Posts Tagged ‘Namibia’

If you are looking for a luxurious place of accommodation when visiting Etosha National Park, look no further than Kempinski Mokuti Lodge.  Hidden away on its own private expanse of 4,300ha of prime farmland, this is Namibia’s first internationally branded 5-star hotel. Mokuti is the Himba word for “in the bush.”

The entrance to Etosha is nearby and is only a 2 minute drive from Kempinski Mokuti airstrip, thus making this the ideal destination for a luxurious base to explore and experience the wonders of Namibia’s fantastic wildlife populations.

Kempinski services are extensive.

Guests enjoy wireless internet in public areas, a business centre, a curio shop, gym, 2 floodlit tennis courts, billiard room, and separate adult and kids swimming pools.  There is room service, a lounge area, library, babysitting service and children’s play area, laundry, secure parking, petrol station and craft market.  Basically, once at Kempinski there is no reason to go anywhere else except Etosha.

Enhance your eating experience at 1 of the 2 restaurants at Kempinski.  The Tambuti Restaurant serves a combination of fresh cooking, premium international buffets and meals from their ‘a la carte’ menu.  Or enjoy the traditional African grill cuisine at The Boma.  The Marula Bar at Kempinski offers a variety of beers and fine wines and the Pool Bar is the place to relax by the pool with snacks and drinks.

Kempinski is comprised of 106 rooms/suites.  Each room is equipped with en-suite bathroom or shower, AC and a fan, telephone, satellite DSTV, mini-bar, tea/coffee station, mosquito nets, a hair-dryer and an in-room safe.

• 56 deluxe rooms.
• 34 Safari Club rooms. These have better views and a more modern interior and carpets than the deluxe rooms.
• 8 Safari Suites. These are family rooms, with 2 bedrooms, 1 with a double bed and the other with 3 separate beds for children.
• 8 Etosha Suites. These suites are set closer to, but not with a view of, the waterhole. They are more individually set, giving a greater degree of privacy than the deluxe rooms or Suites, and includes a mini-bar in the booking. They have tall, glass windows, giving a lovely view of the immediate environment.

Guests can be rejuvenated at the Kempinski Mokuti Lodge Spa.  They offer:

• 5 treatment rooms. (Including couples treatment rooms.)
• Showers.
• A sauna.
• Spa bath. (Jacuzzi.)
• Retail shop.
• Gym and
• A swimming pool. (Separate from the Spa)

Personal attention is guaranteed.

The conference facilities include both indoor and outdoor venues.  Each have a theatre, classroom, banquet hall, reception area, boardroom and a ballroom.  They can accommodate 30-160 guests.

And if the close proximity to Etosha isn’t enough there is a reptile park at the lodge.  The Conservation Manager can be called on to give a snake demonstration.  A real hit with the children!

Kempinski Activities include:

• Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Private and scheduled game drives into Etosha National Park

• Walking Trails

Explore the veld around Mokuti Lodge on foot

• Tennis

Two flood-lit courts are available

• Swimming Pools

Cool down, relax and escape the heat of the Etosha days

• Waterholes

Game viewing from a special elevated viewing platform

• Billiard Room

2 billiard tables can be found next to the Mokuti Bar

• Reptile Park

Learn about a wide variety of Namibian reptiles & snakes

• Guided Mountain Bike Tours

The flat terrain makes exploring the large property from a mountain bike a joy

• Nordic Bush Walks

For those who feel the need to get a bit more exercise from their walking

• Gym

A small gymnasium overlooks a waterhole

Namibia has been described as the last frontier, a wild and rough country, exposed to the elements like no other southern African nation. Sandwiched between two of the world’s oldest deserts, the Namib and Kalahari, the landscapes are weathered, desolate, and exposed to some of the harshest conditions on the face of our planet. From the rolling hills of Kaokoland, to the Skeleton Coast and the misty cold blanket of the South Atlantic, to the diamond rich area of Sperrgebeit, Namibia is a diverse and contrasting place to photograph.

Join the guides of Wild Safari Africa on the ultimate photographic experience in Namibia.  Staying in the private game reserves of Erindi and Sossusvlei at the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this trip offers wildlife viewing and landscapes to satisfy any photographer.  We will be able to enter exclusive gates, participate in night game drives and game walks, which will increase our chances of capturing incredible images.

Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution, giving life to thousands of species and providing great photographic opportunities for tour participants.

Our photo safari provides you with an opportunity to experience and photograph Africa’s predators, the iconic elephant, giraffe, abundant plains game and incredible diversity of bird species.  We have carefully selected these camps to maximize our time and photographic opportunities.

As the groups are limited to 6 people, you are able to focus on developing your own style of photography.

April and May is a great time of year to visit Namibia.  The rains have greened up the desert landscape and the temperatures are beginning to cool down considerably in preparation for the winter months.  The wildlife is drawn to the waterholes with great predictability and the year’s newly born make feasts to the predator populations.

An exclusive group of only 6 participants, this is an excellent opportunity to improve your photography portfolio and experience one of Africa’s truly unique destinations where there are more wildlife than people.

Your Itinerary & Highlights

Departure Dates:

April 24 – May 3, 2012    8 participants – Guided photo safari

July 10 – July 20, 2012 8 participants – Guided photo safari

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia

Day 2 – Enjoy afternoon activities at Erindi Private Game Reserve

Day 3 – Enjoy a full day of activities at Erindi Private Game Reserve

Day 4 – Enjoy a full day of activities at Erindi Private Game Reserve

Day 5 – Enjoy a full day of activities at Erindi Private Game Reserve

Day 6 – Enjoy a morning activity at Erindi Private Game Reserve before departing for Sossusvlei

Day 7 – Enjoy an evening at Sossusvlei at Namib-Naukluft National Park

Day 8 – Enjoy a full day of activities at Sossusvlei at Namib-Naukluft National Park

Day 9 – Enjoy a full day of activities at Sossusvlei at Namib-Naukluft National Park

Day 10 – Enjoy morning activities at Sossusvlei at Namib-Naukluft National Park before departing for Windhoek and preparing to leave Namibia

Download the Complete Itinerary Here

The Investment of Your Safari

Photo Safari Investment

The investment for this all-inclusive, exclusive guided photo safari to Namibia is USD $ 8,900 based on 2 people sharing.

• USD $8,900 guided photo safari (find scheduled dates above)

What is Included?

• Park entrance fees
• Vehicle – Guide
• Professional photography workshop when applied (please check dates)
• meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Game drives at Erindi
• Airport transfer shuttle services

What do you need to cover?

• International flights.
• Tips – In Erindi I recommend $20 per day per person, $10 to your guide, $5 to the tracker, and $5 to the staff, when it applies.
• Any additional accommodation /safari services outside of the itinerary
• Personal purchases
• Travel Insurance – The camps require that you have comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage. I sell Travel Guard and can assist with a policy or you are welcome to secure your own.
• Health Precautions – I recommend a visit to a travel clinic. This itinerary does not cross into malarial areas.

How to Book Your Safari

Booking process:

If you are interested in booking this incredible safari, then please contact Jeremy at jermibia@wildsafariafrica.com.  Space is limited for the specified departure, so booking early is essential.

Once you are ready to commit, I will put you in touch with our dedicated safari planner.  They will deal with the payment process, in addition to any or reservation or flight assistance you may require.

Handled by a dedicated safari planner.

Our safari planner is Jeremy Allen from Wild Safari Africa.  Once in his capable hands, he will act as your main contact for payment and any scheduling.

Jeremy will be able to extend your safari, book your international airfare and any overnight stays that you may require.

Early Booking Special

If you book prior to October 31^st 2012, you will receive a $250 discount per person off the quoted price.

Erindi Private Game Reserve

Days 2,3,4,5,6

Erindi Private Game Reserve: Erindi, translated to “the place of water” in the indigenous Herero language, is home to over 15,000 animals of southern Africa’s best!  Endangered species such as the African wild dog have found a healthy and protected habitat needed at Erindi to ensure the survival of their species.

The experience is set on 71 000 ha of pristine wilderness with varied landscapes in a malaria-free area, from mountains to savanna to open grassland right in the heart of Namibia: Erindi Private Game Reserve is situated in the triangle between Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Omaruru.

The pure tranquillity, abundant wildlife and distant horizons with awesome sunsets will sweep you off your feet.The Game Reserve is carefully managed, allowing for a “one-of-a-kind” experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to step back into a time when Africa was left in the undisturbed hands of nature.

(Old Traders Lodge Superior Lodging: Fully Inclusive (Luxury accommodation, Morning & afternoon game drive with snacks & drinks, Breakfast, lunch & dinner, Afternoon coffee / tea & cake)

Sossusvlei

Days 7,8,9

Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s top destinations. The monumental red sand and the magnificent display of different shades, colors, and depressions, fading and deepening throughout the day make Sossusvlei a place for photographers and romantics alike.

The Tsauchab River, long ago, emptied itself into the sea but gradually overtime became blocked by mountainous dunes of windblown sand, forming the marvelous end vlei as we know today.

Beginning in Sesriem, the road to Sossusvlei is lined by exotic, brightly colored dunes. Each hour of the day is unique and as the day carries on, new colors are constantly presenting themselves. The dunes display vibrant colors of orange, maroon, and pink, and the Tsaris Mountains show blue and deep purples. In addition to the yellows and tans of the dancing grasses it is easy to feel enlightened while visiting Sossusvlei.

It is also home to ostrich, springbok, and oryx who roam the area like some prehistoric creatures living on another planet.

The dunes surrounding the vlei are some 1,120 ft (350 m) high when measuring from the base up; having a reputation as some of the highest in the world.

Essentially, they are nothing more than huge piles of sand that have formed at the end of other longitudinal dune ridges bordering the erosional trough of the Tsauchab River.

Sossusvlei lies at an altitude of 1,824 ft (570 m) above sea level. Some of the dune crests stand tall at 3,072 ft (960 m) above sea level.

Sossusvlei dunes are often referred to as star dunes because of their crescent shape. Best seen from the air, the multiple merging crests meeting at the highest point are the result of multi-directional winds shifting the sand back and forth. When strong winds blow at the vlei, blankets of sand form off the crest into the air.  This is commonly termed the ‘smoking dunes.’

About Your Guides

Jeremy Allen is the author of Namibia: Discover the Real Namibia and Managing Director at Wild Safari Africa.  He was first introduced to Namibia as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His love for Namibia, its people and wildlife has kept him coming back whether leading groups or exploring solo.

Leonard Kandjiriomuini was born in Namibia to the Herero tribe.  He has been in the Namibia tourism industry for 13 years and is a wealth of information about local histories and deep knowledge of the geology, wildlife, and country to which he was born.  He also shares the same Wild Safari Africa philosophy on giving back to the local communities that make it all possible.

Discover other Wild Safari Africa tours here.

Unfortunately Sossus-on-Foot is no longer operating in the Sossusvlei area. The government booted all private walking and shuttle/transfer operators out of the park.

The red sand of Sossusvlei is breathtaking for all visitors and the Sossus On Foot Tours are an excellent opportunity for visitors to delve deeper into the dunes.  Select between an array of day activities that start and end in the Sesriem area.  These tours are ideal for all travelers whether individual or self-drive groups who desire an expert tour of the dunes from a Sossusvlei specialist guide.

These tours are casual and very informative.  Most of the educational guided walks are in the area of Deadvlei.  Walkers are driven into Sossusvlei in the guides or your own 4×4 vehicle where the tour will begin.  There are no requirements and the tour is extremely flexible to meet your individual needs.

Guest will learn about:

• Naravlei – named after the many !Nara plants found on and around the edge of the pan.
• !Nara are cucumber-like melons, the preferred food for many desert inhabitants and a source of pride and sustenance for the Topnaar people living along the Kuiseb River.
• South of Big Mama look out for Cessna Pan, visible over the dunes and Witberg, (White Mountain), it’s rocky ridges creating a beacon for travellers in the desert.
• South of Sossusvlei’s highest dune is another famous desert landmark, Deadvlei or Dead Pan. Located just 1.1km from the parking area, Deadvlei has towering red dunes on 3 sides, that surround a flat, reflective white floor that is studded with dark, dead camelthorn trees, that are over 600 years old.

Guests will take a closer look at:

• At Sossusvlei, there is life under the sand that has adapted to survive in these harsh conditions, scurrying over the dunes.
• Follow tiny tracks at the base of the dunes. It might lead you to 1 of over 200 species of beetles living in the Namib.
• Larger tracks in the sand might belong to the black-backed jackal, gemsbok, or might even be the two-toed track left behind by an ostrich.
• On misty mornings, look out for the fog-basking beetle.
• The gemsbok (oryx) survives weeks without drinking water by not allowing moisture to escape from its body. It simply stops sweating.

Half-day and full-day excursions are available.

Guests can expect an easy 3km walk where morning excursions begin 1 hour after sunrise and 4 hours before sunset for the afternoon walking excursion.

Contact us for lodging and accommodation options in the Sossusvlei area.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve was established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the southwest Namib Desert. It is one of southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves, stretching over 2,100 km².  Just south of Sesriem, the NamibRand shares a 100 km border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the west and the Nubib Mountains to the east. Nearly all facets of the Namib Desert are found on the reserve, creating a kaleidoscope of living colors.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve originated in 1984 with Windhoek businessman Albi Bruckner’s dream to extend the frontiers of the Namib Desert by incorporating a number of former sheep farms into a land specifically used for a wildlife sanctuary, free from farm fencing and other farming paraphernalia. Several drought years proved to be too difficult for livestock ranching, and the poaching of wild game increased considerably, however decreased with the oncoming of plentiful rains in the following seasons.

Conservation on a sustainable basis is the NamibRand Nature Reserve’s foremost priority.

Tourism is strictly limited and controlled, with entrance fees and bed levies going directly into a fund to maintain and preserve the NamibRand Nature Reserve. In 1992, the NamibRand Nature Reserve was registered as a non-profit private reserve. With the registration, all current landowners signed an agreement and adopted a constitution which sets the land aside for conservation from that point onward. The reserve is self-sustaining through high quality ecotourism.

Flora and Fauna

The same plants and animals found in the western areas of the Namib- Naukluft National Park can be found in the NamibRand: oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, Cape fox, and the African wild cat. In the more rugged territory, kudu, klipspringer, baboon, and leopards are found. In the dunes, there is a rich diversity of lizards, beetles, spiders, and the elusive golden mole. There are approximately 100 bird species, including the rare and endangered lappet faced vulture, black eagle, and the endemic dune lark.

Places of Accommodation at NamibRand Nature Reserve

• Wolwedans Dune Camp
• Wolwedans Dune Lodge
• Wolwedans Boulders Camp
• Wolwedans Private Camp
• Tok Tokkie Trails
• Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Contact a Wild Safari Africa representative to enquire about lodging and availability.

The Namib Naukluft Park is rich in biodiversity, size, and attractions. It is not only one of the oldest deserts in the world, but is Namibia’s most versatile area of conservation home to magnificent sand dunes, the gravel plains, and the isolated Erongo Mountains. Totaling 50,000 sq. km of protected desert wilderness, its main feature, Sossusvlei, attracts visitors from around the world.

The word Namib, Nama in origin meaning the ‘land of our ancestors,’ contradicts our general perceptions of a desert as a dry, uninhabited place with extreme temperatures. In fact, the Namib was once inhabited by peoples and continues to be so with animals today. Parts of the Namib can even be cultivated where soil and water are found. The word Naukluft owes its name to the seasonal Tsondab River that, over thousands of years, had eroded and cut a gorge through the Naukluft range during the more humid times in its history. First named by Afrikaner farmers as Nou Kloof (Narrow Gorge), it later took its present name Naukluft during Germany’s reign.

The Namib, The Oldest Desert in Namib Naukluft Park

When compared with the Sahara, the Namib is extremely small. The Sahara is ten times the size of Namibia and thirty times the size of the Namib. The Namib is one of the world’s most diverse deserts in terms of plant and animal life. One in every five species in the Namib is endemic, including the ancient Welwitschia plant.

There are four broad types of landscapes to be found: the great sand dune (commonly referred to as the sand sea), the gravel plains, the ephemeral riverbeds, and the inselbergs, or island moutains. Life in the desert is controlled by the infrequent, unpredictable and isolated downpours that quickly get soaked up by the toughest of life in desperate need for water.

The Sand Sea

Once in sight of the dunes, it is mind boggling to see what the popular conception of a desert is. The dunes stretch, reach, tumble, and drift across the open nothingness along the Atlantic Coast. Covering 34,000 sq. km and extending from the Kuiseb River southwards to Lüdertiz, lay the sea of sand. Beneath the younger sands is an ancient desert believed to have formed some 65 million years ago, eventually becoming petrified between dispersed times of moisture and drought. These fossilized dunes are easily seen in areas of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and in the proclaimed Sossusvlei area.

The Dunes at Namib Naukluft Park

The dunes are like a gigantic beach, and spark a curious question: Where does all that sand come from? The shifting, dancing sand is a product of both weathering and erosion, originating mostly from the South African hinterland, which are transported to the Atlantic Ocean via the Orange River. The north-flowing Benguela current then returns the sediment by the powerful ceaseless waves crashing onto Namibia’s Diamond Coast. There it is dried and further thrown inland by the ubiquitous southwesterly winds.

Like other minerals, the desert sand slowly begins to oxidize. The tiny quartz particles, beginning pale, carry iron particles that very, very slowly begin to oxidize. The coloration begins to change, and the oldest of the dunes turn to deeper shades of red; red with rust.

There is great debate as to whether the dunes are purely created by the sediments washed up from shore, or also from sediment from the Kalahari Desert. Some geologists believe that a significant amount of the eastern Namib’s sediment comes from the red dunes of the Kalahari. This is possible by the winds blowing in a northeastern fashion during the winter, and consequently the highest dunes and their windward side faces the northeast. Whatever the case may be, there is no denying the fact that the dunes are special.

The Gravel Plains

One of the largest gypsum surfaces in the world, spreading nearly 10,000 sq. km from the sand sea north to the Swakop River. It is believed the gravel plains’ history begins in the sea. This theory states the Benguela’s pantry of plankton is constantly recycling, dying, and drifting to the bottom of the seabed, where the decomposing material releases hydrogen sulphide into the atmosphere. In the atmosphere it combines with oxygen to produce a diluted sulphuric acid. Fog from the coast then transfers this to the alkaline calcrete of the gravel plains. The exchange of molecules, as an acid and alkali mix, creates the gypsum that makes the gravel plains so unique. Over some 80 million years of weathering and erosion, slicing the gypsum surface into a series of inhospitable canyons, resembling the surface of the moon.

The Erongo Mountains

The Erongo Mountains are just north of the Namib-Naukluft Park, where they rise from the desert floor. These mountains are uniquely formed as molten magma that never reached the surface and had solidified. Due to millions of years of erosion, it was eventually exposed. The main peak of Spitzkoppe now stands at 5,440 ft (1,700 m) above the desert surface and is often referred to as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Tours to Spitzkoppe can be arranged in Swakopmund.

The nearby Erongo massif succeeded in erupting as a true volcano, belching out molten rock and ash for a believed 20 million years before collapsing, forming today’s caldera. Further north, Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, ascends nearly 8,320 ft (2,600 m) at its highest peak named Konigstein, meaning ‘King’s Rock’ in German, above the desert floor. The mountain is striped with black stripes made of iron and manganese known as ’desert varnish.’

Tailor Make Your Safari to Namibia.

Sossus Dune Lodge is currently the only lodge inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park offering its guests the great opportunity to access the magnificent red sand dunes of Sossusvlei before the park gates open in the morning, and after they have closed for the evening.

Sossus Dune Lodge, Inside Sossusvlei Park

Located just 4 km from the Sesriem gate Sossus Dune Lodge nests at the base of a mountain with extraordinary views of the distant dunes to the west.  Guests can walk directly from Sossus Dune lodge into the nearby Sesriem Canyon.

Sossus Dune Lodge has a total of 25 chalets: 13 with views of the dunes, and 12 looking towards the mountains and canyons. Each chalet has been built using wooden frame with orange/yellow canvas for walls (to match the colors of the environment), all with a thatch roof.  They resemble traditional Owambo homes on its loosest terms.  The last chalet on either side is a ‘honeymoon suite,’ which have an additional small open-air lounge.

The chalets at Sossus Dune Lodge are linked by raised wooden walkways and have been constructed from rock and stone found locally.  All chalets have a large en-suite bathroom, complete with hot shower, double basin and a flush toilet.  Mosquito nets are provided.  The lights and fans are powered by solar and guests are complimented with environmentally friendly soaps, shampoo, body lotion, etc.  Every room at Sossus Dune Lodge is furnished with leather and wood furniture and suede loungers.

The front of the chalets have floor-to-ceiling glass, further offering fantastic views of the surrounding desert from inside the comforts of your own private quarters as well as from the large verandah outside.  The top of the glass windows open allowing air to flow freely throughout.

The central lounge at Sossus Dune Lodge, also connected by raised wooden walkways, includes a restaurant and separate lounge and bar – all with large sliding doors with large windows exposing the beautiful desert view.  Guests can cool off at the swimming pool with loungers, but should bring suntan lotion because there is little shade provided.  Self-drive guest can park under shaded canopy and transported to lodge by golf cart.

Activities at Sossus Dune Lodge:

• Guided trips to Sossusvlei
• Walks to Sesriem Canyon
• Ballooning and scenic flights can easily be arranged

Sossus Dune Lodge is best for those who wish to stay within the park, ideal for visitors who wish to beat the crowds, and photographers who need time to capture the right lighting.

Self-drive Namibia and plan the perfect route.

Every October Namibia, Africa hosts one of the most beautiful marathons in the world –the Lucky Star Marathon.  This year, 2012, the Lucky Star Marathon will be held NOT in October but September 22, 2012.

The event is open to the public and is a road run and walk event.  Participants can choose between the 10km, 2 x 21km, or do it in its entirety.  Namibian schools will be participating in the event doing a 4 x 10km relay.

For registration forms, click on the following:

10km event – Entry Form

2×21 relay – Entry Form

Marathon – Entry Form

This is the basic form and prices but the amount may differ closer to the time of race. The form however, will not change.

Description of the marathon.

Runners will begin in Walvis Bay and follow the B2 road north to Swakopmund.  Nestled against both the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib sand dunes, runners will be pleasantly cooled by the cold south Atlantic waters and the Benguela Current.

The Benguela current originates in the freezing waters of Antarctica and flows north to the southernmost tip of Africa, where it continues to drift along the western coast of South Africa, Namibia, and up into Angola. The current temperatures are extremely cold, and with the current so close to the coast, the waters that crash onto land are much colder than the waters further out to sea. The current also carries with it sediment which is randomly deposited along the shore.

The trademark morning fog that makes the area’s weather different from the rest of Namibia is directly a result from the Benguela current. The fog is created by the cool air hovering over the current, mixing with the warm air inland. At night when the desert cools, the humid air resting over the current during the day condenses and becomes a visible living mist, thus making the ever so common morning fog. As the sun begins to warm the desert floor, the condensation formed during the night begins to disperse in the wind into a blurry haze which lasts for most of the day, until the same pattern begins all over again.

The little life that can be found along the coastal shores on the Namib Desert is attributed to the mist created and dispersed each morning by the Benguela current. The life found here relies entirely upon it. The plants drink up what little water can be offered, grow and flourish to become edible salads for other insects, reptilian, or larger game such as springbok and oryx. The current is also extremely important to several fish species, the same fish targeted by a number of Walvis Bay fishing companies.

Race participants and families can enjoy the areas attractions before and/or after the race.

The coast is one of the most diversified, contrasting regions in all of Namibia. The Erongo and Naukluft mountains tower over the rolling desert savannas, while the Namib Desert seems to appear out of nowhere. Together they create the Namib- Naukluft, one of Africa’s largest National Parks. It is here you can trek through a multitude of environments amongst the wild animals that roam this desolate land, explore the romantic red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and kayak with thousands of seals at the Walvis Bay lagoon.

Swakopmund is a little resort town with German colonial buildings, having one of the best infrastructures in Africa. It caters to visitors with an itch for adrenaline and fine cuisine. Walvis Bay is an industrious town and boasts southern Africa’s deepest port. A large number of goods arrive in Walvis Bay, before being quickly loaded onto semi trucks and taken into Namibia, Botswana, the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Henties Bay is renowned for fishing, and is the first stop onwards to Cape Cross, the place where Europeans first set foot in Namibia.

The coast is a very popular destination for all who visit Namibia. During the months of December and January the region quickly becomes a playground for Namibians, South Africans, and Western visitors. To simply sum up the coast, it has it all.

Tailor a holiday specifically to meet your needs by contacting us or see an example of an itinerary entirely revolved around the Lucky Star Marathon.

Last week was MONUMENTAL for the continuing success of Wild Safari Africa.  With a burning desire to continue our efforts to bring sustainable social entrepreneurship to the countries we visit and hold dear to our hearts, I thought it be imperative we explore how Wild Safari Africa could give back just a little bit more.  After searching high and low, Empower Women in Africa, Inc. presented itself and shined.

With hundreds of organizations to choose from,

it is my pleasure to have selected Empower Women in Africa, Inc. and Executive Director and founder Lori Schippers vision as Wild Safari Africa’s 2011 organization of choice.

From the first time I was introduced to Namibian children –boys and girls –I was filled with greater love than I could have ever imagined.  The hospitability showered upon me from the village elders could have offered even the most uncomfortable of visitors to feel right at home, and the genuine concern for me and my own family was more than I could have ever imagined from subsistent farmers and rural peoples’ in the far north of Namibia.   Equally, the same can be said about Lori Schippers and everyone at Empower Women in Africa.

What is Empower Women in Africa and what exactly do they do?

Empower Women in Africa, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that brings economic and educational opportunities to women and girls in rural Namibia, empowering them by giving them the skills to improve their lives, and those around them.

Education is the key to overcoming the poverty and gender inequity that many individuals are born into in the developing world. By working locally to support girls in their education and women in securing a job, communities will be transformed and lives will be changed.

This is why I was excited to present an offer to Empower Women in Africa.

For every safari planned and booked through us, Wild Safari Africa will donate US$25 to Empower Women in Africa.

As you can imagine, everyone at Empower Women in Africa was thrilled and happily accepted the offer.

Although Wild Safari Africa has teamed up with Empower Women in Africa, all contributions made will  only assist in making the vision of Lori Schippers and Empower Women in Africa a reality sooner than later.  Empower Women in Africa’s sustainability, continued growth, and expanding outreach made me a sound believer and I hope you can see, like I can, the same sun light to many bright futures to come.  The time is now.  Join us and forever invest in the lives of hundreds of young Namibian children who otherwise would be growing into a world of uncertainty.

I encourage you to learn more about this brilliant organization –

Help Empower Women in Africa spread the buzz on facebook -

To taking that extra step,

Jeremy

Managing Director

Ngepi Camp is Wild Safari Africa’s favorite Kavango River lodge located in the upper regions of the Okavango Delta panhandle, in the western Caprivi Strip of Namibia.  Only 14 km from the nearest town, Divundu, Ngepi Camp is nestled on an island under spectacular trees amongst the flooded plains and swampy backwaters, in a region teeming with wildlife as Ngepi Camp is located directly between Mahango National Park –a few kilometers to the south –and Bwabwata National Park directly opposite the river.

Ngepi Camp’s main building has a kitchen, restaurant, dining area and bar with riverfront views.  There is also an education center for the curious travelers.  Ngepi Camp is only powered up to 6 hours a day by generator, the remaining hours by inverter/battery –allowing only the pristine wilderness to be heard.

Complementary tea/coffee is available at the bar where a metered telephone can also be found.

Ngepi Camp also has a secured swimming area (hippo and big croc cage) that offers great opportunity to cool down while relaxing on the shores of the mighty Okavango River.

Ngepi Camp Accommodation:

• 13 Tree houses.  Double/ twin beds. En-suite bathrooms.  Comfortable and rustic, all having fabulous open views of the river.
• 3 Bush huts. All are family units with 2 bedrooms and en-suite bathroom.

Braai (barbeque) facilities for both can be arranged.  All rooms are equipped with mosquito nets.

Ngepi Camp activities include:

• Mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) trips
• Houseboat safaris
• Boat cruises
• River rafting
• Fishing trips (catch and release only)
• Guided bird/village walks
• Game drives
• Bushman art trip to Tsodillo Hills
• Visits to Popa Falls

Excursions into the surrounding game parks opens up fantastic opportunity to sight elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, buffalo, the African Wild Dog and the rare Sable and Roan antelope.  Ngepi is famous for being one of Namibia’s absolute best birding spots.

Transfers to and from Bagani or Shakawe airstrips can be arranged.

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