September 1, 2022

Birding with Pompie: Quelea quelea

Visiting Etosha National Park in early May this year we encountered what might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience: watching a flock, or rather flocks, of Red-billed Queleas at Goas waterhole one morning coming in for their daily drink. Apparently this usually happens twice a day, but my fellow waterhole visitors in the car got a bit fed up with the once-in-a-lifetime experience after a few hours and I had to leave the birds on their own for the rest of the day, to my utter dismay.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

AN ESCAPE TO YOUR OWN PRIVATE WILDERNESS at Etosha Heights with Natural Selection

The crisp morning in July does little to dampen our excitement: we are leaving on a game drive through the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. As we descend the steep hill leading away from the lodge, the sun, not yet visible, starts to change the colours of the surrounding bush. With the change of light the temperature drops and adds a little extra bite to an already sharp winter's morning.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

BLUE WILDEBEEST FIGHT ENDS IN WATERHOLE

Territorial blue wildebeest bulls can be spotted at several waterholes in Etosha National Park. Establishing their territory around these important drinking places is like hitting the jackpot for these bulls because the females have to come to the water at least once a day. This is the opportunity to mate with many females, but it is equally exhausting to keep all the rivals at bay. For intruding bulls this is also a problem because they will be chased away by the “owner” of the territory.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Crisp winter air hangs over the horizon, creating a soft white filter for every tree and hill. Looking down, you see a veil of yellow and orange mopane leaves crushing softly under your feet. In a single file line, you tread lightly, one foot in front of the other, so as to not disturb the life that surrounds you, or the black rhino spotted at the lodge’s subtly lit waterhole the previous night.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Embracing the wild side of the Erongo

Situated some 10 kilometres west of Omaruru and roughly a two-hour drive from Windhoek, Erongo Wild invites guests to become absorbed by the natural beauty of the Erongo Mountains. It is a place brimming with life, which is evident as soon as you arrive. You are immediately surrounded by the calls of White-browed Sparrow-weavers, African Red-eyed Bulbul and a chorus of Rosy-faced Lovebirds – sounds that will become synonymous with Erongo Wild.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Turning travel into impact: Celebrating 10 years of TOSCO

The uproar in the Namibian tourism industry as a result of the poisoning incident was a direct reason for stakeholders to open the dialogue. The consensus towards the end of the meeting was overwhelming: an organisation was needed to strengthen the relationship of the tourism industry with communities and conservation organisations. That same year, Félix founded the Tourism Supporting Conservation Trust which has become known as TOSCO.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

A sleepout to remember

Towering over the desert landscape, anyone who has explored the area can attest that the Brandberg is an icon of Damaraland. The mountain holds the mythical secrets of the people who lived here many centuries ago, secrets preserved in their rock art and remains of their dwellings. It serves as a beacon to travellers, the more than 2500 metre Königsstein peak is visible from far away.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Three adventures to embark on in the Zambezi Region

Whenever explaining travels, destinations, and the roads leading to adventure in Namibia, my right hand comes out. Palm facing down, index finger folded and thumb stretched out, the back of my hand instantly becomes a map. The shape of Namibia can be indicated with a single hand, and the Zambezi region is the thumb. No coincidence then that this corner of the land, often overlooked or left off visitor itineraries for being so far- flung, can be summarised by “an indication of satisfaction or approval” (a.k.a. “thumbs up”).
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

KHAUDUM: The Ultimate Wilderness

Khaudum National Park offers an unforgettable and authentic wilderness experience for adventurous travellers seeking solitude in one of Namibia's most remote corners. Its deep, loose sandy tracks and large herds of elephants are legendary, and the park attracts a breed of intrepid travellers.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Living wild in the land of Sand and Freedom: Three become four

In the beginning of our journey there were three. Two adults and a small boy with blonde hair and blue eyes. After our first steps in the south and watching him make his way into the (then) head-high grass without looking back even once, we knew it was right. We knew that we all belonged here.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

The value and virtue of vultures

I was hoping I would spot a Pygmy Falcon on my last trip to the Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia’s largest conservation area. Small, spirited and snow-white, the bird appeared as misplaced as an Edelweiss flower in the desert. The Pygmy Falcon soared like a white star, in stark contrast to the dry riverbeds, gravel and grassy plains.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

RMB RIDE FOR RHINOS: Eight years of cycling for conservation

The RMB Ride for Rhinos is an annual cycling event aimed at creating awareness of the tireless yet determined combined patrols done by Save the Rhino (SRT) trackers, rhino rangers (members of the local communities) and members of the Namibian Police. The event not only gives riders a tiny taste of the hardships endured by these individuals but it is also a means of raising funds for the ongoing conservation efforts by SRT. Le Roux van Schalkwyk goes along on the adventure.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

On Photography.

Photography, when in Namibia, is of utmost importance. After all you need to capture the beauty of this picturesque country, be it with your cell phone or your camera with a 2000 mm lens. There are many wild and wonderful things in Namibia, so you should be fully prepared to have lots of space on your memory card, and your co-passengers should also have a full memory card of patience. You can repeat and relive so much of your trip when going through your photographs back home, but please refrain from boring your best friends with a slide show, keep it for your not so best friends/enemies.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Namibia Laid Bare – Photography Feature: Toast Coetzer

Toast Coetzer is a Cape Town-based travel journalist best known for his long association with the popular South African travel magazine Go (and its Afrikaans version, Weg). “Because Namibia is such a popular road trip destination among South Africans, I’ve been lucky enough to visit the country at least once a year, sometimes even two or three times,” Toast says.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
September 1, 2022

Spring Tripping

Spring in Namibia offers everything to please a weather-worn traveller. Except flowers in bright colours. The sun shines every day all day from tangerine sunrise to scarlet sunset. The sky changes to different shades of blue throughout the day and temperatures are pleasantly high. It is hot and dry since most of Namibia is desert, but cool to cold at night because of the lack of moisture.
Do you like it?
0 Read more