Namibia: O&L Leisure commences renovations at Midgard Lodge

O&L LEISURE COMMENCES UPGRADES AND RENOVATIONS AT MIDGARD

Namibia is experiencing a transformative shift towards becoming a premier destination, and O&L Leisure is at the forefront of this evolution. With a steadfast commitment to authenticity, care, and passion, O&L Leisure proudly announces the commencement of upgrades and renovations to 25 rooms at Midgard Lodge, a cherished retreat nestled in the heart of Namibia’s captivating landscapes.

As Namibia transitions into a premium destination, O&L Leisure is aligning its positioning and overall offering to meet the requirements of this new luxury market. Sven Thieme, O&L Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of O&L Leisure: “Our dedication to this new premium positioning is evident in our investment into the sustainable upgrading and expansion of our properties, including the beloved Midgard. These enhancements not only elevate our overall offerings and guest experiences but also ensure that we continue to provide exceptional nature-based experiences.”

The upgrades and renovations at Midgard are a testament to its steadfast commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Namibia’s natural beauty and cultural richness. From modern amenities to thoughtful design elements that reflect the spirit of the land, every detail has been carefully considered to create an ambiance of luxury and comfort.

“Beyond enhancing guest experiences, our investment in Midgard underscores our commitment to fostering positive impacts on local communities and the Namibian economy. By attracting international tourism and business to Namibia, we anticipate substantial positive impacts on the local upscaling of our workforce. This aligns perfectly with our authentic care for the communities we operate in, ensuring that our growth benefits all.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey of transformation at Midgard. These upgrades and renovations not only reinforce our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences but also signify our dedication to contributing to the growth and prosperity of Namibia as a premium destination”, concluded Maryke van Lill, O&L Leisure Marketing Manager.

The upgrade and renovations period is scheduled from the 2nd of April to the 24th of August 2024.

About O&L Leisure:

O&L Leisure, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, is a leading hospitality company in Namibia, renowned for its portfolio of premium properties that offer unparalleled experiences in stunning natural settings. With a commitment to authenticity, care, and passion, O&L Leisure provides guests with unforgettable moments that capture the essence of Namibia’s beauty and hospitality.

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South Africa: rebuilding of Mostert's Mill in Cape Town

Mostert's Mill

02 March 2023:

Well, the sails are up at Mostert's Mill! Much planning had gone into today, not least the wind factor. It looked as if tomorrow, Thursday would be less windy, but Johannes Uys of MME, in charge of the rigging and craning, was confident, particularly as the wind was coming from directly behind the Mill. As it happened the wind did abate at the critical time, although I did battle to keep the bare second stock square in the mortise as it was lowered in! Johannes had calculated that water in a flow-bin hung from the front of the Poll-end, plus the fully assembled outer sail in its mortise closest to the end, as suggested by Paul Moonie Kemp, would balance the assembly, if slung just outside of the overhang of the thatch roof. The water was running in slowly from a domestic garden tap, so we added three chain-blocks and any heavy rocks we could find. Eventually it was possible to lift the tail bearing with a finger, and we were ready to lift, swing away from the tower to an open space over the threshing floor, turn it 180 degrees, then feed it carefully into the opening at the front. Then we discovered we'd mis-calculated the height of the pillow-block that the stone bearing rests on. It was too high! We compromised and laid the block temporarily on its side and lowered the stone bearing, already strapped to the wind-shaft, into place. The crane could then lift the other sail-stock at the end already assembled with lattice-work for the sail, and the bare half could be lowered through the other mortise and wedged when it came to rest on the Stock shoulder block. Pilot John then rushed home to collect the decoration for the end of the Wind-shaft so I could install it. Straight Jon can now assemble the fourth set of lattices! The third lift of the crane was the Brake-pole, much easier to lift with a crane with its long outer section and operating chain! So Jamie the Scottie's mate is 7m in the air! We drilled a hole for the anchor chain in the end of the tail-pole, primed it and then drove in a 40mm PVC tube so the chain won't wear the soft spruce. Last thing we strapped the sails back against the Long Stretcher in case of being tail-winded, as we can't 'Wind the Cap' into the prevailing wind from the south, until the fourth sail is assembled. The assembled end will swing to the bottom if the two guy ropes at the ends of the now horizontal sails are released!

24 January 2023

Now Mostert's cap is facing square on towards Cape Town and the traffic coming from that direction! As soon as the builders started working again, Rob Uphill from Bruce Dundas arranged for the remaining scaffolding to be removed and we could 'wind the cap', to test whether there might be any snags between the stationary wooden curb, made of Eucalyptus paniculata, the hardest of all the gums and a gift from Rustenberg Wines, and the moving parts of the cap. The Capstan winch isn't quite finished yet, so Pilot John and I rigged up the chain-block between the eye in the Tail-pole and the successive rings set in concrete around the tower. It was hard work, but we worked out a plan where each of us took turns to grab the operating chain and walk backwards as far as the chain allowed, then went to the front again and pulled again! We turned it about 300 degrees and we're happy inside, but there are places where the Long Braces rub against the tower. We marked these with chalk and met at midday with Architect Long John Wilson-Harris and Rob to discuss this problem. We experimented at the end by applying more tension from the Hangers we assembled last time. First I tried moving the Hanger outwards on the Stretcher. That had little effect and looked out-of-place. We then used the chain-block to pull upwards from the hook on the Hanger and hooked the shackle in higher up the chain. This had the effect of pulling the Braces away from the Tower. Now we must 'wind the cap' again (preferably with the Capstan!) to see if that has cured the problem! Earlier, Straight Jon Stevens from Floorscape who made the Cap-frame was there, doing some assembly of the Sail-bars on the Stocks, but that wasn't as easy as we thought. Johannes Uys from MME, who will do the lifting, also met on site and we discussed how we will insert the 6.5m Wind-shaft into that small opening at the top, only being able to hang the shaft from the crane towards the outer end. We decided that we will assemble the entire outer sail through the Wind-shaft to add weight to the outside, and additionally hang a 'flow-bin' (a 1000 litre water-tank enclosed in metal mesh) to the outer end, and add water until the assembly balances. Then the shaft can be fed in and through the waiting Brake-wheel in the Cap, and on to the two granite bearings (themselves a gift from JA Clift in Paarl). There was one other job, to refit the fourth 'Klapmuts' we took off and damaged slightly last time. We are making progress!

20 July 2022

Lots going on at Mostert's Mill, thatching over the cage which was finished last week is now well advanced. A second truckload of thatch arrived from the Riversdale area today and took a while to offload, into the Threshing Floor area. While the thatchers from JNA Thatchers were doing that, Chairman John and I fitted the 'Cap Ladder' which will give us access from the Dust-floor into the Cap Frame. That involved drilling a 20mm hole through the left-hand Sheer, with John doing most of the work! We had some accurate measuring to do, so that Kimon in Hout Bay will know exactly where to turn the section round for the neck bearing. He's very happy with the way the huge piece of Sugar Gum is drying out. John and I then went to look at some Teak pillars we'd been promised early in the restoration. We were offered three, but when asked what our first prize would be, we said five, two need to be doubled-up for the Hurstings, the pillars which support the weight of the Millstones on the floor above. When I went back with my vehicle to collect them, five were in the pile ready to load. Thank you Henry! We are holding thumbs for tomorrow. Sven, our main supporter in the Netherlands is going to look at a pair of French Burrstones which are available. If he's happy with them, he'll use Crowd-Funding money to buy them and ship them out to us.

04 April 2022

Work has started, at last, on the Tower of Mostert's Mill! Bruce Dundas Builders are putting up scaffolding over which they plan to stretch a big tarpaulin so they can work dry, until they have the top of the tower ready for all the wooden components we have been making. Their brief for the moment is dealing with the cracks in the plaster outside and completely re-plastering inside. Today we had a site meeting, working out the Critical Path Analysis of getting the working parts on site, assembling them and lifting them into position with a 30-tonne mobile crane. The first visit of the crane will be for the Curb, which is fixed to the top of the tower, then the whole Cap Frame, then the 12-metre Long Stretcher, the Vertical Shaft and the Brake-wheel. Five lifts should be possible in one day. Then the Thatchers can make the framework for the roof and thatch it. Unfortunately the wood for the Wind-shaft is still drying out, so that will have to be fitted through the front, and through the suspended Brake-wheel. It should be possible to refit the sails at that stage. All very exciting!

6 December 2021

Mostert's Mill progress! Picking up from last week..... Jon has turned a pile of old scrap beams into a Work of Art! Meanwhile Mike is using his Engineering skills to bring out the best in his 'slice of the cake'! I said Jon needed the roof rafter half-rings to tenon into the Sheers, then he could cut off the Outriggers to the right length and form the fancy ogee ends in them. He also needed the Short Stretcher to build up the Rear Gable which will have a window in the middle and Storm Hatches on each side.

01 November 2021

It's about time for an update on the progress on Mostert's Mill. First, the all-important permission from Heritage Western Cape to proceed with the restoration has been received. A copy of this and the plans must be on site throughout the restoration for any Official to inspect. HWC didn't require anything with respect to the working parts, so I've been pressing on anyway. Work is proceeding on three fronts, Mike here in Grabouw is busy with the Curb rings. He's been on holiday for two weeks, back now, so I expect lots more progress on that front! He'd thicknessed and cut many of the arcs before he left. Jon in Cape Town is busy with the Cap Frame. The two long Sheers needed scarf joints to make them long enough. He is attaching with tenon joints the Outriggers to them and making the fancy 'ogees' at the ends. He's busy with the Tail Beam which supports the heavy stone bearing at the back of the Wind Shaft. Here at home, I've used up 9kg of Epoxy resin on the 'shakes' in the Spruce beams, and I'm happy with them now. Over the weekend I've been busy with the scarf joint in the middle of the Long Stretcher which will stick out on both sides of the Cap, for turning it into the wind.

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Namibia: Dragon’s Breath Cave - World’s Biggest Underground Lake

Namibia’s Dragon’s Breath Cave – World’s Biggest Underground Lake Is Bigger Than Expected

Most of us don’t even know this, but underneath the barren landscape of Namibia, lies the biggest non-subglacial underground lake on the planet. Called the Dragon’s Breath Cave because of the gusts of warm air that escape from its mouth, the mysterious underground cavern has always been a challenge for explorers due to its depth, as well as the simple fact that it’s a massive lake under the earth. But just as space is opening up to humanity thanks to technology, so too are some of the earth’s hidden wonders. See also: Otjikoto Lake video.

The true size of this body of water was not known for decades as explorers could only dive so far, but recent technological advances have forced the cavern to give up some of its ancient secrets.

Recent surveys have however uncovered a surprising number of secrets within the cave. By making use of autonomous underwater vehicles, scientists have managed to update their measurements of the lake’s depth, as well as look at some of the strange creatures living there. Light is almost absent from the cave except for parts close to its narrow entrance. The water however is incredibly clear and robotic vehicles allow researchers to have a clear look at the bizarre ecosystems that seem to thrive here.

Dragon’s Breath Cave is only one of the 124 underground cave systems that can be found in Namibia and is in stark contrast to the empty landscape above. The name Namibia comes from the local Nama word “Namib,” which means a vast and empty place. But not so underground.

The first documented instances of people exploring the cavern emerged in the 1980s. As per the book “The Darkness Beckons” by Martyn Farr, one of the first attempts to formally explore the cave was by a team of divers and cavers from the South African Speleological Association in 1986.

At the time it was believed that the lake was 150 m deep, but recent robotic surveys revealed a depth of 264 m. That’s 264 m underground, in the dark, and surrounded by strange creatures such as golden catfish, an oddly beautiful and critically endangered species of airbreathing catfish.

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Namibia: Row Between Mobile Food Kiosks And Swakopmund Municipality

Row Between Mobile Food Kiosks And Swakopmund Municipality

The Swakopmund Municipality has demarcated several sites for mobile food kiosks.

This, the municipality says, will allow them to better manage their activities and operations in a manner that improves the image of Swakopmund while addressing the needs and interests of all the residents.

According to the public relations officer for the Swakopmund Chief Executive, Archie Benjamin, despite there being 17 sites for mobile food kiosks in the Central Business District and surrounding areas, residents who are interested in opening food truck enterprises at the town continue to flood the Economic Development Services Department with applications and demands with the inquiries unequivocally showing that new locations are needed.

“The Swakopmund Town Council has also received a mass amount of complaints from residents, particularly those living near the beach, requesting the relocation of mobile food kiosks for various reasons,” he said.

Some of the complaints include a disregard of the town planning scheme by allowing mobile food kiosks to operate in the beach area without following the proper procedures.

He further said that the Municipality of Swakopmund has recognised the need to accommodate and support the mobile food kiosk business by putting measures and systems in place that lawfully support this sector thus creating an enabling environment for economic growth and the creation of employment.

The resolution was not welcomed by all sections of Swakopmund, leading business owners mobilizing community members to sign a petition, which will be imminently handed over to the town council to voice disapproval over the resolution.

“Please leave the Fork n Nice alone! Please don’t move the yellow bus. Don’t be short sighted, it is ours!” remarked one of the disgruntled residents on the Swakopmund Municipality Facebook page.

After the Swakopmund Town Council’s deliberations on 27 October 2022 and 23 February, it was resolved that mobile kiosks be allowed at certain specifically demarcated sites.

These sites include north of the aquarium as well as at the tennis court, the parking area opposite the State House, the Saturday Market area at Erf 118 (Daniel Kamho Avenue) opposite the Swakopmund Prison, Erf 626 in Tamariskia and Erf 2349 in Matutura.

Existing mobile kiosks that need to relocate in respect of the town council’s decision were given the first preference to re-apply and select their preferred sites.

The Mole and the old skateboard area will only be used for special events, while the current kiosks in these areas must be moved to the newly created area.

Furthermore, the council resolved that the mobile kiosk sites at the DRC Settlement be delayed until the complete de-congestion process has been finalised.

Council also noted that no suitable trading areas have been identified at the industrial area, Ocean View, Mile 4, the DRC informal settlement and Mondesa.

The resolution further states that the mobile food kiosk policy inclusive of all operative guidelines will be implemented in phases yet to be announced.

The Swakopmund Town Council will hold public consultations on its mobile food kiosk policy in the near future.

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Namibia: Luderitz annual crayfish festival is on

Namibia's Luderitz annual crayfish festival boosts economic growth

The annual crayfish festival held in the southern coastal town of Luderitz provides an investment opportunity and boosts tourism, which in turn contributes significantly to the country's economic growth.

YouTube video - Luderitz:

The festival has a hugely positive impact on the local Luderitz community and it has ignited an entrepreneurial spirit in the town.

The inclusion of small and medium enterprises and financial services in the festival demonstrates its impact on social and economic progress. The festival also takes place against the backdrop of oil discoveries and emerging green industries that will drive economic development nationwide.

Fishing is an important economic activity for Luderitz, which is poised to become the new epicenter of the oil, gas, and green hydrogen industries.

The festival, which started in 2008, has become a popular platform to showcase Luderitz's rich cultural heritage and traditions. It offers a variety of activities, including seafood exhibitions, traditional cuisine, entertainment, fashion, and corporate events.

This year's festival runs from April 29 to May 5 and themed "Riding the waves toward a sustainable future".

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Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia celebrate its Independence Day on 21 March. In honor of this momentous occasion, we are thrilled to present you with a special gift - "Independence Bucket List" featuring 33 awe-inspiring destinations, attractions, and experiences that showcase the incredible beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved nation. Discover the wonders of Namibia and make unforgettable memories as you embark on these once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

1 Sossusvlei: The iconic red dunes and otherworldly Deadvlei, a must-see destination in the heart of the Namib Desert.

2 Etosha National Park: A premier wildlife destination, home to various species of wildlife.

3 Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world and a geological marvel.

4 Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife, and unique landscapes.

5 Swakopmund: A charming coastal city with unique architecture and a variety of adventure activities.

6 Namib-Naukluft Park: Home to diverse landscapes, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Naukluft Mountains.

7 Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

8 Zambezi Region: A lush, water-rich region with diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty.

9 Spitzkoppe: A striking granite peak rising from the desert, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

10 Walvis Bay: A coastal city offering activities like whale watching, seal kayaking, and exploring its vast lagoon, home to flamingos and other bird species.

11 Kolmanskop: An eerie ghost town that once thrived as a diamond mining community, now a popular destination for photographers.

12 Damaraland: Home to desert-adapted elephants, ancient rock art, and the Petrified Forest.

13 Bwabwata National Park: A conservation success story, this park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, African wild dogs, and various antelope species.

14 Windhoek: The capital city of Namibia, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical attractions.

15 Waterberg Plateau Park: A striking plateau with unique red sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.

16 Ai-Ais Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Ai-Ais, located within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

17 Lüderitz: A coastal town with unique architecture and a gateway to the nearby Kolmanskop ghost town.

18 Namib Sand Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast expanse of ever-shifting sand dunes is a testament to the power of nature.

19 Brandberg Mountain: Namibia's tallest mountain, home to the famous "White Lady" rock painting and diverse wildlife.

20 Daan Viljoen Game Reserve: A small game reserve near Windhoek, perfect for wildlife viewing, hiking, and picnicking.

21 Popa Falls: A series of cascades on the Okavango River, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.

22 Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.

23 Mudumu National Park: A remote park in the Zambezi Region, offering diverse habitats and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

24 Khaudum National Park: An off-the-beaten-track destination, perfect for intrepid travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

25 Otjiwarongo: A town known for its cheetah conservation efforts and the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund.

26 Quiver Tree Forest: A unique natural attraction, featuring hundreds of quiver trees, some up to 300 years old, creating a surreal landscape.

27 Hoba Meteorite: The largest known meteorite on Earth, located near the town of Grootfontein, offering a rare chance to see a piece of outer space.

28 Epupa Falls: A series of stunning waterfalls along the Kunene River, set against the backdrop of the arid Kaokoland landscape.

29 Erindi Private Game Reserve: A sustainable ecotourism destination, offering excellent wildlife viewing and conservation programs.

30 Dorob National Park: This coastal park stretches from Walvis Bay to the Ugab River and includes diverse landscapes, such as dunes, gravel plains, and lagoons.

31 Kuiseb Canyon: A dramatic geological feature carved by the Kuiseb River, providing a striking contrast between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the canyon's rugged terrain.

32 Zambezi Arts Centre: Showcasing traditional crafts from the Zambezi Region, supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

33 Tsumeb Cultural Village: A unique attraction that celebrates Namibia's diverse cultural heritage, offering visitors an insight into the country's various ethnic groups and their traditions.

Namibia - Your Next Destination!

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Namibia: Eight Essential Tips For Planning A Safari Of A Life Time

Eight Essential Tips For Planning A Safari Excursion In Namibia

Namibia is a land of surreal beauty. It’s a destination that beckons intrepid travelers from around the world. With diverse landscapes, from the red dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged Skeleton Coast, this southwestern African country is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Among the many incredible experiences that Namibia offers, a desert safari through its otherworldly landscapes is an absolute must.

Here are a few essential tips and insights on embarking on an unforgettable desert safari in Namibia.

Choosing the Right Time

The first step to planning a desert safari in Namibia is choosing the right time to visit. The country’s desert regions can be extremely hot during the summer (December to February), with temperatures often exceeding 38°C. It’s advisable to plan your trip during the cooler and more pleasant months of April to October. This period is also the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes, making it easier to spot them.

Selecting Your Base

Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, is the most common starting point for a desert safari. From here, you can rent a 4×4 vehicle, hire a local guide, and stock up on supplies for your adventure. Depending on your itinerary, you may fly directly to other major cities or towns, such as Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, to explore different desert regions.

Dune Exploration in Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei, part of the Namib Desert, is renowned for its mesmerizing red dunes. These towering sand formations, some of the tallest in the world, create a surreal landscape you won’t find anywhere else. The best time to experience the dunes at their most vibrant is sunrise and sunset when the colors shift from orange to deep red.

A visit to the iconic Dune 45 is a must. You can either hike to the summit or opt for a thrilling sunrise balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the dunes. For an added layer of adventure, consider a guided 4×4 excursion to Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by massive dunes. Here, ancient dead trees rise from the cracked ground, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene ideal for photography.

Exploring the Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast, aptly named for its treacherous waters and shipwrecks, offers a different desert experience. This desolate and remote area is home to some of the world’s most rugged and unforgiving landscapes. To explore this region, you can choose from various guided tours that provide an up-close look at the eerie shipwrecks, seal colonies, and windswept landscapes.

Wildlife Encounters in Etosha National Park

A desert safari in Namibia would only be complete with a visit to Etosha National Park. This vast wildlife sanctuary is home to various animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and more. The Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat, dominates the park’s landscape and is an ideal location for game viewing, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around the waterholes.

For an immersive safari experience, consider staying in one of the park’s lodges or campsites. These accommodations allow you to spot wildlife from your doorstep, creating unforgettable memories of Namibia’s natural wonders.

Respect Local Cultures and Wildlife

Namibia is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. When interacting with local communities, respect their customs, seek permission before taking photos, and be a responsible traveler. Additionally, it’s essential to respect the wildlife and natural environment. Avoid littering, stick to established paths, and never approach or feed wild animals.

Plan Your Accommodations

While camping under the stars in the desert is an exhilarating experience, there are also a range of accommodations to suit various preferences. You can find campsites, lodges, and luxury resorts across Namibia’s desert regions, offering diverse options for travelers.

Go with a Guide

While self-driving through Namibia’s deserts can be an incredible adventure, especially for experienced travelers, first-timers may benefit from hiring a local guide or joining a group tour. Knowledgeable guides can provide valuable insights into the landscape, wildlife, and culture, making your desert safari all the more enriching.

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Namibia: 21 facts you never knew about our country in southern Africa

21 facts you never knew about Namibia:

1. Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, estimated to be between 55 million and 80 million years old.

2. The country gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, making it one of the last African countries to became independent.

3. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a population of about 2.5 million people spread over a vast area.

4. The Fish River Canyon, located in the south of Namibia, is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.

5. Namibia is the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and wildlife conservation into its constitution.

6. The capital and largest city of Namibia is Windhoek, situated in the country's central highlands.

7. The Skeleton Coast, stretching from the Swakopmund to the Angolan border, is named for the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore, as well as the shipwrecks caused by the treacherous offshore rocks and fog.

8. The Himba, an indigenous group of semi-nomadic herders, are known for their unique culture and the red ochre and fat mixture (Otjize) that they apply to their skin and hair.

9. Namibia is one of only two countries in the world (the other being Mongolia) that has desert-adapted elephants, which have evolved behaviors to survive in the arid environment.

10. The country has a high level of biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos.

11. Namibia's Etosha National Park is one of Africa's major wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its salt pan so large it can be seen from space.

12. The Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop consists of about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, a type of aloe that is endemic to the southern African region.

13. German is widely spoken in Namibia due to its past as a German colony (German South West Africa) from 1884 until the end of World War I.

14. The Twyfelfontein area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa, with some of the carvings dating back to 6,000 years.

15. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses through Namibia, making it one of the countries situated on this imaginary line that marks the southern boundary of the tropics.

16. Namibia was the first African country to export beef to the United States, meeting the strict quality standards required for the American market.

17. The Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), and both currencies are legal tender in Namibia.

18. Walvis Bay, located on the coast, is one of the few deep-water harbors on the African continent and serves as a vital point for maritime trade.

19. The Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest peak, contains the famous "White Lady" rock painting, believed to be around 2,000 years old.

20. The Spitzkoppe, sometimes referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia," is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located in the Namib Desert.

21. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow extension of land in the northeast of Namibia, provides vital access to the Zambezi River and several of Africa's national parks across neighboring countries.

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Botswana: Machaba Safaris: Our Newest Treasure Camp: Monachira

Machaba Safaris: Our Newest Treasure Camp: Monachira

We’re Excited to Announce the Opening of Monachira Camp

Discover our newest treasure in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Situated on the edge of the Monachira channel in the northeast region of the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Monachira Camp opens in May 2025. 

Offering motor boating excursions on the Monachira River system, relaxing mokoro experiences, island nature walks & short game drives, at Monachira Camp, you will become immersed in the tranquility of the bush. This luxury safari camp boasts exceptional wildlife viewing over the large reed and papyrus-lined floodplains, seasonal wetlands, and large riverine islands and is not far from the famous Gudigwa Heronries, an amazing nesting ground for thousands of herons, egrets and storks.

Explore the permanent channels of the Monachria River and keep your eyes out for elephants, lions and leopards. Discover more about the rare sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope and keep your eyes and ears out for the call of the elusive Pel’s Fishing owl.

Only accessible by helicopter, discover this remote section of the Okavango when you stay at Monachira Camp.

Book your stay at Monachira Camp in conjunction with any other Machaba Safari’s Delta camps and receive a complimentary helicopter flight.

Camps include Machaba Camp, Little Machaba, Kiri Camp & Gomoti Plains Camp. Bookings open 10 April 2024.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MONACHIRA CAMP

Free Flights On Us

We have created two new packages where you’ll receive free inter-camp flights as well as free flights from Victoria Falls and /or Harare International Airports. 

° Flights on us: Verney's Camp and Fothergill 

° Flights on us: Verney's Camp and Tembo Plains

2025 Rates are Now Out  - Start Planning Your Safari

Whether you want to explore the winding labyrinth of the Okavango Delta, the ancient vistas of Hwange National Park, the iconic riverside of Mana Pools or the untamed floodplains of Chobe National Park, allow us to tailor your safari to bring you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our knowledgeable safari experts will help you put together an idyllic getaway. Take a look at all our safari specials and packages that include a variety of ways to experience the African bush.

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