TravelManagers - Dionne Smith

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TravelManagers - Dionne Smith

Enjoy the convenience and security of having your own Personal TravelManager who understands your unique travel requirements. Personally Designed Travel.

Enjoy the convenience and security of having your own Personal TravelManager who understands your unique travel requirements whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. When planning your next travel itinerary, please contact me for expert advice and a free quote. There is no need to wait in queues or spend hours searching online. As your own dedicated Personal TravelManager I am availabl

e when you want and where you want – in the office, at home, a local coffee shop, on the phone or via email. With over 20 years’ experience as a travel consultant, I am passionate about travelling and providing my clients with the most personalised, professional and in depth service possible. My knowledge of travel destinations and holiday options is extensive and having visited over 40 countries, I can provide advice on low budget adventure through to 5 star luxury travel. TravelManagers Australia is a fully accredited Travel Agent and a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA). This offers you security and peace of mind that your money is safe and reputable providers are used. Personally Yours

ACN: 113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA, ICCA

12/12/2024

Last full day in Namibia (11 December)

This morning Martin takes us into the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre where they have 5 cheetahs who were brought in as orphaned cubs due to human/wildlife conflict. The release back into the wild as juveniles ended up not working as well as hoped due to the number of other predators in the Nature Reserve among other issues and after a few years, the adults were brought back into the care centre to live out their lives. It has given the AfriCat Foundation educational and research opportunities. We were able to be so close to the now approx 14 year old siblings.

We also visited the veterinary care and information centre to learn about the Foundation's multi pronged approach to conservation of predators and endangered species within the reserve and education and help to avoid human/wildlife conflict with farming techniques etc.

A final inspection of the other sections of the Okonjima Nature Reserve's accommodation has us up to date on the options for each client's needs.

Our last full day is quite melancholy with possibly our quietest dinner conversations so far. Looking forward to going home but wistful to not be sharing Africa everyday with our little group and our absolutely amazing guide.

Thank you Bench Africa and Ultimate Safaris Namibia

Best trip ever!

💙🧡💛💚

12/12/2024

Day Twelve (10 December)

Today we have another fairly short drive to our last location of Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation.

However on our way, Johann has arranged a special visit with a local Himba village to learn a little about their life and traditions. This village moved down from their original village in the north west due to drought with their cattle hoping to have better conditions for a while. We learnt how they clean themselves with smoke from fragrant barks. To protect their skin, the women slather themselves with ochre. The hair is braided and also has the ochre applied. Each item they wear has a particular meaning showing where they are in their life journey.

On to Okonjima Nature Reserve, with a hot arrival! We can see they have had rain with new growth on trees and sprouting if grasses. This reserve was once a beef cattle farm and is still surrounded by commercial farmlands. Set beneath small mountain outcrops, it is perfect leopard habitat and instead of trying to take over from the leopards, they have embraced saving leopards and cheetahs. Out of 35 leopards, they have collared 18 to be able to easily track and monitor them for research. This also means we are part of citizen science when we go out with the fabulous head guide Martin to track our designated leopards.

He first tracks a young male who we find trying to grab a guinea fowl just before a welcome shower. Pulling down the side awnings scares him into a bush but he is still there when it finishes and we watch him decide on his alternative for the day.

Our next leopard, an older female who is trying to expand her territory for herself and her daughter is difficult to find as she is walking through small bushy areas. When we do find her, she is sitting, watching a small steenbok antelope for dinner preparation. For about 20 minutes she slowly and patiently creeps up to grab her prey. Not to be and we follow her some more where she looks to be ready to attack a Kori bustard and their nest for eggs.

We leave her to it as it is getting close to sundown and Martin has a perfect spot for us.

💙🧡💛💚

11/12/2024

Day Eleven (9 December)

This morning we are up early to be at Etosha National Park for opening at sunrise for our guided game drive in Etosha South.

Yet another location and different terrain. We drive between the many waterholes as generally the best way to observe the animals when it is dry. But yet again, we are delivered with a myriad of wildlife.

The Etosha pan is approx 120km East to West, 80km North to south and is 40% of the national park. It looks like it goes forever.

Wildebeest, Springbok, Ostriches, honey badger, giraffe, elephants, the list goes on. Watching a lioness with her really young (possibly 2 months old) cubs conveniently resting under a tree close to the road. Another great day in Namibia.

A late lunch in a picnic area of the government run game lodge near the park entry and we return to Ongava with clouds brewing for "good weather". We were all hopeful for the rain as yesterday's clouds only gave a light shower. It eventually hit with strong wind but a decent shower.

💙💛🧡💚

11/12/2024

Day Eleven (9 December)

This morning we are up early to be at Etosha National Park for opening at sunrise for our guided game drive in Etosha South.

Yet another location and different terrain. We drive between the many waterholes as generally the best way to observe the animals when it is dry. But yet again, we are delivered with a myriad of wildlife.

The Etosha pan looks like it goes forever.

Wildebeest, Springbok, Ostriches, honey badger, giraffe, elephants, the list goes on. Watching a lioness with her really young (possibly 2 months old) cubs conveniently resting under a tree close to the road. Another great day in Namibia.

A late lunch in a picnic area of the government run game lodge near the park entry and we return to Ongava with clouds brewing for "good weather". We were all hopeful for the rain as yesterday's clouds only gave a light shower. It eventually hit with strong wind but a decent shower.

💙🧡💛💚

11/12/2024

Day Ten (8 December) Moving on to Anderson's at Ongava Game Reserve next to Etosha National Park.

A shorter drive today, a bit less than 3 hours, passing some farming areas including citrus farms. So that we don't starve on our drives, Ultimate Safaris sends us off each time with "driving snacks" including nuts, dried fruit and a brownie with left overs perfect to butter up the apparently rarely smiling gate guard at Ongava Game Reserve. 🤩

We are staying at Anderssons at Ongava located on a waterhole with a hide next to it to observe the visiting animals. Ongava is a privately owned reserve with a focus on Rhinos. Local language Ongava = Rhino. Namibia has the second largest population of rhinos behind South Africa and the largest population of black rhinos. At Anderssons, the research centre is funded by the funds from the lodge. A really informative visitors centre. The numbers and locations of black rhino is closely guarded to try to keep poachers away. Pretty much a state secret and various staff asked are extremely protective.

As a private reserve, we have a Game drive with the Anderssons' guide and vehicle. What an afternoon! 🥰

With the rains not arriving, they had to start putting out feed for the white rhinos in the park as they are grazers and no grass until rain. Such a bonus for us as easy to find them and observe these different creatures. Another baby and other youngsters as well.

Elephants also.

However, it will be hard to beat our sundowner companion posing peacefully for us.

💙🧡💛💚

11/12/2024

Day Nine (7 December) Damaraland exploring.

Early start to explore in the cool of the morning, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein about 20 minutes from Onduli Ridge. One of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa with over 2000 engravings showing many of the animals of the region. It is believed sections also show spiritual beliefs of the hunters and were possibly carved into rocks of the escarpment but now moved or fallen to the ground. Really interesting to also see the similarities with cultures worldwide including our indigenous people's paintings...check out what looks to be a map of the area showing water locations!!

Then to search for desert adapted elephants in and near a dry river bed and village location with reports of two bull elephants in the area. We found a family group moving through to bathe in the dust including some youngsters and a little baby. Fascinating to watch them communicate. A couple of other small groups - 4 juvenile males, a female with 2 offspring and then in the end an older male. 😊

Of course, my little highlight was the giraffes. 😍 Two young males having a short but friendly tussle and quite a few others to watch. I could fill pages about the behaviours we witnessed.

Another fabulous day with fun company and our awesome guide Johann whose knowledge and skill to put us into the best spots just keeps amazing me!

Our sundowner drinks with even more beautiful views this afternoon at the sister property of Onduli Ridge, "Onduli Enclave". Tucked away just over the ridge, a small private mini lodge perfect for 3 couples, a family group or a celebration location. Everywhere you look, the attention to detail shines through. The service and food at Onduli is phenomenal!!

Damaraland is truly beautiful.

💙🧡💛💚

personaltravelmanager

11/12/2024

Day Seven (5 December)
Today we have a morning to experience some of the fun on offer. I have chosen the Sandwich Harbour 4x4 dune excursion with 2 colleagues. The others are on a catamaran around the bay and a kayaking excursion. All departing from the activities area at Walvis Bay. A small esplanade of tour bookings, shops and cafe restaurants. Cruise ships dock nearby.

Our guide was keen to get going straight away to get in front of the new influx of cruise guests which was appreciated but ended up to not be a worry as they were delayed 2 hours with immigration. 😒

What an unexpectedly awesome morning. First stop at the local lagoons filled with Flamingoes then passing through the salt extraction dams area to the restricted conservancy.

Our mischievous guide took us to the most stunning locations exuding solitude. A lot of roller coaster like rides up and down the dunes making the sand roar with our slow descents. Really eye watering beautiful. The red in the sand comes from the garnets rubbing together and reducing down to sand. Namibia is filled with semi precious stones of a range of colours. Sandwich Harbour was a world protected wetland site but the sea and the dunes has claimed it back. Spotted a breeding pair of Ostriches, cute posing seal and many more sleeping seals that looked dead. A line of Cape Cormorants drying out their wings ready for more fishing flights.

To top it off Niko laid out a spread with Oysters and champagne. We had such a great time we were sure our colleagues could not have possibly had a morning as fun. But they all raved about the trips. The guides were ultra informative and the tours were all full of fun.

After a quick walk around town this afternoon, I can see a lot would need a few hours in the local shops.

Our dinner tonight at Brewers and Butchers is a local craft brewery and fabulous food. A lot of German style food thanks to the colonial history. My choice was a Namibian style steak meal with "pap and sous" Pap is a common food in many African countries with many different names. A porridge consistency of a fairly neutral taste used in a similar way to rice in Asia. The sous was a lightly spiced tomato based sauce. But the star of the meal was my first taste of the local Kapana spices. More peppery taste than chili and delicious. Spread over the meat or you dip the meat strips in it. On the hunt before I leave for some to take home. 🥰

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M: 0428 020968
E: [email protected]
travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith

11/12/2024

Day Eight (6 December) To Damaraland and the spectacular Onduli Ridge.

Departing Swakopmund we made a short stop at Two Beards Coffee House. They roast beans from many countries and Mark gifted me a fair trade blend of beans from Zambia. As a member of our coffee loving population, I often miss our delicious Australian coffee and Lismore coffee culture when travelling. But not a worry in Namibia. Ultimate Safaris use Two Beards coffee for their trips and at all their accommodation. Absolutely delicious.

Heading to Damaraland today and even more diverse scenery. We pass the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain. More amazing rock formations and mountain ranges. Such pretty landscapes.

Another unexpectedly fantastic lunch stop at Cactus and Coffee Tea Gardens.

Many of you will know how absolutely excited I was to find out our location for the next 2 nights is Onduli Ridge. In the local language Onduli = Giraffe.🦒 🥰

Onduli Ridge is perfectly set among large boulders with magnificent views of the area. Wonderful staff, very friendly and fun and still professional. Lovely thoughtful touches. Fully solar with WiFi only in the rooms to ensure a more social atmosphere in the main area.

Another Lodge with beds to roll out under the stars.

Looking forward to our game drive to discover the desert adapted animals around here. Rhinos, elephants and of course giraffe!!

M: 0428 020968

E: [email protected]

travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith

08/12/2024

Day Six, (4 December) heading to the Atlantic Sea.
A lovely wake up with the sunrise from the sky bed. Such beautiful colours.

Today we are headed to Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean and promised cooler temperatures.

Our first stop is Solataire about 1.5hrs with a bakery and famous apple crumble. Interesting old vehicles and shops. The rainfall this year was 2mm in February so luckily they have underground water. 😐

Crossed into the tropics!

The spectacular landscapes change so much and today we experience folded hills with mica schist, quartz and garnet layers. Not to mention the granite. The quartz pebbles in places appear to look like snow on the ground. In the middle of nowhere we pass a cycling couple - crazy!

The amazing Gaub and Kuiseb canyons are yet another incredible view. Thoughtfully lunch is on the go with pre-prepared wraps and delicious fruit skewers as nowhere to stop and no shade. We are still in the Namib-Naukluft National Park until the ocean.

Arriving into Walvis Bay (approx 3hrs from Solataire) we pass lagoons filled with flamingos and large dams for salt extraction. Walvis Bay has a large commercial port and is a cruise ship stop on many itineraries. Two cruise ships are in port while we are here.

About 20 minutes along the coast to Swakopmund known as "little Germany" and the architecture definitely shows that. Our stay for 2 nights at Brigadoon Guesthouse is a lovely European style with pretty gardens and stylish decor. We are a short walk from the local swimming beach at the Mole where they obviously also have various local food vans. The Atlantic here is treacherous and rocky so the swimming area at the Mole (sea wall) is well used.

Tonight's dinner at the Tug restaurant saw us all sample the local line caught saltwater fish Kabeljou. Delicious! Mine with local Namibian spices and sides dishes.

Oh, and definitely cooler!!! 19c. Apparently, Swakopmund has a moderate year round climate with average temperatures between 10-12 up to 25-26. A welcome change from the dry mid 30s.

💙🧡💛💚
M: 0428 020968
E: [email protected]
travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith
Bench Africa
Ultimate Safaris Namibia

07/12/2024

Day Five..(3 December) Awake to watch the sunrise, and off to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei. So many with only a few allowed to be climbed. We went to "Big Daddy", the tallest dune at 325m with the Deadvlei at the bottom. You don't need to go up the large dune to get to the weirdly beautiful clay pan - thank goodness!!!

The morning light out here shows the changing colours so well.

A well thought out brunch under trees on a dry river bed to return to relax. Not as windy this afternoon so "sundowners" outdoors approx 15 minute walk around the corner. They have it sorted with a permanent drinks and chair storage structure strategically placed.

Kudu for dinner

Evening around a gas camp fire so the local wood is not depleted with a lot of star gazing. Overnight in the sky bed again 🥰

(Forgotten what day it is...3 December I think 🤔)

🧡💛💚
M: 0428 020968
E: [email protected]
travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith

06/12/2024

Day Four (2 December) to Sossosvlei

Driving day today after a brief visit to Ultimate Safaris office. Great range of vehicles including a fleet of self drive vehicles. Very popular option in Namibia with really decent roads. Ultimate Safari vehicles are supplied with camping fridge/freezer, 2 spare tyres and a tracker. They keep an eye on the progress and have your back if any issues or breakdowns. Our guide and driver Johann is a senior guide, really knowledgeable and always thoughtful of our needs.

Our itinerary and most well planned itineraries have about 5 hours drive or less between the overnight stops but with some well placed breaks and stunning, always changing scenery the time flies by.

Did I mention the great coffee?! What a bonus for a coffee addict!

Our first day took us to a stop at Conny's Coffee owned by a 3rd generation Namibian of German descent called Gunther. He has brought to this small community drip filter coffee and solar ovens and various other off grid type interests. A perfect first stop for independent drivers with advise and knowledge shared. Our lunch and coffee stop with homemade icecream.

💙🧡💛💚
M: 0428 020968
E: [email protected]
travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith

06/12/2024

I am so far behind keeping you updated on this fabulous trip. A combination of so much to do and so many distractions!!

Day Three, 1 December heading to Windhoek, capital of Namibia.....

The staff at the Pullman Hotel City Centre in Capetown were all so lovely and friendly. I will definitely suggest it to clients. I'm not always keen on large chain hotels but it was different and quite personal. A lot of art and many areas to sit or socialise. My uber driver to the airport (Admire) turned up early and was waiting when I checked out. The airport is less than 20 minutes from the city and uber cost approximately $30. A lovely airport to suit a lovely city. I booked a window seat for my flight to Windhoek and great to have a view of the terrain changing. The airport in Windhoek is well out of town and my flight from Cape Town was the only aircraft on the tarmac until my companions arrived from Johannesburg within minutes.

I'm travelling with Bench Africa and their Namibian partner Ultimate Safaris Namibia and met up with my 6 companions with our first night at Galton House.

A small guest house with various rooms to suit guests travelling alone or with friends or family. It is set up like your own home with the kitchen in the middle next to lounge and dining areas. A small pool with miraculously cool water given the temperature of the day.

We had an afternoon tasting of local gin infused with various interesting flavours served by our knowledgeable Bernaline.

First dinner of local game - kudu. It is farmed not hunted and was deliciously tender. We have been warned that Namibia does not do many vegetables. The soil is often poor and of course they lack water in most areas. Along with fruit the majority imported from South Africa but they are increasing the local offerings slowly as much as possible.

🧡💛💚
M: 0428 020968
E: [email protected]
travelmanagers.com.au/DionneSmith

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