Luxury Travel Advisor - September 2007 - (Page 28) views of the reserve below, an oversized bathroom with a large bath, double sinks and indoor and outdoor shower and a large bedroom and separate living room. The main area offers an expansive deck and a telescope for viewing the watering hole below. While we were there, we witnessed female rhinos (including a baby), lions, giraffes and a variety of other animals make their way LITTLE ONGAVA guests can watch animals make their way to the water holes (above). LITTLE ONGAVA villas include a large bedroom and separate living room (below). to and from the water holes at various times of day and night. Make sure to book room 3, which is the furthest from the main lodge and thus affords the most privacy and the most amazing views over the savannah. Request guide Linus Hanabeb; his knowledge of animal behavior is extensive. Daily activities at the resort include game drives in Etosha, where lion, elephant, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok and hartebeest can be found. In addition, night drives and walks can be enjoyed on the private Ongava reserve, where there’s an excellent chance of spotting the reserve’s resident white and black rhinos (a highlight of the area). Many American travelers to Namibia will overnight in the capital city, Windhoek, which is also where the country’s only international airport is located. There, an excellent choice for luxury lodging is the Olive Grove Guesthouse (www.olivegrove. com.na; 264-61-239-199) in the city center, which is perfect for shopping, sampling restaurants and relaxing after a long-haul flight. Owner/manager Roger Fussell (roger@bigsky-namibia. com) handles VIP clients. Olive Grove has 10 luxury rooms and one Executive Suite; each room has a large veranda with tables and chairs for alfresco dining, while the Executive Suite features a private lounge and dining area, bedroom and bathroom with oversized tub, separate shower and double sinks. Book room 9, which boasts a large suite, oversized bath, double sinks and a separate living room area. The open-air lounge, plunge pool and tranquil garden offer travelers a relaxing and peaceful respite after a long trip on safari. ADVISOR INSIGHT: Norman Pieters of Karell’s African Dream Vacations says the Skeleton Coast’s beauty and diverse activities make Namibia unique. “Wilderness Camps’ Skeleton Coast camp offers one of the most unique experiences in Africa and is a true adventure,” he says. He also says a visit with the Himba tribe is a must, and that travelers should stay at least two nights at each camp they visit. “You need time in Namibia due to diversity and distance; Namibia needs to be savored.” Craig R. Beal, president/owner of Travel Beyond, suggests a camp circuit itinerary, allowing clients to see each major region of the country. “Serra Cafema, on the Angola border, is the most remote place I’ve ever visited,” he says. “You won’t see animals, but you will experience peace and tranquility and have the opportunity to interact with Himba people.” When booking for clients, Beal says, it’s important to understand their travel time. “Namibia is a large country with good, safe roads. Many people really enjoy driving to major destinations; however, this greatly increases travel time from camp to camp,” he says. Ryan Hilton of Sarasota, FL-based Admiral Travel views Namibia as a side trip or extension of a safari experience (post-Botswana or -South Africa). “I recommend Wilderness Safaris’ Serra Cafema and Skeleton Coast camps because of the wilderness/remoteness,” he says. “Be prepared to feel dwarfed by the expansiveness, blanketed by the night sky and swallowed up by the silence.” 28 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | September 2007 http://www.olivegrove.com.na http://www.olivegrove.com.na
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