Showing posts with label Atlantic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlantic. Show all posts

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Namibia: Diamond mining process

Diamond mining process

The initial mining process started off with miners and labourer’s creeping along their stomachs and knees in search of and collecting diamonds in jam tins strung from their necks.

The process had to be improved, consequently resulting in them using sieves to separate the sand from the larger grains containing the diamonds.  The method of sifting out the fine sand by submerging the sieve containing the gravel in a trough filled with seawater while rotating it was introduced by Charlie Bannau. The heavier minerals like diamonds accumulated in the center of the sieve.

Then followed the “Babies” swinging sieves suspended from 3 chains, ordinarily a worker would rock such a sieve like a baby in a cradle.

Soon thereafter the introduction of the trommel sieve followed. For those prospectors mining on their own the one-man box was the perfect option.  This special wooden crate contained sieves, jig and shovel.  The box was shipped from Swakopmund to Conception Bay and then transported by wagon to the mining area.








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Sunday, 26 May 2024

Namibia: Historical Swakopmund - Ritterburg Mansion

Historical Swakopmund 

Theodor Ritter was a son-in-law of the Hamburg shipping magnate Adolph Woermann, and had been managing affairs at the local offices  of the Woermann Shipping Line from 1908 until 1912. Architect Höft (who also signed responsible for the design of the Haus Altona and the stately Woermann Haus with the Damara Tower) had designed the residence for Mr Ritter. Notably, it had been the first building in the country with electrical wiring and switches for lights and appliances integrated in the walls. (The Woermann group of companies operated the local coal-fired power station in town, it  had also been one of the very first electrical power stations in all of Southern Africa).

View from Woermann Haus Tower over the Ritterburg Mansion, the empty shell of the customs shed, and a deserted Mole in the distance

The mansion for Mr Theodor Ritter and his family (remember: his wife had been a daughter of the patrician Woermann dynasty) had been built onto the upper ridge of an age-old beach terrace, at the intersection of Kaiser Wilhelm - and Bismarck Straße. Further north along the same terrace, there had been the lighthouse as well as the 'Kabelmesse' (the local telegraph station). A little distance away, the Woermann Haus had been completed a few years prior.

YouTube video: Old Swakopmund:

As can be seen on the historical photograph of the 'Ritterburg', the main entrance had originally been on the southern façade of the building. This explains why the current entrance around the back has always felt like the kitchen servants' entrance - and does not make much sense, architecturally.

The southern main entrance had probably been shut off and bricked in somewhere between 1920 and 1970, when the building had served as yet another boarding school / 'Schul-Internat'.

The persistent southwesterly winds are probably to blame for this, but today there would be more elegant solutions to that.

Note how the building had once been surrounded by trees, probably the hardy Manotoka, Rooikrans / 'Port Jackson', Araucarya and Casuarina trees.

The photograph dates back to the years immediately after the 1st World War.

The customs shed in the picture explains  why the diagonal street below is still known as 'Am Zoll Straße'.

Swakopmund had originally been the main harbour town of German South-West Africa. All the harbour activities were moved to Walvis Bay during the war in 1915 already.

Swakopmund thus remains a harbour town that hasn't seen a single ship in well over a hundred years. And, against all odds, the town seems to be doing pretty well.

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Friday, 23 February 2024

South Africa: Severe, Racer, James Gaddarn, Crystal Wave & Goel No 1 shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

January 27:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1784: Severe, this French man-of-war wrecked on Blaauwbergstrand in Table Bay in the Western Cape after missing its stays and being driven ashore.

1879: Racer, this British wooden sailing brigantine wrecked in a gale somewhere along the Overberg coastline in the Western Cape. One source suggests that it wrecked near Marthapunt, near Skipskop, and another suggests that it wrecked near the Ratel River mouth, just east of Quoin Point. 

1882: James Gaddarn/Goddern, this British wooden sailing barque wrecked in an east-north-easterly gale on Back Beach in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

1894: Crystal Wave, this wooden sailing schooner capsized in a violent south-easterly squall in Hout Bay in the Western Cape with the loss of four lives. It is currently presumed that it foundered after capsizing, but more research is required to determine this accurately. 

1976: Goel No 1, this motor-powered geophysical research vessel (a converted whaler) ran aground on Whale Rock and then wrecked just below the lighthouse on the south side of Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape. They had left Table Bay harbour late at night in a south-easterly gale with an apparent electrical fault on the ship’s instruments.

Goel No 1 shortly after wrecking and starting to disappear beneath the waves

The tugs Danie Hugo and Atlantic rendered assistance but, at 01:00 on the 28th, the ship was abandoned with two NSRI boats rescuing the crew of 19. An oil spill contaminated Table Bay and affected the marine life with fuel and lubricating oil being salvaged. Most of the wreck now lies at about 7 m in depth, perpendicular to the shore.

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Tuesday, 12 December 2023

South Africa: Vigilant, Florence, Annie S & Bechuana shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

December 11:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1853: Vigilant, this wooden sailing vessel wrecked in a south-easterly gale at the mouth of the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape.

1859: Florence, this sailing schooner struck a rock and foundered in the entrance to the port at Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape.

1875: Annie S, this wooden sailing brigantine struck the bar in the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape whilst being towed by the tug Buffalo. It then drifted onto the western bank where it became a total wreck. 

1950: Bechuana, this motor-powered coasting freighter wrecked just south of Kleinsee/Kleinzee in the Northern Cape.

Bechuana after having run aground and before being broken up by the ocean.

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Saturday, 11 November 2023

Namibia: Hercules oil rig arrives at Walvis Bay

Hercules oil rig arrives at Walvis Bay

The Hercules semi-submersible oil rig has arrived at the coast. The rig, which boasts a state of the art, highly efficient drilling system, will drill in PEL 83.

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) welcomed the arrival of the Hercules semi-submersible rig last week.

The rig arrived at Walvis Bay last Tuesday.

The Hercules rig has been contracted by Galp Energia, operating in a consortium with Namcor and Custos Investments.

Galp holds an 80% interest in the project, while Namcor and Custos Investments both hold 10% shares individually.

The rig will explore offshore in the Petroleum Exploration Licence 83 (PEL 83) area. The exploration zone is located in the Orange Basin, 150km off the Namibian coast.


The Hercules rig has been contracted for 115 days. The contracting period will cover two well explorations and optional well testing. The initial target will be the Mopane complex at the southern end of PEL 83.

Custos Energy is owned by Namibian entrepreneur Knowledge Katti, who has a 51% share in the company.

The oil-in-place estimations show that Mopane may contain 10 billion barrels of oil.

The basin is one of the world’s most prospective oil and gas regions.

It is the site of several appraisal and exploration wells operated by Shell, including Jonker-1X, Venus-1X and Graff-1X.

The initial exploration period will expire in January.

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Wednesday, 28 December 2022

Namibia: A humpback whale washed ashore near Henties Bay

Breaking: A humpback whale washed ashore near Henties Bay, Namibia, southern Africa.

Bystanders estimate it is about 20 metres long, and said it has been on the beach for a day or two

Срочно в номер: горбатого кита выбросило на берег недалеко от города Хентис Бэй в Намибии, южная Африка. Очевидцы оценивают его длину примерно в 20 метров и говорят, что он находился на пляже день или два.

Henties Bay: http://www.namibweb.com/henties.htm

#Namibia #HentiesBay #SouthAfrica #HumpbackWhale #TravelNamibia #NamibiaSafari #Dronesberg #Намибия #ТурыВНамибию #СафариВНамибии #ЮжнаяАфрика #Кит

ПОРТФОЛИО P5 ►https://bit.ly/2Vvbb6L

ТЕЛЕГРАМ ►https://t.me/ExploringNamibia

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Tuesday, 2 August 2022

Namibia: O&L Leisure | Strand Hotel Swakopmund Refurbishments

O&L Leisure | Strand Hotel Refurbishments

Update Strand Hotel Swakopmund Refurbishment - Building Remedial Works

This letter serves to provide you with an update of the progress that we have been making regarding the building remedial works, which started in November 2021. During the remedial works project, the hotel has experienced reduced bedroom inventory availability, because of the approach taken in replacement and repairs that are being done in the hotel blocks. We are sincerely, grateful to you our valued business partners for your patience and continued business support during this important building repairs period.

As stated in my previous letter, the focus of the building remedial works has been on improvements that focus on domestic water piping and the replacement of air-conditioning cooling towers. The project has progressed well, with block 1 and block 3 having been completed on the 16 May 2022. The following block, block 2, will commence from the 1st of June 2022 until the 15th of August 2022. During this period there will be a temporary entrance to block 3 outside the hotel. Our team will assist all our guests on arrival that are assigned to that block. During this period our Atlantic Spa has been relocated to rooms 101 to 104. All our treatments will be available as usual.

Our reservations and operations teams will continue to ensure that our guests are not inconvenienced by the works being undertaken. We will continue to ensure that your experience with us, in obtaining all the necessary communication from the time of your reservation, all the way to our guests checking in, is hassle- free.

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Saturday, 8 January 2022

Namibia: Atlantic West Coast shipwrecks: "Hendrik Ibsen" & "Henrietta Spasheti" | Кораблекрушения Намибии

Namibia: West Coast shipwrecks: "Hendrik Ibsen" & "Henrietta Spasheti" | Кораблекрушения у западного побережья Намибии

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NAMIBIA

SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK

SHIPWRECKS

38. "Hendrik Ibsen"

Date: 1896

Cape Cross

There is a small graveyard near the seal colony at Cape Cross, bordering Atlantic Ocean with old weathered wooden crosses as witnesses of harsh conditions endured by the men on the isolated barren coastline without adequate supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables that made them susceptible to scurvy. The ships that carried supplies and transported the Cape Cross riches back to Europe were carriers of disease and their sailors were prone to scurvy. Without a harbour and with the strong seas and winds, several ships were wrecked along the coastline, including the Norwegian ship Hendrik Ibsent that sank off Cape Cross. One of the survivors, August Hasselund, subsequently worked for the Damaraland Guano Company for many years. After World War I he again worked at Cape Cross for another concessionaire and died in 1959.

39. "Henrietta Spasheti"

Date: 14.07.1968

165 nautical miles north of Walvis Bay, near Koigabmond

"Henrietta Spasheti", the 90-foot trawler, ran aground on 14 July 1968 while moving inshore to fix their bearings, under command of Captain W.S. Gillion. The incident occurred 165 miles north of Walvis Bay. The crew of ten was able to get ashore safely in a life raft. Police Landrovers under command of G. Brand and Port Captain Bob Harding brought them back to Walvis Bay. This wreck can be seen at the most southern border of Torra Bay. Nature Conservation erected a signboard north of the Ugab River, on the Torra Bay road.

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Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Namibia: Update from Reservation Destination: Brigadoon Guest House

Brigadoon Guest House   -    Sale of Property  &  Closure

Greetings to everyone,

Well, this has definitely been an interesting year to remember. 

Since our last Newsflash sent out in January 2021, there has been a few new changes.

Current changes within the Portfolio (though this Covid pandemic feels ever lasting) and through this difficult and challenging time we are still committed to serve the Industry and the Lodges, persevering and anxiously awaiting the day that travel resumes once again as was the norm.

With some mixed feelings of sadness as we have 'lost' 1 portfolio member, Brigadoon Guest House, and then 2 Lodges are making this an exciting experience by doing some renovations - closing for the remainder of 2021.

We have served Brigadoon Guest House since 2014 and it has been a truly fabulous journey to have grown our business  together over the years.

The original owners, Bubble and Bruce Burns, have sold Brigadoon Guesthouse to Ondili Lodges & Activities Namibia and they sent out a notice to the industry about their plans to renovate the building over the next 12 months.

We thank Bruce & Bubbles for the privilege of representing Brigadoon Guesthouse and for all their support over the past 7 years, it’s been an honour!

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Monday, 14 June 2021

Namibia: Big Sky Lodges takes over management of Villa Margherita in Swakopmund | Вилла Маргарита Намибия

Big Sky Lodges takes over full management of Villa Margherita

"Do anything but let it produce joy." Walt Whitman

The hotel’s name is a tribute to a remarkable woman who inspired many and amongst them the founders of Villa Margherita. “Margherita” also means daisy in Italian; a beautiful flower that embodies Love, Beauty, Transformation and New Beginnings – the very foundations of Villa Margherita itself. Villa Margherita is a small luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Swakopmund consisting of four stylish buildings which are all located close to each other on the same premises. A fusion of contemporary art and historic colonial buildings.

Big Sky Lodges are proud to announce their further collaboration with Villa Margherita, with effect from 01 December 2020. Big Sky Lodges have been doing the reservations and the online marketing for Villa Margherita since 2015, but will now also take over the full management function of this beautiful and unique boutique hotel situated in the heart of Swakopmund.

Situated in the heart of historic Swakopmund in Daniel Tjongarero Avenue, coastal Namibia. Exceptionally central and quiet. True walking distance to restaurants, shops and beach. Experience the smiles of Namibia with the passion of Swiss hospitality.

We are, however, also excited to announce that Villa Margherita will be offering a new self-catering option, as well as special rates for locals and SADC residents, both on accommodation and on their lovely Spa treatments. The perfect way to combine relaxation with all the diverse adventure activities on offer in the Swakopmund area.

We have also introduced a Tourism Recovery Rate with a substantial discount valid until June 2021 year for international guests as well as SADC specials.

In addition, Big Sky Lodges will also be offering new “Bush-&-Beach” packages, combining the beauty of the bush at Ai Aiba Lodge with the beach and the coast at Villa Margherita. Or even combine a walking trail at Etendeka, in the heart of Kaokoveld, with some downtime at the beach afterwards.

Villa Margherita is open and has been certified by the Ministry of Health and Social Services as having all the correct and required Covid-19 protocols in place. We take the safety of our staff and guests extremely seriously and are operating strictly according to the Namibia Tourism Board’s recommended Covid-19 protocol.

The Nest

2 Bedroom Family unit. One room with queen size bed & one room with 2 twin beds. Entry into the lounge/main bedroom. Little cosy private garden & sitting area. Ideal for families or 2 couples of friends. Full DSTV in both rooms. Shared bathroom with shower.

· 4 guests · 1 bedroom with 1 queen-size bed

· 1 bedroom with twin beds · 1 bathroom · private garden area

Here you will find cosiness at its apex. This room is ideal for a couple looking for privacy or a family.

The Villa

Located next to the Manor it consists of 2 independent suites called Tristano & Isotta which together can host up to 6 people. The suite’s walls are adorned with a unique black & white photographic collection of century-old Namibia. The Villa is ideal for groups, families and solo elite travellers. A fully equipped, tailor-made kitchen with a separate dining room is available for your private use.

Isotta

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 queen-size bed

· 1 bathroom

This cosy 50 m² suite is full of stunning teak furniture. The toilet is separate from the shower. Isotta can be rented independently from Tristano, as it has a private entrance.

Tristano

· 4 guests · 2 bedroom · 1 queen-size + 1 twin beds

· 1 bathroom

Overlooking the oldest buildings in town, this 90 m² charming suite has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom that can be independently accessed from both bedrooms. Tristano can be rented independently from Isotta, as it has a private entrance.

The Manor

An abundance of century-old Namibian history awaits you in The Manor. Once the private home and practice of the first doctor that Swakopmund welcomed in 1908. The Manor is comprised of 3 luxury rooms and 3 suites, mostly independently accessible, making it ideal for groups, families and solo elite travellers. The Manor can be rented exclusively and includes a kitchen and private dining rooms, which are available for private catering.

Eden

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 queen-size bed

· 1 bathroom

This 40 m² room may be our smallest luxury room, but it is possibly our cosiest as well. Enjoy direct access to the garden and there is an interleading possibility with Adam & Eve. Eden is the perfect fit to accommodate a big family.

Adam & Eve

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · twin beds

· 1 bathroom · lounge

The Adam & Eve room is 80 m² of Biedermeier flair. This unique room has direct access to the garden and has interleading possibilities with Eden, which make it a perfect accommodation for a big family or friends. There is a generous bathroom with a separate shower. This room can also accommodate an extra grown-up child.

King

· 4 guests · 2 bedroom · 2 king-size beds

· 1 bathroom · lounge

The King room offers 95 m² of cosiness with a private lounge and a 180° view that stretches over historic buildings and goes all the way to the dunes.

Queen

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 queen-size bed

· 1 bathroom

Here you will find 60 m² of pure romantic indulgence! A lovers’ nest with a cosy little balcony overlooking the gardens. Perfect for honeymooners.

Romeo & Juliet

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 queen-size bed

· 1 bathroom · terrace

The name says it all! The Romeo & Juliet room is 50 m² of romantic privacy with a large open terrace overlooking the garden. Perfect for honeymooners. The steep staircase to reach this alcove is not suitable for physically challenged guests.

The Cottage

The former stables of Dr. Schwietering magically turned into 2 stunning suites with direct access to the main garden and private outside sitting areas. Both Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton rooms are ideal for couples or families, as they have an interleading door between the suites available.

Lord Nelson

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 king size bed

· 1 bathroom · private lounge & garden sitting area

Very cosy/romantic cottage suite with king size bed. Entry from the garden to the bed room. Private lounge. Bathroom with separate shower & bath.

Lady Hamilton

· 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 king size bed

· 1 bathroom · private lounge & garden sitting area

A romantic and eclectic 55 m² of lovers delight! Perfect for honeymooners.

We look forward to welcoming you here!

Please contact us for further details on specials and to make a reservation: info@traveltonamibia.com

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