Botswana: donation by Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge has donated some utensils to Kachikau Primary School special care unit.

The utensils were a stove, fridge, microwave, plates, forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils.

The main challenge was that some parents seemed to think that their children were going to be healed from their conditions instead of helping them to become responsible adults who could make independent and informed choices.

Chobe Fish Eagle had established a Leanne Britton Foundation in memory of her late wife, who had adopted the special care unit in Kachikau under Chobe Safari lodge.

It has been announced that the foundation has organised a boat cruise for the Kachikau special unit children due this month and a Christmas party for orphans.

The foundation would come up with more ideas to see how they could continue assisting the special care unit.

Chobe Safari Lodge has adopted the Kachikau special care unit comprising of 12 boys and 8 girls in an effort to provide support and care to these mentally and physically challenged children by improving their quality of life.

Namibia: news from Twyfelfontein Lodge

The Twyfelfontein fuel station will be operational as from 1st March 2015 with 95 Petrol and 50ppm Diesel that will be available.
There will also be a workshop for minor repairs, brake down services and tyres repair.
Fuel is to be paid in cash. Credit /Debit cards will not be accepted for fuel.

Botswana: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge photo gallery

#BelmondEagleIslandLodgeBotswana

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana - photos | Белмонд Савуте Лодж Ботсвана

#BelmondSavuteElephantLodgeBotswana

Situated at the very heart of a wildlife reserve, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge is authentic and truly wild - the perfect place to feel the pulse of Botswana.

Chobe National Park

Botswana's Chobe National Park is a dynamic wilderness. A sweeping expanse of savannah is dotted by rocky outcrops surrounding a marsh and the Savute Channel.

Unpredictable wet and dry cycles shape the landscape and wildlife. The Savute Channel flows freely again after nearly 30 years of lying dormant, one of Northern Botswana’s greatest mysteries.

The Gubatsa Hills shelter leopard and klipspringer, with rock paintings depicting early man's animal encounters.

Accommodation

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge hosts a cluster of twelve tented residences raised on wooden platforms. Each has an outdoor lounge and is shaded by a traditional thatch roof.

The large, private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock. These are ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy.

Luxurious room interior include a four-poster bed complete with mosquito netting, lavishly appointed bathroom and dressing room, a fully-stocked minibar and discreet air conditioning.

Lodge Facilities

    Al fresco dining with views of the savannah
    20m swimming pool
    High-powered telescope
    Internet access and satellite TV away from the main lounge
    Same day laundry service

    Traditional Boma for dinners and local performances
    Curio shop with safari wear, local art and crafts
    Small reference library
    24 hour emergency facilities and communications
    Private airstrip

Namibia: Duwisib Castle Farm photo gallery

#DuwisibCastleFarmNamibia

info@namibweb.com

Namibia: Trans Kalahari Walk - Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge

#TransKalahariWalkNamibia

Guided hike 2 Options
2 night package (2 overnight stays / 3 days and 1 day activities) OR
3 night package (3 overnight stays / 4 days and 1,5 days activities)
Contact: info@namibweb.com
 
Hiking and spending the night in the vastness of the African savannah offers the most intense nature experience. The red sand dunes and the grass and tree planes of the Kalahari will captivate every traveller. Feel the hot desert wind on your skin. Watch antelope herds in the vast steppe or spot giraffes feeding among the trees. Experience the sunset. Enjoy an African Braai at the camp-fire on a dune before listening to the sounds of the night, either in a tent or even outside under the starry sky. In the morning, shortly before sunrise, grab a hot cup of coffee and watch gnus and zebras on the water hole before experiencing that magic moment when the sun comes up in glittering gold just behind the dunes. All of a sudden, the temperature turns comfortably warm, the night is over, a new day has begun. Africa. The Trans-Kalahari Walk perfectly combines a comfortable stay at the lodge with exhausting but rewarding physical activities and camp-fire romanticism in the Kalahari dunes.
 
DAY 1 Arrival after 14h00 -The afternoon will be spent in the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge. Possible activities: animal watching at the water hole close by, relaxing at the swimming pool or a short walk. Dinner and overnight stay at the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge.
 
DAY 2 Whole-day hike with lunch picnic -an early start offers the possibility to watch the sun rise while enjoying a cup of coffee on top of a dune. The hike leads through the red Kalahari dunes typical for the area, alternating with tree savannah. In the afternoon arrival at the cosy but luxurious dune camp with view deck and swimming pool, tents and shading lapa, all on top of a dune. This is where the braai will be served and the night will be spent.
 
DAY 3 Shortly after sunrise, the day begins with breakfast on the terrace of the camp, where you could see again antelopes and giraffes at the waterhole. A short hike takes us back to Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge for departure.

ALTERNATIVELY WITH ANOTHER OVERNIGHT STAY IN KALAHARI RED DUNES LODGE:

DAY 3 Guided half-day hike -After breakfast, the hike goes on through open grass and bush savannah where the sighting of nyalas or impalas is highly likely. After about 3 hours, around noon, return at the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge. After a light lunch, the afternoon may be spent ad libitum, possibility to take part in a game drive in the Land Rover to comfortably experience the explored scenery and to possibly spot animals not seen before. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

DAY 4 Departure after breakfast

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Minimum number of participants: 1, maximum number of participants: 4, guide: English speaking.
Beverages, snacks and meals included during the hike. An experienced guide will lead and assist you. Please note: All participants have to carry their own equipment for the day, e.g. binoculars, photo equipment, sun screen. Essential luggage for the overnight stay at the camp will be transferred.

Namibia: renovations at Hotel Thule & Fiume Lodge

Hotel Thule is happy to announce the completion of the kitchen upgrade. Therefore the “On The Edge” Restaurant at Hotel Thule is re-opened.
The new Restaurant Manager, Claus Goldbeck is a born and bred Namibian. He has spent more than 20 years being involved in the hospitality industry in Switzerland and has during this time been awarded several times for customer and service excellence.
The Head Chef, Frederic Lutz, who was introduced in August last year, focuses on fine dining with a Namibian twist.

Fiume Lodge is currently renovating 7 of their 9 rooms. The thatched roof will be replaced with Harvey tiles. This is expected to be completed by the end of June. During this time the lodge will operate as per usual and will not be closed. Therefore the lodge will do their utmost best to keep the disturbance and discomfort to a minimum for the guests.

Botswana: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge presentation & photo gallery | Бельмонд Игл Айланд Лодж Ботсвана

#BelmondEagleIslandLodgeBotswana
#БельмондИглАйландЛоджБотсвана

 

Fish Eagle Bar

There is no better place to experience the sunset over the Okavango Delta than from the Fish-Eagle Bar. Open-air and covered bar and lounge areas with a dedicated viewing deck provide the best of both worlds - a complete view of the Delta coupled with the cool relaxation of this safari hideaway. The camp fire provides the perfect place to settle after a day full of adventure. Share your experiences over the camp fire or curl up and relax with a loved one, just the two of you and the wildlife.

 

Luxury accommodation in the wilderness

All luxury rooms at Eagle Island Lodge are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering great views, and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof. The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy.

 

Viewing deck

The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy.

 

Eagle Island Lodge panoramic

Situated on remote Xaxaba island among a web of waterways and lush vegetation, it overlooks a lagoon that attracts a breathtaking variety of big game and exotic birds.

 

Mokoro Canoe Safari

This traditional dugout canoe takes you gliding over shallow, clear waters past brilliant water lilies and papyrus grasses to areas inaccessible by boat.

 

Dining Area

Seated around our camp fire you can share stories of the days experiences with other guests or simply curl up and relax while the wildlife in the Delta does the same.

 

Fish Eagle Bar

There is no better place to experience the sunset over the Okavango Delta than from the Fish-Eagle Bar. Open-air and covered bar and lounge areas with a dedicated viewing deck provide the best of both worlds - a complete view of the Delta coupled with the cool relaxation of this safari hideaway. The camp fire provides the perfect place to settle after a day full of adventure. Share your experiences over the camp fire or curl up and relax with a loved one, just the two of you and the wildlife.

 

Private Suite at Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge has an exclusive private suite, perfect for a more intimate safari experience.

 

Swimming Pool

A 20 meter heated swimming pool

Contact: info@namibweb.com

 

Beware - rude reservations at Onguma Namibia

#OngumaBadService

Reservation service at Onguma is non-existent: we have been trying to make reservation at Onguma with zero effect: all our messages e-mailed to three different e-mail addresses of Onguma have been ignored. When we tried to phone to Onguma's office number 061 237055 on 10 February 2015 a woman refused to answer and dropped the line. Perhaps Onguma needs no more tourists and constantly fully booked?

Namibia Wildlife Resorts clarify entrance fees

Namibia Wildlife Resorts earlier this week explained that bookings for its resorts are not outsourced to a foreign company.

This followed a complaint by a customer who said he had a bad experience when his family booked for a visit to Gross Barmen resort near Okahandja. The customer said he had to book through a foreign based company.

"We have tour operators that we have agreements with who do our bookings. This is not a unique situation to NWR only. Worldwide, hotels and lodges do this to expand their reach. Clients are welcome to book directly with us or directly on our website," explained Mufaro Nesongano, manager corporate communications and online media.

He said in terms of Gross Barmen, the company charges N$100 for entrance to the resort which entitles the visitor to use the facilities within the resort including the thermal pool, outside pool, sauna and the restaurant.

Nesongano said children aged six to 12 pay N$50 while those below six are not charged.

"In the case of this family, the pricing was correct," he said.

According to a customer, he was surprised that his family had to pay N$500 to enter Gross Barmen.

"Which Namibian family can afford that? Especially seeing that even the job of a booking officer is outsourced to a foreign company operating abroad? So, first they use tax payers' money to renovate the complex, then outsource the sales abroad and then make it impossible for the taxpayers to use it," he asked.