Friday 31 March 2017

Namibia: Etosha 100 Anniversary address

Etosha National Park Namibia -
Address by Hon. Reverend Willem Konjore, Minister of Environment and Tourism
 
The text of this address is courtesy of SPAN (Strengthening the Protected Area Network Project). SPAN is a collaborative project between the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environmental Fund. The goal of SPAN is to strengthen the environmental, social and economic benefits of Namibia’s parks through sound planning and management.

Address by Hon. Reverend Willem Konjore, Minister of Environment and Tourism
on the centenary of Etosha National Park, 22 March 2007

It is with a sense of great pride that I stand here tonight on the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of two of our parks, being Etosha National Park and the Namib Section of the Namib Naukluft Park. There are few countries in Africa, or indeed the world, that have achieved a century of conservation history.

Our conservation track record is of international significance, as Etosha and our parks have helped prevent some of our most precious species from possible extinction.

Since Governor Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist proclaimed Game Reserve No 2 in 1907, we have walked a long and often winding road. Along the road we have passed many milestones. The most significant of these for conservation, is undoubtedly the successful restoration of our elephant, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros and endemic black-faced impala populations.

When the Etosha National Park was proclaimed in 1907 there were no elephant or rhino to be found in this park. The last elephants were shot at Namutoni in 1881 and this population of animals could only be observed in Etosha again in 1946.  To this end I can proudly state that we have restored the elephant population in Etosha and can with confidence inform you tonight that there are now about two thousand five hundred elephants in Etosha National Park alone.

Our black rhino population in Etosha was extinct at the time of the proclamation of the park, but was gradually recovering before twenty three of these animals were poached in 1989.  This resulted in a drastic action and a decision to be taken by the then Department of Nature Conservation to remove the horns of some rhinos to save them from poacher’s rifles. Today, Etosha’s rhino population has recovered drastically and we are now in a position to return these animals to their historic areas, on both commercial farms and in communal area conservancies.

As a centenary gift to the Namib-Naukluft, nine black rhino – four of which originated from Etosha National Park - were recently moved from a nearby custodianship farm to the Naukluft area. This is the first time in more than one hundred years that a stable population of these majestic animals once again occurs in the rugged mountains of the Namib-Naukluft.

The black-faced impala, which is only found in Namibia and parts of Angola, has been saved from possible extinction due to its protection within the borders of Etosha National Park. Conservation efforts have been so successful that these animals are now being returned to their historic distribution areas in the Kunene Region, and are being conserved by our rural residents in communal area conservancies.

Indeed, we have come a long way since desperate measures were taken a century ago to save the last herds of game from hunter’s rifles.

But there have also been costs involved, mainly to our neighbouring communities and in particular to the Hai//om community that was left landless after they were evicted from the park in 1954. Since Independence in 1990, we have worked hard to redress this situation, by introducing a new approach to conservation that looks towards integrating the protection of our biodiversity with national development plans, poverty reduction strategies and Vision 2030 at its heart.

Our greatest achievement was to change our mandate from that of a law enforcement agency to that of a service provider. Officials of my Ministry now work very closely with our park neighbours to ensure that they do not only bear the costs of living alongside Etosha, but reap benefits from one of our greatest natural heritage assets.

There are no easy solutions to problems, particularly human wildlife conflict. But, as we move into a new era of conservation, where the voices of our people are heard and their needs are taken into account, we are seeking win-win solutions to age old problems.

One solution is to ensure that our park neighbours benefit from tourism in these parks. Our parks attract a big number of tourists, bringing in between N$1 billion and N$2 billion annually to the state revenue, creating jobs and income opportunities for Namibians. Etosha attracts close to two hundred thousand tourists annually.  We are making areas north, west and east of the park accessible to our visiting tourists by opening new gates and routes that will enable them to experience the rich and diverse cultures of our communities.

The upgrading of the Oshivelo airstrip and the envisaged opening of an entrance gate near Oshivelo will greatly benefit the Hai//om community.  Our Government’s decision to purchase two neighbouring farms for the Hai//om community to be developed into conservancies will lead to huge tourism potential.  This will create jobs and other income opportunities, leading to social upliftment, poverty reduction, enable our Hai//om community to farm on their own land, send children to school, help parents pay clinic fees and allow fledgling entrepreneurs to develop tourism-related enterprises.  The Narawandu gate and the western Etosha gate will also be open to enable our tourists to experience the rich and diverse culture of our communities to the west and north of the park.

Conservancies, along with private game reserves and farms, add hugely to our national protected area network, transforming a patchwork of unrelated areas into a fluid network strategic for restoring age old wildlife migration routes.

The time has come for Etosha to share its wildlife wealth with the nation. Already, animals such as black rhino, black-faced impala, giraffe, gemsbok and zebra have been translocated back to their historic areas in communal conservancies and other game parks, and will also be loaned to emerging farmers through the Wildlife Breeding Stock Loan Scheme. Symbolically, rhino are being returned to areas from where they were removed decades ago, with communities now empowered and trained to monitor and protect these majestic creatures, with the active involvement of all community members.

Farming with wildlife and, increasingly, other natural resources, makes indigenous biodiversity and wilderness landscapes valuable, creates wealth and jobs, leads to diversification, household security, improves capacity and skills and creates greater opportunities for the poor.

However, we realise that for this to work, a stronger policy and legislative framework is needed. Therefore, during the centenary year celebrations my Ministry is busy reviewing the draft Parks and Wildlife Management Bill to be tabled in Parliament in the near future.  We are also moving towards the finalisation of our Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Policy and the much awaited Policy on Tourism and Wildlife Concessions on State Land.  We will also continue with our day to day dialogue with park neighbours to ensure that we are upholding our mandate to protect our biodiversity while implementing our national development plans and Vision 2030.

We do not know where the road will lead us in the future, but we are taking stock of where we want to go and what we need to prepare for our journey ahead. We will walk this road hand in hand with our park neighbours, with greater collaboration on management of fences, resources and ecosystems through cooperative management practices. Our protected areas such as Etosha have the potential to generate opportunities for economic development, particularly for surrounding areas. By linking surrounding areas and parks into co-management partnerships, we can create incentives for compatible land uses across park boundaries.

We will also work closely with regional, national and international stakeholders. The importance of our parks is being realised as wildlife and our scenery take their place as national income earners.

Our new approach to conservation and the generation of benefits from wildlife to communities has helped turn Namibia from a nation where poaching was the norm to where conserving our precious game is the order of the day. This is testimony to the tremendous work and sacrifice of our unsung heroes and heroines, our dedicated and humble rangers and wardens, both current and those long gone, who have devoted their lives and energy to conservation and environment.

I also wish to acknowledge the support of partner NGO’s and donors agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme, the Global Environment Facility and programmes and projects such as the Strengthening the Protected Area Network (SPAN – Project). Our Regional Authorities, Traditional Authorities and line Ministries as well as our rural communities have also helped us along the road to reach this historic milestone, and we will continue to walk and work with them on the road ahead.

During my previous media interactions when I announced the activities for these centenary celebrations, I urged the private sector as well as every Namibian to participate in this remarkable event.  I would therefore like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Namibia Breweries Limited, Namib Mills and NamPost who have heeded my call for private sector support for the Centenary celebrations. Your generosity is an example for others to follow.

Our success as a nation depends, in no small measures, on the conservation of areas such as these parks, whose centenary we celebrate today.  It demands conditions in which every sector of society can join hands to make a unique treasure accessible to our nation and its visitors, and to ensure that future generations will have the same privilege.

Finally, our celebrations and awareness of this historic milestone starts tonight and will continue for the period of one year, and will be marked by a series of events which will be highlighted in the local media. Later in the year on the 28 September a glittering commemorative ceremony event will take place at the renovated Namutoni Fort to mark the official celebrations. This event will highlight the importance of the park to the biodiversity, the national heritage and to the Namibian economy.

In concussion the road ahead is unknown but with vigour and determination we can be guaranteed of another one hundred years for our conservation efforts.  Therefore lets join hands together and look forward into the future with hope and confidence.

I wish all of you enjoyable celebrations and I am looking forward to welcome each and every one of you in our parks.

Hon. Reverend Willem Konjore, grew up in Karasburg in the Bondelswarts communal area. He obtained his Teaching Diploma from St. Joseph College, Dobra, in 1967. He taught at Tses Nowak Primary School until promoted to Koichas Primary School as the principal in 1972. He obtained his theological training at the Diocese of Keetmanshoop in 1979. A member of the National Assembly since 1990, Minister Konjore assisted in drafting Namibia's constitution. Prior to his appointment to the post of Minister of Environment and Tourism, he aided Reverend Kameeta as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from 1992 and became the Deputy Speaker in 1995.

Saturday 25 March 2017

Botswana: reopening of Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp reopens

Duba Plains Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta reopened on 01 March 2017 after a complete rebuild.

The camp comprises a central mess tent with private and communal dining areas, interactive show kitchen, wine cellar, library and media room. From here the camp’s focal point is the extended deck, with a fire pit, day beds and dining areas overlooking the swamp.

The 5 Guest Tents of 120m² each, in addition to a Two Bedroom Tented Suite, each offer guests their own private plunge pools, rosewood decks, inside and outside showers, outside sala bed, professional Canon camera equipment and Swarovski binoculars.

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

Botswana: two new lodges of Under One Botswana Sky

Under One Botswana Sky to Open two New Lodges

Under One Botswana Sky’s new 27 700-hectare game-rich private concession borders the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve on the south-eastern side of the Okavango Delta.

The classic 8-tented Rra Dinare (Setswana for “Father of many Buffalo”) Camp overlooking the Gomoti River floodplains is due to open in June 2017. The second camp is due to open in August/September 2017 and will be a 9-tented camp set on the banks of the Gomoti River. Both camps will have swimming pools, curio shops and family tents, and will be common-rated with Pom Pom Camp.

The exact opening dates as well as further information and rates will be available closer to the time.

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

Friday 24 March 2017

South Africa: reopening of Blue Mountain Lodge

Reopening of Blue Mountain Lodge

Following a 6-year closure, this world renown small Hotel / Lodge and restaurant at Blue Mountain Lodge (Kiepersol – Hazyview) plans to reopen on the 3rd of March 2017, with a new name, new staff and new ownership.
Formerly known as Forever Resort Blue Mountain Lodge at Kiepersol, the facility was purchased in November 2016 by the Lefe Group BV (privately owned) of the Netherlands.
The lodge will be rebranded as the Lefe Blue Mountain Lodge and operate under 5 stars.

The previous owners (Forever Resorts) closed the lodge to the public late September 2011.
Since November 2016 the lodge was under reconstruction and maintenance as to bring a fresh and new look to this icon of Mpumalanga.

From 3 February 2017 till  1 March 2017 we will be running a test phase as to get the lodge up and running.
On 3 march 2017 the lodge will be officially opened and our website will be update with new photo’s.
From Monday 6 March 2017 Blue Mountain Lodge will be fully operational.
From April 2017 we will also be open for weddings.
We proudly open Blue Mountain Lodge for your guests.

We will have an introductive rate for February 2017 and March 2017, which means that guests can book their accommodation with us at a special discount price of 15%.

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

Botswana: opening of Gomoti Plains Camp | Гомоти Кемп Ботсвана

#MachabaSafaris #ГомотиКемпБотсвана #GomotiPlainsCamp

Gomoti Plains Camp Opens

Machaba Safaris’ new camp, Gomoti Plains Camp, situated on the edge of the Gomoti river system in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, officially opened on 01 March 2017.

The lodge comprises 10 Luxury Tents which include 2 Luxury Family Tents and 8 Luxury Double Tents, all with en-suite bathroom facilities.

The Gomoti region is known for its large concentrations of wildlife which thrive on the Gomoti plains and waterways. Guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and mekoro safaris while staying at the lodge.

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

Namibia: Okahirongo news | Окахиронго Намибия

#Okahirongo #DiningKaokoland #ОкахиронгоНамибия

Dining in the Desert at Okahirongo
Culture started at the dining table, when people began to cook food and wait for each other. At Okahirongo, we believe it is impossible to live well without eating well. That’s why our menu is an ode to healthy yet tasty, classy food.
Spontaneous grocery store trips are something most of us rely on. Just a quick drive down the road, run in, grab what you need and run out. However, when it’s a two-day round trip to the nearest decent shopping centre, a little more forward-planning is involved. Situated in the remote area of Kaokoland in the North West of Namibia, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge has their work cut out for them when it comes to finding and transporting ingredients. However, despite these challenges, chefs at the lodge never fail to amaze guests with the spectacular culinary creations.
Fusing local traditional flavours with modernist twists, it’s bush-dining at its best. Dinner is served by candlelight in one of the two dining rooms, or around a fire, under starry Namibian skies. Fresh bread and muffins are baked at the lodge daily and most of the fresh produce comes straight from the lodges organic garden.
YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: news from Onguma | Онгума Намибия

#Onguma #Ounona #EtoshaNamibia #ОнгумаНамибия

Onguma Ounona Survival Walk for Namibia's children

On the 10th March, Onguma Reserve (Eastern Etosha, Namibia) Lodge managers, Pieter Oosthuizen and Uwe Hanssen set off on an epic hike along the infamous West Coast of Namibia, to raise money for the homeless children of Namibia. This 135 km long Ounona Survival Walk,  started at the Ugab River Mouth on the 11th March and ended in Henties Bay on Thursday the 16th March 2017.

With no food or supplies and with only 6 liters of water to start off with, they had to survive only on what Mother Nature had to offer. This walk truly tested their willpower and endurance.

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

Air Namibia news | Эйр Намибия

#ЭйрНамибия #AirNamibia

News from Air Namibia

Six months into operation, Air Namibia ups the capacity on the Windhoek-Gaborone-Durban routes. From its inception in October 2016 till date, the routes were operated with ERJ135, all economy class with a seat capacity of 37 seats. Commencing Sunday 26 March 2017, the operations will be done with an Airbus A319-10 with total of 112 seats – 96 seats in economy class and 16 seats business class.

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

Namibia: news from Mowani Camp | Мовани Кемп Намибия

#MowaniCamp #Namibia #Damaraland #МованиКемпНамибия

Elephant Drives at Mowani Camp, Damaraland
Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia

Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia
Namibia's population of desert adapted elephant roam the river beds and vast plains of Damaraland and Kaokoland areas of the country. They are uniquely adapted to their arid environments and it is truly something special to see them in Namibia.
Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia

Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia

Mowani Mountain Camp offers a morning Elephant and Dune drive in an open-air vehicle with local guides to explore the area searching for the rare desert adapated elephants. The guides share an intimate knowledge and respect for the land that they have built up over a lifetime.



Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia - desert elephants

Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia - desert elephants

Mowani Camp Damaraland, Namibia - desert elephants
Desert elephants are found in northern Namibia, Damaraland and Kaokoland.
YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Thursday 23 March 2017

Namibia: Tsumkwe Lodge - San Culture & Traditional Villages | Цумкве Лодж Намибия

#Tsumkwe #TsumkweLodge #Namibia #Ju/’haonsi #TUCSIN #SanCulture #Bushmen #//Xa/oba #NyaeNyaePans #ЦумквеЛоджНамибия

Tucsin Tsumkwe Lodge - San Culture & Traditional Villages

So much rain, its hard to comprehend we had a serious drought until recent. Vast parts of the landscape in the north of Namibia are saturated by good rains.
TUCSIN Tsumkwe Lodge reported, the Nyae Nyae Pans are full of water, many aquatic birds will soon flock to the pans edge to feed and breed. Roads in and out of Tsumkwe are still fine and can be driven.


Guests visiting the area can access the lodge without any trouble. Some of the traditional San villages in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy are not accessible for the moment.
Cultural tours are conducted either in a half day or full day program. Participating with the Ju/’hoansi San Bushmen on activities will afford guests the unique opportunity to have direct contact and insight into the precious - but rare - value systems of traditional hunter-gatherer societies.


TUCSIN Tsumkwe Lodge is not only an accommodation facility, it’s a non-profit organization that uplift the San community through Tourism, as well as supporting schools and learners, providing training opportunities to adults and youth, and assist the Ju/’hoansi people to preserve and celebrate their culture while learning to adapt to modern society.

In support of the San Culture, Tucsin Tsumkwe Lodge invites you to visit one of the last remaining wilderness areas, home to a unique group of people, deeply rooted within a culture that stretches as far back as the first humans on the African continent.

Activity Option for a longer stays


Guests who stay at the lodge are invited to a storytelling experience with a group of school children at around 6 pm at no additional cost
    Next morning - travel 25 km North to the village of //Xa/oba to join their San hunting guides for a full day hunt
    Overnight option in the village campsite at //Xa/oba, possibly including a traditional dance performance from the villagers around the campfire
    Take part in a bush walk to learn about the ancient survival techniques still practiced today by the Ju/’haonsi here in Tsumkwe. Return to the TUCSIN Tsumkwe Lodge for lunch or later for dinner, depending on your preference.


Both of our Ju/’hoansi guides have level 2 certification, possess a vast knowledge of the culture and local environment and are fluent in English. Join us for an unforgettable experience.
YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Monday 20 March 2017

Namibia: Ichingo Chobe River Lodge | Ичинго Лодж Намибия

#Ichingo #Namibia #Botswana #ИчингоЛоджНамибия

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

The perfect platform to experience all that the Chobe area has to offer.


Ichingo Chobe River Lodge lies on Impalila Island, shaded by a magical tree top canopy with exotic bird life, and overlooking an enchanting area of the Chobe River. Impalila Island offers a unique Chobe River experience, with an intimate location and expert guides.
The perfect platform to experience all that the Chobe has to offer, the 3-star Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is secluded and personalized. Ideal for couples, families and groups, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is equipped with 8 air-conditioned Meru safari tents, including 1 family tent which sleeps 2 – 4 children aged 12 and under.


Activities


Ichingo Chobe River Lodge offers daily safari excursions on motorized tender boats, allowing guests to explore all that this unique area has to offer:
. Take a magical excursion up the Kasai Channel to the great Zambezi River
. Spot wildlife along the banks of the Chobe National Park with our highly experienced guides
. Visit a 2000-year-old ancient baobab tree on the breathtaking Impalila Island
. Mark off over 450 bird species found in this wetland paradise
. Try your hand at landing a tiger fish in these world renowned waters
. Visit a traditional local village
. Capture Africa's unique beauty on a photographic safari
. Also included for guests staying with us for 2 nights or more – A land based ChobeNational Park game drive on the day of departure (time permitting).

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

Saturday 18 March 2017

Namibia: new Kazile Island Lodge - African Monarch Lodges | Касиле Лодж Намибия

#КасилеЛоджНамибия #Nambwa #Namibia #KazileIslandLodge

News from African Monarch Lodges

Kazile Island Lodge, together with its sister camp Nambwa Tented Lodge, are the only lodges to be uniquely situated within the Bwabwata National Park. Kazile offers ten Meru tents nestled within a Mangosteen forest, overlooking the Kwando River and the expansive floodplains. Kazile Island is a special paradise that can only be reached by boat. Here, herds of buffalo and elephant traverse the wet Zambezi landscape. Sitatunga, an elusive aquatic antelope, are often spotted along the floodplains and marshes. Fall in love with this enigmatic corner of Namibia as the sun rises over the tree canopies. Enjoy the sounds of birds chirping from your tent, explore the waterways and absorb the ambiance of this beautiful wilderness.
Kazile Island Lodge is situated on a private island, right across from the famous Horseshoe bend.

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

Thursday 16 March 2017

Botswana: Road conditions in Moremi

#MoremiRoads #Botswana #3rdBridgeBotswana

Road conditions in Moremi

The road conditions in  Moremi are still bad, the  water levels are too high even routes which were designated as dry/alternative  are now under water. At the moment we advise you not to make any payments for the months of March and April bookings.
Third Bridge is not accessible due to bridge breakdown at Third bridge and
the other route which goes via 01st and 02nd Bridge the water levels are too
high therefore the route is not recommended. Find attached pictures of the bridge, the bridge crew is currently working on the bridge.






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

Namibia: news from Pelican Point Lodge | Пеликан Пойнт Лодж Намибия

#PelicanPointLodge #Namibia #WalvisBay #ПеликанПойнтЛоджНамибия

News from the lighthouse

Celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Pelican Point Lodge refreshingly.

Welcome to Pelican Point Lodge








Pelican Point Lodge is situated on a unique stretch of land, the remote peninsula of Pelican Point at Walvis Bay.

With the untouched beaches of the Atlantic Ocean on the one side and the Lagoon of Walvis Bay on the other, our aim is to provide you with an unique experience that demands nothing much of you, but to arrive, relax, reflect and unwind in one of the most enchanting and unique settings in our beautiful country.

As we arrive in our 4th year of operations at Pelican Point Lodge we take pride in the high level of design and quality that was implemented from day one. 

During the last months of 2016 we therefore also decided to turn the knob a level higher when it comes to customer satisfaction and the quality of service.

We are very pleased to see and read in our TripAdvisor Reviews and Guestbook that these efforts are being noticed and appreciated by our guests.

It is with this strong confidence and pride that I would like to invite you to the end of the peninsula and experience what you can expect when residing at Pelican Point Lodge.

Kindest Regards,
Dirk Maes - Owner & Manager

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

Tuesday 14 March 2017

News from Bushtrack: SA Airlink announces new flight routes

#SAAirlink #Livingstone #VictoriaFalls #Nelspruit

SA Airlink announces new flight routes

Jet-setters wanting to indulge in the romance of Africa's hottest spots can soon do so as Airlink recently announced a direct flight launch between Cape Town and Victoria Falls from the 2nd of July 2017.
Jet-setters wanting to indulge in the romance of Africa's hottest spots can soon do so as Airlink recently announced a direct flight launch between Cape Town and Victoria Falls from the 2nd of July 2017.
The flights will run daily except for Saturdays. The proposed schedule states flights will depart from Cape Town International at 08:30am arriving at Victoria Falls International at 11:15am. The return flight departs Victoria Falls International at 11:45am arriving at Cape Town International at 14:40pm.
In addition to this, effective 26 March 2017, Airlink will increase the frequency of its flights between Nelspruit and Livingstone to a daily service.  Additional flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights will depart Nelspruit at 11h35 and will arrive in Livingstone at 13h10. This serves as a direct link between the South African bush and the Victoria Falls, allowing for itinerary convenience.

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

Botswana: Under One Botswana Sky opens two new lodges

#GomotiRiver #RraDinare #Botswana #UnderOneBotswanaSky

Under One Botswana Sky to Open 2 New Lodges

Under One Botswana Sky’s new 27 700-hectare game-rich private concession borders the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve on the south-eastern side of the Okavango Delta.

The classic 8-tented Rra Dinare (Setswana for “Father of many Buffalo”) Camp overlooking the Gomoti River floodplains is due to open in June 2017. The second camp is due to open in August/September 2017 and will be a 9-tented camp set on the banks of the Gomoti River. Both camps will have swimming pools, curio shops and family tents, and will be common-rated with Pom Pom Camp.

The exact opening dates as well as further information and rates will be available closer to the time.

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

Thursday 2 March 2017

Botswana: shocking state of Xakanaxa - shame on Kwalate!

#AvoidKwalate #NoServiceKwalate #KwalateTheWorst #IneptKwalate #Xakanaxa

Xakanaxa Campsite
18 June 2016

We recently stayed at Xakanaxa. Be warned that it is in a shocking state and probably amongst the most poorly managed campsites I've ever been in.

The baboons were a menace and because the rubbish is not cleared, they have a field day. The guys in "our" campsite had been ransacked on their first day.

Kwalate (running agent) knowingly and deliberately double or triple books their campsites, and you usually have to squabble with other campers for your spot. There is no manager at the camp - she sits several kms away doing sweet nothing with her buddies - that's if you can find her at all. The toilets were broken and dirty, there was no toilet paper, and certainly maintenance had not been even considered recently (fire hydrants broken off the walls, etc.).

If you complain, she simply says that "the office" forgot to advise you that you have to share campsites and they have "a right" to pack the maximum of 8 guests per campsite. At our last visit, 3 groups, totalling 14 people, had vouchers for the same campsite. Fortunately we squatted on another campsite where the clients didn't arrive (and we made good friends with the "interlopers" on ours).

Third Bridge (Xomae) is a better option in my opinion, and Khwai (SKL) is probably the best. Xakanaxa quite simply is a mess. It's one of the best located campsites, but sadly that's all it has going for it.