Saturday 30 April 2022

Namibia: Etusis Nature Reserve news

Off the beaten path, situated about 35 km from Karibib on the C32. Etusis Nature Reserve occupies 22,000 hectares in west-central Namibia, encompassing part of the Otjipatera Mountain Range.

Etusis is also home to the Etusis Foundations which is a non-profit making organisation established to conserve the endangered Hartmann's Mountain Zebra.

The terrain is varied, and is host to a large number of mammals and birds. The unique geology of the mountains offer exciting possibilities for experienced and qualified climbers and for those without dassie genetics, there are a host of other activities on offer.

Updates are as follows: 

° One of our 7 Bungalows is wheelchair friendly.

° The Waterfall Hut (Max 2 persons only, minimum 2 night stay) offers a true Namibian break-away, " escape the world and embrace true wilderness". Situated 2.5 km from the lodge with basic facilitates, you have the choice to self-cater or have meals delivered to your door. Ideally recommended for the experienced independent-minded traveller or the "wild at heart" adventurer: remote, isolated location away from the lodge area,

° - 12v power for the basic facilities: lights, fridge,

° - separate bathroom facilities  (shower & toilet).

° - No Air-conditioning OR Wi-fi signal available

° - DBB option needs to be reconfirmed at least 7 days in advance;

° - drinks are not included and can be purchased at the lodge on check-in.  

° Scenic Sundowner Drive, a stunning scenic drive shows a geologically interesting area with diverse landscapes unique to the area (between 2 / 3 hours duration)

° - depart at 16h30 (November through to April)

° - depart at 15h30 (May through to September)

° Self-guided hiking trails, maps and information are available at reception

° Horseback Safaris with overnight camping, arrangements need to be made at least 6 weeks prior and is subject to availability at time of booking.

° - Min 2 and Max 6 Persons per trip

° - price includes DBB, packed Lunch as well as tents and bedding.

° Horse Riding, our horses are good tempered and also suitable for inexperienced riders as well for children, offered in the morning and afternoon (times TBA upon arrival)

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Friday 29 April 2022

Namibia: Kashana Accommodation in Omaruru

Based in one of Omaruru’s most historic buildings (constructed in 1907 as a casino for local mine workers), today this is the centre-piece of a lodge-style guest house with an attractive bar and a popular all-day à la carte restaurant.

Kashana House boasts an amazing outside restaurant area, with seating areas under the shade of old trees in the garden, and the swimming pool situated just behind the courtyard.

The rooms are large and comfortably furnished, with ceiling fans, fridges and separate bathrooms, whilst the double storeyed family units have recently been refurbished.

YouTube video of Omaruru town:

The town of Omaruru also offers the following attractions:

° Wood carving workshop

° Mission house and church missionary

° Art gallery 

° Goldsmith

° The Franke Tower is a short walk up the road from Kashana, and popular with tourists.

° Chocolate factory

° Half day or full day excursions to the Erongo Mountains is offered by Kashana to see the magnificent rock paintings and the SAN tribe's living museum in the Erongo area.

° and a winery

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Thursday 28 April 2022

South Africa: The Old Jail Willowmore in Eastern Cape

The Old Jail Willowmore

The Old Jail Guest House & Gallery - Beautiful 4 Star Guest House with Art Gallery & selected Antiques in the heart of the Karoo, Willowmore, Eastern Cape.

The Old Jail in the peaceful farming town of Willowmore offers a unique experience for tourists, business travellers and sports enthusiasts seeking quality accommodation in the Karoo. Flanked by the spectacular Baviaanskloof and Swartberg mountain ranges, this striking 1880's building is on the edge of the town and is one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the area.

Registered by the Government in 1895, the building is built of stone, the walls being half a metre thick with plaster “quions” (corners) on the windows, doors and wall corners. The Old Gaol, as it was then called, comprised a hospital cell, hard labour cells, awaiting trial cells, a female cell and kitchen cell.

Now lovingly restored and renovated, the building is surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens. Although oozing character and retaining many original features, it has now been given a new – and less intimidating – lease of life as a welcoming B&B and art gallery!

Gaol is an alternative spelling of jail, and it means the same thing. Historically, gaol was predominant in British English until roughly 1935, at which point jail became the more popular option.

Gaol was the more common spelling between about 1760 and 1830, and is still preferred in proper names in some regions. Most Australian newspapers use jail rather than gaol, citing either narrower print width or the possibility of transposing letters in gaol to produce goal. By far the most common spelling in Canada is jail, but a handful of legal writers use gaol.

Willowmore, Eastern Cape

Date: 1895

Type: Gaol

Status: Extant

Coordinates: -33.297136, 23.494355

Also referred to as the old Jail.

The Gaol was constructed in 1895 and apparently remained in use until approximately 1960, when it was sold into private ownership. The building was derelict and unoccupied for a number of years but has recently been restored and is now a B&B.

Accommodation

All rooms are fully air conditioned with high ceilings, original features, quality bed linen, brass bathroom fittings, original artworks and tea/coffee making facilities. Each has a private, lawned courtyard with sun loungers and parasols.

Hospital Suite - Originally housing sick inmates, the suite offers a spacious bedroom featuring a king size bed, original Victorian fireplace and antique wardrobe, plus an elegant en-suite bathroom with claw foot bath, separate shower, toilet and underfloor heating in winter.  Rates: From R1800 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.

Female Cell - Once used exclusively for female inmates, this is a characterful double room with its private bath/shower room (with unique stone bath) and separate toilet just a few steps away across its secluded, lawned courtyard.  Rates: From R1200 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.

Awaiting Trial -  As the name suggests, this was the cell used for prisoners awaiting trial. It now features twin beds and also has a separate Victorian-style shower room and toilet off a private courtyard.  Rates: From R1400 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.

The Old Stables Self Catering - Please enquire about our budget self catering units in our Old Stables. The Orange Room and the Farmers Suite. There is a child friendly family unit and a single traveller budget room, both of which are self catering.  Rates: From R1200 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.

The Donkey Room - Donkey Room is our budget room with 2 single beds and one fold out sleeper bed for a child. This room is situated in our Old Stables.  Rates: 2 people sharing including breakfast: R390 per person sharing / Single: R600.

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Wednesday 27 April 2022

Namibia: West Coast shipwrecks: "Montrose" & "Mossamedes" | Кораблекрушения у западного побережья Намибии

Namibia: West Coast shipwrecks: "Montrose" & "Mossamedes" | Кораблекрушения у западного побережья Намибии

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NAMIBIA

SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK

SHIPWRECKS

62. "Montrose"

Date: June 1973

The Montrose stranded in 1973 and can be seen just south of the southern border of Torra Bay. This wreck has become a popular perch for cormorants. The Montrose II CDF 205 were build in 1963 by Louw & Halvorsen in Cape Town.

She was 67.5 feet long and were powered by a Caterpillar. She was originally owned by Mr. R. Middlekop from Hout Bay and was used as a purse seiner. She fished for Van Riebeeck Canning in Hout Bay as well as the Ovenstone's factory, Columbine Canning in St. Helena Bay. In 1970 she was sold to Mr. W. H Hearn from Hermanus are were converted into a inshore trawler for catching Hake, Sole and Kingklip. Her area code also changed from the Hout Bay area code (CDF 205) to the Hermanus area code (C 145). During the late 60's and early 70's many south African fishing boats were fishing off the South West African coast line just behind the territorial 12 nautical mile boundary at that time. Thus the reason she stranded so far from her home port.

63. "Mossamedes"

Date: 23.04.1923

South of Cape Fria

Mossamedes left the port of Lorenco Marques, the present Maputo, on Friday, 13 April 1923, under protest of the entire crew. The ship carried 143 passengers, her cargo consisting of 25 crates of dynamite, detonators and a vast quantity of sulphuric acid, enough to create serious problems for the ship and its anxious crew.

Justifiably, because on April 23, 1923 the Mossamedes ran aground north of Swakopmund. As the captain feared detonation of the explosives, the ship was evacuated without delay. The lifeboats, packed with crew and passengers were lowered: one boat capsized, a crew member and seven passengers drowned and another lifeboat carrying 23 passengers disappeared, without a trace. The remaining survivors were picked up by other ships that had hurried to the scene of disaster.

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Tuesday 26 April 2022

South Africa: Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge Earth Day news

All Eyes and Ears for Earth Day

*Graceful, slender and majestic, the impala is one of our most commonly spotted residents, but perhaps it is the animal that most of us relate to on Earth Day?*

There are many impalas out in the bush, all congregating together, pooling their resources of eyes and ears to detect any potential danger. Yet on a game drive, we often find ourselves thinking, “with so many living here, what difference will one less make?”

Well, let’s picture ourselves as the impalas of this world. We may battle to run 60km/h, but as one of the 7.9 billion people it's easy to think, “what difference can little old me make?”

There’s Nothing Little About You

*We’re here to tell you that you’re far more powerful than you think. There are ‘little’ things that you can do to make the biggest difference to our planet, and one of these is choosing sustainable tourism and going on a safari with us. *

Your Partnership's Impact 

*As one of the founders of the Manyoni Private Game Reserve (previously Zululand Rhino Reserve), we are acutely aware that communities and conservation are inextricably linked. Therefore, a portion of your bookings benefits these two great causes.*

Zululand Rhino Orphanage 

This is a fantastic initiative which rescues and rehabilitates baby rhino when their mothers have passed away, either from poaching or natural causes. So far they have an excellent track record with a good number of reintroductions back to the wild.

Zululand Conservation Trust

The Trust supports both local community and conservation initiatives. Whether it is painting a crèche, conducting school children's awareness safaris, or a conservation fundraising drive, we try to support as much as possible.

Taking Pride in Our Planet

If a pride can take down an elephant, giraffe or buffalo, what’s stopping us from slowing down the effects of climate change or standing up to greedy conglomerates and governments who do not put the environment and communities first?

*"We need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It's going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens - everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet." *

*- Earth Day 2022*

Be Responsible Without Responsibilities

Leave all the sustainable practices and responsible tourism up to us and enjoy a safari without any fuss. If you'd like to see where your Conservation Levies and proceeds go, we can arrange for a visit to the Zululand Conservation Trust and Rhino Orphanage during your stay. How you decide to spend your safari is up to you, but do it without the guilt and take advantage of our **23% OFF Special valid until 30 June 2022. **

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

D464 District Road, Hluhluwe, 3860, South Africa

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Monday 25 April 2022

Namib Desert: Namib tsamma | Дикий арбуз Намибия

Citrullus ecirrhosus, commonly known as Namib tsamma, is a species of perennial desert vine in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, and a relative of the widely consumed watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). It can be found in both Namibia and South Africa, in particular the Namib Desert. It is the sister species to the bitter melon, Citrullus amarus with which it shares hard, white and bitter flesh.

The vines can crawl for up to two meters, and it has yellow flowers. As a desert plant, it is a hardy species, surviving with little water and strong sunlight. The leaves form annual stems which die back each year. The plant relies on water deep in the ground and morning fogs. It is an important source of water for numerous desert fauna. The bitter-tasting fruit it produces are known as tsamma melons.

Experiments done by Simmons, Jarret, Cantrell, and Amnon in 2019 introduced the hybridization of Citrullus ecirrhosus and Citrullus lanatus developed a cultivated watermelon capable of resistance to pests such as whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci).

The hybrid developed whitefly resistance while still retaining traits of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). While the hybrid did not offer total resistance, it was better protected than regular grown watermelons.

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Sunday 24 April 2022

Namibia: Goibib Mountain Lodge news

Nestled in the Karas Mountains, with the dry Goibib River ‘running’ through the property, Goibib Mountain Lodge is a tranquil hideaway between Grunau and Keetmanshoop, just off the A1 road between Cape Town and Windhoek.

Goibib is ideally located to be used either as a base for exploring the highlights of Southern Namibia: The Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Giant’s Playground and the volcanic crater at Brukkaros or while away an idyllic afternoon at the pool.

Or you can bring your camera and capture this pristine environment with a variety of wildlife both great and small as well as a sizable herd of majestic Nguni cattle. From wide-angle landscape shots to close-up, macro-photography, which brings the little things to light, the area is a photographer’s dream. The curious can even explore the nightlife with fluorescent light and discover the nocturnal world around us.

Updates are as follows: 

° One wheelchair friendly en-suite room with amenities. 

° 6 campsites for the wild at heart, which can be setup with tents for you should you not have your own equipment.

° Self-guided hiking, the trails have been mapped out for guests to go at their leisure.

° Self-drive Expeditions, the "explorer by heart" guest can explore the scenic beauty of the surroundings with their vehicles and own pace .. why not ask the lodge to pack a delicious picnic hamper for their excursion.

° Nature Drives, guided by experienced guides, enjoy the view from the comfort of our four wheel drive vehicles.

° - depart at 08h00 (all year round)

° Sundowner Nature Drive, where your eyes will feast on Namibia's famous sunsets, with the chances of seeing nocturnal animal life as night falls on the way back to the lodge.

° - depart at 16h00 (all year round)

° Night Drive, departing 20h00 after dinner, with a cosy blanket and the fresh Namibian air, viewing small predators and night animals that come out of hiding (about 2 hours duration)

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Saturday 23 April 2022

Namibia: Agama Lodge updates | Агама Лодж Намибия

Agama Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia

The lodge is situated along the southern banks of the Diep Rivier, with superb facilities and splendid views of the Naukluft Mountains to the north-east.

YouTube video Agama:

The recent addition of comfortable, air-conditioned chalets has widened the appeal of the Lodge to those seeking comfort and amenities. The design of the chalets also offers guests the unique option of sleeping under the stars of the Namib sky whilst enjoying the privacy of their own rooftop. 

Updates are as follows:

° Open Air Sky Bed - Wake up with the sunrise in bed on your rooftop. An experience that is not easily forgotten, but must be pre-booked and prepared for clients, this includes sparkling wine and a snack platter.

° Wheelchair friendly Unit - one of the rooms have a ramp to the patio. The bathroom has an added shower, railing and wooden chair fitted for comfortable maneuverings.

° Hot Air Ballooning flights are done by Namib Sky Ballooning

° Helicopter Flights / Cessna Flight are done by the Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre

° Sundowner Nature Drive 

° - departing 17:00 (duration of about 2.5 hours)

° Morning Nature Drive, a scenic drive through the Namib Naukluft Mountains

° - departing 06:00 (duration of 2 hours)

° Guided Walking Trail, head out with experienced guides for a informative leisurely walk within the surroundings (duration of about 1 hour)

° - departing 07:00 (all year round) .

° Star Gazing with a Guide after dinner

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Friday 22 April 2022

Namibia: Huab Lodge updates

Huab Lodge in north-western Namibia

This unique lodge on the edge of Damaraland is located at the end of a 30km cul de sac. Built on the northern banks of the Huab River it offers, not only the opportunity to experience the abundant plant-, bird- and wildlife but also the space freedom to breath and revitalise mind, body and soul.

Updates and changes effective Immediately are as follows: 

° No Single Supplement charged for Single room occupancy during the low season (01 Nov - 30 June)

° The lodge can seat maximum 22 people (including children) in the restaurant

° Early Morning Guided Walk, the "bushman's newspaper" is an informative

° 2 km walk which takes about 1.5 hours

° - departs 06:30 (November through to April)

° - departs 07:00 (May through to October)

° Scenic Drive (duration 2 hours)

° - departs 08:30 (November through to April),

° - departs 09:00 (May through to October)

° Sundowner Drive (duration 2 hours)

° - departs at 17:00 (November through to April),

° - departs at 16:00 (May through to October)

° Ephemeral River Drive - a full day's excursion in search of the illusive

° desert-adapted elephants, or if you are really lucky there might also

° be sightings of leopard and other wild life.

° - departs 07:00 all year round

° All excursions with vehicles require a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 persons, beverages are included.

° Fly-In guests: the owner of Bay Air in Walvis Bay or Nationwide Air Charters must be contacted in order to sign the necessary indemnity forms to land on the air strip.

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Thursday 21 April 2022

Namibia: West Coast shipwrecks: "Meob Bay" & "Miscky" | Кораблекрушения у западного побережья Намибии

Namibia: West Coast shipwrecks: "Meob Bay" & "Miscky" | Кораблекрушения у западного побережья Намибии

Facebook groups:

NAMIBIA

SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK

SHIPWRECKS

60. "Meob Bay"

Date: 07.06.2002

Near Luderitz.

MFV Meob Bay, belonging to Marco Fishing, capsized off the coast of Luderitz in June 2002, resulting in the loss of 19 lives. It was worst ever maritime disaster in Namibia. It was sailing from Luderitz when disaster struck. A piece of drifting rope, attached to an anchor on the ocean floor, which had been left in the ocean, allegedly by a diamond-mining vessel, Lady S, which belonged to a South African-registered company, Gemfarm, was picked up by the MFV Meob Bay's propeller. With the rope becoming entangled in the propeller, the ship was doomed. Attached to the rope, the powerless vessel swung around to have its rear towards the swell which, with a strong wind of 36 knots, was between four and six metres high. Unable to ride the swell because it was fastened to the rope, the boat quickly started to take in water. Within a matter of five to ten minutes, she sank. Of the crew of 28, only nine survived. The bodies of 12 of the other crew members were later recovered from the bitterly cold water. The other seven crew members are still missing, presumed dead. With that, the sinking of the MFV Meob Bay was the maritime disaster with the highest death toll yet in Namibian waters.

61. "Miscky"

Date: 22.12.2013

False Cape Fria

The 43-foot sailing yacht "Miscky" was found on the afternoon of 22 December 2013 near False Cape Fria (Skeleton Coast National Park) in the surf on the beach. The boat was unmanned across the Atlantic after its owner, South African Mike Kuun, left the ship after a dramatic rescue operation on the high seas. "It was a strange find," said Johan van Rooyen, manager of Northern Namibia Development Company (NNDC). And: "At first we thought: Where are the people?" Van Rooyen found the owner after an extensive Internet search. However, Kuun was no longer interested in the ship. "He told us we could recover the valuables." But the ship itself will be another wreck on the notorious Skeleton Coast, because it was almost impossible to remove the 20 ton yacht. The surrounding area was a logistical nightmare for a rescue operation. According to various South African media reports, the owner of the "Miscky", Kuun, wanted to sail from East London in South Africa to the Caribbean. He and his girlfriend had first sailed to Saldanha Bay. His companion went ashore there and Kuun continued the trip alone. The next destination should be St. Helena Island. About 350 nautical miles from South Africa, he was in distress because of a defective rigging (sailing equipment). He had notified his girlfriend who triggered the emergency call. Kuun was saved by the "Aqua Fortune" oil tanker on December 22 and gave up the yacht that has been floating in the Atlantic since then.

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