Living green with the Ju|’Hoansi
November 14, 2016
Where there’s a will, there’s a wine
November 21, 2016
Compiled Sanet van Zijl
The Ongava Research Centre next to the Etosha National Park to become part of the tourist experience.
T ourism at Ongava Private Game Reserve generates the income used to fund nature conservation on the reserve. This is in line with the vision that the founding families of Ongava had in 1991 when it was established as a haven for rare game species.
Ongava boasts an excellent, internationally recognized research centre which was founded by the well-known Dr Ken Stratford and his wife Sabine. The centre conducts studies on a wide variety of fauna and flora, including a successful breeding population of both black and white rhinos and the rare black-faced impala outside of the Etosha National Park. The reserve also has a large free roaming lion population.
Next year a new research and visitor’s centre will be constructed at one of Ongava’s four accommodation establishments, Andersson’s Camp. A new concept has been developed where tourists will be able to experience how nature conservation is applied first hand.
Andersson’s Camp is where the original farm house was restored and turned into accommodation for tourists. It has 20 luxury tents and 3 guide rooms with en suite bathroom facilities. One of the main attractions at Andersson’s is a great waterhole where herds of wild animals gather to drink. Next to the waterhole is a hide which is renowned among photographers as the best spot to photograph wildlife.
This camp will be made smaller and more exclusive with accommodation for 20 guests, instead of the current 40 guests. It will still be a family-oriented camp, with an educational element. Guests will be able to learn more about conservation, as it is important for them to know that tourism and conservation goes hand-in-hand. There will thus be interaction between tourists and the researchers.
The research centre will also be ideal for pupils and students who want to learn about conservation. Post-graduate students are going to be involved in the new initiative and they will be expected to interact with the guests as well.
Andersson’s Camp will operate until 31 December 2017, upon which it will close its doors during the construction of the new establishment. The brand new camp is expected to launch mid 2018. Ongava Private Game Reserve has 4 different types of accommodation, namely Ongava Lodge, Ongava Tented Camp, Little Ongava and Andersson’s Camp, which each have their own unique design, arrangement and ambience.
Activities include game drives to Etosha and within the reserve, which is a marvelous experience. Guided walking trails are also offered and bird watchers will be delighted with the bird life in the area.
Ongava will be offering a discount to Namibians and SADC members during December. For more information phone 083 330 3920 or email reservations@ongava.com or visit their website at www.ongava.com.
