Dala Darling’s Cottage, Rundu (Namibia)

On May 9, 2010, in Posts in English, by Javier Leandro Sobradillo
2

Dala Darling’s Cottage is the perfect example of the kind of place we are trying to promote. It is a Bed & Breakfast in the centre of Rundu, a town in the north of Namibia in the border with Angola. They normally offer accommodation to both Namibian and Angolian business travellers. That’s why the sign says also in Portuguese ‘Pensão’.

It is clean, simple and practical accommodation in a nice and well kept group of small buildings, connected between them. There is also a small bar where they sell cold drinks and, if asked in advance they can prepare traditional food for you. Otherwise you can also use the kitchen for self-catering.

The owner Albertina Ndeyapo Nangolo talks about ther business:

Click to play the video

It is somewhat difficult to find it , even though Rundu is quite small. Look out for their sign when you are in the road marked in the map:

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Contact: Albertina Ndeyapo Nangolo
Post: Propietaria
Address:
P.O. Box 1775
Rundu
Namibia
Tel: +26466255772
Mobile: +264812936168
Email: nsheenavictoria@yahoo.com

Aabadi-Bushcamp (Namibia)

On May 5, 2010, in Posts in English, by Javier Leandro Sobradillo
0

Aabadi Bushcamp is in a private 1000 hectares reserve, 130 km from Windhoek. It is the perfect place to get intimate with the Bush and learn with some of the oldest inhabitants of Namibia, the San people. The money you spend here serves these bush families, which rotate to work in the camp twice yearly, six months at a time, and thus earn a living.

You can enjoy the quietness and isolation of the bush, without having to drive far from the main road. They offer traditional huts and also plenty of space for camping. The main activity here is the bush walk. In a bush walk, you go for a trek into the bush, guided by the expert San guides. They will tell you everything about the different plants they use for very different purposes, from poison for their arrows to medicine.

After a few minutes of walking, you’ll feel really lost in the bush, with no reference points other than the termite mounds, which like little lighthouses provide orientation for the Bushmen to be able to get back home safely.

At night, the San people dance around the fire and tell stories. They communicate with other distant tribes through these very special dances, warning them of dangers and transmitting news.

Contact: Meke Imbili
Position: Manager
Address:
Camp no. 12 Wilhelmstal, Namibia
Tel: +264 60 801 9002
Fax: +264 886 22522
Web: www.aabadi-bushcamp.com and www.aabadi-safaris.com
Email: info@aabadi-safaris.com

How to get there (from their website):
“The camp is situated about 130 kilometers from Windhoek. The camp is situated exactly between Okahandja and Karibib. Okahandja is about 70 kilometers north of Windhoek, after which the road leads to the west on your way to Karibib. The road is also better known as the coast road. From Okahandja it is a mere 60 km drive to the bush camp, which lies 1km on the right.”


Salambala Community Campsite, Katima Mulilo (Namibia)

On May 5, 2010, in Posts in English, by Javier Leandro Sobradillo
1

Salambala Community Campsite is a quiet campsite right in the middle of the Salambala Conservancy, very close to the border with Botswana in the Katima Mulilo area.

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature before continuing onwards. The income generated by this campsite goes directly to the local community, as it usually happens with all the Nacobta supported accommodation.

Hoot for attention!

We arrived here very late, it was dark and the path from the main road is not the best in the world. With a 4×4 you won’t have any problems. The different campsites are far from each other, giving you a sense of “privacy in the middle of the woods”.

As it says in the reception building, we “hooted for attention” and shortly thereafter a couple of very friendly workers came out and showed us around. They prepared the hot water for next morning’s open-air shower and provided us with dry wood for the campfire.

When we left the campsite to continue our journey, they asked for a ride to the Ngoma Bridge border, which we of course did. Be aware that communications are not very good and people really appreciate if you can give them a ride, it can save them many hours walking.

Yes, the toilet


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Address:
P.O. Box 1797
Katima Mulilo
Tel: +264 66252108
Web: Salambala Community Campsite in Nacobta
Email: office@nacobta.com.na

How to get there (from the Nacobta website):
“From Katima Mulilo head south towards Ngoma for about 50 km. A signpost on the left indicates the turn-off to Salambala on the right. There is a small cuca shop at the junction. The last 5 km of the way lead through Mopane woods. Even though the track is sandy in patches it is suitable for ordinary vehicles. During the rainy season (October to May) it turns muddy and may at times only be accessible by four-wheel drive.”

Chameleon City Lodge, Windhoek (Namibia)

On May 4, 2010, in Posts in English, by Javier Leandro Sobradillo
0

Chameleon City Lodge is one of the best places in Namibia’s Capital to get your adventure started and exchange information with other travellers returning from their trips.

We are including it in our Baobab guide for Namibia because, although the owners are not local -they are Australian-, the whole place is a living example of what we like when travelling responsibly. The hotel employs a lot of local people, having a real impact in the community. Moreover, it earns high points on Sustainability: Solar Panels for electricity and water heating, signs reminding you of not leaving the tap running and raising your awareness of the ecological footprint of tourism makes us give it a big thumbs up.

Beyond that, It is only a short walk from the city center, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. They have two computers with the best internet connection that we have experimented in the whole of Namibia. Continental breakfast is included so you can help yourself in the open air kitchen every morning. You can also cook your own stuff in the kitchen. The rooms are nice and spacious, with lockers, and there is also a small camping site for your to pitch your tent. And don’t forget they’ve got a swimming pool!

Also, they always help you by calling taxis, or ordering food, organizing guided tours of the city and selling you Windhoek beer!


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Address:
5-7 Voight St
Windhoek
Namibia
Tel: +264 (61) 244347
Email: info@chameleonbackpackers.com
Web: http://www.chameleonbackpackers.com

Chameleon city lodge is included in the Guide to Namibia for responsible Travel by Baobab Guides.

Bana ba Letsatsi, The Children of the Sun. Maun (Botswana)

On May 4, 2010, in Posts in English, by Javier Leandro Sobradillo
0

What is Bana ba Letsatsi (Children of the sun)?
Everyday more than 200 children in Maun come to Bana ba Letsatsi to receive a meal, a shower, training, clothing … These children and teenagers are mainly street children in danger, who have been abused or have had problems with drugs and present bad behaviour.

The main projects of Bana ba Letsatsi are:
Sexual education, AIDS
AIDS has a great impact on children in Botswana. The number of orphans with AIDS was in 2009 of 1 for every 5 orphans. Through education, talks and home visits Bana ba Letsatsi tries to diminish the impact of this disease.

Program for preschool education
Everyday the youngest children are picked up, showered, served breakfast and sent to the kindergarten. The aim is that through education less and less children work as beggars in the streets. The whole program is funded by Bana ba Letsatsi.

The Team making things possible

Return to School Program
Children attending to school receive support in the form of uniform, books and school equipment.

Youth work Program
During the school vacation teenagers receive help to find a job. Although unemployment is very high, Bana ba Letsatsi works together with several companies that offer posts for these young people. They also receive a meal and transport to the place of work.

School vacation Program
The School holidays are a critical period. During this time daily activities take place within the premises of Bana ba Letsatsi so the children are kept away from the streets.

Grant Program
Bana ba Letsatsi helps through grants to some children so they can attend private schools. They pay the school fees, uniforms and transport.

There is a nice picture gallery here.


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Director: Fiona Hatton
Subdirector: Tracy
Address:
P.O. Box 114
Suite 55
Maun
Botswana
Tel: 06864787/072643468
How to get there: Bana ba Letsatsi is close to Kesmo Lodge, in the center of Maun, just behind the Ngamiland Shopping Centre.

Bana ba Letsatsi is included in the Guide to Botswana for responsible Travel by Baobab Guides.