Each of us slept soundly after a long day of travel to N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary. Waking up early, I grabbed my sweatshirt and took off towards the stairs to the main living room. Surrounded by beautiful glass windows, the sun was beginning to slowly rise over Namibia’s horizon. I stepped outside where there was a chill in the air and took a seat on the patio, about two hundred feet from a watering hole. Hoping that an animal would approach, I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the plains.
Everyone made their way outdoors as we waited for the van to take us to the main lodge. First we would enjoy a hearty breakfast before splitting up in two groups for our morning excursion. Boarding open air jeeps, we were ready to experience the animal feedings, exited to see the carnivores and their habitats.
Most people visit Africa in hopes of seeing one of the Big Five from the safety of a spacious Land Rover. Prepared with cameras and long lenses, safari hats and thick warm blankets, we boarded our ride with our glossy animal pamphlets in hand. Each animal in the refuge was represented with a photo and a checkbox to keep track of the wildlife at N/a’ankuse. From baboons to water buffalo, we had a great time identifying each encounter on our way to the animal enclosures. Our first stop, the leopards.
We caught a glimpse of the leopards as we pulled up to the parking area. As we left our jeep, the beautiful big cats talked to us in low growls, paced alongside the enclosure, waiting for their afternoon meal. The staff began throwing whole chickens and large pieces of wild deer over the fence as we watched these hungry cats devour their food in one bite. Once they were full, they licked their paws, stretched and yawned before walking away into the brush.
It was a short distance from the leopard enclosure to visit the African wild dogs also referred to as painted dogs. These beautiful creatures are one of the world’s most endangered species and live in the southern part of Africa, in Namibia and Botswana.
Within minutes of our drive, a few baboons had crossed the road in front of us, chasing each other and climbing nearby trees. So lively and energetic, we would have the opportunity tomorrow to interact with them and their babies on our Baboon Walk.
Our safari driver arrived at the parking lot and the dogs were already prepared for their feeding. Showing signs of excitement, their high-pitched chattering sounds could easily be mistaken for hyenas.
As the ranger threw meat over the fence, the dogs chased after their meal and once secured their feast, walked away into the brush. The remaining dogs returned to the fence to wait for the next round of tossed chicken or game and continued this behavior until the last was fed.
One of the highlights of our feeding tour was a visit to see the beautiful caracal. As we stood in the open plain, a fellow traveler noticed a pair of ears rising above the tall grass, easily camouflaged from its prey. Within seconds, the beautiful feline stepped out of the brush and without fear, walked towards us. Keeping her distance, we were in awe of her dainty face, long legs and sleek coat. Previously fed, she seemed curious about us and eventually met up with one of the males before we departed for our next stop.
We boarded the Land Rover and started down a dirt drive flanked by parched grass and gravel. A cloud of dust followed us as we arrived at an open plain with sparse trees and vegetation. Exiting the all-terrain-vehicle, we hardly noticed the pair of cheetahs approaching us which just minutes ago had been camouflaged by the landscape. Slowly strolling side-by-side, they approached our group, found a flat patch of grass and plopped themselves down about ten feet away. While we spent nearly twenty minutes watching them groom each other, stretch and mark their territory. We were so fascinated with this sweet couple and could have stayed for hours watching them play.
Our last stop was a visit to the final enclosure…a pride of lions. We walked towards the king of the jungle who stood by the fence eagerly awaiting his evening meal, snorting and pacing. He was becoming more and more impatient each minute as the caretaker prepared the meat. At times, the lion would paw the ground as his growls became louder and longer. Letting out a large roar, even the lionesses were keeping their distance. Once fed, each member of the troop either remained close to the fence or strolled towards the wide open spaces, disappearing into the sunset.
N/a’ankuse is known for its animal conservation. Winning several Excellence Awards for the protection of wildlife and luxury service and accommodations, it is most known for providing educational seminars to ensure that humans and wildlife can live together in harmony. The sanctuary may be an animal’s last chance to survive as the organization provides care to those in need of medical attention.
For over twenty years, actress Angelina Jolie has been involved with N/a’ankuse and it was here where she gave birth to her daughter Shiloh. Today, the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, supported by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, protects elephants and rhinos from poachers and provides medical care and rehabilitation to those animals that suffer life-threatening injuries.
Have you experienced an African Safari? Where did you visit? South Africa? Namibia? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience at Pilanesberg and wishing you many exciting adventures.
What to See and What to Do:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
Where to Stay:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
Where to Eat:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
What to Eat:
- Biltong: salty dried meat of hamburger or kudu
- Bobotie: meatloaf with raisins
- Boerewors: South African sausage
- Bokkoms: salted, dry fish
- Bunny Chow: a bread bowl, seasoned with curry and topped with meat (sometimes rabbit)
- Chakalaka: spicy South African vegetarian dish served with bread
- Denningvleis: lamb stew with a sweet and sour flavor; one of the most delicious dishes in South Africa
- Gatsby: footlong sandwich topped with fries
- Koeksisters: South African donut
- Malva Pudding: pudding with apricots
- Melktert: sweet milk tarts
- Potjiekos: stew of meat and vegetables
- Pap en Sous: corn pie topped with tomato and onion
- Snoek: type of mackerel
- Peppermint Crisp Tart: dessert made with bread rolls, caramel, chocolate, whipped cream and peppermint chocolate bars
What to Read:
- Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen
- The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
- Cry, The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
- Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Born Free, by Joy Adamson
Photo Guide for Na’ankuse:
- Animals on Safari
- Incredible Sunsets
