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Tue, 5 May 2020

#localislekker Special....

Back To Our Roots… Exploring Namibia as Namibians…

The world has changed in the last months forcing us to change our perspective on many things. And, in light of travel restrictions put in place by the government, the world has become a smaller place for those who inhabit it. Yet, in Namibia, plentiful summer rains have changed our drought-ravaged landscapes; the time is right for us to see our country from a fresh perspective.

What makes our Namibia great is not only our people, our ‘lekker’ meat for our braais and our stunning sunsets, but also the endless horizons, the desert elephants roaming wild and free, the dancing spirit of our people and the tranquility we experience after climbing a mountain or the dunes of the Namib. What makes our country great, is the 360 days of sunshine, our land of glorious contrasts where tourism is sustainable with minimal impact on the environment, where over 40% of our land has been set aside for conservation. These are just a few reasons why we Namibians should feel proud of our roots and our home – proud of our land of wide-open spaces.

Exploring different nations and different countries has been a dream for all of us at some time in our lives, but now is the time to rethink and reflect on where the real pleasures of travel lie.
How many of us can say that we have seen the true beauty of our own country; its people, the desert, our wildlife, the conservancies who are at the forefront of conserving and living with the wildlife, our ocean and mysterious coastline, national parks, farmers and our empty land where nature really does rule supreme?
When the dark clouds of the virus pandemic lift, pack your camping gear, fill your 4 x 4’s, get onto your bicycles and put on your hiking boots – it is time to explore our very own Namibia! Namibia is worth our time, Namibia is worth our exploration.

Journeys Namibia lodges and camp sites have an adventure waiting for everyone; the newly launched Rim to River hiking trail in the Fish River Canyon (Fish River Lodge) is a must or try a fat bike excursion along the edge of the canyon. Drink that glass of chardonnay whilst watching elephant cajoling alongside a waterhole at Hobatere Lodge or set off at sunrise to track the elusive and rare black rhino at Grootberg Lodge. Camp in the middle of Damaraland while enjoying a cold beer on the stunning rock features of Hoada Campsite. For those that are seeking solitude closer to home, Auas Safari Lodge offers an easy getaway from city life, with hiking and cycling trails and game drives only one hour from Windhoek. Not to mention a hearty brunch or quick getaway in the city while staying over at Little Forest Garden Retreat in Windhoek.

WE WOULD LOVE TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR UNIQUE, SUSTAINABLE LODGES IN REMOTE LOCATIONS ON OUR MADE IN NAMIBIA #LOCALISLEKKER SPECIAL. THE SPECIAL STARTS AFTER LOCKDOWN, FROM THE LONG WEEKEND OF 21 MAY 2020 UP TO 31 DECEMBER 2020.

Auas Safari Lodge | Grootberg Lodge | Hoada Campsite | Hobatere Lodge | Fish River Lodge | Little Forest Garden Retreat

To get more information or take up this incredible offer, please visit journeysnamibia.com, email reservations@journeysnamibia.com or phone Journeys Namibia on +264 61 228 104. Or visit our Facebook or Instagram Account for more details on the specials.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING IN ADVANCE BY MAILING US AT RESERVATIONS@JOURNEYSNAMIBIA.COM

We cannot wait to hear from you and more importantly, for the opportunity to show you some of Namibia’s best natural landscapes and outdoor activities in the wild. This is your time Namibians – explore Namibia!

Our Lodge Portfolio

Fish River Lodge

On the Edge of Eternity

The only lodge directly on the rim of the renowned Fish River Canyon, a must-see attraction in Namibia, Fish River Lodge provides awe-inspiring vistas that span from sunrise to sunset. With its strategic location, guests can marvel at the breath-taking views of the canyon directly from the lodge.The main lodge provides a blend of unique decor, exceptional service, and a comfortable ambiance in the lounge, bar, and restaurant area. Guests can also enjoy the wrap-around decks and a pool, creating a perfect setting for relaxation. Meals are served three times a day, with the added pleasure of afternoon tea and homemade cake. The surrounding landscape on the western side of the canyon is vast, empty, and ancient. This makes it an ideal setting for those seeking solitude and thrilling adventures alike. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the canyon through exhilarating activities such as hiking, guided safaris, or mountain biking. Experiencing a trip into this geological marvel, which has stood for over 500 million years, promises an unforgettable experience.

Grootberg Lodge

In the Footprints of Giants

Grootberg Lodge is the flagship of the Journeys Namibia portfolio, the first middle-market establishment to be wholly owned by a conservancy and hosted by members of the rural community. Situated on the edge of the Etendeka Plateau, the views across the Klip River Valley will awe you as you enjoy drinks on the decks or take a dip in the pool. For the initial development, the project of Grootberg Lodge was financed by the European Union through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's Development Programme. Simultaneously, the private sector was engaged to offer training and management expertise, with the aim of enabling the local community to achieve self-sufficiency.Journeys Namibia was offered the management of the lodge and training of its staff, with the involvement in this innovative project being an honour. Our aim at Journeys is to further conservation and the betterment of the local communities in all lodges within our portfolio. We train our staff locally and offer specialised services for international guests in a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Ongoing projects within the area work hard to mitigate the fallout from the human wildlife conflict by allocating dedicated funds, and actively monitoring wildlife in a collaboration between the Grootberg Lodge guides, Save the Rhino Trust, and the community shepherds. Additionally, the lodge supports various projects initiated by the conservancy, such as sourcing vegetables from local farmers, contributing to an education fund, and implementing garbage collection initiatives to minimise pollution in the area. Actively involved in numerous conservation efforts, the lodge and conservancy are proud to have black rhino and desert-adapted elephants roam freely in the area. The ≠Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy is also the subject of an international case study of how sustainable conservation efforts can be successful over a longer period.

Hoada Campsite

Between a rock and a hard place

Hidden amongst large grey granite boulders and flourishing mopane trees, Hoada Campsite is situated on the #Khoadi//Hoas Conservancy close to Grootberg Lodge and just 75 kilometres from Kamanjab. It is another effort on the part of the community to raise funds for their people and showcase this isolated and unspoiled wilderness, with gratifying results.A night or two here will ease the stresses of the modern world, as you take a step back in time and savour the basics of life again, with solitude, peace, views, and wilderness at your fingertips. This is the perfect place to rest on a tour of the vast open spaces of north-western Namibia.In addition to the campsites, there is also the option of permanent tents should you need a little more luxury, and there is wood, braai packs, cutlery, and crockery available for purchase and rent at reception.

Hobatere Lodge

Become one of the Pride

The ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, home of Hobatere Lodge, is situated on the western border of Etosha National Park, a very short distance from the Galton Gate. This jewel of a lodge in its idyllic setting has earned it the nickname of “Little Etosha” due to its location and bounteous wildlife. Upon entering the gates, you will immediately sense the tranquil ambiance of this quiet corner of the world. The drive to the lodge from this point is a mere 16 kilometres, however, based on the road conditions it can take a little time to navigate. This is the perfect opportunity to take your foot off the accelerator and look for the abundant game that inhabit this area while you drive through the spectacular bushveld and riverine vegetation. You will be welcomed into the heart of this lodge with warm cloths to wipe away the dust of your travels and a refreshing drink while you book in, and can immediately retire to your room for a well-deserved rest or enjoy any of the amenities on offer. The name “Hobatere” translates to “find him/me” in the native Nama and is appropriate here, as the lodge peeks out of a forest of indigenous trees near a riverbed, overlooking a wide plain and very active waterhole. This rustic and cosy lodge will draw you into a setting of tranquillity paired with the magic of the African bushveld and savannah, where you can dine under a thatched roof or the evening stars, and go to sleep to the roar of the lions. A stay at this enchanting facility will have you put aside the stresses of life as you fall prey to the allure of Hobatere Lodge, the open spaces, incredible wildlife, friendly people, and fascinating history.

Ondudu Safari Lodge

Where giants play

Just 14 kilometres west of the small town of Omaruru you will find The Ondudu Safari Lodge, nestled amongst the rugged granite koppies (hills) of the lower Erongo Mountains. The lodge is the founding member of the 2,000 square kilometre Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, which brings together 30 private landowners in an effort to conserve this diverse Eden. These awe-inspiring mountains that are home to the lodge give you the impression that giants once played here, tossing the boulders across the landscape. At 1245 meters above sea level, they are a geological wonder, the ruin of a volcano formed over 130 million years ago. History is captured in the ancient Bushmen rock paintings amongst the boulders, that will make you think about an era long past. The first inhabitants of this area, the San, still maintain their old ways, and allow us a peek into their world with arranged tours.The area is also well-known for its excellent hiking trails, where you can take a relaxing stroll or go on a guided walk, suitable for the more experienced hiker.This bushveld Eden is also home to bounteous birdlife, with over 260 local species. Namibia has approximately 900 species in total - truly a birders paradise. Many different constellations can be easily seen once the sun has set, allowing stargazers to view the Milky Way as they’ve never seen it. The lack of artificial light in the vast expanse ensures the stars are at their brightest and most visible.So kick off your shoes and relax by the pool, or lace them up and take a long walk through this harsh landscape. Either way, here, you will have the ability to relax and dream, or take on an adventure. Please ask at reception, check the website or the information booklet found in your chalet for more details on all our activities.

Journeys Active

from N$POR / person

The Journeys Active itinerary provides endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and photography.

More info

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