The initial lure for me to Namibia was certainly the wildlife viewing opportunities and unique, Mars-like landscapes, but the visits to the local communities were certainly a highlight. We stayed in some community-owned lodges that were wonderful with unique architecture and style that just blended into the scenery, with tasty, local cuisine, and then staff from the local community that greeted and treated us with such hospitality. The smiles on their faces when they saw us, their stories during the game drives, and their willingness to share and show their land are things I will always remember.
We had the chance to visit a Himba community, an ethnic group that are primarily livestock farmers. This group is often known for the women’s attire and hair. The women have hair locks coated with fat and ochre pigment and cover their body with the reddish paste that serves as moisturizer, sunscreen, and insect repellant all into one. A elder woman provided a nice demonstration of preparing the paste from ochre, spices, and fat, and the smell was so earthy, distinct, and a perfume. It was a brief insight into their daily life, but very educational and authentic. We saw the kids leading the cattle out to graze, watched young girls walking to fetch water from the source, a difficult task in such an arid land, and watched the women prepare dinner. The smiles and laughter from the women were captivating, and something I will always remember.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.