Culture, Wildlife, Dunes Tour

During the two and half hours drive you will visit our baboons, caracals, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards. Watch them being fed by our experienced guides while they explain how these carnivores came to live on this reserve. Followed by a scenic drive with a good chance of spotting some of the other wildlife. This is not just a great way to learn about these amazing animals and how they behave in the wild, it is also a great up close photo opportunity.

A superb introduction to conservation and the work we do here at N/a'an ku sê.

(Pre-bookings Necessary)

This academy is a joint venture between the N/a’an ku sê Foundation and the Nyae Nyae Conservancy. It aims to serve as a reciprocal training venture where visiting San groups from the Nyae Nyae Conservancy stay at N/a’an ku sê to display their cultural heritage and skills to visitors.

Take the opportunity to visit the San Bushmen in their traditional village and witness their ancient culture and traditions first hand. The San will show you plants they use for medicinal purposes, how they make fire and set traps, tell you how they hunt and regale you with stories, song and dance.

Take a walk with our habituated caracal and our guides. During this walk you will get to see how these animals behave in the wild, stalking birds and small mammals as they regain their natural instincts and hone their hunting skills. You will also experience the serenity of the Namibian veld and no doubt be accompanied by a wide variety of bird species.

Follow in Marlice’s footsteps and get an intimate view of the workings of a wildlife reserve and sanctuary. On this in-depth activity you will gain insight into the real N/a’an ku sê world and the inner workings of sanctuary life and the myriad of animal species currently being cared for. Enter the riveting world of research carried out at N/a’an ku sê, and gain intimate knowledge into the field of human-carnivore conflict mitigation. Become smitten with our gorgeous sanctuary orphans and bond with the baby baboons (there’s nothing like it). Become fully immersed in Marlice’s magical world!

(Pre-bookings Necessary)

Experience the wonders of our wildlife from a saddle! There’s nothing quite like it. A two hour

horse ride through the bush will give intermediate and advanced riders the unique chance to

observe our wild game closer than ever before – and you may even be lucky enough to ride

amongst our gorgeous giraffe family. Our experienced coordinator will provide you with all of

the necessary safety equipment and will guide you on a fabulous afternoon.

Meet our playful primates and experience the joys of monkey fun on a not-to-be-missed baboon walk. All of our baboons came to N/a’an ku sê either after losing their mums (Namibia’s Chacma baboons are tragically persecuted on an almost daily basis), or having been rescued from situations of abuse. Our baboon buddies adore the interaction and bounding through the bush on their daily walks. Why not join in and get to know firsthand just how incredible these animals are?

Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter N/a’an ku sê’s very own “Meerkat Manor”, and spend a magical two hours witnessing the delightful antics of the bushveldt’s most beloved residents. Meerkats are early risers, emerging from their dens from approximately 6.15AM. Hence you will be met at the main lodge building and then it’s off to enter a madcap meerkat world on N/a’an ku sê’s picturesque reserve. *Please note that even though we always do our utmost to ensure significant meerkat sightings, the animal kingdom plays by its own rules, thus sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Habituated cheetahs have lost their fear of humans – a fear that is crucial in elevating their survival chances in the wild. For this reason, some of the magnificent spotted sprinters at N/a’an ku sê need to remain in captivity, having come to the sanctuary from various conflict situations at very young ages, requiring dedicated care to ensure their survival. At N/a’an ku sê we fully nurture and encourage their natural behaviour, captivity resembling the life of their wild counterparts as closely as possible. Enjoy time with our habituated big cats, in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Simply not to be missed!

Our experienced guides will take you with our well-equipped open game drive vehicles around the

pristine 9,000-hectare reserve, showcasing some of the most incredible wildlife in Africa! Early drives at

sunrise are ideal to observe the Namibian plains waking up, while evening drives reveal the elusive

beauty of the nocturnal savannah. An experience that you will never forget…

The Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê is home to the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, a valuable center aiming for caring rhinos or elephants that have been injured or orphaned in poaching incidents. Enter this wildlife animal clinic managed by the N/a’an ku sê Foundation and discover the incredible work of passionate vets who are rescuing and taking care of endangered animals.

Put your hat on, pull up those sleeves and jump on the back of the bakkie. We are going to

feed the rhinos! Get on the back of the bakkie and drive to the shed, load your own lucerne

bail, about 6-8 bails will be loaded & continue to the feeding spot. Watch while feeding take

place, about 11-13 rhinos will be fed at once.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.

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.

THE AfriCat FOUNDATION CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE (ACCC)

During the visit to AfriCat, visitors will have the opportunity to spend some time at the Carnivore Care & Information Centre, which provides valuable insights into the Foundation's work.
The visit will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre, where visitors can meet some of the ambassador cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guides will answer questions, explain the Foundation's work with carnivores in Namibia, and help position the vehicle for that perfect photo opportunity.

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.

ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE

This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.

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.

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.

Morning and afternoon nature drives reveal the dramatic scenery, and fascinating wildlife of the region. Desert-adapted elephant are the highlight of the area, although the natural cycle of rainfall dictates the seasonal movements of wildlife along the Huab River.

Learn more about the ancient geological wonders of Damaraland; as well as the unique plants, birds and reptiles that have superbly adapted to this arid area.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Damaraland is known for its ancient rock art. Guests on stays of three nights or more can take a day drive to Twyfelfontein, and visit some of these remains and marvel at the artists of ages past. Picnic lunch provided.

* Subject to guide and vehicle availability.

Learn about the unique heritage of the local peoples, which include Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmaakers of South Africa. This activity allows you to respectfully engage with these communities, and includes a visit to the local school (when available as per the school calendar).

Our front Desk, will help Guests plan their activities in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION
• Drive to the Sossusvlei dunes in a safari 4x4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in-depth knowledge of the area
• Departure seasonally, depending on national park opening hours. Activity is possible in the early morning or afternoon ( in the morning preferably for photography – departing before sunrise. In the afternoon preferably for experiencing the dunes more in private, fewer visitors will be there)
• Minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 9 guests per vehicle)
• Activity duration is approx. 1⁄2 a day (approx. 6 – 7 hours)
• Rate includes a picnic in the dunes, guide, water, entrance fees

SUNDOWNER DRIVE
On the Witwater Wilderness Reserve – 7000 ha.
• A relaxing way to end the day and enjoy beautiful views and a sundowner with drinks and snacks
• Starts in the afternoon, and lasts 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours, departure times change seasonally; guests are back at the lodge just before dinner
• minimum of 2 guests or a single supplement applicable, max. 9 guests per vehicle
• opportunity to come face to face with the nature of the Namib in a safari 4x4 vehicle
• Includes sundowner drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The staff at Desert Homestead Lodge and Desert Homestead Outpost will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
An employee of the lodges informs the guests in detail about the start and departure times, depending on the season, as well as about meeting points, equipment, clothes etc. of the activities of the next day during the dinner.
For participation in afternoon activities, check-in is necessary until 2 pm. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB

DESERT ON HORSEBACK

For the more adventurous of spirit, Desert Homestead Lodge offers a unique experience where guests can ride out onto the private reserve and sleep out in nature. The reserve is situated in between the majestic red sand sea of the Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft mountains.

Leaving the stables and lodge behind, an unforgettable journey set off through wide open plains riding over a varied terrain changing from soft, sandy, stretched open fields, to rockier mountain trails, through dry riverbeds, under social weavers nests and around camelthorn trees.

The experienced guide will eagerly tell more about the environment, fauna and flora. Riders are almost guaranteed to come across a herd or two of grazing Oryx, springbok, or Zebra and some varieties of smaller carnivores, such as Jackal and bat-eared foxes.

Riding takes place at a comfortable pace so that everyone feels comfortable. Slower riders can hang back while more experienced riders go for long stretched-out gallops over grassy plains while winding the way towards the tented Camp, where refreshments await for a truly remarkable sundowner with magnificent views. After watching the sunset over the majestic mountains it’s time to kick off the boots, relax and enjoy the Namibian night skies. While Dinner gets ready on the campfire true Namibian style a refreshing shower awaits.

Dinner is served next to the crackling fire whilst conversation is sure to revert to the days riding. Then it’s time to retire to the comfortable tent or even a stretcher outside, for those who prefer to sleep out in nature under starry skies to get some rest before the next day’s riding.

Riders will wake up the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire while watching the horses being prepared for the next stretch of riding. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to stretch the legs once again and set off on horses who eagerly await the rest of the adventure.