Page 17 - Explore Magazine Summer 2018

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WHEN THE

LION ROARS

Jo Ledson of helloworld Nelson recently returned from a World Journeys trip to Namibia with indelible memories
of its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and warm and friendly people.

Getting to Namibia from New Zealand can be percentage of the room rate is donated to the
a bit of an epic experience – we overnighted in AfriCat Foundation, allowing it to continue its
Perth and then transited in Johannesburg en essential work in the region. Safe in our luxury
route to Namibia’s capital of Windhoek – but suites we thrilled to the roar of lions as they
visiting this vast and sparsely settled African called to each other in the night.
nation that is roughly four times the size of the
United Kingdom was a sensory experience that Namibia is not all about wildlife, but if that
I will never forget. I’d return in a heartbeat. is on your wish list, head for Etosha National
Park another two and a half hours north
Piling into our customised Land Cruiser in again, which is home to a myriad of species
Windhoek, we headed for Okonjima Game that gather around the scarce waterholes
Reserve two and a half hours away to the in a virtual Garden of Eden scenario. We
north. Okonjima is home to the AfriCat encountered a family of elephant casually
Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary focusing on crossing the road ahead, giraffe with their long
the research and rehabilitation of injured or necks reaching for tasty leaves, and a great
captured leopards and cheetahs. In the last variety of kudu, impala, wildebeest and more.
17 years more than 1000 of these big cats
have been rescued, with around 85% released We stayed at the gorgeous Onguma The Fort
– who knew Moroccan style would work so
back into the wild. We were able to track
some rehabilitated cheetahs on foot for a well in Namibia? The outdoor dining deck
overlooked a waterhole and we lingered to
thrilling up-close encounter as they enjoyed a
shady siesta. watch a pair of male giraffes engage in an
almost slow-motion battle that went on long
When you stay at Okonjima Bush Camp, a into the evening.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SUMMER EDITION