Serra Cafema Namibia Safari Report -
Plan a Serra Cafema Safari with vacationtechnician.com
June has been a great month for Serra Cafema. We were very busy with the peak season starting. Our guests came from all over the world, from as far as New Zealand and as close as South Africa. Serra Cafema is a knock out for our guests, some saying they now no longer have to go to the moon, Serra Cafema is better.
The Himba tribe continues to amaze people. Even though not many of them have remained at the village, they still give the guests a good impression on how they live in this barren area. They really have such a rich culture, there is so much to learn from them.
We still have not had any rain, however, some of the animals are returning to the area. Temperatures have dropped somewhat in the mornings and evenings, however, the fireplace in the main area is very cozy and the best spot to warm up and relax after a long day out on the quad bikes. We are also getting more and more foggy mornings in camp, it sure makes getting out of bed very difficult.
The water level of the Kunene is going down quite rapidly, making the boat trips shorter and the crocodile viewing better with a 3 meter croc daily waiting at the rapids close to camp. The bird life is great. Night life has been booming with regular sightings of Black-backed Jackal and Brown Hyaena around camp.
Serra Cafema remains the best place to end your safari in Namibia, or even Botswana. After a hectic safari of getting up early in the mornings and being kept busy throughout the day, Serra Cafema is the spot to come and relax at. Our activities will also keep you busy, but the water in the late afternoons and evenings will sooth your soul back to normality.
Come see for yourselves how beautiful our dunes and mountains are, this is a little peace of heaven on earth.
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa and offers one of the most memorable experiences in Namibia. The small 16 bedded camp, whose only access is by aircraft, is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and is further away from Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, than from Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The camp is situated under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. One goes to sleep at night to the gurgling water sounds from the rapid just downstream from camp.
In stark contrast, during the day, guests spend their time exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers and boating on the Kunene River where we can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.
Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
Guests can get into some of the massive sand dunes to the west of the camp.
Game viewing in this area is limited to large herds of Oryx and springbok in the Hartman's valley. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Cinderella Waxbills, Rufous Bellied Palmtrush and Grey Kestrels are three species of bird not seen anywhere else in southern Africa, Palm nut vultures are seen occasionally as well as a number of the Namibian endemics. There are also a number of endemic reptiles.
LOCATION- Situated on the southern bank of the Kunene River
- At the foot of the Hartman's valley.
PRICING / CHILD POLICY
High Season: July to October
Shoulder Season: January to June & November to December
Children over the age of 8 years are welcome
ACCOMMODATION
Number of tents:
7 tents comprising of:
- 1 double tent with king size bed
- 4 twin tents
- 1 family tent
- 2 en-suite guide / pilot rooms.
This camp can accommodate 15 guests (if including a family) plus tour leaders.
Tent details- En-suite bathrooms with indoor and outside shower.
- Private viewing decks overlooking the Kunene river valley and the Serra Cafema hills.
- Overhead fan
- Large mosquito nets
- Large luxuriously appointed Meru tents which are raised off the ground
CAMP DESCRIPTION- Situated under big, shady Albia trees with uninterrupted views of the Kunene river valley.
- The camp is elevated on wooden decks with walkways to each tent.
- Small pool
- Dining area and bar
GAME VIEWING
Game viewing in this area is limited to large herds of Oryx and springbok in the Hartman's valley. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Cinderella Waxbills, Rufous Bellied Palmtrush and Grey Kestrels are three species of bird not seen anywhere else in southern Africa, Palm nut vultures are seen occasionally as well as a number of the Namibian endemics. There are also a number of endemic reptiles.
ACTIVITIES- Nature drives in Hatman's valley in open land rovers.
- Traversing the sand dunes on quad bikes
- Boating on the Kunene River
- Walks in the valleys and at the waterfalls
- Visit to a working Himba village
- Full day outings with picnic lunch
SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Below is only a suggestion as to what may happen in camp - as daily wildlife sightings tend to throw the schedule right out of schedule.
06h00 - Wake up
07h00 - Full breakfast
07h30 - Depart on full day outing which can include walking, visiting a nearby village, quad biking or boating on the Kunene River. A picnic lunch is included
19h00 - A three course dinner is served in camp
Stargazing
ELECTRICITY AND WATER- 12v Power with facility to charge video battery
- Water is solar heated
- 12v power for lighting and fans in the tents
DRINKS POLICY
Drinks on game drives and house-wine at dinner are included. All other drinks are excluded unless pre-arranged (for an extra cost all drinks can be included).
LAUNDRY POLICY
Daily service is included in the nightly tariff
EXTRAS PAYMENT
Payment can be affected by cash, travellers' cheques or Visa/MasterCard
FLYING TIME
Windhoek 3hrs 20 mins
Swakopmund 2hrs 30 mins
AIRSTRIP DETAILS
Hartmann Valley and following are the airstrip details:
Latitude: S17 22 37.0
Longitude: E012 15 22.0
Altitude: 1900ft
Length: 850m
Heading: 02/20
GRATUITY SCHEDULE
The following is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards:
R100 per guest per day. This will be divided up amongst the camp staff.
SUGGESTED LUGGAGE LIST
1. Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
2. Sun hat
3. Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
4. Shorts/skirts
5. Long trousers/slacks
6. Track suit
7. More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
8. Underwear (sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven) and socks
9. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
10. Sandals
11. Swimming costume
12. Warm winter jersey
13. Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September)
14. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
15. Camera equipment and plenty of film
16. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
17. BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (Night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities)
18. Newman's bird book if you are a keen birder
19. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
20. Malaria tablets (if applicable)
21. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
22. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
23. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
24. Tissues/"Wet Ones"
25. Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
26. Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.
Please note that bright colours and white are NOT advised whilst on safari. Please remember that there may be a restriction on luggage limits on your safari - please ensure that you have the details from your agent according to your itinerary and ask your agent ahead of time if you would like details on the feasibility and costs of taking excess luggage with you on any of these restricted luggage safaris.
*`�*-.,_,.-*`�*-.,_,.-*�
Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
.::. vacationtechnician.com = conserving the most enchanting wilderness chill out retreats on Earth .::.
Safari Field Reports
About The VacationTechnician Company
The VacationTechnician Company Conservation Campaign
Little Kulala Safari Report - June 2004
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The weather in June has been one which is definitely introducing the winter temperature especially in the late evening and early morning with our coldest night being 3 degrees!! The morning temperature in general was a bit kinder to us with a usual 10 degrees, but don't feel discouraged there are plenty of our guests still sleeping on our star beds looking at the stars. The temperature during the day is wonderful and comfortable ranging between 25 and 29 degrees.
Everybody is enjoying the closed vehicles on the morning to drive to Sossusvlei and the hike to Deadvlei and to conquer Big Daddy. Even with the nature drives one needs to remember to take some warm clothes along. Very exciting at the beginning of June we had the transit of Venus across the Sun and for a couple of hours in the morning everyone's noses were facing skywards looking at the sun with protective eclipse glasses, we are definitely ready for the next one.
Orion and the beautiful Saturn are not visible anymore but in the morning Venus is back in action as the morning star. Exciting constellations visible this month are Scorpio, Southern Cross and in the north we are able to see part of Orsa Major or better known as the Big Dipper.
Our little water hole has become increasingly popular with most, including daily visits from six resident ostrich; our big group of Oryx lead by an albino are coming to the water hole quite frequently and of course our faithful groups of springbok. More often in the evenings lately, we have been lucky with predator sightings including the Spotted Eagle owl, Jackals, however, our Spotted Hyaena are shy at the waterhole, we hear them most nights during their howling concerts. An unusual sighting this month was a Blacksmith Plover which found a home at our waterhole for two days.
Little Kulala is situated on a large private reserve, bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, in the heart of the Namib. The camp offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, mountainous scenery and vast open plains.
Little Kulala has eight thatched and canvas chalets of Kulalas, each built on a wooden platform to provide maximum airflow. A popular option with outdoor enthusiasts is to sleep under the stars - mattresses are placed on private stargazing platform on top of each room.
The main lodge has a lounge, bar, dining area and plunge pool, with a view of the dunes. The verandah overlooks a waterhole. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River.
Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve. Here, guests can enjoy incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora. Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning, beginning at first light.
The 60-minute balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert - with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, this is not a game rich area, however, whatever game we see is interesting and dramatised by the contrast between the desert and animals like Springbok, Gemsbok (Oryx) and Ostrich who manage to survive in these harsh conditions.
Night drives using spotlights often encounter small mammals such as Aardwolf, Bat Eared Fox, Hares and sometimes Spotted Hyenas
LOCATION� Kulala is 350 km south of Windhoek and can easily be reached by sedan car.
� The entrance is situated 17 km south of Sesriem on the road 826 (follow the signpost with arrows on the C36).
PRICING / CHILD POLICY
High Season: July to October
Shoulder Season: January to June & November to December
☼ Children over the age of 8 years are welcome
ACCOMMODATION
Number of units:
Eight chalets in total comprising:
� 7 x "kulalas" each with twin beds (there are 4 extra beds available for children/triples)
� 1 x family room which sleeps 5
� 4 x tour leader/guides can be accommodated in rondavels
19 guests in total can be accommodated plus tour leaders
Chalet details:� Each "kulala" is especially adapted to the unique desert conditions, built on a platform to ensure maximum airflow, thatch roof provide a cool respite from the sun
� Ceiling fans ensure a breeze at all times.
� All rooms are en-suite with shower, flush toilet and hand basin.
� Each room has a private veranda with view of the majestic dunes without seeing the neighbours.
� A private rooftop area on top of the bathroom gives guests the opportunity of spending a night under the magnificent night sky for which bedrolls are available.
CAMP DESCRIPTION� The main lodge comprises of the reception, lounge, bar, dining room and veranda.
� Thatch roofed
� There is a swimming pool with shaded area if guests want to relax
GAME VIEWING
A water hole in front of the main building gives the opportunity to see Oryx, Springbok, Bat Eared Fox, Aardwolf, Ostrich and Jackals. Some Spotted Hyenas can be heard at night.
ACTIVITIES� Nature drives into the desert in 3 x 10 seater and 1 x 6 seater 4 x 4 vehicles
� Walking Trails
� Visits to Bushman painting sites
� Visit to Sossusvlei and Sesriem
� Balloon safaris (additional cost, even if guests are on Fully Inclusive rate. Closed 15 January to 15 February)
� Horse riding safari (on request and at an additional cost)
� The Scenic sundowner tour is one of the best scenic safaris in the Namib. This exclusive tour is ended with a Champagne sundowner.
� Private vehicles can be booked at an additional cost, subject to availability.
SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Below is only a suggestion as to what may happen in camp - as daily wildlife sightings tend to throw the schedule right out of schedule.
05h00 - Wake Up
05h30 - Light breakfast is served
05h55 - Depart on Sossusvlei excursion
Full buffet brunch is served on the dunes
Return to Lodge
15h45 - Depart on afternoon activity
19h00 - Dinner at the Lodge
ELECTRICITY & WATER� Solar heating for hot water
� 220v power is available in each kulala camp 24 hours a day
� Video battery recharging facilities are available; please bring spare battery and adaptors.
DRINKS POLICY
Drinks on game drives and house-wine at dinner are included in the Fully Inclusive rate. All other drinks are excluded unless pre-arranged (for an extra cost all drinks can be included).
LAUNDRY POLICY
A daily laundry service is included in the nightly tariff.
EXTRAS PAYMENT
Payment can be affected by: Travellers' cheques, cash or Visa/MasterCard
FLYING / DRIVING TIMES
To/from Windhoek 1 hour 15 mins
To/from Swakopmund 1 hour
Self drive � 5 hours from/to Windhoek (350 Km)
Self drive � 6 hours from/to Swakopmund (380 Km)
AIRSTRIP DETAILS
Geluk Airstrip co-ordinates
S 24.40.6, E 015.48.1
Gravel surface
15 minutes from camp
GRATUITY SCHEDULE
The following is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards:
R 100 per guest per day. This will be divided up amongst the camp staff.
*`�*-.,_,.-*`�*-.,_,.-*�
Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
.::. vacationtechnician.com = conserving the most enchanting wilderness chill out retreats on Earth .::.
Safari Field Reports
About The VacationTechnician Company
The VacationTechnician Company Conservation Campaign
Serra Cafema Namibia Safari Report - June 04
Plan a Serra Cafema Safari with vacationtechnician.com
June has been a great month for Serra Cafema. We were very busy with the peak season starting. Our guests came from all over the world, from as far as New Zealand and as close as South Africa. Serra Cafema is a knock out for our guests, some saying they now no longer have to go to the moon, Serra Cafema is better.
The Himba tribe continues to amaze people. Even though not many of them have remained at the village, they still give the guests a good impression on how they live in this barren area. They really have such a rich culture, there is so much to learn from them.
We still have not had any rain, however, some of the animals are returning to the area. Temperatures have dropped somewhat in the mornings and evenings, however, the fireplace in the main area is very cozy and the best spot to warm up and relax after a long day out on the quad bikes. We are also getting more and more foggy mornings in camp, it sure makes getting out of bed very difficult.
The water level of the Kunene is going down quite rapidly, making the boat trips shorter and the crocodile viewing better with a 3 meter croc daily waiting at the rapids close to camp. The bird life is great. Night life has been booming with regular sightings of Black-backed Jackal and Brown Hyaena around camp.
Serra Cafema remains the best place to end your safari in Namibia, or even Botswana. After a hectic safari of getting up early in the mornings and being kept busy throughout the day, Serra Cafema is the spot to come and relax at. Our activities will also keep you busy, but the water in the late afternoons and evenings will sooth your soul back to normality.
Come see for yourselves how beautiful our dunes and mountains are, this is a little peace of heaven on earth.
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa and offers one of the most memorable experiences in Namibia. The small 16 bedded camp, whose only access is by aircraft, is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and is further away from Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, than from Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The camp is situated under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. One goes to sleep at night to the gurgling water sounds from the rapid just downstream from camp.
In stark contrast, during the day, guests spend their time exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers and boating on the Kunene River where we can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.
Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
Guests can get into some of the massive sand dunes to the west of the camp.
Game viewing in this area is limited to large herds of Oryx and springbok in the Hartman's valley. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Cinderella Waxbills, Rufous Bellied Palmtrush and Grey Kestrels are three species of bird not seen anywhere else in southern Africa, Palm nut vultures are seen occasionally as well as a number of the Namibian endemics. There are also a number of endemic reptiles.
LOCATION- Situated on the southern bank of the Kunene River
- At the foot of the Hartman's valley.
PRICING / CHILD POLICY
High Season: July to October
Shoulder Season: January to June & November to December
Children over the age of 8 years are welcome
ACCOMMODATION
Number of tents:
7 tents comprising of:
- 1 double tent with king size bed
- 4 twin tents
- 1 family tent
- 2 en-suite guide / pilot rooms.
This camp can accommodate 15 guests (if including a family) plus tour leaders.
Tent details- En-suite bathrooms with indoor and outside shower.
- Private viewing decks overlooking the Kunene river valley and the Serra Cafema hills.
- Overhead fan
- Large mosquito nets
- Large luxuriously appointed Meru tents which are raised off the ground
CAMP DESCRIPTION- Situated under big, shady Albia trees with uninterrupted views of the Kunene river valley.
- The camp is elevated on wooden decks with walkways to each tent.
- Small pool
- Dining area and bar
GAME VIEWING
Game viewing in this area is limited to large herds of Oryx and springbok in the Hartman's valley. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Cinderella Waxbills, Rufous Bellied Palmtrush and Grey Kestrels are three species of bird not seen anywhere else in southern Africa, Palm nut vultures are seen occasionally as well as a number of the Namibian endemics. There are also a number of endemic reptiles.
ACTIVITIES- Nature drives in Hatman's valley in open land rovers.
- Traversing the sand dunes on quad bikes
- Boating on the Kunene River
- Walks in the valleys and at the waterfalls
- Visit to a working Himba village
- Full day outings with picnic lunch
SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Below is only a suggestion as to what may happen in camp - as daily wildlife sightings tend to throw the schedule right out of schedule.
06h00 - Wake up
07h00 - Full breakfast
07h30 - Depart on full day outing which can include walking, visiting a nearby village, quad biking or boating on the Kunene River. A picnic lunch is included
19h00 - A three course dinner is served in camp
Stargazing
ELECTRICITY AND WATER- 12v Power with facility to charge video battery
- Water is solar heated
- 12v power for lighting and fans in the tents
DRINKS POLICY
Drinks on game drives and house-wine at dinner are included. All other drinks are excluded unless pre-arranged (for an extra cost all drinks can be included).
LAUNDRY POLICY
Daily service is included in the nightly tariff
EXTRAS PAYMENT
Payment can be affected by cash, travellers' cheques or Visa/MasterCard
FLYING TIME
Windhoek 3hrs 20 mins
Swakopmund 2hrs 30 mins
AIRSTRIP DETAILS
Hartmann Valley and following are the airstrip details:
Latitude: S17 22 37.0
Longitude: E012 15 22.0
Altitude: 1900ft
Length: 850m
Heading: 02/20
GRATUITY SCHEDULE
The following is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards:
R100 per guest per day. This will be divided up amongst the camp staff.
SUGGESTED LUGGAGE LIST
1. Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
2. Sun hat
3. Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
4. Shorts/skirts
5. Long trousers/slacks
6. Track suit
7. More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
8. Underwear (sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven) and socks
9. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
10. Sandals
11. Swimming costume
12. Warm winter jersey
13. Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September)
14. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
15. Camera equipment and plenty of film
16. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
17. BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (Night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities)
18. Newman's bird book if you are a keen birder
19. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
20. Malaria tablets (if applicable)
21. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
22. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
23. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
24. Tissues/"Wet Ones"
25. Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
26. Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.
Please note that bright colours and white are NOT advised whilst on safari. Please remember that there may be a restriction on luggage limits on your safari - please ensure that you have the details from your agent according to your itinerary and ask your agent ahead of time if you would like details on the feasibility and costs of taking excess luggage with you on any of these restricted luggage safaris.
*`�*-.,_,.-*`�*-.,_,.-*�
Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
.::. vacationtechnician.com = conserving the most enchanting wilderness chill out retreats on Earth .::.
Safari Field Reports
About The VacationTechnician Company
The VacationTechnician Company Conservation Campaign
Parts of Namibia's exotic Skeleton Coast could be submerged by the end of the century and its rich marine life badly hit by global warming, a report by the southern African country's environment and tourism ministry warns.
The 1,500-kilometre (937-mile) Namibian coastline -- which hosts tourist hotspots because of its unspoilt beauty and wildlife -- is dotted with ghostly shipwrecks, a testimony to the unforgiving Atlantic stretch that gives it its name.
A 130-page report, released last week for the UN's Framework Convention on Climatic Change, painted a bleak picture on the impact of global warming on the coastline and on the Benguela current running alongside.
"The cold Benguela current will experience temperature rises due to global warming, thus negatively impacting on the fisheries industry," it said.
"Over the last decade, a trend of warmer sea surface temperatures has been noted over the northern Benguela region," the report said, noting that temperatures could rise between two to six degrees Celsius (36 to 43 Fahrenheit) in Namibia by 2100.
"Marine biodiversity may also be impacted if there are shifts in the Benguela current system," it added.
Marine life off the coast rely heavily on the nutrient-rich upwellings of the cold Benguela current. "Any changes in the frequency, timing or distribution of upwelling would influence production", according to the report.
The sea level will have risen between 30 and 100 centimetres in 96 years from now, the report said "certainly inundating significant parts of Walvis Bay, Namibia's main port. The coastal towns of Swakopmnund and Henties Bay are also vulnerable".
According to marine scientist Jean-Paul Roux, the periodic warming of the Benguela System, called the Benguela Nino Events, has increased.
"During the 1995 Benguela Nino event, unusual mortalities of sardine, horse mackerel were noted ... the Namibian stock of Cape anchovy virtually disappeared while then sardine stock was reduced to its lowest level on record following this event", Roux wrote in a recent publication titled "Namibia's Marine Environment".
Fishing and fish processing are one of the former German colony's major export earners contributing to 10 percent of the gross domestic product.
Joe McGann, climate change coordinator in Namibia's environment and tourism ministry said that "even without the threat of climate change, Namibia faces absolute water scarcity by the year 2020."
"Namibia is highly dependent on its natural resources such as fish, minerals, agricultural land and wildlife", McGann added. "The variable rainfall, frequent droughts and reliance on subsistence agriculture combine to make Namibia highly vulnerable to climate change".
The Benguela current, which runs along the west coast of southern Africa, brings cold water from the South Pole. The current greatly reduces the amount of rainfall that falls along coastal areas, resulting in semi-arid and desert vegetation in the western coastal plains.
Significant resources are required to pre-empt or adapt to potential negative climatic effects, said Deputy Environment and Tourism Minister Petrus Ilonga Monday at the launch of the report.
"Climate change is not of our (Namibia's) making and we cannot be expected to bear the costs of this global problem alone."
.::.
Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
.::. vacationtechnician.com = conserving the most enchanting wilderness chill out retreats on Earth .::.
Namibia's Skeleton Coast is one of our planet's most beautiful places and is now host to one of our finest safaris. Over much of the past decade, access to this private area within the National Park has been restricted.
However, in April 2000 we opened our 12-bedded, luxury tented camp and we can now offer superb 4 or 5 day fly-in safaris to this incredible area, with guaranteed departures every Wednesday and Saturday.
Close on 300,000 hectares (660,000 acres) of the National Park has been set aside as an exclusive safari experience for those who want to really get away! It is wild, desolate and uninhabited - and stunningly beautiful.
The Benguela Current brings cool, plankton and fish~rich waters all the way from Antarctica and moderates the temperatures in the region. Mean temperatures year round vary from a high of 28� C (82�F) to a low of 10�C (50�F). Summers are incredibly mild, even though we are in the desert!
The cool ocean air meets the warm desert air and nearly every morning mists cover the coastline, bringing life~sustaining moisture to the desert's fauna and flora.
This is a safari that will rival anything in Africa for those who enjoy the excitement of wild and remote places.
June 1, 2004
DeBeers Diamonds: Last Straw for Botswana Bushman?
The court case that could decide the future of the Gana and Gwi
Bushmen will be held in July this year. Two hundred and forty-eight
Bushmen and Bakgalagadi are taking Botswana to court over the
government's forced eviction of them and their families from their
ancestral land, in what could be a test case for Bushman rights
across southern Africa.
Sign the Petition to support the Bushmen.
The case will begin on 4 July with an 'inspection in loco' of the
resettlement centres, and of the Bushman communities in the Central
Kalahari Game Reserve to which nearly 200 Bushmen have returned
despite government opposition. Fearing that their voices will not be
heard, as has been the case in previous government-led tours, the
Bushmen are calling for observers from the local and international
media to observe the 'inspection'.
The Bushmen want the government to recognise their rights to return
to their land and live there without fear of further eviction, and to
hunt and gather freely. The original case was dismissed on a
technicality in April 2002. The Bushmen appealed, and won the right
to have the case re-heard on its merits.
Note: Wildlife department permits are required to enter the Central
Kalahari Game Reserve. Entry to the resettlement centres outside the
reserve is unrestricted.
Permits are also required for filming. In the past, film makers have
sometimes been prevented from filming by the police, even when they
had the required permit.
For further information, please contact Kali Mercier at +44 20 7687
8731 or email [email protected]
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Survival International
6 Charterhouse Buildings
London EC1M 7ET
UK
Tel: (+44) (0)20 7687 8700
Fax: (+44) (0) 20 7687 8701
General enquiries: [email protected]
http://www.survival-international.org
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense...
The Weapon of Mass Destruction?
vacationtechnician conservation
vacationtechnician Paradise Paradigm
Last night we had a fantastic sighting at the Ongava Tented Camp in the Etosha National Park, Namibia watering hole, it happened right in front of the lapa.
Straight after dinner at about 21h00, ten lions surrounded the water hole, very thirsty indeed. After they quenched their thirst, two of the lions walked in between the tents, the rest made their bed next to the water hole besides the trees. The guests sat and watched them for about an hour. Hein then escorted all the guests to their tents.
We heard the roaring of these beautiful creatures the entire night.
The next morning at 5 'o clock the entire camp got a wake-up call. The waitress, Magda put on the lights at the lapa when a lion lying in front of the lapa charged her, luckily Jan the scullery guy, was standing behind her and pulled off a bare-banger.
Needless to say the whole camp woke up instantly. NJ, the guide, and Hein charged down to the lapa immediately to investigate. The lions casually left the camp area allowing the guests to be put at ease before being escorted to the lapa. What an extremely exciting 12 hours!
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
TOP TEN SAFARI RECOMMENDATIONS
#1: Best all-round safari: Jacana Safari, Botswana. Excellent choice for first safari, also ideal for single travelers as there is no single supplement if you are �willing to share�. The group of no more than 8 has 100% exclusivity in all camps.
# 2: Best �Ultimate Safari� experience: Best of Southern Africa flying safari. Traveling by private dedicated aircraft between premier camps in best areas of 4 countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe). Excellent review by Travel Editor of New York Times who took this trip in May 2003.
#3: Best value for money: Zimbabwe fly-in safari. The Wilderness Safaris camps in Zimbabwe are being filled by savvy Africa travelers who know that it is during these times that one enjoys the finest wildlife encounters, at attractive prices.
# 4: Best �active� safari: Rhino Safari, Zimbabwe: game drives, foot safaris with best-qualified guides in Africa (Zimbabwe full pro guides); tracking rhino on foot, boating on Lake Kariba, canoeing on Lower Zambezi River, and more.
# 5: Best �new� trip for 2004: Gorilla treks in Rwanda are back!
#6: Best combination of two countries: Botswana and Namibia. Botswana has lots of opportunities for game-viewing, the incomparable Okavango Delta and it combines perfectly with Namibia�s desert and dune experience.
#7: Most unusual destination: Madagascar. Adorable lemurs, amazing people, strange spiny forests, always the unexpected. Just don�t expect everything to work 100%�
#8: Trip most likely to be a �life-changing� event: Mana Canoe Trail, Zimbabwe.
#9: Best honeymoon destination: North Island, Seychelles. No question.
#10: �Best kept secret� safari area: Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block. Too many of our clients return from Mashatu with multiple leopard sightings or other fabulous game-viewing experiences for this area to remain �undiscovered� for long.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia -- Out in the rolling red dunes stretching for hundreds of miles from this palm-lined resort lie the remains of some wrecked C-119 cargo planes.
They're the latest evidence of Hollywood's growing infatuation with the Namibian desert -- sets for "Flight of the Phoenix," a 20th Century Fox remake of the 1965 adventure set in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.
Namibia may not be an obvious stand-in, but it beat out other locations scouted in China, Chile, South Africa and the United States.
"Not only does Namibia have the tallest dunes, but it also has the perfect climate, because it is close to the ocean," said production designer Patrick Lumb. "It is ideal, because it looks isolated and inaccessible, when in actual fact we're 10 minutes away from Swakopmund."
Peaceful Remote Luxury
Swakopmund, home to about 30,000 people, is a popular resort on the Atlantic coast with numerous restaurants and outdoor cafes. Those were packed with cast and crew from the United States, Britain, South Africa and 15 other countries during the four-month film shoot.
"I tell my wife I'm roughing it, but I'm not," said Wyck Godfrey, an executive producer from Los Angeles. "It's like a tourist town."
"Flight of the Phoenix" was the latest in a series of big-budget Hollywood movies shot here in recent years, including "The Cell" (2000), "Beyond Borders" (2003) and "The Young Black Stallion" (2003). There have also been film productions from India, Italy, Poland and Britain, and documentaries, commercials and music videos are regularly shot here.
Still, this southern African country remains relatively undiscovered as a film location, said Guy Nockles, the movie's Namibian unit production manager. "It is new, has variety and is a great location," he said.
Namibia has decent infrastructure and a government eager to help international film productions get what they need.
The movie work is a boost for an economy in which more than a third of the population lives on less than $1 a day.
Business was booming in Swakopmund during filming of "Flight of the Phoenix" -- particularly at the popular fish restaurant The Tug, which was frequented by director John Moore and lead actor Dennis Quaid.
Add up the money spent on accommodation, restaurants and other personal expenses, and the movie put $35.3 million into the local economy, Nockles said.
It also created much-needed jobs in an area with about 40 percent unemployment, said Freddy Kaukungua, spokesman for Swakopmund's municipal government.
"They are part-time, but if more and more movies come, we can create a whole new sector," he said.
"Flight of the Phoenix" used up to 280 crew members a day, including around 130 Namibians. Their wages were not high by Hollywood standards, but the $14.50 daily minimum was double the local rate for unskilled workers.
The recent volatility of the South African rand, to which the Namibian dollar is pegged, is a problem for international productions.
"Mad Max Fury Road," also a 20th Century Fox production, canceled plans to film here last fall when the U.S. dollar fell sharply against the rand. The producers of "Flight of the Phoenix" had hedged against foreign exchange volatility by buying all the rands they needed early.
There were a few problems during the shoot, filmmakers said, citing a break-in at a crew member's home and insufficient policing in the town.
And Swakopmund is also incapable of supporting more than one feature film at a time.
"Accommodation would be the biggest problem. There are no more houses available for rent," said Nockles, who co-owns a production company, Namib Films. "You walk around restaurants, and you can't get in. You look in, and it's mostly film crew."
Nockles is convinced Hollywood will be back.
"Americans after every war make a stack of movies," he said. "They just had a war in the desert. Where else would they come?"
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
Safari Field Reports
About The VacationTechnician Company
The VacationTechnician Company Conservation Campaign
Africa's three big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah - all capture and kill their prey in much the same manner as a domestic cat kills a mouse. The body proportions, dentition and claws of all cats - from lions to lynxes - is basically the same. Body size, social habits and habitat preferences are what separates most members of the family Felidae.
Although the way in which large cats stalk or approach their prey differs, the actual method of killing is similar. The first objective is to bring the quarry to the ground, and for medium-sized prey this is achieved by grasping the hindquarters. With its feet firmly on the ground, a lion or leopard pulls an antelope to the ground by hooking its talons into its rump and tugging downward. If in pursuit of fleeing prey, cats reach out with their forepaw to trip their quarry. For very large prey such as buffalo, lions may jump onto the animal's back, using their own body weight to topple the victim. Once an animal is off its feet, the cat goes for the throat or muzzle, clamping its jaws tight to suffocate the prey. With small prey, a bite is delivered to the neck to sever the spinal chord.
Whenever a cat hunts and dispatches prey, it must minimise the chance of injuring itself - a sprained leg or broken canine tooth, could easily lead to starvation.
In many parts of Africa, lion, leopard and cheetah occur side-by-side. They are able to coexist because they have different habitat and prey preferences, which reduces competition. Different hunting strategies are employed not only by the different big cats, but also for the various prey species which they hunt.
Leopard
The leopard is the most adaptable of Africa's big cats, with the widest range of prey. Large males can tackle quarry up to the size of adult Topi although they rarely take such risks. Medium-sized and small antelope, as well as warthog, are favoured prey in most areas. The leopard relies on its stealth and patience to approach its prey. Successful hunts usually demand that the leopard surprises its victim, pouncing before it can react and pulling it to the ground. Smaller prey, such as hyraxes, hares and monkeys may be chased and cornered before being clawed and bitten on the back of the neck or throat. In some parts of their range, leopard are almost entirely nocturnal hunters, but in other areas (notably the South African lowveld) they are active throughout the day. Individual leopards may acquire a preference for certain prey animals and develop particular hunting strategies. Warthog may be captured as they leave or enter their underground burrows, entailing a lengthy wait for a patient leopard. Catfish will be plucked from shrinking pools at the end of the rainy season by a leopard which ignores other quarry.
Lion
Lion are the only truly social cats and adult females typically hunt in pairs or groups. When hunting favoured prey such as wildebeest or zebra, lions usually stalk to within 30 metres before rushing at them. In most cases the lions will wait until the quarry has turned away or has its head down. Once it detects danger, the victim bolts but it may be too late. On rare occasions, (and invariably in daylight) lion may ambush prey, with one member of the pride lying in wait as its partner forces the quarry to run in its direction. The sheer abundance of prey can also determine hunting strategies. When great herds of migratory wildebeest are milling about, lions can simply rush into them and pull down one or more of the confused animals. When the same herds gather to cross the Grumeti or Mara rivers, lions simply wait at favoured crossing points and pick off the startled wildebeest. Although male lions have the reputation (quite deserved) of pirating free meals from hardworking lionesses, they are called upon when extra large prey is tackled. Several females may corner and threaten a buffalo, but it will usually take a big male to topple such a beast. In northern Botswana, some large lion prides have taken to preying on young and even sub-adult elephant, and this entails tight teamwork to separate their targets from defensive adults. In South Africa's Kruger National Park, lions appear to have become adept at killing giraffe by attacking them on tarmac roads where the tall mammals lose their foothold on the slippery surface. Lions generally have a higher success rate when hunting after dark.
Cheetah
Built for speed, cheetah hunt by day. They are less reliant on stalking than leopard or lion, but most successful hunts involve walking slowly towards their prey, and �freezing' their posture each time the quarry looks in their direction. Once a cheetah gets to within a range of 50 metres or less, it will sprint towards the prey, instantaneously singling out one individual. With its quarry in full flight, the cheetah's strategy is to catch up with it and strike out, clipping its back legs. The faster a gazelle or antelope is running, the more readily it tumbles. Such a fall may cause a broken leg, but within seconds the cheetah takes hold of its victim's throat and clasps its jaws tightly. Cheetah only have about 300 metres in which to catch their prey, because they cannot continue at full speed beyond that. Gazelles often evade cheetah by turning sharply, while animals which stand their ground are rarely attacked. Cheetah are less adaptable than lions or leopards, but some individuals may become adept at hunting in thick bushland where sprinting is impossible. At Kwandwe, in the Eastern Cape Province, some Cheetah have broken all the 'rules' and have taken to hunting on moonlit nights.
Watching any of the big cats on the hunt is one of the most thrilling elements of a safari. With astute and sensitive guides and an intimate knowledge of predator territories vacationtechnician guided safaris provide some of the best opportunities to witness this behaviour.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
"When my mother took me to Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2001, I fully expected it to be the "trip of a lifetime," never imagining that I would become so passionate about Africa, needing to return every year. So, yes, Africa is the best vacation place I've ever been. Why?
First and foremost -seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat. I have had a lifelong love for animals and have refused to set foot in zoos for over 30 years.
I can't begin to describe the thrill when first seeing a herd of elephants on the shore of the Gache Gache River in Zimbabwe. Or, getting within five feet of the mountain gorillas in Uganda. For me, NOTHING can compare to those experiences.
I think, for me, Africa provides an experience that is so profoundly different from my day-to-day existence. I live in San Francisco and have lived here, in the heart of the city, for my entire adult life. While I've visited Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Venice, Brussels, New York, which all have their individual charm and beauty and excitement, they are, for me, just variations of all major cities.
It was not until I visited Africa that I realized that I am no longer intrigued or even interested in spending my vacations that way--running around a city, going to museums, hanging out in cafes, finding restaurants, shopping, etc. etc. I can do all that home.
Africa allows me to just be....I am forced to relax and just look and listen and smell...No other place on earth provides that type of serenity".
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"The answer to the question for me is absolutely, completely, whole-heartedly, YES.
I have been completely around the world over a period of 2 years, years ago.
Went from east to west (starting in the states and then Hawaii, Japan etc.). Other times I have visited and lived in several countries.
Out of all of these, Africa is my favorite. Africa is special.
Outside of Africa, the country that makes the deepest impression is India, however I will never consider it a holiday - it is an experience. Some favorite cities - Kyoto, London. Crete was a wonderful holiday location.
But for me, an animal lover, everything pales compared to Africa.
-Waking up in the bush and wondering what wonderful animals I'll see today...?
-Heading out to a new camp and wondering what interesting people I'll meet.
Typically when we travel in other places we don't meet a lot of new people, at least not long enough to have a two-hour dinner conversation.
Wonderful, adventurous people that are also traveling and kind gentle people who live in Africa. I just feel that traveling in Africa was like nothing else I had done before and yes, it meant so much to me that I wish everyone I know could experience it.
I never felt so alive as I did there".
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
A Rhino in Botswana's Okavango Delta sizes up vacationtechnician wildlife-watchers. "Safaris might be the key to winning the conservation battle in Africa," says Colin Bell, whose company won the World Legacy Award in the Nature Travel category.
On June 8, 2004, at National Geographic's Washington, D.C., headquarters, Queen Noor of Jordan is scheduled to again present the World Legacy Awards (WLA) for sustainable tourism�a joint program of National Geographic Traveler magazine and Conservation International (www.wlaward.org).
Queen Noor presided over the first WLA ceremony last year, announcing winners in three categories: Nature Travel, Heritage Tourism, and Destination Stewardship. Each winner works to protect the natural and cultural quality of the places we visit, supports local communities, and gives us lasting travel memories.
This week, in anticipation of the 2004 ceremony, we present the winners of 2003 as described in Traveler (September 2003), starting with the Nature
Wilderness Safaris, Southern Africa
"To me, there is no more uplifting, inspirational, or educational form of travel than a safari," Colin Bell, founder of Wilderness Safaris, tells me. So I'm learning in northern Namibia at the company's Skeleton Coast Camp, a 600,000-acre (240,000-hectare) reserve, one of 44 eco-friendly Wilderness Safari camps in seven African countries. The experience is more than just touring Earth's oldest desert (55 million years) with sand dunes that vibrate and hum under the chilly Atlantic winds. It's more than tracking springbok and desert elephant; more than combing beaches flecked with garnet, agate, and diamond; more even than visiting the nomadic Himba to witness their centuries-old way of life. It's complete immersion in the large, fantastic world of the desert.
When I ask if any industrial use threatens this land, our amiable guide, Douw Steyn, says, "Yes. It's widely used in the tourist trade." He shows us a gravel plain lacerated by the truck tires of joyriding tourists, saying the tracks will take a century or more to disappear. Southern Africa-based Wilderness Safaris, by contrast, has built its reputation on minimizing tourism damage and maximizing its benefits to both people and nature.
At the Mombo Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta, for instance, my gin and tonic came with a slide show on the Wilderness Safaris backed rhino reintroduction program here. Poachers eradicated rhinos here in the early 1980s, but now 21 white rhinos nibble about. On a walking safari at Jao Camp, also in the Okavango, local guide Frank Mashebe thrilled guests by unlocking the secrets of�of all things�termite mounds. (They have an air-conditioning system, for instance).
Wilderness Safaris won its award partly because it hires, trains, and promotes talented locals like Mashebe. At Botswana's Savuti Camp, another skilled guide, Benson Siyawareva, tracked down the rare African wild dog, or "painted wolf." Only 5,000 or so still roam, but he finds a pack of 16�the gift of conservation.
"Our conservation ethic and community-based tourism model have resulted in threatened land becoming protected," Bell tells me. "And our Children in the Wilderness project, which has given week-long safaris to a thousand underprivileged African children, should help create the next generation of African conservationists."
For more information book via safari specialists such as New York-based vacationtechnician.com.
Watch for the Heritage Tourism winner in two weeks, and the announcement of the 2004 World Legacy winners on June 8.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
April 08 2004 at 07:39AM
Windhoek, Namibia - Six people, including a baby and an eight-year-old boy, have drowned in north-eastern Namibia since being hit by the worst floods in decades, police reported on Wednesday.
The Namibian police listed the six drownings in a daily report, saying that an eight-year-old boy and two young men, aged 18 and 23, died in separate incidents last Friday.
"Two men drowned when their canoe capsized in flood waters due to strong winds," the statement said.
It added that another man was found dead on Sunday, and that a mother and her baby drowned in flood waters about a week ago.
'I have never seen such a sea of water' Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab warned on Tuesday that the northeastern Caprivi region should brace itself for more floods.
"We see clear signs that a more severe flood is on the way. It is a perilous situation," he told parliament.
"About 5,000 people are at immediate risk and about eight to 10 thousand people are affected by the floods."
Abel Augustino of the Namibia Red Cross Society told AFP that about 400 people, mainly school children, had been evacuated with helicopters and boats by both the Namibian and Zimbabwean Defence Force.
Six schools in the area have been closed.
The first consignment of relief aid from the International Federation of the Red Cross in Harare was on its way to Katima Mulilo, the regional capital of the flood-stricken Caprivi region.
"These are non-food items like tents, blankets, water canisters, soap and mosquito nets," Augustino said.
The flood waters stem from heavy rains since the end of March in the Angolan catchment area of the Zambezi River, which forms part of Namibia's northern border with Zambia.
"I have never seen such a sea of water. These are the worst floods since 1958," Namibia Red Cross Society secretary general Razia Essack-Kauaria earlier said.
Namibia, a country the same size as South Africa and with a population of around 1,8 million people, consists mainly of desert and dry savannah and has an average rainfall of around 360mm.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
Namibia�s fairy circles leave scientists flummoxed
Attempts by South African botanists to explain �fairy circles� in Namibia � bizarre outlines in the grass, somewhat akin to Britain�s bogus crop circles � have drawn a complete blank, New Scientist reports.
The circles comprise innumerable discs of completely bare sandy soil, ranging from two to 10 metres (seven to 25 feet) across, found in grass on Namibia�s coastal fringe.
Over the past three decades, scientists have wrangled over how the shapes are formed.
There are three main theories: radioactive soil, which prevents plants from growing; toxic proteins left in the soil by a poisonous plant called the milkbush; and termite colonies that mop all the seeds, leaving nothing left to grow.
Each of these explanations has now been examined at length and then discarded, in a study by South African researchers.
Tests of soil samples taken from �fairy circles� found all to be negative for radioactivity, and desert plants were successfully grown in the lab on soil on which milkbushes had grown.
As for the termites, the team dug trenches up to two metres (seven feet) deep in and around the circles, but found no sign of these insects or their nests, present or past.
Lead scientist Gretel van Rooyen, a botanist at the University of Pretoria, is now exploring the theory that, somehow, toxic elements are deposited in the shape of the circle, making it impossible for plant life to get established there.
�But even if we find them, how they came there is the next problem,� New Scientist quotes her as saying in next Saturday�s issue.
For the moment, she admits wryly, �we�re left with the fairies�.
Fairy circles occur in a broken belt in the pro-Namib region, from southern Angola to the Orange River in South Africa and have become so famous that they are included in visitors� tours.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. A zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari and the minimum recommended size is 200mm.
Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. The new high-resolution digital cameras are outstanding and give great quality images, especially if you are using a digital camera body which takes normal camera lenses. Camera bodies like the Canon D60 and 1D are superb. The advantage of digital photography is that one can get instant feedback and adjustments can be made in the field to your techniques to ensure that your photographs are the quality that you would like. Color reversal film (slides) will give far better quality than prints.
Our guides have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that gives good color with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guides' personal preference is the slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives almost perfect quality for normal light. However, you may consider going to 200 ASA for a larger lens in low lighting conditions. The new Fuji 400, we believe is giving great results too.
The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots.
IMPORTANT: BRING SPARE FILM (ALTHOUGH IT IS AVAILABLE IN MOST CAMPS/LODGES) AND A SPARE CAMERA BATTERY.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents. All passport holders should verify with vacationtechnician or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for those countries as well. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry).
VIDEO
Charging facilities for video cameras are very limited on the safari, so please bring enough batteries to last you at least 3 days of video filming. If you have a 12V charging pack which can be connected to the vehicle via the cigarette lighter, you may be able to charge your battery when it is travelling on the longer drives. Please bring your own attachment to connect your charger or video to the cigarette lighter.
WALKING
Walking is not allowed in the Chobe National Park nor the Moremi Game Reserve. It is allowed outside these reserves including much of the Okavango Delta. Walking can, however, lead to encounters with potentially dangerous WILD ANIMALS. Walking is, therefore, at your own risk. Never walk around unescorted.
DRIVING CONDITIONS
If visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy and occasionally we will travel "off road", where it is possible that injuries may occur - if for example a hidden pothole is struck. Neither the vacationtechnician nor our staff members, associates nor agents can be held liable for any accidents or any damages!
RESPECTING WILDLIFE & SAFETY WHEN STAYING AT SAFARI CAMPS/LODGES
The wild animals are not like those found in theme parks They are not tame.
Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. vacationtechnician, our staff members, associates, agents, or their suppliers can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behaviour of wild animals.
Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.
Do not go wandering off on your own without a guide -even to your tent.
After retiring to your tent at night, don't leave the tent!
Observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
Please respect your driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.
SATELLITE & IRIDIUM TELEPHONES
Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that the campsites you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts of Southern Africa and do not have telephones.
An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on safari. As most people come on safari to get away from it all, we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on safari. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:
1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your tent and not any of the common areas: dining area, bar/lounge area, or on any of the vehicles or on game drives.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
Serra Cafema in Namibia is not just the most exotic safari camp ever, says JAMES DELINGPOLE, it is also thrillingly remote..
There's dust in my eyes and grit in my teeth. I'm careering down a stone track at suicidal speed into the sunset and I'm about as happy as happy gets. In the distance, craggy, arid, ancient mountains in every shade from purply brown to red ochre. Beside me, golden sand dunes, rocky scrub and the occasional curious oryx with its tall horns and face like a mask designed by Picasso. In front, my thrilling downhill, twisty-turvy racecourse with boulder obstacles hurtling towards me faster and every faster because I've opened up the throttle now, I can't resist, I'm having too much fun already but a little more wont' hurt.
Probably, if I stopped to think, I would realise how irresponsible this is. Until this morning I was a quad-bike virgin and the machine does have this tendency to veer off the track of its own accord. It's now so dark I can hardly see a thing and it doesn't' help that the only eve protection I have is a pair of sunglasses. And if anything does go wrong, I 'm at least an hours rough drive and another hours plane journey from the nearest help.
But when you're in The Zone, you don't' think about these things. The Zone is the term given by the writer Geoff Dyer to that blissful state where you know for certain there is nowhere in the world you would rather be at that moment. And that is where I am now. In the Hartmann Valley in northern Namibia, overlooking the most remote, the most exotic and probably the best safari camp in Africa: Serra Cafema.
Yes, this may sound an extravagant calm but I don't think it is too far-fetched. I've climbed Kilimanjaro, I've swam the Blue Nile, I've watched the dervish dancers at Omdurman, traded for bangi with Pygmies in Zaire and been drenched by the Victoria Falls. And as African experiences go, Serra Cafema is right up there with the most memorable of them.
As for the remoteness, when I mentioned it a few days later to an imperious, mega-rich Texan crone in Skeleton Coast - another Namibian safari camp in the same prestigious Wilderness group - she cold barely contain her jealous rage. "What, you're trying to tell me Skeleton Coast isn't remote enough?" she snapped. But the facts speak for themselves. Perched on the banks of the Kunene River on the Angolan border, 12 hours drive from the nearest proper village and surrounded by deserts and mountains, Serra Cafema really is about as far from anywhere as you could get.
Up close, it looks a bit like a giant adventure playground or maybe the Lost Boys hideout from Peter Pan: a canopy of tall Albida trees, aerial walkways, huts on stilts, hammocks, swaying rope bridges and even - if you are lucky enough to bag the honeymoon suite, which sits on a river bank overlooking the rapids - the odd snoozing crocodile. Every detail has been taken care of, from the sweet little bench in the lover's nook among the reeds to the marquetry in the tropical hardwood doors of the huts. "It took them a million Namibian bucks (about 100,000 pounds) over budget" admitted Grant, the bearded Kiwi and expert safari-camp builder who put the whole thing together. "It wasn't what they asked for. But it's what I thought the place deserved"
Though it's true the Wilderness Safari camps in Namibia are all pretty special - Damaraland with its red, red rock and desert elephants; Sossusvlei with its towering dunes up to 1,000ft tall; desolate, breathtaking Skeleton Coast - Serra Cafema is the most the rangers talk about in the most reverent tones. Maybe it's because of the view you get on seeing it for the first time - an emerald strip, hugging the deep blue river, the only apparent life, is a huge lunar wilderness of dunes and rock; maybe it's because you know that, barring fellow guests, camp staff and the odd Himba tribesman, you are the only human for hundreds of miles. The apocalypse could come you would never know it. It feels like the last place on earth.
And if it were, what a way to go. There are evening boat cruises to drink sundowners on a beach on the other side of the river; there are smiling staff waiting to greet you with a cool drink and a flannel with which to mop your dusty brow after a mornings quad-biking; there are sumptuous barbecues of oryx kebab (much sweeter and more tender than beef) by the pool at night. It's not an Africa that Rider Haggard or Dr Livingstone or the early Voortrekkers would recognise.
Nor, for that matter, is it the one I first fell in love with as a teenage over Lander. When I think of Africa, I think of the camaraderie of exhaustion, danger and shared hardship; of foraging for firewood, while trying to avoid puff adders; of boots upturned to check for scorpions; of lions bellowing in the darkness; of nights under a mozzie net and the stars; of hours and hours just staring into the campfire - the "bush TV". Yes, the Wilderness brochure still refers to the company's canvas camp accommodations as "tents". But they are not tents as I would recognise them: not when they have solid doors, large comfortable beds and bathrooms with crapped soap bars and chi-chi little decorative displays of objets toruves.
I had a good chat about this in the bar one night with the Serra Cafema "family". One of the camp managers Hartmut Kolb, used to bring tented safari groups here 15 yeas ago, when the site was first discovered. There was no airstrip then, so the journey would last days. And the final boulder-strewn stretch was impassable until two Himba tribesmen spent two months smashing a route through with sledgehammers. When you arrived there, everyone would pitch their own tent. "It was the end of a long trip, and we'd camp under the stars" said Hartmut. "I miss those times".
But those times, everyone seemed to agree, can never be regained. Though Wilderness is planning to introduce a sew series of roving, tented safaris for tourist who want their Africa a touch more "echt", the tendency through much of Southern Africa -from the parks of Namibia to Botswana's Okavango Delta - is for high-cost, low-impact tourism. There are only so many visitors these fragile eco-systems can tolerate, their governments have decided. So you might as well make your tourists rich, high spending ones, rather than shoestring- budget ones.
Part of me - the long- haired, free spirit - finds this monstrously unjust. Another part of me though wonders how it could reasonably be otherwise. Take Skeleton Coast, the desert crust in this pristine wilderness is so delicate that, in places, you can see the wagon tracks made in the 19th century by the first trekkers; and, elsewhere the tyre marks from the British army Bedford trucks that crossed the desert to rescue the survivors of a wartime shipwreck. No one knows how long it will take the landscape to recover, but it has been estimated at least 200 years. Just imagine what would happen to Skeleton Coast if tourist were allowed unfettered access.
So the only real alternative is to do what the Namibian government has done declare whole chunks of it off-limits, except to a small number guest staying with one privileged franchise holder - currently Wilderness Safaris. In return for the business ( and a hefty 120 pounds per guest paid to the Namibian government), Wilderness acts as the landscape's guardian, helps fund conservation projects - such as the monitoring of desert giraffe - and works with the local people, either employing them as staff or helping them out with basic commodities and medical care.
At Serra Cafema, one of the local Himba girls was trained up to be a maid. This might not sound a big deal, but as Hartmut's wife, Helen, explained, you have to start from scratch. "We had to explain what glass is and how it can break; about the properties of ice. She just sat there amazed, watching it melt. She had never seen anything like it before"
It was the Himba, too, who did much of the building work on the new camp. In return, Grant thought them as much as he could about joinery. "I like to leave them with a skill", he said. But is this really doing them a favour? To practise joinery skills, you require timber - something the Himba have hitherto been able to do without, relying instead on brushwood, which is about al you can find in their arid environment, now, suddenly you have created for them a need that never existed. To buy timber, they will have to trade; to trade, they may have to abandon their self-sufficient, nomadic pastoral existence.
I felt similar guilty twinges in a Himba village called Otkivahurau (or Place Where We Stop) as I haggled for native crafts that the Himba never used to make until tourist came along to buy them. Most of the money I knew would end up being blown by men folk on booze and fancy western kit. The women still looked splendid with their bare breasts, necklaces of beaten fence wire, fat snakes of braided hair and thick coating of red ochre paint with its pungent smell of rancid milk; the children, naked save for a loincloth, still tended the herds; but the head man rather spoiled the picturesque authenticity with his safari hat and desert boots.
Yes, it's a tricky one, Grant and I concluded after several more beers. But we both agreed that there is nothing you can do to stop the march of civilisation, even in places like Serra Cafema. All you can do, Grant said, is "try your best to ensure it happens in the right way, not the wrong way". And if you want to know the difference, you should try visiting one of those Potemkin-style Maasai villages in Kenya were the only purpose is to extract money from tourists. At least when you visit the Himba ones, you know they really couldn't care whether you turn up. You're a mild curiosity, at most. Definitely not their livelihood.
And if those Victorian pioneers are turning in their graves at the way parts of a once dark and mysterious Africa are being transformed into a rich man's playground, well, I'm sure it's only because they never knew better. Fighting restive natives, discovering elusive sources, and annexing great territories are all very well. But until you've raced over the dunes of the Hartmann Valley on a quad-bike as the sun sets over Serra Cafema, you can't seriously claim to have experienced the best of Africa.
Article published in The Daily Telegraph - United Kingdom Saturday 30AUGUST 2003
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
When drought and war struck Namibia in the 1980s, it looked as if the culture of the indigenous Himba people might disintegrate. Ninety percent of Himba cattle, the center of their economy and identity, died. Some families left for Angola. Lacking any other means of survival and desperate for cash, a number of men joined South Africa's army in its fight against guerrillas seeking Namibian independence. Unable to feed themselves, Himba flowed into the town of Opuwo for relief food, settling in slums of cardboard and plastic sacks.
But the estimated 20,000 to 50,000 Himba, long among Africa's most prosperous herders, are resilient. In the 19th century those in Namibia survived cattle raids by marauding ethnic groups from the south. Most fled into Angola, joining with the Portuguese military and forming their own armies of raiders. Eventually many returned to Namibia. Starting in the 1920s, South African rulers confined them to a prescribed "homeland," officially forbidding them to trade, graze livestock freely, or garden and gather wild plants along the Kunene River. Yet they endured�even if at times it meant eating the hides they slept on.
With the peace and good rains that came to Namibia in the 1990s, the Himba rebuilt their herds and, working with international activists, helped block a proposed hydro-electric dam that would have flooded ancestral lands along the Kunene. They also have benefited from new opportunities provided by the government of independent Namibia�mobile schools where Himba children learn English, and conservancies that give Himba control of wildlife and tourism on their lands. Vengapi Tijvinda, a grandmother in her 50s, lived through this rebirth. In the 1980s she was making baskets for tourists near Purros. Now she has returned to farming and raising goats and cattle: "Life is still the same, but the children can read and write. I am a member of a conservancy, and we have tasted game meat again."
Historically, the Himba and other pastoral peoples have had little interest in sharing their communally managed grazing lands with large populations of wildlife. Because domestic stock had either to compete with wild grazing animals for scarce plant resources or be defended from dangerous wildlife such as lions, a smaller game population meant more profitable herding. In 1996, however, the government of Namibia made it possible for the Himba and others to profit from increased wildlife populations and the tourists that wildlife brings through a program that allows them to manage their shared property as a registered conservancy.
This program officially called the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme requires that a group wanting to form a conservancy establish its membership and define the boundaries of the land its members share, write a constitution stating the goals of the group, and elect a governing committee. When the group's application is accepted by Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the conservancy begins to manage the wildlife and other resources on its land according to principles of sustainable use, while continuing with traditional farming or grazing. Because conservancies can also control tourism on their land, they are able to contract with commercial tour operators and establish their own tourist facilities.
By mid-2003, 29 conservancies had been established in Namibia. Together they include more than 28,000 square miles (73,000 square kilometers) and have more than 39,000 members. Management and operation of the conservancies and the services provided to growing numbers of tourists are creating new jobs that keep conservancy members in their communities. Profits from conservancy managed businesses stay in the community and can be distributed directly to the members, used for local social programs, or returned to the conservancy to expand operations. Because a healthy wildlife population is a big tourist attraction, poaching is down, animal numbers are increasing, and efforts are going into maintaining the natural environment that supports wildlife. And perhaps most important, indigenous people like the Himba, whose lives were for generations largely controlled by outside governments, are regaining local control over the future of their communities.
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa and offers one of the most memorable experiences in Namibia. The small 16 bedded camp, whose only access is by aircraft, is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and is further away from Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, than from Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The camp is situated under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. One goes to sleep at night to the gurgling water sounds from the rapid just downstream from camp.
In stark contrast, during the day, guests spend their time exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers and boating on the Kunene River where we can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.
Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes.
Guests can get into some of the massive sand dunes to the west of the camp.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
The only major change to the appearance of the Damaraland Camp this month has been the locally famous 'rock pool' undergoing yet another colour change.
The Palm Springs style blue paint has been replaced with a more subtle charcoal grey. We may be slightly behind in global design fashions, but are confident that the new look will please swimmers as much as it does the flocks of parched desert dwelling birds that visit daily.
The camp and surrounding area has responded to the rains with an amazing carpet of fresh grass and flowers. This has temporarily obscured our traditional basalt strewn valleys and plains with a remarkable display of organic life. In particular, the local springbok herds are in premium condition and are feeding right up to the edges of camp were they are stalked by our resident urbanised wild cats, Thelma and Louise.
The thunder storms in the area have been mesmerizing with the majority of rain falling on the Huab river valley, leaving the camp dry and creating the effect that these electrical shows are put on for our entertainment. Rain in Namibia is as rare and elusive as the diamonds that rest beneath the sand. We had the distinct pleasure two days ago of being in exactly the right place as the heavens opened. Standing on the golden plains between the Huab and Aba-Huab riverbeds, with our bare feet in the hot sand whilst we were thoroughly soaked by the downpour, it was a perfect African moment.
This annual event gives the elephant population a chance to leave the river bed boundaries imposed by the usually arid terrain and move further into the mountains to feed. Watching them pick their way up the side of towering basalt mountains, sending loose rocks tumbling back onto the valley floor is a unique sight. The younger less experienced climbers often resort to sliding down the mountain side on their bespoke baggy trousers. We have found a solitary mother and young calf who have decided to remain in the river bed until the herds return. The calf was not strong enough to join the exodus and they are spending their time wandering between the areas permanent waterholes.
The most exciting news on the wildlife front has been the local tour undertaken by a lioness and her two cubs. They have been steadily moving south from the neighbouring concession, which has brought great excitement to the local subsistence farming community. An unfortunate incident with a local cow has led to a nocturnal curfew for all domestic livestock. The community receives a monthly income from the camp, which adequately compensates for stock loss and helps to improve the local attitude towards natural resource management.
On a lighter note, one of the camp guides went to investigate baboon alarm calls coming from a long deserted farm. He traced the noise to a defunct dam which had an entire troop of baboons trapped inside, evidently the thirsty primates had climbed into the dam to drink and then a combination of over full bellies and steep dam walls, led to their unhappy predicament. Although we have a strict policy of observing and not interfering with wildlife, given the unusual circumstances, a log was dropped found to provide a means of escape. Evidently, after realising they were stuck, the baboons had decided to make the most of the water available and just kept drinking. Aloysius described the water-filled band, hauling themselves with difficulty from the dam and staggering away like drunken sailors.
In the meantime, the people and wildlife of Damaraland enjoy the last of the rains and await the approaching winter when the waterholes will be hives of activity again.
Situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas.
Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia.
Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams, alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside.
Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in nine comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. As a result of water shortages, it is unfortunately not possible to offer a laundry service.
The dining room and pub are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A feature of the camp is the unique rock pool. Activities throughout the area are in 4x4 vehicles and on foot (as well as mountain bikes available for guest use from June 2003 onwards).
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
March 2004 at Palmwag Rhino Camp Namibia has been permeated with alot of new beginnings. Most of these have been precipitated by much needed rains in the area this month. Our concession area is looking very green in patches, and where isolated showers have fallen, new shoots of grasses and forbes give the area a beautiful green carpet, with the inflorescence of the grasses blowing like waves in the wind.
The area became home to many new arrivals in the springbok herds at the beginning of the month. The lambs keep us entertained with their pronking and seem to be able to do this from birth.
The Hartman's Mountain Zebra herds are looking very plump and well fed, benefiting from the nutritious green shoots of the bushman's grass.
The numbers of Zebra in the area have increased due to the rains, having moved west out of the area in search of better grazing. The family of giraffe are still in the vicinity of the Uniab River, just west of Palmwag lodge.
The rhinos are doing well in the area. The sightings this month have included: Diana and her calf Takamisa (means "beware" in Herero), Ben, Micro, and Speedy. We have had 100% strike rate at finding the rhinos here this month, and thus all our guests have been able to enjoy rhino sightings (some having to walk a little further than others!).
This is mostly thanks to our excellent Save the Rhino Trackers who are expertly skilled in tracking as well spotting rhino from extremely far distances.
A family of Bat eared foxes, 2 cheetah (on two separate occasions), 2 lionesses and many black-backed jackal have been spotted during the month and enjoyed by the guests.
The area has also the new coloured blooms of the season with the large salmon red flowers of Hoodia currori, white flowers of the Catophractes alexandri, Devil thorn yellows, and a blanket of creamy Heliotropium curassavicum flowers. The pods of the Terminalia prunoides and the cones of the female Welwitchia mirabilis add spots of red to the green landscape.
Out on tracking excursions during the day, the colourful sound of the Bokmakierie, the frog- like croaking of the Ruppells Korhaan, the noisy chatter of the Cape Sparrow and last but not least the ascending call of the Benguela long billed lark can be heard. The evenings next to a blazing campfire under the stars are filled with the sounds of many insects, good conversation, and the eerie call of the jackal in the distance.
Palmwag Rhino Camp is situated in the 1 million acre private Palmwag reserve in Damaraland in north-west Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experience.
This desert reserve has a number of fresh water springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert adapted black rhino and elephants as well as large populations of the rare Hartman's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with over 100 lions, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena.
Bird life is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia's endemics present. Palmwag Rhino Camp accommodates 14 guests in 7 large East African styled "Meru" tents (but can be sold to 8 tents if required) each with an en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin, flush toilet and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed.
Lights are powered by solar panels and the tented dining room offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. Welwitschia (ancient desert adapted plants) plants dot the plain in front of the camp. Activities include rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle as well as day and night nature drives. Guests often enjoy full day outings, with a picnic lunch, on the reserve.
Palmwag Rhino Camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the "Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit conservation organisation that has been working in this area for 20 years. The Trust have been singly responsible for helping to ensure that these rare, desert adapted black rhino survived the slaughter that went on throughout other parts of Africa in the 80s and 90s.
Today this population of black rhino is growing in numbers and the area boasts the largest concentration of rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts who were employed by the Trust to help with the patrolling and monitoring all these years are now seconded to the camp and are the trackers and guides. A portion of every guest's revenue goes to the Trust.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
Life and the daily stress that comes with it, tends to rob ones' soul of joy.
The newspapers and television are filled with sad stories and images of violence, and we easily forget that there is beauty to be found if we endeavour to find it.
On a recent visit to the Ongava Reserve Namibia we had the pleasure of observing a pride lions with three (three month old) cubs. It was late afternoon and the pride was still in a state of slumber. The cubs however were full of energy and demanded attention from the older members of the pride. "Father" lion with his impressive mane was pounced upon by one of the cubs whom took great pleasure in jumping on "fathers" head and biting his ear for good measure. "Father" lion was still too dozy to react and the cub then proceeded to "attack" his tail every time it moved! When this did not have the desired effect, it decided to give up and promptly flopped to the ground next to "father" with his light furry belly exposed and paws in the air.
The other two cubs where also entertaining themselves by growling loudly, and no doubt were very impressed by the sound that emanated from their jaws. When they became too restless, one of the older members of the pride put her large paw over one of the cubs as if to say " settle down little one".
God sure was in a humours mood when he created these little cubs!! I could have watched them for hours, and I feel enriched and filled with joy when I remember this sighting.
To put it simply, it was a picture of paradise!
Your sincerely
H.Y.
Ongava Game Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. Ongava is the ideal place from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha. Accommodation comprises 10 air-conditioned brick, rock and thatch chalets, each with en-suite facilities.
Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's water hole - or on the dining deck under the stars. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, and Hartebeest can be seen at many of the water holes in the park.
In addition, night drives, hides and walks with armed guides are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava has resident White and Black Rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
The Ongava Tented Camp Namibia has been busy during February & March 2004, however the number of game drives conducted was affected by the quiet season. None the less, there was an abundance of sightings, especially lions with 34 sightings on the reserve, giving a massive total of 248 lions. The three young cubs born early December continue to provide a lot of entertainment as they frolic in the veldt, pouncing on swishing tails and generally causing havoc while the rest of the pride is trying to sleep.
The last two months have provided 19 white rhino sightings, and an impressive 50 animals seen. Many of these sightings were conducted on foot, sometimes after 5+ km of tracking!
More emphasis has been placed on night drives recently, with rich rewards. There have been fantastic spotted hyena sightings, as well as white rhino, lion, caracal, small-spotted genet, aardwolf and more. During the day we have seen some of the more elusive mammals, such as damara dik-dik, klipspringer, aardwolf and striped polecat.
The greatest excitement was generated by two sightings of a female leopard in the Margo dam area. During one sighting she let us view her two tiny cubs! There have also been tracks and signs of her activity in the hills around that area. One afternoon we followed a path through the bush which she had created by dragging a kill. Unfortunately we had to give up the pursuit when the bush became too thick, perhaps a new road could be built around the base of these hills to enable more leopard sightings.
The camp waterhole is frequented by game on an on-and-off basis, depending on the rain. Lions have been seen drinking five times, and some guests heard five lions killing a young hartmann's mountain zebra late one night. The lions stayed by the kill for two days, within 100m of our carpark. We were visited by two white rhino during dinner for the first time in over four months. As a result we have modified the waterhole to include a mud-pool to encourage them to return.
Etosha provides great birding and the park is now full of summer migrants, especially abdim's storks. General game and zebras are also abundant. An old elephant bull has been seen of several occasions, but there are still no signs of the herds returning. There have been only six lion sightings in Etosha during the last two months, however one sighting was unforgettable? three subadult lions hunting from a herd of 1000+ zebra, just dust and stripes everywhere. A vacationtechnician client comment was very apt "just like the discovery channel!"
A honey badger was seen early one morning in the park, then on the same day a black rhino bull took offense to the game-drive vehicle and charged to within five metres. The guests were photographers, but they became so caught up in the action that they forgot to take any pictures! Another memorable moment in Etosha occurred when NJ stopped to look at a leguaan by the roadside and it proceeded to board the vehicle from under the engine then came out almost on the lap of the guest in the passenger seat - she leapt into the back with amazing speed.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The rain is continuing, if a little sporadically. There was 156mm at Tented Camp during February and March. As a result the veld is green and carpeted with flowers. The animals are all fattening up nicely, especially our staff who have gone 'mopane worm mad' to the mixed delight and disgust of our guests who tentatively taste them with screwed up faces.
The most fascinating changes occur in the veld after rain, and the land has recently sprung to life with grasses whose inflorescences (flowers and seeds) provide rippling fields of colour. A comprehensive study of the grasses of Ongava has been conducted in parallel with a veld survey to determine the grazing value of the land.
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Ongava Tented Camp is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the 30,000 hectare, privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. The small tented camp is built in a different sector of the reserve to Ongava Lodge.
Accommodation comprises 7 large comfortable walk-in tents (but can be sold to 8 tents if required), each with en-suite facilities, including flush toilet and a hot shower. All meals are enjoyed in the thatched dining area that overlooks an active waterhole.
There is a small pool as well. Activities include game drives into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, and Hartebeest can be seen at many of the waterholes in the park.
In addition, night drives, hides and walks are offered on the private reserve. Ongava has resident White Rhino and Black Rhino, allowing guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.