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Namibia is a country of startling contrasts that straddles two great deserts: the Namib (after which it is named) is the oldest desert on the planet, and its sea of red sand lies along the Atlantic coastline, while in the eastern interior lies the Kalahari, a vast and sparsely vegetated savannah that sprawls across the border into neighbouring countries. Over the years, there have been a number of cultural influences that have all added to the unique atmosphere of Namibia. At various times Germany, Great Britain and South Africa have all governed the territory, but it was with the eventual independence of Namibia in 1990 that the country was able to develop its multi-cultural character and reinvent itself. There is a rich and colourful uniquely African vigour that now freely blends in with the European influences on architecture, food, customs and art, all merging to create a distinctive Namibian character. All this is in interesting juxtaposition with the expansive landscapes that surround the cities. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of differing environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white saltpans of Etosha National Park, gemsbok plunge headlong up impossibly steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their many thousands colonise lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph. Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, famed for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples. Ongava Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately-owned Ongava Game Reserve. From its beautiful vantage point overlooking a waterhole and the plains beyond, one can enjoy a plethora of game that arrives to drink. Its proximity to the National Park makes it the ideal base for exploring Etosha's kaleidoscope of wildlife. Ongava Game Reserve, a 70,000 acre private reserve on the southern boundary of Namibia's Etosha National Park, has three camps: Ongava Lodge, Ongava Tented Camp and Little Ongava, each located in a different part of the reserve. Guests can choose the style of accommodation and size of camp that suits them best. The camps are managed independently and each has its own full-time staff, guides, managers and vehicles. All three camps have a similar activity schedule. Ongava Tented Camp is situated more towards the center of the game reserve, at the base of the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana Range, meaning "mountain where the boy took the calves". Etosha has great concentrations of game, especially in the dry winter months, and there are wonderful views out onto the salt pans which dominate the center of the park. Etosha's only drawback is that the accommodation offered within the park is in the form of large, impersonal public rest camps. Ongava offers an excellent alternative. Ongava Lodge is situated on the private 66,000 hectare Ongava Game Reserve, which shares a common border with Etosha. The lodge offers the full Etosha experience while providing great accommodation and service, as well as the opportunity to take night drives and nature walks on the reserve, activities that are not allowed within Etosha. Ongava Lodge is operated by Wilderness Safaris. More at: www.wilderness-safaris.com Why not treat yourself? Travel Deals |
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