Namibia: Etosha National Park: Condition of roads is being addressed

Etosha National Park: Condition of roads is being addressed

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced on 29 October 2024 that the condition of roads in the Etosha National Park is being addressed as matter of urgency. According to the Ministry, the deterioration of the road between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, for instance, is impacted by large traffic volumes. This leads to loss of gravel, severe corrugations, potholes and drainage problems. As an immediate remedy, three graders have been deployed to blade the roads between Halali and Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali as well as between Namutoni and King Nehale Gate. The Ministry anticipates that this intervention will improve the road condition in the specified sections within a period of two weeks. Furthermore, the roads from Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni to King Nehale Gate will soon be upgraded from gravel to low-seal volume (tarred road).

While the road situation in Etosha National Park is being addressed, the Ministry encourages visitors to consider alternative routes from Okaukuejo to Halali via Gemsbokvlagte, Olifantsbad and Aus for a better travel experience.

Since 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has successfully rehabilitated the western section of the tourist road between Okaukuejo and Galton Gate, completing over 200 kilometers of road upgrade by March 2024.

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Namibia's drought: Five trapped hippos die

Five trapped hippos die as Namibia grapples with drought

WINDHOEK - Five hippos have died while trapped in a mud pool in northeastern Namibia, where a severe drought has caused a major river to dry up, the environment ministry said.

The dead were among 130 hippos stranded for days in a pool along the Chobe River on the border with Botswana after the water in the pool evaporated, ministry spokesman Romeo Muyunda said.

"Unfortunately five hippos have died from one of the ponds in the Zambezi Region," he said. "We are suspecting that they might have died from starvation but we are not ruling out diseases such as anthrax."

Hippos and other species were also stranded in two more pools in the area, Muyunda said, adding that a borehole was being drilled to help the trapped animals.

The desert country is among several southern African nations weathering what the United Nations estimates to be the region's worst drought in more than 100 years.

"There is no grass and the Chobe River is completely dry," said Muyunda.

The drought led the Namibian government to declare a state of emergency in May.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global authority on food security, said in September that 1.15 million people in Namibia - around 38 percent of its population - face high levels of acute food insecurity and require urgent aid.

In August the government announced plans to cull 723 wild animals, including elephants and hippos, to relieve pressure on food and water sources and provide meat for people going hungry.

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Namibia: Gondwana's new Ekipa Sanctuary

THE EKIPA

Discover the hidden gem nestled among the majestic mopane trees – The Ekipa, an exclusive sanctuary tailored for two, exuding an aura of mystery and ancient tradition. Situated just 10 km south of the Andersson Gate to Etosha National Park, this haven beckons guests to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of the African Bush.

The name "Ekipa" pays homage to the handcrafted decorative button, a symbol of wealth and tradition worn by Aawambo women. As part of the esteemed Secret Collection, The Ekipa offers privileged access to a harmonious blend of culture and wildlife. Effortlessly venture into the legendary Etosha National Park, where the earth's surface is adorned with a delicate blanket of white dust, promising unforgettable encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife.

Indulge in a fully inclusive experience where watching the sun dip below the horizon becomes a ritual, accompanied by the mesmerizing symphony of birds nestled among the mopane and camelthorn trees. Let the rhythmic pulse of Africa, echoing like a distant drumbeat, envelope you as your every need is attentively met.

Allow the ancient traditions and enchanting charm of Africa to weave an unforgettable tapestry of sensory delights during your stay at The Ekipa. Surrender to the magic of the bush and embark on a journey that transcends time and space, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

Opening on 1 December 2024.

GPS Coordinates -19.40528°, 15.9106°

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Botswana: Ker & Downey's new Okavango Delta property - Maxa Camp

KER & DOWNEY BOTSWANA'S INNOVATIVE NEW PROPERTY IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA

Through a partnership with the Mmagamka Trust and members of the Bukakhwe tribe who live in the village of Gudigwa, Ker & Downey Botswana’s new Okavango Delta property will open on the 20th March 2025. 

ABOUT MAXA

Nestled under a canopy of towering Ebony trees, Maxa overlooks the permanent Maxa Lagoon, and is located on the South-Eastern Panhandle within Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Ideally situated where the nutrient rich clear headwaters of the Okavango meet the meandering channels of the Selinda Spillway, an expansive network of seldomly explored seasonal floodplains, this fascinating area in the heart of the Kaza Transfrontier Park (an area half the size of California) features a network of permanent and seasonally inundated channels and lagoons.

The philosophy of Maxa centers around exploration, learning and the freedom to be immersed in nature. The camp’s unique appearance captures this with a freeform separated lounge and dining area, set under light canvas roofs, partially enclosed by traditional clay walls. The design is complemented with handmade local furniture which lends a creative spirit to the decor and lighting.

Situated between the lounge and dining areas, with white delta sand underfoot, is the camp “courtyard”, with picnic style tables for meals in the breezy shade or under the stars.  In a culinary twist, a central feature of the main area is a termite mound that originally helped form the island.  Here, guests will be welcomed by the smells of freshly baked bread and muffins from Maxa’s wood fired “oven” which will also produce other delightful meals prepared meticulously by our chef.

At the edge of the camp’s riverine forest tree over looking the lagoon is another cluster of Ebony trees, forming a natural enclosure. Here, a Sala with a cushioned day bed is complemented by an elevated deck, with a suspended cargo net hammock bedecked with an array of pillows and cushions, from where guests can take in the beautiful surrounds.

Accommodating up to 12 guests, the tented rooms are practical, yet comfortable, with four beautifully designed stretch canvas tents on decks, comprising an en-suite indoor bathroom as well as full outdoor open air bathroom.  The Maxa family tent has two bedrooms and a shared ensuite bathroom along with an outdoor bathroom.

Every day at Maxa is curated as a day of exploration and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Camp excursions include mokoro (dugout canoe), guided walking safaris and nature drives (both by day and night). Activities also incorporate local cultural insights with the exploration of the natural heritage of this immensely diverse region.

Access to and from Maxa will be by helicopter from Shinde airstrip, a short yet exciting scenic transfer over breathtaking stretches of the Okavango World Heritage Site.

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Botswana: Wilderness Safaris Tubu Tree and Little Tubu

Wilderness Safaris news

We’re thrilled to announce that completely rebuilt Wilderness Tubu Tree and Little Tubu officially reopened on 15 June, just in time for prime game-viewing season in the Okavango Delta.

Set on The Jao Reserve’s famed Hunda Island, the Wilderness Tubu camps overlook spectacular Okavango Delta floodplains. One of the largest areas of dry land in the area, game concentrates on this pristine tract of land, followed closely by an abundance of predators. Recent wildlife sightings during the final stages of the rebuild have been plentiful as ever; leopards lounging in fig trees, lions crossing channels with cubs in tow and hunting buffalo on the plains.

While still honouring their heritage and exquisite natural surrounds, the newly rebuilt camps have been elegantly upgraded; modern guest rooms have been decorated with a palette inspired by the earthy tones and textures of Hunda Island, showcasing horizon-wide views of the wildlife-rich floodplains.

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Namibia: Reimagined Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – craft meets conservation

Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino Camp – craft meets conservation

Rejuvenated Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

In Damaraland’s expansive Palmwag Concession, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp (DRC) had humble beginnings as a research base dedicated to protecting some of Africa’s most precious wildlife: desert-adapted black rhino. Now a thriving partnership between local communities, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and Wilderness, Desert Rhino Camp remains a beacon of purpose-led partnership, conservation success and one-of-a-kind guest activities in this extraordinary Namib landscape. The protection of specialised desert wildlife drives everything we do at DRC, including the design of the new camp, which is now even more inspired by, and connected to, this remarkable environment.

In 2023, we celebrated 20 years of pioneering partnerships, measurable conservation successes and meaningful guest experiences in Namibia’s desert.

We couldn’t be more thrilled that after two decades of operation in the unforgiving desert landscape, Desert Rhino Camp is being redesigned and rebuilt for greater comfort, inviting more guests to help us protect the Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino.

Repurposed for purpose

Remaining true to its ultimate purpose, reimagined Desert Rhino Camp will continue to prioritise valuable research and meaningful water conservation in this arid area.

ACTIVITIES

NATURE DRIVES

Offering the best possibility of seeing desert-adapted wildlife and predators, nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS

Discover the details of the desert on a guided walk, the flora and fauna that survive this harsh landscape.

RHINO TRACKING

By vehicle and on foot, accompany Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors and walk in the footsteps of remarkable desert-adapted black rhinos.

FULL-DAY OUTING WITH PICNIC LUNCH

Spend a full day exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area in search of wildlife, fascinating desert flora, and a scenic spot to enjoy lunch.

BIRDING

The desert regularly delivers birding rarities, and the Palmwag Concession is home to some extraordinary avifauna.

WILDLIFE

Alongside the iconic black rhino, there are desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok, and kudu to see, as well as the occasional lion and leopard.

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Namibia: Hunting Ranch in Okahandja area for sale!

FOR SALE - Guest FARM / Hunting RANCH 

64 km east of Okahandja

5376 Hectares

N$ 59 500 000 - Offers welcome

Sole mandate

The farm is located a mere 55 min drive from the Capital City Windhoek and comprises of the following;

MAIN HOUSE

3 Bedrooms with air con

2 Bathrooms

2 Offices (1 Walk in safe) 

1 TV Room

1 Sitting Lounge with air-con 

1 Dining Lounge

1 Recreational Lounge with Bar

1 Extra Toilet

1 Kitchen/Scullery 

1 Walk-in Pantry

1 Washing/Laundry Room

GUEST ROOMS

Room 1  Double with shower & toilet with ceiling fan

Room 2  Double with shower & toilet with ceiling fan

Room 3 Single with shower & toilet with ceiling fan

Room 4  Double and 1 single bed (family room) with shower, bath & toilet, with fridge and ceiling fan

Room 5  Double with shower, bath & toilet with ceiling fan

Room 6  Double with shower & toilet with ceiling fan 

Room 7  Double with shower & toilet with ceiling fan

1 Outside toilet & shower

1 Granny Flatlet with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge and kitchen, garage 

1 Flatlet with 3 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, self-catering unit

BUTCHERY - Registered Abattoir Slaughter facility 

2 Cold-rooms 

1 Drying room 

1 Storage room 

2 Working rooms

OUTSIDE BUILDINGS 

2 Lockup Garages

3 Underroof Garages 

1 Big Barn for motor vehicles and machines

1 Big Storeroom

1 Staff Facilities, 

1 Bathroom with shower & Toilet (outside)

1 Storeroom

1 Generator

3 Store rooms

1 Gasoline Room

LAPA

Entertainment/dining room

1 Toilet Swimming Pool

"Gecko" Braai, seating for 12 people

MANAGER'S Living Space 

1 Bedrooms with air con

1  Bathroom & Toilet

1  Sitting room/ Kitchen combined with air-con

1  Car Port

RESTAURANT - Brand new - Fully Fitted

Seating 45 guests

1 Dining room

1 Dining/Entertainment area with air-con

Fully equipped with a big screen and audio/TV/meeting facility

Fully equipped for conference facility

1 Bar with store room with air-con

2 Toilets 

1 Kitchen with extractor fans

3 Staff Toilets 

1 Cold room 

1 Freezer room 

1 Storeroom

Laundry facility

4 Built Chicken Coop

2 Built Alpaca Houses

24 Build Bird Aviaries

1 Large barn for animals, horses, alpacas, etc, for breeding

1 Greenhouse for growing greens

2 Storerooms (used for wood and building material)

STAFF FACILITIES

9 Staff houses with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, shower, toilet, warm water, electricity

1 Communal Hall for entertainment / TV room

CAMPING SITE situated in close proximity to the main House

5 Camping ablution blocks, each consisting of a shower, toilet, kitchenette, warm water, and electricity

1 x MILKING ROOM WITH MILKING FACILITY

An additional CAMPING SITE WITHIN GAME CAMP

1 x Ablution block, with shower, toilet, kitchenette, water with geyser

Facility for 5 camping sites

CATTLE AND GAME COUNTS AS AT MARCH 2023

Cattle +/- 150

Sheep/Goats 15 Eland +/- 50

Blou wildebeest +/- 250 

Swart wildebeest +/- 40

Rooibokke/lmpala +/- 150

Gemsbokke/Oryx +/- 170

Duiker +/- 50 

Klipspringer +/- 20

Steenbok +/- 50

Cheetah

Leopard

Nocturnal animals

22 White Gemsbokke/Oryx

30 Skilder Gemsbokke/Oryx

Zebra +/- 60

Average Rain Fall

2022 = 340

2021 = 364

2020 = 281

Boreholes, depth and delivery in cubic meters per hour,

1 (120 m, 2m3)

2 (110 m, 1.5m3)

3 (125 m, 3m3)

4 (135 m, 3m3)

Engines = 2 hp (Horsepower)

Wind pumps = 2 Climax and 1 Stewart Lloyds

Dams= 6 cement dams 70m3 each, 1 stone dam 60m3

Cribs = 7

Boundary= 26.5 km, 1.2 stock fence and 3.8 km game-proof fence

4 Game camps each measuring 100 hectares each

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