In the Karas Mountains South of Namibia..

Goibib Mountain Lodge 

Goibib Mountain Lodge is a tranquil hideaway in the heart of the Great Karas Mountains in Southern Namibia easily accessed via the main B1 tar road, 48 km North of Grunau.

     

Goibib is an ideal stopover or as a base from which to explore the Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Giant’s Playground, Brukaros Volcanic Crater and Ai-Ais Hot Springs with absolute serenity. The main building boasts reception area, Lounge, Bar and Dinning room which serve buffet-style meals.

Their accommodation comprises of eight (8) Standard spacious en-suite rooms, each furnished to the highest standards and fitted with the comforts of home, allowing Guests to relax and recuperate.

Each room has en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, television with local and satellite channels, mini-bar, built-in safe for valuables, coffee/tea station and wireless internet connection. Rooms are serviced daily. 

 

Seven (7) Campsites: All campsite are leveled with normal soil, fireplace with grid, no electricity points available, partial shade, ablution block with showers hot & cold water, accessible by all types of vehicle, Overlander buses, suitable for Caravans, no pets allowed, firewood available for sale. we are more than happy to assist set up your camp for your comfort.

The Lodge facilities include a swimming pool, bar, Lodge library and credit card facilities (Visa or Master). Complimentary on-site car-parking is available for all guests.

Activities 

A range of activities are offered to our guests and we are always happy to share our experiences with them.

 

Nature Drives: a 2 hour drive on the farm with the intention to find and view our local game.

They offer Morning Drives, Afternoon Drives and Night Drives.

There are also the Hiking Trails, The Early Bird hike, Day River and Mountain Adventure.

Bastion Farmyard B&B - Mariental

Bastion Farmyard offers 5 very well equipped en-suite rooms and 4 en-suite camp sites. They can accommodate up to 16 guests in the guesthouse and 24 in the camp site comfortably, are owner managed and will take care of any special requests. Bastion provides you with old-fashioned quality and a wholesome family experience. 

They also cater for happy locals and travellers and they’d love to do the same for you. Their facilities are what set them apart, and they know they'll make your stay with them even more enjoyable. 

You’ll find them conveniently situated 1km from the B1 main road, 14km North West of Mariental and 9 kilometers from Hardap Dam. 

Situated on a farm, it has a peaceful atmosphere, a lovely garden with green lawn and lots of space for energetic children. Here in the countryside you can relax, have something to eat and browse through Bastion Farm Stall & Coffee Shop for that something special.

Jewel of the Tiras Mountains

Namtib Desert Lodge - the jewel of the Tiras Mountains!
The 16 400ha Biosphere nestled in a valley in the Tiras Mountains is situated about half way between Lüderitz and Sossusvlei at the edge of the Namib Desert’s dunes The personal attention given to the guests by the owners makes a stay on the Farm Namtib a memorable experience. 

The fauna and flora of the Biosphere are closely watched by the owners to ensure a healthy balance between nature and human activities.Namtib is true gem of a destination.

 Surrounded by the beauty of majestic African landscapes - rugged mountains towering over vast open plains – you will experience tranquility, wide open spaces, fascinating unspoilt scenery, breathtaking views, untouched nature and absolute silence

Activities 

Nature drives
Marked botanical trail with information booklet
Bird watching 
Stargazing
Marked hiking trail ( 4 -5 hours )

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com 

www.namibiareservations.com 

The Sun Set

Welcome to Wolwedans
Wolwedans is more than a mere collection of camps – it’s ethos lies in setting an example in ecotourism, sustainability and its commitment to the conservation of NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Your African dream desert vacation becomes real with us. Our Collection of Camps nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of diverse and breathtaking desert scenery. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia.

Desert Chefs 

 Weddings 
The setting could have fallen out of the pages of a fairytale: your toes caressed by the warm dune sand, the golden desert chapel glistening in the late afternoon sun…

 
Mountain View Suite
With 200 square metres of deck rising above the dunes, the Mountain View Suite provides ample living space and adds a touch of luxury to the Wolwedans Collection.

Dine & Wine
All meals at Wolwedans are a lavish, but unpretentious affair. They always exude a sense of occasion with elegant table settings, candlelight and exuberant menu announcements in the local Nama language, paired with excellent local and South African wines.

Wellness

So as not to neglect your physical wellbeing during your stay, Wolwedans has a seasonal massage therapist specializing in Swedish massage, Marula Oil Massage, Indian Head Massage and Foot Massage. Enjoy a range of soothing massages in the serenity of the surrounding desert, making your Wolwedans experience even more memorable.

For more info please contact us at:

 info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

                                       

It's almost Christmas

Trust us at Namibia Reservations in helping YOU make YOUR dream holiday in Namibia a reality!!!!

Wether it is the North that tickles your fancy

The South that takes your breath away
Whether it is the East that makes your mind come to a standstill

The West  that blows your mind away.

It is not impossible for our Team to find you accommodation wherever you want to stay.
And we are just a mouse click away!!!

The Giants Playground - Keetmanshoop,Namibia

The Giants playground is situated on yhe farm,Gariganus. It's called the Giants playground because of the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have apperently been placed one on top of another by some gigantic force, creating strange rock formations and a series of mazes. You'll have to keep your bearings when exploring the maize site. You can easily find yourself a few hundred meters from where you thought you should be.The rock formations make for a couple of hours of interesting hiking,plus you'll get some good 

photographs.

The formation: About 180 million years ago during the early jurasic epochm the tetonic plate movements within the great single land mass known a Pangaea were begining to cause the supper continent to seperate and divide into the continent of Laurarisia to the North and Gondangwa to the South . The earth's surface, in many places, was subjected to enormous upheavals. In the area around Keetmanshoop molten magma pushed it's way through long cracks in the overlaying rock. Over 10 millions of years, the deep layers of sedimentary rocks through which the dolerite had intruded were eroded away exposing the harder rock that can, in many places be seen as the dark backbone like formation running along the top of a row of hills. These are called dolerite  dykes and are usually between 3-10 metres in width and can run from a few hundred of metres to more than 20 km in lenght.

The dolerite dykes and surrounding area while at sub surface were subjected to 'spheroidal weathering', caused by water flowing through the cracks and fissures in dykes. In later times when the rocks has been exposed they futher experience millions of years of ongoing temperature weathering that also caused the rocks to crack.Wind blow and soil erosion also helps with the polish of the rocks.

 

Zabubega Country Cottage - Keetmanshoop,Namibia

Zabubega Country Cottage offers a fully furnished thatch cottage on a farm near Keetmanshoop in Namibia. The farm is an ideal destination for people who love nature, peace and sunny days.

The cottage is fully equipped for four guests and has a double bed and two single beds. Quality linen and down duvets for the winter are provided and the bathroom consists of a shower only. The lounge has a TV and DVD player and the cottage opens onto a private garden.

  The lapa has a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a fridge-freezer, all kitchen utensils, tea and coffee facilities and an open-air fireplace.

 There is a bush Jacuzzi and cozy hammock reading nook for guests to enjoy. Children of all ages are welcome and covered parking is available.

  

 

Activities:

 Walking trails with info boards along the way of indigenous plants, birds and animals.
Picnic place under big Camelthorn Tree near waterhole with rich bird watching . 
Scenic drives which include game such as Springbuck, Oryx, Kudu, wild Ostrich and Steen buck.    Canoeing and paddling in raining season, January – May
Swimming
Bicycle paths
Beautiful photographer opportunities especially sunset in the red Kalahari dunes.
                                                     

Haemanthhus (Amaryllidaceae)

Haemanthus is a genus in the Amaryllidaceae family confined to South Africa and Namibia. The 22 currently known species are characteristically fleshy, often hairy plants, well known for their compact, brush-like inflorescences. Their specialised fruits are berries which contain a few large, moisture-rich seeds. Species are found both in winter and summer rainfall regions.

 

 

Haemanthus dasyphyllus is native to Langberg and Kubiskouberg, north west of Loriesfontein and is found in localized populations. The leaves are light green, lanceolate with a covering of long soft white hairs on both surfaces, the abaxial surface or the edges only. The leaf blades are erect, usually twisted and speckled with red at the base.

 

Haemanthus pubescens is found on the sandy coastal plain from southern Namibia to Cape Town. In habitat it flowers March to April, occasionally earlier and is in leaf from March to October. It has 4 to 5 large fleshy spathe valves which surround the bright red or sometimes pink flowers. There are three subspecies.  Haemanthus pubescens ssp. arenicolus is distinguished from the others by having soft pubescens on the undersides (abaxial) of the leaves, sometimes glabrous. The leaves are channeled and recurved. The small populations of several individuals each are found in the coastal plains of southern Namibia.

Haemanthus sp. nova ex. Aus

is possibly a new species from the region near Aus, Namibia. The leaves are a very bright green, uprightly arching, thick, and shiny with a recurving leaf margin. No markings are present on the leaf undersides. The leaves in the picture were photographed at only under half of the length they grow to each winter. It might eventually be determined to be an H. coccineus, but more study is necessary.  

 

Haemanthus sp. nova ex. Huib Plateau is most likely a new species from the Huib Plateau in Namibia. Its miniature stature, light leaf colour, and thin leaves combined with its markings and hirsute margins make it very unique. The brown leaves surrounding it are on average 6 cm in length.

 

Haemanthus sp. nova ex. Lüderitz is most likely a new species from the area of Lüderitz, Namibia. Its ovate, glaucous appressed leaves make it unique. Additionally its inflorescence is somewhat diminutive and thin.

 

Haemanthus sp. nova ex. Namuskluft is very likely to be a new species. It is from the area of Namuskluft, Namibia. It's a miniature species (see finger for scale) with thick appressed leaves that are very densely hirsute. The markings on the leaf undersides, in combination with the aforementioned foliar attributes make this unique.

Kalahari Farmhouse Special

Located in the midst of the Kalahari, on the fringes of the village of Stampriet in the fertile valley of the seasonal Auob River, Kalahari Farmhouse combines upmarket hospitality with a rural ambience. The reception and restaurant are housed in a manor, built in the heyday of Karakul farming 50 years ago. The small farming business next-door keeps the kitchen stocked with fresh produce for the delicious dishes on the menu. For guests there are 11 tastefully decorated rooms in chalets reminiscent of the Cape Dutch style.

Enjoy the serene tranquillity at the pool, visit the farming business or join a scenic drive in Gondwana Kalahari Park, just 30 km away.

SPECIAL FOR ALL OVERNIGHTS DONE BEFORE 01.07.2013 - 31.10.2013 Single Room    N$ 968.00 BB Double Room    N$ 1548.00 BB info@namibiareservations.com

Zabubega

Located in the heart of Namibia, lies the lush and tranquil Zabubega Arabian Stud.

The owners of Zabubega Arabian Stud, Gawie and Carina Viljoen have a heart for Arabian horses. Gawie and his two daughters are members of the Namibia National Endurance team and keen participators in this sport.

Come and share in the beauty of our horses here at Zabubega Arabian Stud. It is a perfect destination for people who love nature, peace and sunny days. Friends from countries with an icy winter will enjoy their stay on our beautiful farm.

Self-catering thatch cottage for a family of 4

·         Fully equipped with double bed, 2 single beds and open-plan living area.

·         High quality linen with down duvets for the winter.

·         Leather lounge suite

·         TV and DVD

·         Coffee and tea facilities

·         The cottage walks out to its own garden and lapa with a fully equipped kitchen with oven, fridge/freezer, kitchen utilities and open-air fireplace.

·         Enjoy the space and outdoors, bush Jacuzzi and cosy Hammock reading nook.

·         Covered parking

·         Children of all ages welcome

Activities in and around the area:

• Walking trails with info boards along the way of indigenous plants, birds and animals
• Picnic place under big Camelthorn Tree near waterhole with rich bird watching
• Scenic drives which include game such as Springbuck, Oryx, Kudu, wild Ostrich and Steen buck.
• Canoeing and paddling in raining season, January – May
• Swimming
• Bicycle paths
• Beautiful photographer opportunities especially sunset in the red Kalahari dunes.

Location:

Zabubega, an Arabian Stud Farm with a heart for horses and nature, is a 160km drive from KEETMANSHOOP, in the south of Namibia.

GPS coordinates: S 26 grade 49,406 E 19 grade 08,996

Kolmannskop Ghost Town

The former diamond boom town of Kolmanskop, finally deserted in1956, is now a ghost town and lies crumbling in the desert 15 km inland of Luderitz, gradually being weathered by the wind and buried by the sand. It is a fascinating place to visit, offering as it does a glimpse into an exciting part of Namibia's history.

Following the discovery of diamonds at Kolmanskop in1908 and the ensuing diamond rush the German colonial authorities declared a Sperrgebiet or 'for bidden zone' along the coast. This area extended from the Orange River in the south for 360 km northward to latitude 26S and inland for 100 km, and is known today as Diamond Area No.1.

Exclusive mining rights from this area are held by NAMDEB, owned jointly by Namibian Government and De Beers, and it is forbidden to enter the area without permission.

Even where the Sperrgebiet becomes part of the Namib - Naukluft Park, access is strictly controlled and visitors are required to remain on the road at all times.

The Secret of The Fairy Circles Uncovered

The mystery surrounding the bare patches in the grassy plains on the eastern fringe of the Namib has finally been solved. The 'fairy circles' are created by termites as part of a water storage system. It is a sophisticated concept which can also teach man a thing or two about sustainable farming in areas where precipitation is low. These are the findings of a long-term study conducted by German biologist Professor Norbert Jürgens. They were published in the latest edition of Science magazine.

According to the study the 'sand termite' Psammotermes allocerus clears the sandy soil of annual grasses so that rain water seeping into the ground is stored instead of being used by the grass. In areas with an average annual rainfall of 100 mm the sandy soil underneath the bare circles always holds more than five percent of water by volume – even after years of draught. Professor Jürgens obtained his data by taking readings in fairy circles found on the grounds of Namib Desert Lodge south of Solitaire over the course of several years. The lodge is part of the Gondwana Collection Namibia, which has supported the professor’s research projects for years.

The water storage system keeps relative humidity at 98 percent in the tunnels of the termites’ nest. This is essential for the survival of the insects. The storage system furthermore allows perennial grasses to take root around the circles. These grasses in turn are a secure food source for the termites in years of drought when annual grasses no longer grow because of lack of rain.

Psammotermes allocerus lives completely underground. Since it is active at night and early in the morning this termite is rather inconspicuous. This may explain why researchers did not solve the riddle of the fairy circles much earlier. Possible reasons that have

been offered included theories of the ground being poisoned by Euphorbia and of natural gasses with the effect of herbicides. The circles even fuelled fantasies of little green creatures from outer space and dancing fairies from the realms of fairy tales.

The idea of termites causing the circles is not new, but so far the type of termite had not been identified and the presence of termites in the circles had not yet been proven. What is new and totally fascinating is above all the realisation that tiny, insignificant creatures are able to create an artificial eco-system and thus conquer a habitat which otherwise would be fatal for them.