Namibia has become one of Africa’s most sought after vacation destinations for its unique wildlife and culture. With its spectacular coastline and orange-colored sand dunes, many compare this land to the planet Mars.
As our plane arrived into Windhoek, we had a few minutes before boarding our bus for an hour ride to Na’ankuse Lodge. We drove west along the B6, traveling on a large stretch of highway. Several construction projects seemed to suggest a strong economy for Namibia. Thirty minutes in, our driver exited off the highway onto a rural road at Kappsfarm with signs directing us towards Fraustein. We arrived surrounded by a cloud of dust as the bus stopped abruptly in the parking lot. In perfect timing the large gate opened and we exited the bus and waited for our luggage to be unloaded.
We would be spending the next three days at Na’ankuse Animal Sanctuary & Rescue with a schedule bursting with amazing opportunities. This refuge sits within a large stone canyon surrounded by camel-thorn trees and riverbeds. In the distance we can see the Eros mountains as well as the Khomas Highland and our accommodations are extraordinary.
We gathered in the main lodge where all of our meals would be provided. We waited in the dining area to learn which home would be ours for the next couple of nights as the staff began to fill up our tables with organic greens and local meats. Once we had eaten, we were notified of our sleeping arrangements. There would be eleven of us staying at our villa within walking distance from the main lodge.
We picked up our belongings and boarded the safari jeep to drop us off for the night. Although we were tired, we agreed to pick up some wine for the next couple of nights. There would be eight of us staying at the house together, so we quickly decided where we would be sleeping. We couldn’t help but explore this spacious villa, rather more like a mansion, with its floor to ceiling windows along the back with an endless view of the plains.
Although it was a cold, early winter’s night, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take in the spectacular sunset in the southern hemisphere watching it disappear into the horizon. Soon, the sky was full of stars and they seemed so close we could almost take one. We thought about starting a fire but having been awake since early morning, we all decided to turn in, excited for the day ahead.
Have you visited Na’ankuse or the beautiful country of 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 arrival day into the wildlife refuge and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Naankuse Foundation
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek
Khomas Region, Namibia
Where to Stay:
Naankuse Foundation
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek
Khomas Region, Namibia
Where to Eat:
Naankuse Foundation
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek
Khomas Region, Namibia
The food is outstanding and organically grown.
What to Eat:
- Biltong are pieces of air-dried beef marinated with salt, spices and vinegar and then held out to dry over a period of about two weeks. Usually eaten as a snack.
- Boerewors are a type of ground sausage prepared mainly with beef, goat or lamb, cut into small pieces, and seasoned with vinegar and salt. Different spices are added later into the sausage skin.
- El Potjiekos is a meat dish that consists of game meat and cooked over a three-legged iron pot with vegetables.
- Meat Skewers
- Mieliepap which is also known as maize meal, a polenta prepared with corn flour and is typically eaten at breakfast.
- Oshithima (Maize or Hahangu Pap) is a traditional Namibian porridge made using pearl millet flour and is a staple in the northern part of the country.
What to Read:
- I Dreamed of Africa, by Kuki Gallman
- The Last Train to Zona Vere, by Paul Theroux
- Soul of a Lion, by Barbara Bennett
- Blood Rose, by Margie Orford
Photo Guide for Na’ankuse:
- Animals
- Landscape
- Nighttime sky
