They used the Bush Pillow as a base to visit mining sites in Tsumeb, the Hoba Meteorite and the Okoruso Fluorspar mine. They were a great vibrant group and apart from staying at Bush Pillow they used our facilities to  have their group meetings, at night, to recap the days learnings and they also enjoyed dinner from our magnificent kitchen!

Upon departure they left us with an array of stone and crystal samples that they collected from the various sites for their studies. We will be adding these into the gardens and grounds of the Bush Pillow for all future guests to see and admire.

It was a great pleasure to host this group! Thanks guys!

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 The elephant has always fascinated me as an animal. As a child I was always present when family came back from a visit to the Kruger National Park. They told awesome stories of the animals, the kills by lions and the stately antelope. But it was the stories of the elephants and their doings that grabbed my attention and created a lasting respect for this incredibly strong and majestic king of the beasts.

It was only later in life that this relationship became more intense. When touring through Namibia, as part of my job as announcer for the SWABC and later NBC, I continuously came into contact with issues on conservation of our natural heritage. It was here that I was introduced to the desert elephant and started taking cognizance of the amazing intelligence of these animals. They remember routes of times gone by and if necessary they will wander along those routes again – such is the case in dry seasons when these desert giants take to wandering right into the Omaruru and even Kalkfeld area much to the dismay of the farmers.

With this growing relationship between these gentle giants and myself  I suppose it was only natural to select elephants as the theme of the Bush Pillow Guesthouse when I decided to move into the tourism industry. I have tried to be quite diverse in the selection of the honoured ones, and sad that I do not have more rooms to name, but I believe I have at least created awareness with the visitors to this establishment and even a love for these great animals.

We passionately disagree with the hunting of these animals and would contribute in every way possible to stamp out the killing of these beautiful beasts. No set of tusks in any museum or hunter’s collection can ever be as beautiful, as telling or as awe inspiring as when seen on a living elephant in close proximity. Let us rather make a point of visiting the places where we can see them in their natural habitat and when we do – let us remember that we are the intruders into their domain.

This means that we should understand the incredible privilege of being in their proximity and know to tread softly and humbly – we are in the presence of the king of beasts.

In the next couple of days we will be telling you more about the elephants the Bush Pillow chose to name our rooms after.

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

You can view more photos of the Stromatolites and other rocks on the Bush Pillow Facebook page by clicking on the photo.

When visiting or staying over at places that we regard as mere stopovers on our route, we often miss the hidden gems right before our eyes. Later when we have returned from our trip – we sometimes open a magazine, view a TV programme or just talk to someone and find out that we have missed an incredible interesting moment or attraction or piece of information because we did not think our stopover would have anything to offer.

This was again prominently brought to my mind yesterday when we received a small group of 6 people who were staying over at Bush Pillow on route to Van Zyl’s Pass and Damaraland.

One of the group is very interested in rocks and she was wandering through my garden when she suddenly stumbled upon one of the rocks that caught her attention. Later she came and required about it.

Yes she discovered one of the rare gems that one should be looking for!

She found one of the Stromatolites in the garden of the Bush Pillow. In fact there are quite a few and very nice large specimens of it as well. She was obviously intrigued by it and wanted to know where it came from.

Let  us first give some background for those who are not normally interested in rocks. Stromatolites are some of the oldest fossils in the world and they are basically made from algae. The oldest specimens are found in Australia, bur Namibia has some interesting and very old ones too.

In my own very simplistic way I understand it to be layered deposits that consist mainly of limestone and that it was formed by the growth of a blue-green algae. These structures are characterized by thin layers – some light and some dark.

According to some geologists these Stromatolites were common in the Precambrian time.

And now back to the Bush Pillow and Otjiwarongo and the Stromatolites in the garden.

Just about 110 km north of Otjiwarongo one finds the small little village of Otavi and one also finds a mountainrange starting at Otavi and leading to Grootfontein. These mountains had a significant impact in the development of the earth. During the times of the formation of the Otavi carbonates, the earth’s atmosphere consisted of large proportions of carbon dioxide which threatens life. The blue-green algae of the Otavi mountains absorbed this carbon dioxide and secreted the surplus carbon in the form of lime. The oxygen was released into the atmosphere and under the strong UV radiation – Ozone was formed. This atmosphere enrichment and the extra oxygen in the water as well as the protective Ozone layer resulted in oxygen-breathing  organisms.

Thus the rocks of the Otavi Mountainland provides evidence of a process in the history of the earth.

We mentioned water and also in the definition sea. But Otavi does not have a sea and is not even close to the sea.

Well Namibia was apparently once under an ancient sea. On the southern edge of the Congo Craton  a lime and dolomite rock mass nearly 5000m thick formed. Then due to plate techtonic processes the two main pedestals of the Congo Craton and Kalahari Craton started drifting towards each other ending in an incredible, gigantic explosion. The sediments of the intermediate oceans, situated between the two Cratons, were pushed together in huge folded mountains. The fine grained deep sea deposits, together with other shallow sea water deposits, were folded up into carbonate mountain chains.

These remnants can be seen today as light heavily overgrown, high rock formations when visiting the Otavi Mountainland.

And it is from here that the rocks in the Bush Pillow garden originate.

So next time when visiting Bush Pillow ask the owner to show you the Stromatolites and some of the other fascinating rocks in the garden.

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

This itenerary can be booked as a Guided Safari or a Self Drive Tour. Booking this package qualifies you for the Economic Euro Special Discount Package.

When reserving please request this option. Basically we will discount this tour price by 20 Namibian cents per kilometer from your countryof origin to Namibia (direct route).

Day 1 – Arrival in Namibia

Welcome in Namibia. After clearing immigration and receiving your luggage you proceed to the arrival hall of the airport. Here you will be met by your english speaking driver-guide. You travel to Guestfarm Heimat, where you spend the first night.

Brunch / Dinner / Bed: GUESTFARM HEIMAT

Day 2 – Travel to the Namib

After breakfast you depart the guestfarm and travel via Dordabis and Rehoboth to the Hammerstein Lodge.

Optional activity: In the afternoon you take part in a tour of the wild cats.

Breakfast:                             Guestfarm Heimat

Lunch:                                    excluded

Dinner/Bed:                         HAMMERSTEIN LODGE

Day 3 – Sossusvlei and Solitaire

Early morning departure from Hammerstein Lodge to the famous Sossusvlei. At the 2×4 parking you take a 4×4 shuttle into the vlei. Here you have the opportuntity to climb some of the highest dunes of the world. En-route out of the park you visit the Sesriem Canyon.

Travel to Solitaire.

Breakfast:                             Hammerstein Lodge

Lunch:                                    excluded

Dinner/Bed:                         SOLITAIRE GUESTFARM

Day 4 – Central Namib Desert and Swakopmund

Today your journey takes you via the Gaub and Kuiseb Pass along the endless gravel plains of the central Namib Desert to Swakopmund. Along the route you can visit the Welwitschia Plains and the Moon Valley.

Brekafast:                             Solitaire Guestfarm

Lunch/Dinner:                     excluded

Bed:                                       CORNERSTONE GUESTHOUSE

Day 5 – Swakopmund

You spend the day at leisure in Swakopmund.

Optional activities on offer: You go on a boat cruise in the harbour of Walvis Bay, where seals come on board the boat and, with some luck, you have the opportunity to see dolphins play in the water. South African sparkling wine, fresh Namibian oysters and other snacks will be served on board.

OR

You will be collected at your accommodation establishment for a LIVING DESERT TOUR, where you meet the “small five” calling the dunes of the Namib Desert their home. Costs: ZAR 600.00 per person.

Lunch/Dinner:                     excluded

Breakfast/Bed:                    CORNERSTONE GUESTHOUSE

Day 6 – Swakopmund – Erongo Region

During the course of the morning you depart from Swakopmund and travel via Usakos, Karibib and Omaruru to your next accommodation establishment.

Breakfast:                             Cornerstone Guesthouse

Lunch:                                    excluded

Dinner/Bed:                         RÜPPELL GUESTFARM

Day 7 – Erongo Region to Etosha National Park

You depart from the Rüppell farm and travel to via Outjo to the Etosha National Park. You enter the park through the Anderson Gate. Immediatley you start your first game drive in the park.

You leave the park just before sunset and travel to your accommodation establishment.

Breakfast:                             Rüppel Guestfarm

Lunch:                                    excluded

Dinner/ Bed:                        ETOSHA TALENI VILLAGE

Day 8 – Etosha National Park and Otjiwarongo

You spend the morning with game drives inside the Etosha National Park in your own rental vehicle. In the afternoon you leave the park through the Anderson Gate and travel to Otjiwarongo.

Breakfast:                             Etosha Taleni Village

Lunch:                                    excluded

Dinner/ Bed:                        BUSHPILLOW GUESTHOUSE

Day 9 – Otjiwarongo

Today you visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund as well as the REST project, where you witness the feeding of wild vultures. (Both activities are EXCLUDED in the self-drive price).

Lunch:                                    excluded

Breakfast/Dinner/Bed:     BUSHPILLOW GUESTHOUSE

Day 10 – Departure

After breakfast you depart from Otjiwarongo and travel via Okahandja to Windhoek. Here your guide takes you on a short tour of the city. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the international airport for your departure flight home.

Breakfast:                             Bushpillow Guesthouse

Lunch/Dinner:                     excluded

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

Often the plains look completely empty. Then suddenly a small speck appears in the distance. As you drive closer, a wildebeest slowly emerges, followed by more, until the horizon is black from one side to the other. All sense of perspective is lost: a tree that looks five minutes away takes half an hour to reach; lions seem unnaturally large, with disproportionately well-muscled shoulders.

Your adventure will start in Katima Mulilo, Namibia. From here you will cross the Mighty Zambezi River into Zambia. We visit the beautiful Sioma Falls and cross the Barotse Flood plains. From Kalabo we enter the park and spend two nights there. From Liuwa Plains National park you continue on to Mongu and eventually reaching Livingstone where the trip ends.

Day1 – Katima Mulilo
We meet at Zambezi river lodge today, where we camp on the bank of the Zambezi River. Tonight is spent around the camp fire getting acquainted with each other and your guide will elaborate on the adventures that lie ahead. In the afternoon you have the option on going on a sunset cruise or fishing trip, November is one of the best months for fishing in this region.
(Please note this is optional and for your own payment)

Overnight: Zambezi River Lodge; camping D

Day 2 – Sioma Falls
We get woken up by the Fish Eagles’ this morning and after breakfast our adventure starts. After some last minute shopping we head for the border, please be patient here and have all your documents ready, your guide will assist. We drive through many villages today following the Zambezi. We head for Sioma falls and we have a light lunch en-route. Upon arrival we set up camp and find some time to go and explore the Sioma Falls area.

Overnight: Campsite close to Sioma Falls; Camping, 130km BLD

Day 3 – Kalabo
The real adventure starts today, as we push to Kalabo via the two spoor sandy tracks of the beautiful Barotse Floodplains that, in places, are up to 30 kilometres wide. After a truly African Ferry-crossing experience we reach our Campsite on the outskirts of Kalabo, overlooking
the vast Zambezi floodplain. We spend the evening sitting around the campfire reminiscing about the day’s events before enjoying another scrumptious meal.

Your guide will also make use of these interludes to answer any historic, cultural or biological questions you might have about the area.

Overnight: Kalabo Campsite, camping, 200km BLD

Day 4 – Liuwa Plains
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we once again take to the road, heading north we make a ferry crossing of the Luwangina River into the southern plains of the Liuwa National Park where, as we head deeper into the park, we will encounter our first herds of wildebeest.
Once in the park we will be joined by a National Parks Game Scout, who will guide us through the seemingly endless dry floodplains, where without a guide, many a “bobbejaan” has got hopelessly lost. A GPS comes in very handy on these endless floodplains with very few roads, so if you have a GPS bring it along. Our accommodation for the next two days is, once again, a rustic bush camp in the great outdoors with all the “luxuries”.

Overnight: campsite in Liuwa Plains Park, BLD

Day 5 – Liuwa Plains
Today we will spend enjoying all that Liuwa Plains has to offer, panoramic landscapes, and antelope and, with luck, the predators that prey on them. Crowned and Wattled Cranes are a common site. After the sun has set, we once more head out into the plains for a night drive, hoping to find some elusive nocturnal animal or even one of those magical African encounters, when we come upon a kill.

Overnight: Liuwa Plains BLD

Day 6 -Mongu
Sadly today we leave Liuwa Plains Park; we continue on our safari and try to get to the town of Mongu where we spend the night. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on our way. We have time to stop at some villages and if it is in season buy some fresh mangos from the locals.

Overnight: Mongu BLD

Day 6 -Livingstone
Today we travel from Mongu to Livingstone, where our tour ends.

Price includes:

1. An experienced tour leader/ guide + assistant/s
2. A fully equipped recovery vehicle
3. Two-way radios for each vehicle in the convoy;
4. All camping fees & Park entrance fees (Liuwa Plains)
5. 2 meals per day; Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner on the last day not included)
6. All camping equipment (tents, chairs, tables etc.)

The tour price excludes:

1. Transportation (this can be arranged on your behalf);
2. Own drinks and snacks;
3. Meals not specifically included ( lunch);
4. Council levies;
5. Ferry fees;
6. Entrance fees @ Sioma Falls;
7. Border charges and visas.

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

These volunteers attended a meeting on HIV/AIDS and how it is affecting the communities in the areas where they are working.

Bush Pillow recognises the important work these volunteers are doing and how they are trying to make a difference in an extremely fragile community.

It was a real pleasure to have them here.

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

The Gross family meeting Romanius Eiman of The Joy Centre

The Bush Pillow and many of its friends support The Joy Centre in Otjiwarongo. This is an incredible place where “street” children are given a safe haven and where they learn to deal with the problems they have experienced in life.

Roland and Herta Gross from Germany recently visited The Joy Centre with some gifts. In the photos Roland and Herta is receiving a publication from Romanius Eiman from the Joy Centre. One of Romaius’ poems were published in this book. He was a “street” child and have grown through the Centre. Now he is putting energy back into the Centre. When Muriel is not there – Romanius takes care of the Centre.

In the other photo Romanius is accepting the donation from Herta and Roland.

Herta and Roland writes of this experience in the Bush Pillow Guest House comments register as follows:

“Unser Aufenthalt bei Ihnen hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Der Besuch mit Ihnen bei den Kindern im Heim hat uns stark bewegt.

Dass diese Kinder auch Ihre Hilfe erfahren duerfen finden wir grossartig! Wir sind beeindruckt von Namibia und freuen uns auf das was wir noch sehen werden.
Danke!”

The Bush Pillow is actively involved with the Joy Centre in Otjiwarongo. This Centre is run by a courageous woman called Murial Fish. She accepts so called “street” children and AIDS orphans and provides a place of safety and a “home” for them.
What we like about this project is the way Murial manages the children. Look at the photos in the album “Joy Centre” at http://bit.ly/aU37XE to see what it is all about.

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Our latest effort is to make sure that we use less paper in order to be even more eco friendly. To this end we have digitalized our brochure. The brochure was launched Monday 16 August 2010. You may view the brochure at http://bit.ly/cbeVYf. We trust you find this informative and friendly.

The comments received are heartwarming and we gladly share it with you:

Keith Sproule of the WWF writes – “I celebrate this initiative of the Bush Pillow Guest House as an example of a Namibian travel and tourism business taking online sales and marketing seriously. The global trend is for tourism businesses to scale back their expenditures for printed collateral, such as brochures, and offer the same information online. This example the Bush Pillow is a terrific illustration of how even small properties can effectively cross-over. I suspect the Bush Pillow will recover their investment in this online brochure in short order, through increased sales and reduced marketing expense for print material. ”

Jon McGuinn of Rezmark systems comments: “Your brochure is excellent and will definitely start generating some web leads quickly.”

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

A post from: otjiwarongo namibia

1. Un pesto ed nu contesto splendido. Melanne – Italy & Mattie – Switzerland

2. Thank you it was very comfortable place. Hideo Kotajima – Japan

3. What a great start to our Namibian Trip! Bush Pillow offers great hospitality & even organized our tour – thank you Neville! We have had a lovely stay & enjoyed the crocodile ranch too. Michael and Nicole – Copenhagen

4. It was great to be back at Bush Pillow. Wish our stay could have been longer. Joe-Anne and Rod Priel – Canada

5. What a pleasure to stay at your wonderful home and meet your very special family. Definitely a highlight of our trip. Vicky and Glenn – Canada

6. Made to feel very welcome and we found it an ideal base for visiting Etosha, even though it is an early start, the picnic basket provided was very nice. We would have loved to stay longer. Thank ou for a lovely stay. Susan Bennett-Hints – Staffordshire, England

7. Stayed at Bush Pillow February 10. Senor Neveling was very knowledgeable and a source of information. He explained even the smallest details of the village. Tiana – Barcelona Spain

8. Thank you for the wonderful hike up to Waterberg Plateau. Amazing colors!! Also great G&T and excellent Bobotie. Ruthie & Paul Dell – Florida, USA

9. Muy buen gusto, Felicitacianes y gracias por todo!!! Natalia – Uruguay

10. Thank you, very relaxed night and good sleep! We really enjoyed! Hari – Finland

11. Thanks for this nice place! I really enjoyed and I really know where I will come again when I am in the area. All the best for you all! Anu Ylitolonen – Finland

12. A pleasant place! Kind and interesting hosts! Marvelous candlelight dinner! Thank you. Erik – Sweden

13. Merci beaucoup pour tous le service est excellent. Zoe – France

14. Bedankt voor de geode zorgen, het is een mooie afsluiting van onse geweldige Namibie vakantie. Familie Verheijen – Holland

15. Thank you very much for a pleasant stay at Bush Pillow. We’ll come back again. Prof. Johannes & Christiana – Hagen

16. What a lovely place, warm hospitality and excellent food. After one night at Bush Pillow we’re heading to Erindi in our attempt to explore this lovely country. S. Viken – Norway

17. Bedankt voor jullie gastvryheid, hartelykheid, vertrouwen en zo kan ons nog veel meer seggen. Veel mensen zullen hier terugkomen, moet niet te vragen waarom. Baie dankie. Love en hugs from Lida en Conny Bakker – Holland

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