Raw Namibia

Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival into Windhoek, you will be met by your guide and driver, making your way straight to the world-class research and conservation facility of the Cheetah Conservation Fund for your first cat activity – a cheetah drive or sundowner drive on the CCF reserve is included for later this afternoon. Founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, the mission of the CCF is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their ecosystems. Visit the museum and learn about the behaviour and biology of the cheetah, how their range and numbers have diminished, and the unique Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa’s most endangered cat species.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund is located in the spectacular Waterburg Region that incorporates the Waterberg Plateau National Park and the farming districts from Outjo and Otjiwarongo to Grootfontein and Tsumeb in the west.

The Waterberg Plateau rises like an island some 200m above the surrounding African bush and savannah with brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. Established as a reserve for endangered and protected species it is home to 25 game species, over 200 species of birds, black and white rhino, roan and sable antelope and buffalo. (L,D)

Overnight at Cheetah View Lodge or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Windhoek – Cheetah View (approx. 310km) approx. 3.5 – 4 hours. 

This morning after breakfast you will make your way to Nhoma Safari Camp, located close to Tsumkwe in the east Kalahari region.

Your visit starts with a half day activity on the first afternoon/evening – an introduction to the community along with normal activities in the village, traditional games and how the men prepare for the hunt. During the evening a traditional healing dance is performed (note this may be performed any evening during your stay). The other days are filled! One day will involve a bush walk/hunt where guests accompany three or four Ju’hoan hunters, collecting bush foods on the way – berries and tubers, honey, small animals and when possible tracking larger antelope. Traditional medicines are pointed out along the way – the walk does not follow a fixed route and the intensity/duration of the hunt can be adapted. The making of fire by various methods and other survival techniques, such as rope making and setting traps are demonstrated during the course of the day.

A further day will be spent at nearby Khaudom – one of Namibia’s least visited parks – this wild and remote national park is an area of dry woodland savannah growing on old stabilised Kalahari sand dunes, interspersed with flat clay pans and river-beds. There are teak forests and false mopane trees. Watch out for elephant, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffe as well as other antelope. Lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are the main predators though you may also see wild dog – one of the most endangered species! Another day is dedicated with a visit to Nyae Nyae Pans and huge baobab trees south-east of Tsumkwe and exploring this region – the pans themselves are about 18km south of Tsumkwe and attracts game. The conservancy stretches 9,000km2 around Tsumkwe and communities are given the right to manage their wildlife and tourism in a sustainable way Tented accommodation.

Walk away from the camp with a group of hunters and a guide for two nights of pure bush experience. This is the most adventurous it will get. Food and water will be provided and tents will be put up in the base camp. Meals will be cooked in groups over the fire. Guests can explore the untouched wilderness and have the great opportunity to experience the culture in a unique way. Take time to learn about nature and wildlife with the guidance of the San hunters. Evenings will be entertained with traditional storytelling. The activity will be only offered during the dry season (April- September). It has great potential for nature lovers who would like to have deeper immersion in the nature wisdom and culture of the bushman.

Nhoma Safari Camp is a small activity-orientated tented camp, situated in the northeastern corner of Namibia on state-owned land. The camp was built by Arno Oosthuysen with the help of the Nhoq’ma community within the traditional area of the Ju’hoan San or Bushmen (as they are commonly known in Namibia). Your stay in the Camp allows the community to generate income, which in turn buys food and supplies not provided by the surrounding environment. Without the camp and the economy it creates, the community would have had to have left their ancestral land and moved to settled areas such as Tsumkwe.

Your safari tent, shaded by large Zambesi teak trees, provides basic luxuries such as comfortable beds and an en-suite bath room with hot water. Meals and drinks are provided in a central dining area consisting only of a large thatched roof. With only a handful of tents spread out along a vegetated dune, enjoy 180-degree views over the Nhoma omuramba (fossil river bed). The vegetation of this part of the Kalahari is classified as a woodland savannah and is a far cry from the image people have of the Kalahari! (B,L,D)

4 nights Nhoma Safari Camp

Distance and Journey Time:  Cheetah View – Nhoma (approx. 510km) approx. 5.5 – 6 hours. 

Today you will set out on foot guided by Ju’hoan hunters. With no fixed trail to follow, you will explore the land in search of berries, tubers and honey, as well as tracking animals including antelope. Spend time with these hunters and learn about traditional bush medicines, rope making, setting traps and survival techniques that have been handed down through the generations. (B,L,D)

Walking Time: Approximately 4.5hours

Difficulty: Walk from a nearby camp, Terrain is flat but can be sandy and depending on the time of year the weather can be hot with little shade

This morning after breakfast you will make your way by 4×4 to the vast, wild and remote Khaudom National Park. With teak forests and false mopane trees, this dry woodland savannah sits on ancient stabilised Kalahari sand dunes, interspersed with flat clay pans and riverbeds. Fenced on only two sides, this park allows animals to follow their migratory routes to the water of the Kavango River. Large numbers of animals can be found throughout the park including elephant, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest,  hartebeest, giraffe and antelope. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas are the main predators, and the park is also home to one of the most endangered species, wild dogs. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, our final destination is Na an kuse, arriving in time for lunch. Your guide will drop you here and the lodge staff will now take care of you. During your stay you can join a meerkat excursion or take part in a bush walk; enjoy a walk with caracals, and join either rhino feeding/tracking or elephant tracking and/or K9 experience. You will also join Behind the Scenes with Marlice; Naankuse works actively with the Bushman and provides considerable support – including providing a school – if it’s during term time we can include a visit here, (BLD/BLD) 5 activities/shared are included. Approx 5.5 hours drive Rhino Tracking (Wildlife Tracking): Get on your walking shoes, grab your binoculars, and spend an afternoon with a ranger and tracker in search of rhinos. Rhino tracking offers a great opportunity to learn about the habits and characteristics of this threatened species, the issue of rhino poaching, and ongoing conservation efforts. Daily 10h00 or 15h00. or Elephant Tracking (Wildlife Tracking): Want to see the majestic elephants roaming playfully in their natural habitat? Go on an amazing elephant safari and enjoy the wildlife. An encounter with these iconic African animals will teach you about how intelligent and compassionate they actually are. Besides being a magnificent opportunity to explore nature, you will also learn much about the issues surrounding elephants’ conservation. Daily at 10:00 or at 15:00

K9 experience: Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you delve into the world of K9 dog training at our remarkable K9 Training Centre. Experience the thrill of working alongside our skilled trainers and their four-legged companions. Engage in interactive sessions where you’ll learn more about K9 training first hand. Discover the art of obedience, scent detection, and search and rescue techniques to guide intelligent and agile canines through a series of stimulating exercises.

Activities on offer:

Caracal Experience

Take a walk with our habituated caracal and our guides. During this walk you will get to see how these animals behave in the wild, stalking birds and small mammals as they regain their natural instincts and hone their hunting skills. You will also experience the serenity of the Namibian veld and no doubt be accompanied by a wide variety of bird species.

Behind the Scenes with Marlice van Vuuren

Follow in Marlice’s footsteps and get an intimate view of the workings of a wildlife reserve and sanctuary. In this in-depth activity, you will gain insight into the real N/a’an ku sê world, the inner workings of sanctuary life and the myriad of animal species currently being cared for. Enter the riveting world of research carried out at N/a’an ku sê, and gain intimate knowledge into the field of human-carnivore conflict mitigation. Become smitten with our gorgeous sanctuary orphans and bond with the baby baboons (there’s nothing like it). Become fully immersed in Marlice’s magical world!

Meerkat Experience

Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter N/a’an ku sê’s very own “Meerkat Manor”, and spend a magical two hours witnessing the delightful antics of the bushveldt’s most beloved residents. Meerkats are early risers, emerging from their dens at approximately 6.15 AM. Hence you will be met at the main lodge building and then it’s off to enter a madcap meerkat world on N/a’an ku sê’s picturesque reserve. *Please note that even though we always do our utmost to ensure significant meerkat sightings, the animal kingdom plays by its own rules, thus sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Located just a 40-minute drive from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African veldt, it’s perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. With a range of enjoyable activities available, including various Carnivore Feeding Tours, and Cheetahs up Close there are a number of activities to keep you busy. The only charity lodge in Namibia, N/a’an ku sê is crafted from ecologically clean material including solid logs and glass to complement the beautiful wilderness setting, there are just six luxurious, individual chalets each with open bathroom/shower, air-con, tea/coffee station and a small private verandah. The main area has a dining area with stunning views, a bar and a swimming pool. There are also five beautifully appointed and fully equipped holiday houses available for hire. The lodge is a not-for-profit eco-tourism destination, where all profits are directed straight back into supporting their charitable projects – the Wildlife Sanctuary and Carnivore Conservation Research Project for Namibia’s vulnerable wildlife, and the Clever Cubs School and Lifeline Clinic for the San Bushman. By visiting N/a’an ku se you are directly contributing towards the protection and conservation of wildlife and helping to improve the lives of the marginalized San Bushman community. The lodge design incorporates the ethnic and rustic atmosphere of Africa, whilst offering luxury accommodation. Grass, wooden logs, stones, and mohair together with linen and bedding are a unique combination. Activities are focused around the game on the reserve. (B,L,D)

3 nights Na’an ku sê Lodge

Distance and Journey Time: Okonjima to Na Ankuse (Approx 260km) approx. 3.5hours 

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)