winter and it’s a great time for travelling, so here are some tips to make the most of your stay and keep you warm, healthy and safe.

• Insulate your geyser with a geyser blanket, then switch it off after showering in the mornings.
• Pack a hot-water bottle for travelling. These are great for cold toes, as well as for stiff necks.
• Open windows and doors by mid-morning to let in natural warmth, and close again before sunset.
• Buy BUSHBLOK compact logs for your indoor fire, cooking or barbecue. Classified as smokeless fuel and manufactured by the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, you’ll be helping to conserve the natural environment for cheetahs in Namibia. www.bushblok.com
• When staying in serviced accommodation such as hotels, let the staff know that you don’t need fresh sheets and towels every day. Because of our poor rainy season this year, Namibians are currently under pressure to be sparing with the country’s water resources.
• Pick up at least one piece of litter a day – the more the better! Wild animals and birds are desperate for food after this year’s poor summer rainfall and will eat anything, which could end up killing them.

 

• Even though it’s winter, because Namibia is very dry and since it’s sunny most of the time, you still need to keep well hydrated. Remember to drink water regularly, because as little as 2% dehydration can affect your concentration.
• Pack in a good moisturiser for your face, hands and body, or buy one of the eco-friendly options available at Maerua Superspar’s health section. Better still, try Namibia’s own !Nara oil body (and food) products manufactured from cold-pressed !nara melon seeds, found in the Namib Desert.
• Get enough exercise, especially when you’re sitting at a desk or in a car all day. Exercise enhances your mood, which counteracts the gloomier effects of the winter cold and the shorter days.
• Even though this year has had a poor rainy season, we still need to be aware that there could be a risk of malaria. In certain areas a new generation of mosquitoes will have been bred, so it’s best to observe the prescribed prophylactic measures, particularly when travelling to northern Namibia.  

Etosha received late rains over Easter this year, so the area remains a risk zone.

SO:
–       Be sure to cover up after dark, especially your feet and legs (95% of mosquito bites are in these areas, and are inflicted while you’re standing or sitting).
–       Slap on mosquito repellent if you’re going to be sitting outdoors.
–       Sleep under a mosquito net if you can.
–       Consider taking oral prophylaxis if you’re visiting malaria areas.

WINTER SAFETY:

• Make sure your barbecue or braai fire is thoroughly doused before you go to sleep. The slightest breeze can scatter sparks and possibly cause a veld fire, especially now in the dry winter and upcoming spring months.
• Always carry extra water in your vehicle, as you never know how long you may have to wait for help if you break down in a remote area. Exposure to sun and wind will dehydrate you quicker than usual at this time of year.
• Always travel to remote areas in two vehicles. Hiring a 4×4 can give travellers a dangerously false sense of security and tempt them to leave the main track.
• On gravel roads, keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you, as the dust can completely obscure your vision.
• Remember that in Namibia we drive on the LEFT side of the road!

WINTER SHOPPING One of the things I love about winter is that I can make endless soups with the veggies that abound this time of the year. Pumpkin, butternut, courgettes, broccoli and cauliflower come to mind.

WINTER PACKING
The climate in winter is pretty consistent in Namibia. It really does have a bit of everything except rain. Having said that, if you’re visiting the extreme south, you might well encounter some of South Africa’s winter rainfall spill over.

Throughout the rest of the country, nights can be bitingly cold, especially if there’s a slight breeze. Days are generally warm, especially at lunchtime. The coast is often misty and cold, but could have very hot east-wind conditions.

For the most part, however, a typical winter’s day inland would need the following wardrobe:

• Winter pyjamas (warm socks if you’re camping!)
• Beanie, scarf and a warm jacket for early-morning walks and drives
• Closed shoes and socks for travelling and walking; flip-flops for relaxing
• T-shirt, shirt, light jacket and jeans (for layering during the day)
• A swimming costume for when you visit the northern regions
• Sunglasses for the glare and a sunhat to prevent sunburn
• Sunscreen – we have between 10 and 11 hours of sunshine per day in winter with no clouds, so there’s nowhere to hide!

WINTER GAME VIEWING
After the rains that fall to a lesser or greater extent during summer, the grass by winter has become quite flattened and the bushes thinner, resulting in better visibility for spotting game along the roadsides throughout Namibia. Because of the drought this year, towards the end of winter you may see nocturnal creatures such as bat-eared fox and aardvark foraging well before sunset. Add to this the fact that animals in Etosha must visit waterholes every day to drink and there’s no better time for game viewing.

Dolomite Camp in the west has a microenvironment all of its own. Shaded by beautiful trees and home to some great birds, you can sit on your deck above the plains and spot the wildlife. The Dolomite environs are especially good for:

• elephant herds, giraffe, zebra and other plains animals;
• Leopards have been seen on the dolomite ridge and lions sometimes visit the waterhole;
• This is the one place in Etosha where you can see baboons – they sleep on the neighbouring koppie;
• Another special for Etosha is the mountain zebra, which you will often see here with Burchell’s zebra.

Okaukuejo Waterhole is a great place if you just want to sit in the camp and watch the passing parade – people, birds and animals. The antelope visit in large numbers when it’s mid-morning, and it can become quite busy.

Okondeka Waterhole in the north of Okaukuejo Rest Camp is great for seeing the resident lion pride. I counted 18 members at Easter and the second pride male was not at home. The plains animals have to drink at this waterhole, so just sit and wait for the action to come to you. I’ve seen a caracal hunting here mid-afternoon, and in March rare sightings of brown hyaena and honey badger were also recorded.

Halali Camp in the centre of the park offers accessibility to different kinds of waterholes.

• If it’s cheetah you’re after, head 9 kilometres down to the pan and turn left following the pan edge to Sueda. If at first you don’t spot any cats, retrace your route on the way back to camp. This is a consistantly good area for cheetah sightings.
• Or you could spend some time at Goas – a double waterhole east of Halali Camp that is often frequented by elephants, hyaenas and giraffe. Most animals come here to drink at some time (leopard, lions and rhino), so patience and a picnic are recommended.
• Head from here north to Nuamses and wait quietly for the resident leopardess and her new cub. I saw and/or heard no less than four leopards around Nuamses late one afternoon in November last year.

Namutoni is feeling the drought this year, with Fischer’s Pan drying up and becoming somewhat smelly. Only a handful of permanent flamingos are holding out here – the breeding season never took place this year due to poor rains.



The 15 kilometres of sandy track through the forest to Onkoshi Camp is a delightful secret place and we’ve recently seen fresh tracks of lion, elephant and rhino here. Fellow visitors spotted a leopard just outside the camp before sunset. Apart from the big boys, it’s teeming with warthogs, kudu, steenbok, zebra and giraffe, to name a few. Drive slowly to take it all in.

WHAT’S FLOWERING?

• Acacias!
• If you see small acacia bushes in bloom with their bright yellow balls you’re looking at Acacia nebrownii, unaccountably called the ‘water thorn’! These bushes are often found in such dry areas you would never guess their presence indicates underground water.

ALSO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Euphorbia damarana, which starts flowering in May, and is seen in the desert en route to Swakopmund
• Combretum platypetalum (red-wing combretum), conspicuous in the yellow winter grassland in Caprivi
• Dombeya rotundifolia (wild pear), seen flowering (covering the tree ) at the restaurant of the Waterberg Plateau Park well into winter.

ALOES

IN THE SOUTH

• Aloe dichotoma (quiver tree) during June and July
• Aloe gariepensis, which starts flowering in July to September

IN THE CENTRAL REGION   

• Aloe littoralis (Windhoek aloe), which flowers in April/May in Windhoek, later in other parts
• Aloe hereroensis, which flowers from July onwards
•  Aloe asperifolia, seen along the road to Swakopmund, can flower as late as July

IN THE FAR NORTH-EAST

• Aloe chabaudii, which flowers from May to July

WINTER BIRD-WATCHING
Look out for the small population of blue cranes that live in eastern Etosha. They can often be seen near Salvadora waterhole or along the pan towards Namutoni. They will be foraging at this time with one or two chicks from the summer breeding season. Their numbers total a scant 65.
After summer a small population of flamingos remain year round at Fischer’s Pan. This year the rains were insufficient to initiate the migration from the coast and subsequent breeding. So this year is a good time to see thousands of flamingos in the Walvis Bay Lagoon!
Winter birding is generally good in Namibia even after the summer visitors have left. When the trees are bare and food is scarce, it generally becomes easier to spot birds.
Look out for some of our endemic species:

• Monteiro’s hornbills at Waterberg Plateau Park
• Bare-cheeked babblers, Carp’s tits and White helmet-shrikes in Halali Rest Camp
• Dune larks at Elim Dune, east of Sesriem Camp, early in the morning
• Damama terns at the coast around the Walvis Bay Lagoon
• Hartlaub’s francolins at Dolomite Camp, western Etosha

Namibian lodge upgraded

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on Impalila Island in Namibia, has been upgraded.

The lodge’s eight large air-conditioned Meru safari tents are set on a secluded island beneath a riverine canopy on the banks of the Chobe River. Each tent has a king-size bed, dressing table, bedside lamps, chairs and an en-suite bathroom.

Bathrooms have all been recently renovated with new floors, vanities, shower heads and taps.

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers a two- or three-night itinerary for guests and is suitable for families. Activities include game viewing by boat along the banks of Chobe National Park, an excursion through the beautiful Kasai Channel to view the Zambezi River, fishing, and a guided walk on Impalila Island.