News from Southern Africa & Namibia: May 2016

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Zambia: no yellow fever certificate required

NO YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE REQUIRED

It has come to our attention that a letter has been circulated by a Southern African DMC regarding the requirement of the Botswana government for any persons travelling from Zambia to Botswana to produce a Yellow Fever Certificate.
We are aware of the fact that Zambia is NOT on the WHO affected lists. Due to this we launched our own investigation to confirm the authenticity of this letter. After personally contacting Dr Makuka, who's name appears at the bottom of the letter, he has confirmed in writing to us today that he was not aware of this documentation and that he had been impersonated by a private individual in the Tourism Field in Kasane and will now be addressing the issue with the necessary authorities.
He has also confirmed that passengers travelling from Zambia to Botswana do NOT require a Yellow Fever Certificate and that Zambia is NOT on the affected WHO lists of countries that require Yellow Fever Vaccinations.
Only passengers travelling from Angola or the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) are required to produce proof of vaccination against the disease.
Therefore: PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO/FROM ZAMBIA DO NOT REQUIRE YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATES!

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Saturday, 21 May 2016

Russia: digging old village | Коп на месте старой деревни 08 мая 2016

#КопЯрославскаяОбласть #КопВСтаройДеревне #MetalDetectingInRussia #Petrovskoye
#MetalDetectingYaroslavl

Russia: digging old village with metal detector | Коп на месте старой деревни 08 мая 2016

The result of our short expedition to the site of old Russian village in Yaroslavl area of central - north - east Russia. The site was severely burned down but new grass is taking over now. The photo of day findings is closer to the bollom.

Результат нашей короткой экспедиции на место заброшенной деревни в Ярославской Губернии после пожара. Прекрасная погода и виды монастыря но немного находок.

A wooden Orthodox cross in the middle of the woods | Православный крест на опушке леса

Village pond | Деревенский пруд

Remains of old stone house | Остатки дома

Day diggings results | Результат копа 8 мая 2016

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Russia: digging old village | Коп на месте старой деревни 07 мая 2016

#КопЯрославскаяОбласть #КопВСтаройДеревне #MetalDetectingInRussia #Petrovskoye

Russia: digging old village with metal detector | Коп на месте старой деревни 07 мая 2016

The result of our short expedition to the site of old Russian village in Yaroslavl area of central - north - east Russia. The site was severely burned down but new grass is taking over now. The photo of day findings is closer to the bollom of this blog post.

Результат нашей короткой экспедиции на место заброшенной деревни в Ярославской Губернии после пожара. Прекрасная погода и виды но немного находок.

Metal detecting in Russia | Коп в Ярославской области май 2016

The site has a beautiful views | Деревня была в живописном месте

Deus DX metal deteltor and a spade - about all equipment you need | Оборудование

Dead frog | Пожар не пережила

Shell of spent cartridge | Гильза охотничьего патрона

Part of an axe | Часть топора

Remains of old coal iron | Остатки угольного утюга

Day findings - coins, ancient jewellery and buttons | Результаты дня - немного монет и прочей жбони

Small church near Petrovskoye village | Церковь в Петровском

Church in Lichenci village | Церковь в Лыченцах

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Namibia: Hilton Hotel special on dining & Father's Day | Отель Хилтон Намибия

#HiltonHotelWindhoek

Hilton Hotel update - special

When pre-booking dinner with accommodation you pay as little as N$ 215.00 for the buffet at Hilton Hotel. This is what Ekipa restaurant have to offer on a weekly basis:

Saturday-Monday: Western Culture
Tuesday’s: Interactive dining
(offering diners the chance to take part in preparing the food)
Wednesday: Italian Night
Thursday: Indian Night
Friday: Local is Lekker

There is a choice for everyone!

Enjoy lunch buffet, live entertainment and a welcome drink for N$350.00 this Father’s Day.
Dads will have the chance to win a special hamper.
Sunday 19 June from 12:30pm and 3:00pm at the Ekipa Restaurant.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Botswana: Mokolodi Game Capture | Моколоди Ботсвана

#МоколодиБотсвана #MokolodiBotswana #GameCaptureBotswana

Mokolodi Game Capture

Dear Visitor,

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is currently carrying out game capture within the Reserve. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the possible disruption of activities during this period.

Please take caution around the Reserve. Some roads may be temporarily closed and some activities may be temporarily suspended.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

South Africa: Leopard Mountain Game Lodge news

#LeopardMountainLodgeNews

Wild Diary May 2016
16/05/16

This month has been an exciting month for our guests in terms of sightings at Leopard Lodge. Zee, our newest ranger, had a unbelievable sighting of an Aardvark and then on the way back to the lodge had a glimpse of a Honey Badger, two incredibly illusive animals every guest wishes to see as they are very rare and nocturnal. The cold front that passed through has made them mobile a lot earlier than normal.
Themba had a few jaw dropping sightings. The cream of the crop was definitely the morning he found two new Lion cubs only a few days old, at a close second was the afternoon when he found a baby rhino only a few days old and still a little shaky on its feet - some definite ‘ahhhh’ moments from the guests. It is going to be very exciting watching the new babies grow and become like their fierce mommies. Rhino calves grow at almost a kilogram a day for their first year of life so this youngster won’t be small for much longer. On the walks this month we had some fun too, a baby Giraffe was spotted, not any older than two or three days old, as well as finding the Wild Dogs on a kill not too far from our hide!!! Then if that wasn’t enough we caught a sighting of an African Harrier Hawk (the old Gymnogene) feeding on something not even 30m from us. After the bird finished its meal and took to the skies we walked over and had a look at the remains and saw a massive pincer of a rather large Scorpion - ‘Goodbye Scorpion!’ The African Harrier Hawk is a master of hunting in holes. They have double jointed knee’s which make them very good at digging and finding food hidden in tree holes.

All in all the reserve is a hive of excitement at the moment, with the rains we’ve experienced the animals are enjoying the lush greenery and waterholes - basically a great time to be visiting the lodge!

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: new Sweet Thorn Retreat Windhoek Airport Lodge | Свит Торн Ритрит Лодж Намибия

#SweetThornRetreatWindhoekAirportLodge #KappsFarmNamibia ##SeeisValleyWindhoek
#FinkensteinMountainsWindhoek #СвитТорнРитритЛоджНамибия

New lodge near Windhoek International Airport

Sweet Thorn Retreat Windhoek Airport Lodge Namibia

Sweet Thorn Retreat Airport Lodge is located half-way between Windhoek and Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 20km from the centre of Windhoek on the M53 road, Plot 65 Kapps Farm.
The lodge's elevation offers a greater view of the Seeis Valley and surrounding Finkenstein Mountains, and boast 10 en-suite double rooms, 7 fully equipped tents and 3 spacious Campsites.

Lounge, Bar and Dining Room for Lodge Guests, Wi-Fi in the lounge area, Barbeque Facilities, Kiddies Club, Small Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking.

Three Rooms: inside the Lodge main building, simply styled and furnished, one with 2 double beds, another with 3/4 size double beds and last one with twin beds
Seven Rooms: Outside main building, each have two 3/4 size beds next to each other
All the rooms are Air conditioned, walk-in en-suite shower facilities, a coffee/tea station
Seven Tents with bedding, kettle, crockery and cutlery,table and chairs, sharing ablution facilities - 2 showers, 3 WCs. Towels are not provided.
Three Large Campsites with electricity, lighting, braai area with grid, sharing ablutions - 2 showers, 2 WCs.

The dining area has a fully stocked bar and overlooks the pool area. Above this is an open viewing deck for guests to enjoy sundowners and stargazing. Quite often some of the antelope (waterbuck, blesbuck and springbuck) can be seen down at the floodlit waterhole.
small playground where the youngsters can be entertained while adults enjoy an afternoon barbecue. Swimming Pool exclusively for use by Lodge Guests.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Sunday, 15 May 2016

Бесчинства бобров в России - май 2016, река Нерль | Ruthless Russian beavers - Nerl River, Yaroslavl

#NerlRiverRussia #YaroslavlBeaver #RussianBeaver

Бесчинства бобров в России - май 2016, река Нерль | Ruthless Russian beavers - Nerl River, Yaroslavl

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Saturday, 14 May 2016

Namibia: Old Wheelrs Club Event in Windhoek | Раритетные машины Намибии

#OldWheelersDay #SportGroundsWindhoek #РаритетныеАвтоНамибии
#OldWheelersDayWindhoek #OldWheelersDayNamibia #VintageAutosNamibia

Old Wheelrs Club Event in Windhoek, Namibia - 04 October 2014

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: The Dome Conference Centre in Swakopmund

#NamibiaTheDome #NamibiaDomeConferencing #Swakopmund #

Conferencing in Swakopmund, Namibia: full range of services

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Botswana: Mokolodi Klipspringer Night Ride 21 May 2016

#MokolodiKlipspringerNightRide

Mokolodi Klipspringer Night Ride 21 May 2016

Our first full moon night ride was a great success. We are inviting you to join us for our second full moon night ride on 21 May 2016.

Arrive by 18h00 at Reception
Ride starts at 18h30

P150 per person
NO HELMET = NO RIDE
NO LIGHT= NO RIDE

Bring and Braai
Bring your own meat
Salads provided
Bonfire
Cash bar available- No private drinks allowed to be brought in

FOM Members who book and pay by 14 May 2016 get P20 discount

Maximum 100 riders- first come first serve basis.

Bookings are essential

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Monday, 9 May 2016

Travelling in Russia - metal detecting in old war fields | Вахта Памяти май 2016 под Ржевом

#RussiaRzev
#WarMetalDetecting
#MetalDetectingRussia
#РжевВахтаПамяти

We have been fortunate to join search team "Centr" ("Center") in their expedition to Rzev, a smaller town around 2 hours of driving from Moscow, where fighting was especially severe in 1942-1943 when Germany lost around 330 000 soldiers and USSR lost around 800 000 soldiers. The purpose
of this expedition was to dig out and identify fallen Russian and German soldiers. The result of expedition: 20 Russian soldiers have been found, only 1 identified. All will be given proper burial on 22
June 2016 - the day Germans invaded USSR in 1941.

Вахта памяти апреля - мая 2016 недалеко от города Ржева: бойцами отряда "Центр" были подняты останки 20 красноармейцев, только пятеро имели медальоны и пока удалось прочесть данные и идентифицировать 1 бойца. Торжественное захоронение пройдет 22 июня 2016 в городе Ржеве на Мемориальном кладбище.

Игорь Растеряев Георгиевская ленточка

За окнами весенний лес летит
Я еду в ленинградской электричке
Напротив меня девочка сидит
С Георгиевской ленточкой в косичке
Сегодня эту ленточку носить
На сумке можно, можно – в виде брошки
Но я прекрасно помню и без лент
Как бабка не выбрасывала крошки
Как много лишнего мы слышим в дни побед
Но только этой патоке с елеем
Не очень верят те, кто в десять лет
Питался в основном столярным клеем
А время умножает всё на ноль
Меняет поколение поколением
И вот войны подлеченная боль
Приходит лишь весенним обострением
Над этой болью многие кружат
Как вороньё, как чайки… И так рады
Как будто свой кусок урвать хотят
Бетонно-героической блокады
Я еду в поезде, смотрю на всё подряд
В окно, на девочку с прекрасными глазами
А за окном солдатики лежат
И прорастают новыми лесами

———————————————————-
Проезжаю я зловещие места
Там, где человек – главное богатство недр
Где ещё с войны
Бойцы лежат по трое на один квадратный метр
Там везде шаги, там голоса
Чудные огонёчки по болотам
Тени по ночам тебе поют
Как будто просят и хотят чего то:

«Откопай меня, браток, я Вершинин Саня
Пятый миномётный полк, сам я из Рязани
Много ты в кино видал о солдатах версий
Щас послушаешь мою, эх, будет интересней»

И начнут они вещать
На языке стонов недомолвок
Хочешь убежать, но впереди
Они опять мелькают между ёлок

«Откопай меня скорей, умоляю снова
Я Моршанников Сергей, родом из-под Пскова
Адресок мой передай в родную сторонку
Восемнадцатый квадрат, чёрная воронка»

А под утро всё взревёт, полетит куда то
И попрёт на пулемёт в штыковую с матом
И деревья все вверх дном: ввысь растут коренья
В этом славном боевом месте преступления
———————————————————-

Расчудесный уголок, не леса, а сказка
Наступил на бугорок, глядь, а это каска
Чуть копнул – и вот тебе: котелок да ложка
И над этим, надо всем – ягода морошка
Над землёю месяц май молод и прекрасен
Электричка подъезжает к станции «Апраксин»
В небе караван гусей, скоро будет лето
Девочка в своей косе поправляет ленту

Перевод на английский

Ribbon of Saint George
A spring forest is flying-by behind the windows.
I am riding a Leningrad suburban train.
A little girl is sitting across from me.
She has Ribbon of Saint George in her braid.

Today one can wear this ribbon
On one’s handbag, or in the form of a brooch,
But I remember clearly without the ribbons
How my grandma never threw away the breadcrumbs.

We hear a lot of superfluous words on Victory Day,
But this syrupy unctuousness is not very much believed
By those who at the age of ten had to sustain
Themselves mainly on carpenter’s glue.

The passage of time multiplies everything by zero
And replaces one generation by another, so that…
The extenuated pain of the war shows up
Only as a spring exacerbation.

Many circle around this pain
Like crows and seagulls.
As if they want to snatch their very own piece
Of the concrete heroic blockade

I am riding the train and looking at it all:
Through the window, at the little girl with her beautiful eyes,
But behind the window those soldiers lie
And sprout as new forests.

I am passing through the ominous places,
Where a person is the main treasure beneath the soil,
Where soldiers lie since the war
With the density of three per square meter.

Steps and voices are heard there…
And odd lights are seen on the swamps.
Shadows sing to you during the night
As if they ask and want something:

«Dig me out pal. I’m Alexandr Vershinin,
The fifth mortar regiment. I’m from Ryazan.
You’ve seen a lot of versions about soldiers in the movies.
Now you will listen to mine; bet it’ll be more interesting.»

So they start to tell their tales
In the language of moans and unfinished thoughts.
You want to run away, but again they glimmer
Just ahead between pine trees.

«Hurry to dig me out, I beg you again.
I’m Sregey Morshannokov, born near Pskov.
Pass my address to my home village:
It’s the 18th grid square, the black shell hole.»

Then everything will roar and fly somewhere at dawn,
And then push forward on the machine gun, with bayonets and cursing;
And trees are all uprooted down: roots growing upwards…
At this glorious battle place of crime

It is a miraculous place. Forests are like in fairy tales:
Step on a bump, look at it, this is a helmet.
Dig a little deeper and you find a pot and a spoon.
But above all of this cloudberries just grow.

The month of May is in its full bloom and beauty.
The train is approaching the Apraksin Station.
А gaggle of geese is in the sky. Summer will soon come.
The little girl is fixing the ribbon in her braid.