Wilderness Namibia newsletters – September/October 2024

Early summer weather at Little Kulala

The weather was quite variable this month, from very hot (35° - 40° C) with dust storms almost every second day, then changing from easterly to south-westerly, bringing us a lot of sand (our famous “desert rain”) and cooler evenings over the last few days.

Namib landscape

The area is still dry around Little Kulala, but the animals always have something to snack on. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a good rainfall season.

Wildlife and birds 

The usual desert-adapted animals like gemsbok were spotted around the Kulala Wildlife Reserve, and we have seen an increase in the number of ostriches. We were thrilled to have a brown hyena visiting us for the day after a long absence.

Guest comments

James is an incredible manager and Markus a really knowledgeable guide. The whole team is super attentive and friendly.

The place is maintained beautifully and the staff were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. Super effort by the chef to accommodate my dietaries requirements.

Obbie was an amazing informative guide. Location 5* Food 5* and friendliest staff you could have.

Staff News 

We have just recruited a new chef – Ailly Thomas – who is young and vibrant, and already fitting into the team. She has been a with us for a little over four weeks now, and with her background of working in the desert before, she is used to the hot, dry conditions.

Management team

James Muzamai – Camp Manager
Wellen Rooi – F&B Manager
Peneyambeko Paulus – Assistant Manager
Treandy Muyunda – Assistant Manager

Sossusvlei weather

It was a month of strong winds and sand storms at Kulala Desert Lodge – but all in all this didn’t deter our guests from enjoying their time with us.

Rooftop sleep-out

This month we made history, as we had more than 1,700 sky bed requests! Most of our guests opted to sleep outside on their rooftops, to enjoy the warm, clear night skies and of course, the stars.

Camp news

We were delighted to welcome our new chef Katrina, who joined the team in mid-September.

This month our camp also hosted the first meeting of all Wilderness Technical Service Managers, an event facilitated by Wilderness Namibia Operations Manager Hamish Hofmeyr, and Anthony Swartz, Wilderness Project & Asset Manager.

The Wilderness Finance Team visited Kulala Desert Lodge to acquaint themselves with the newly rebuilt lodge, and to check on the financial administration of the lodge.

Damaraland weather and landscape in September-October

The weather here in Damaraland can be quite unpredictable at this time of year. Sometimes we have cold foggy mornings, and some days we feel like we’re already in the middle of summer. It just makes the beauty of Damaraland’s Etendeka Mountains – that we look out towards – so special every morning. It’s a beautiful view despite the early morning frosty cold. Whether covered in fog or clearly visible, we are constantly amazed by the scenery towards the Brandberg over the escarpment.

The minimum and maximum temperatures ranged between 8 and 14 degrees Celsius, while sunset at this time of year is at 19h12 and sunrise 06h20.

The desert-adapted plants and shrubs, as well as the trees along the dry river beds, create an oasis of living green for guests on drives, thanks to the plants’ ability to absorb moisture from the early morning fog.

Wildlife

As usual, elephants and giraffes are seen roaming the river and surrounding stream beds, attracted by natural water springs in the vicinity. Exciting news from the guides is that a baby elephant calf has been born and is a highlight sighting for our guests out on nature drives.  The guides also reported good sightings of other wildlife including springbok, Cape foxes, and ostriches.

Damaraland Camp embraces cultures

At Damaraland Camp we are proud and privileged to offer our guests unforgettable experiences in our own unique way – we call it dawahekare. This cocktail has formed a strong bond that has become our unbeatable pride. Our welcoming singing greets every new arrival, and our staff commitment and dedication form the opening remarks for our working days. Indeed, it encourages our team to strive to be the best.  Challenges are not a demotivation but a rider to use on our way up, and we take every opportunity to grow and change. Team No Sleep!

Guest comments

To us, we have had an amazing time. Your team goes out of their way to make our experience amazing. Attention to detail is excellent.

Hospitality, food, friendliness, everything – Thank you biyadangi  
Very pleasant staff, they made us feel like family & comfortably special, what a lovely team and fantastic hospitality provided by all. 
Great team. 

Managers, guides & staff 

Damaraland Camp is driven by every staff member, but steered by its management. New management members Christelle and George are always on standby to fill the gap for Operations (solid).

Management: General Manager – Colin Ananias Netope, Assistant General Manager – Monika Edward, Mechanic – Sem Alweendo, Kitchen – Mr Pinehas, Ashley, Pauline and veterans Josephine and Emelia, Housekeeping – Hansina-Anna, Riana, Annalise, Virginia, Martha, Elizabeth and Fiina
Guides: Enos, Joas Nicky and Frankie 
FOH: Donavan, Emmy, Revival, Leonie, Moreen and Dios 
Men in Overalls: Oupa Wellem, Sylvester, Nivelle (Team No Sleep)  

 
Newsletter by Colin Netope

Early summer at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp 

Despite moving into the summer season, the weather has been unseasonably chilly lately. Mornings often greet us with thick fog, and the nights have been downright brisk! In fact, it’s been so cold that our Housekeeping team has been placing hot water bottles in guest beds to add a little extra warmth.

As a result, our outdoor fireplace, though warmly lit and inviting, has seen fewer gatherings – it’s as if even the fire is feeling the chill! Hopefully, warmer days are just around the corner.

Wildlife and birds around the Hoanib

A young brown hyena has recently been making daytime appearances around the camp, a rare and somewhat curious sight. And very exciting. Normally known for their nocturnal habits, this young one seems bold, wandering close during daylight hours. 

Lucky guests are sometimes treated to a surprise sighting of our well-nourished cheetah sub-adult alongside her mother. Resting on the sandy dunes, the young cheetah is sleek and healthy. What a beautiful moment showcasing their bond.

Dining highlights

October was a month full of fantastic feedback for our camp’s cuisine! We’re incredibly grateful to our talented chefs — Tangeni, Emmy, Tylves, Foibe, Easther, and Marianne, together with our scullery team Kavee, Meriam Judika — who truly made each meal an unforgettable experience.

Here are just a few of the kind words our guests have shared:

• “Chef amazingly talented”. – Hull
• “Marianne – amazing food and the loveliest smile”. – Mueller Med
• “Delicious kitchen overall, wonderful”. – Struder
• “Vegetarian food choices were very, very good”. – Howe
• “Your food/kitchen is the best!” – Steward
• “Best food we have had, with a great variety”. – Michelle M

A huge thank you to our culinary team for their hard work and creativity. You make every meal a delight!

Staff News

We are pleased to welcome Chef Foibe Nakundenya as well as Maintenance/Driver Haword Groenewaldt. Welcome to the team!

Hyena picture – Emsie Verwey 
Hoanib building picture- Lizelle Opperman
Cheetah and fireplace picture – Nicolas Gautschi 

Newsletter by Lizelle Opperman, Assistant Relief Manager

Spring weather along the Kunene River

The minimum and maximum temperatures ranged between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius, with a cool breeze during the day, warming towards afternoon. We also occasionally had very strong sand-storm winds blowing in from the south-west. However, it is nice and cool and still in the mornings.

Hartmann’s Valley and Kunene River landscapes

It is still very dry and the level of the water in the river is low, so we are currently only doing short boat cruises. 

Wildlife and birds

Two exciting species seen from nature drives included giraffe and double-banded sandgrouse. Along the river we naturally have impressive Nile crocodiles, while the Kunene is the only region in Namibia where the beautiful golden weaver occurs; excitingly, we occasionally see them in camp.  

Camp news

Two remarkable guests celebrated their wedding here, and they received a Himba blessing as part of the ceremony, with an amazing photo shoot in the dunes afterwards. 

Sunrise breakfasts and bush lunches on the river are always a highlight, as is boma night in camp.

 
Construction is underway to fix Rocky Pass Road on the way into camp.

Guest comments 

“Homely friendly atmosphere, great massages, camp activities and guide’s experience and competencies”.

Staff news

A new chef, Rustika, joined the Kitchen team, starting on 7 September 2024.

Summer menu training was run by Diana – it went well and the chefs had fun.

Team building was held in camp, and was also a great success.