2024 WEB PG Namibia 15 days

Guests set out early in the morning with a guide and tracker to the neighbouring farms in search of the elephants which roam freely in the conservancy. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. These elephants are known to migrate up to 200 km in search of water, but herds can often be spotted along the dry riverbeds. They are not a separate species of African elephant but due to their frugal diet can appear leaner and taller than their cousins in habitats with more abundant vegetation, and they have bigger feet.

A picnic lunch is served in the cooling shade of a shepherd tree.?You can expect to return to the lodge early in the afternoon, enriched by the unique beauty of Damaraland and possibly the privilege of having spotted one of Namibia’s Big Five.

Departure: Early morning, varies according to sunrise. Please enquire at reception for applicable departure time. | Duration: half-day | Return around 15h00 | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12 years.

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Once listed as critically endangered, black rhino populations in Namibia have increased dramatically thanks to a conservation partnership between local communities and eco-tourism efforts. Our Grootberg Conservancy has been recognised by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as a rhino custodian, and huge endeavours to protect this highly poached species continue.

This excursion is a combination of walking and driving amidst the cliffs and the volcanic basalt ridges of the Damaraland Region. At lunchtime we stop near the springs and enjoy refreshments. This almost full-day activity of driving on bumpy roads and walking in rocky terrain is not for the faint-hearted. Rhino sightings are not guaranteed.?

Departure: Early morning, varies according to sunrise. Please enquire at reception for applicable departure time. | Duration: ¾ day | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 8 per vehicle | Not for children under the age of 16.

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Mammals such as zebra, antelope, jackal and occasionally also leopard, lion and hyena inhabit the plains. Springbok, kudu and oryx are a permanent fixture, and even the shy and skittish klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping from ledge to ledge on the steep cliffs of the mountain. Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, can be seen in the distance on particularly clear days.

Departure: 18h00 in summer and 17h00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12 years.

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The guided walk can be arranged either in the morning after a scrumptious breakfast on the veranda of the restaurant, or in the afternoon after enjoying our delicious cakes with tea or coffee. Highlights of the walk include an introduction to the local flora and the medicinal use of specific plants while admiring the amazing rock formations of the Etendeka Mountains, which were formed 180 million years ago when the supercontinent of Gondwana broke up.

Departure: Between 08h30 and 09h00 for the morning walk | Afternoon walk at 16h30 in summer and 15h30 in winter after tea | Duration: about 2 hours | Minimum 2 guests – maximum 9 guests per guide | Not for children under the age of 12.

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Guests will be guided through conservancy farms in the surroundings, visiting several authentic Damara homesteads. This tour is an exclusive opportunity to spend time with their hosts and gain insight into their origins, cultures, traditions and their approach to human-wildlife conflict as part of farming in harsh desert conditions.

The tour also includes a visit to the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy office to meet the staff and to understand the role of the conservancy in preserving the natural resources of the area, as well as the positive impacts and benefits that the conservancy enjoys as a direct result of owning Grootberg Lodge.

The Cultural Tour starts after an early breakfast.

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LEOPARD TRACKING
The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

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Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

AfriCat Credit: AfriCat - Karen Codling

Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Leopard Tracking Credit: Pie Production

RHINO TRACKING on foot: (Specialized Activity) - subject to weather and availability.
On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track the rhino, the guide and guests are joined by our dedicated Okonjima anti-poaching team who have spent many hours, getting to know each individual, dedicating their time towards the fight for the conservation of the rhino in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. This activity can only be booked directly at the Lodge.

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Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Jandre Germishuizen

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

BROWN HYAENA TRACKING
This Hyaena ‘experience’ offers more time to appreciate and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a balanced ecosystem, with a focus on the ‘secretly social’ and rare brown hyaena. Since the private nature reserve was primarily established for the conservation of some of our more vulnerable mammal species, it offers an improved opportunity to encounter these relatively rare animals.

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Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Crew 10

PANGOLIN TRACKING on foot: (Specialized Activity) – exclusive for guests staying 2 nights
The choice of going with the researcher or guide, will be determined by circumstances, weather and operations. Sightings are not guaranteed, as this complex, vulnerable species needs a gentle and respectful approach. Tracking on foot will be done in silence and maintaining a discreet distance. The Pangolin tracking is a specialized night/day (seasonal) activity. During the summer months this activity tends to take place between 10pm and 6am and during the winter months from 5pm to 11pm. As this would be the most active period of the day for these mostly nocturnal animals. You will join a guide and tracker on a walking trail in the dark within the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve. We limit participation to a max of 6 people per pangolin tracking. This gives the client insight into this secret life of the very endangered Ground Pangolin. A flashlight and walking shoes are compulsory.
This activity is reserved for guests that are staying for a minimum of 2 nights with us.

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Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

GAME DRIVE
Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

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Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Crew 10

Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Crew 10

Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Pie Production

Into AfriCat – behind the Science will present the current research and conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation. This experience will complement all existing Okonjima activities, offering guests a deeper understanding of the purpose, methods, and importance of AfriCat’s conservation research within the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

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Into Africat Credit: Crew 10

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Into Africat Credit: Freda Bauer

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Self-guided walking trails for those guests who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima 2000ha wilderness area. Maps available at reception desk.

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Nature Trails Credit: Okonjima

Nature Trails Credit: Freda Bauer

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production

A relaxing walk with the Bushman (San), sharing with you their ancient survival skills and secrets from their forefathers.

Arriving at the traditional Bushman village, you will meet the family who will present you with how they used to store water in ostrich eggs , plants for medicinal use, setting up traps, the making of ostrich and bead jewellery, etc. This is really an experience, always to remember.

The guide will do the necessary translation in English, as the Bushman will be speaking in their language.

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Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

As the day draws to an end, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

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Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

This activity allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care

In association with CCF(cheetah conservation fund), bagatelle are the custodians of the cheetahs, which are kept in a 12 hectare enclosure. Unable to fend for themselves, the three orphans namely, Ralf, Etosha, and Tuano are fed and cared lovingly by them here at bagatelle.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

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Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Bagatelle has a variety of horses suitable for children, beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
Experience the Kalahari in silence with only the sounds of nature, on well trained quarter horses (cowboy horses) accompanied with a guide.

Enjoy refreshing drink in an ostrich egg shell on the dune, before heading back to the ranch.

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Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

After dinner, this drive offers the adventures one, the opportunity to look out with the aid of a strong spotlight, for various nocturnal animals such as aardvark, bat-eared foxes, porcupines, springhare, aardwolf, wild cats, birds, such as owls and so much more. This will be accompanied with hot gluwein/sherry in winter or something refreshing in summer.

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A game drive, cheetah experience & sundowner on the dune

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

Cheetah experience allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

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Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

This 3-hour guided drive is the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with the unique geology, flora, and fauna of Gondwana Canyon Park. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will explore the park's diverse landscapes while learning about the fascinating natural history of this remarkable region.

Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the ever-changing scenery, from rugged rock formations to hardy desert vegetation adapted to the harsh environment. The excursion includes a scenic sundowner stop where you can relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Refreshments and light snacks are included.

Please note: This tour explores Gondwana Canyon Park and does not include a visit to the Fish River Canyon.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Experience the beauty of Gondwana Canyon Park on foot with this guided hike of approximately 6 km. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will venture into the heart of the park and discover the fascinating desert landscape that surrounds the canyon.

Along the route, your guide will share insights into the area's unique geology, diverse plant life, and the wildlife that has adapted to thrive in this rugged environment. Walking through the landscape allows you to appreciate the finer details of the desert ecosystem while enjoying spectacular views and the tranquillity of nature.

This excursion is ideal for guests who wish to explore the region at a slower pace and gain a deeper understanding of the natural surroundings.

Please note: This tour takes place within Gondwana Canyon Park and does not include a visit to the Fish River Canyon.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours (6 km).

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Begin your day with a peaceful guided sunrise walk through the beautiful landscapes of Gondwana Canyon Park. Before sunrise, we will drive you to a scenic viewpoint where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea and traditional rusks while watching the first light of day spread across the rugged desert landscape.

As the sun rises, revealing the colours and contours of the surrounding mountains and valleys, your guide will share fascinating insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of this unique environment. After soaking in the spectacular views, you will continue on foot, enjoying a leisurely walk of approximately one hour back to the lodge.

This excursion offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the early morning, appreciate the beauty of the desert awakening, and connect with nature at a relaxed pace.

Please note: This excursion takes place within Gondwana Canyon Park and does not include a visit to the Fish River Canyon.

Departure: Approximately 30 minutes before sunrise from Canyon Lodge
Duration: Approximately 3 hours

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Perfect for guests who would like to take a break from driving or for those arriving on a fly-in safari, our guided Canyon Drive offers a comfortable and informative way to experience one of Namibia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will visit the two main viewpoints overlooking the magnificent Fish River Canyon, where breathtaking panoramic vistas await.

Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the canyon’s geological history, explaining how millions of years of tectonic activity, erosion, and climatic changes shaped this dramatic landscape. There will be ample opportunities to take photographs, admire the vast scenery, and learn more about the unique flora, fauna, and natural features of the area.

This leisurely excursion is an excellent way to explore the canyon without the responsibility of driving, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the experience. Duration: approximately 3 hours.

AM Departure: ± 08:00 AM at Canyon Lodge (Guests must arrange their own transport to Canyon Lodge.)
PM Departure: ± 16:00 PM at Canyon Lodge (Guests must arrange their own transport to Canyon Lodge.)
Duration: ± 3 hours

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

All guests are invited to wrap up the day with a short walk to our very own local mountain. This leisurely excursion is the perfect way to end the day, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape as the sun begins its descent.

At the viewpoint, you can relax with a refreshing drink and enjoy the spectacular colours of the sunset while taking in the peace and tranquillity of the natural surroundings. It is an ideal opportunity to unwind, capture memorable photographs, and experience the magic of an African sunset.

Please note that refreshments are not included and will be charged to your room account.

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Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia