Jill, we arrived back at the Omaanda Lodge after a really great morning and a delicious late lunch at the Zannier Reserve. We had time for a quick swim, an hour at the most poolside, before needing to get ready for the 5:30 Farewell Reception and Dinner. Our time was tighter than most because we had a 7 AM flight from Windhoek the next morning and had to have everything packed up and ready to leave the lodge by 4:30 AM. It was dark during the half hour ride to the Windhoek airport, and we had our last animal sighting as Samuel, our wonderful driver, stopped to allow a magnificent elephant to cross the road in front of us. I felt like it was bidding a Namibian good bye.. If you absolutely must miss the last evening at Omaanda, then Tauck will arrange transportation for you; let them worry about driving in the dark. If I were you, however, I would not want to miss spending that second night at Omaanda. It is the best lodge of the entire journey, and, as I said previously, I hated to leave it. Good luck!
Thank you SandyFeet for the excellent information! I too have a 7am flight out on the last morning so I will not change my plans to depart on the last night. I fly to JNB on Airlink, then board Qatar Airlines from JNB>DOH>DFW, then home on AA to Nashville. Very long travel day! I have read the main risk driving after dark on remote roads is not seeing animals but boy did you see a biggie that was impossible to miss!
HI Sandy- thanks for sharing timing. I too have a flight from W to Jberg on Airlink then on to Doha. I'm glad I opted for the later flight so that Its not a rush. Going home is never as exciting as the journey to, so I try to limit the stress factor. Granted I'll have a little extra time in Joberg airport but at least I scheduled us a day in Doha on the return to break up the long journey and to probably take an air-conditioned taxi to see the sites in the furnace of a city that time of year.. Thanks again for sharing your insights. I'm so anxious for this trip. One quick question, the animals at the watering hole, is it during good light? or dawn/dusk hours? I'm just trying to decide on what camera lens to bring.
I can answer your questions. When I went to Namibia in 2018, there were animals at the waterhole day and night. The night sitings are special.
The smallest plane we went on was a six seater including the pilot. My husband sat next to the pilot, there was a couple sat behind him. I sat attended back and the empty seat had luggage.
Because of the heat, early morning flights are much smoother. In the afternoon ,it can be bumpy. Either way. Spectacular scenic from the air.
Every time we have been to Africa, the TD is never really sure how big/small the planes will be, it just depends what turns up, all part of the adventure! The pilots are often really young. Africa is a great place to rack up the flights required for them.
thanks British,I've been watching a youtube live stream of a waterhole near where we are staying and the amount of animals has increased tremendously as we have moved into the autumn season. I seem to see the the large herds, dazzles, parades and crashes (I remember my collective noun class from my so Africa Safari) around 5 to 6 pm their time. But I'd love to get some shots, so just wondering how the camera aperture is going to need to be in order to get shots without upping the Iso too much. this will be my smallest plane adventure, not sure if I should be looking forward to it or not......
I’m sorry, I can’t help you when it comes to cameras. Our upcoming trip, I’m not even taking my big camera, just my iPhone. Those shots are good enough for my purposes. I think we did get some nighttime shots, like of a rhino by the water hole and if I’m not mistaken, I think it might have been floodlit, but people currently on the Tauck tour should be able to tell you that. Bear in mind, it was the same water hole but that camp was pulled down to build the new fancy one.
My husband will be taking his big camera. He uses a Tamron lens, highly recommended by a friend who used to be a professional and he’s gotten great shots. We have always been lucky to have every one of the big 5 stand right by our safari vehicles at one time or another and that’s why I’m now just going to have my iPhone and I use it with a lanyard round my neck. For me, it’s very freeing from all the big camera hassle and like I said, the photos are good enough for my Shutterfly memory albums.
Good choice, Jill. That second night at Omaanda is very special, and I am happy you are choosing not to miss it. MS, British is correct about the flights and the hide. We were on mostly eight seater Cessnas as we were a small group of six. Very little turbulence, but it was during afternoon flights. The Ongava watering hole is open until about 11 or 12 PM depending on the guests. It is floodlit. One dinner was like jack-in-the box when people were jumping up and down from their meals to run down to the hide; in our case it was for a lioness. The wait staff at dinner would inform our TD if something exciting was happening at the watering hole because, in some cases, we were not facing it. One of my favorite memories was an afternoon by the pool when I hung back from a second game drive, and I think I saw more action at the watering hole than my husband reported from the drive. The TD and I were chatting briefly when we looked down from the pool deck and saw a journey of giraffes, several black-faced impala, and a family of rhinos. The TD said, “Oh, this is too good”, and down we raced. Breathtakingly beautiful. Unsure what time the hide opens, but I would assume first light/dawn when there are serious photographers in the house. I used my iPhone only and got many shots that make me so happy. Others in our group with better camera gear kindly and generously shared theirs without us ever having to ask. No one was working for Nat Geo that I know of 🤣You will love Namibia!
The hide is mostly underground with viewing which is at eye level inside and ground level outside.
My daughter mentioned she wanted to do her running when we go to Africa in July, we laughed and said no, you can’t, you even need escorts back to your room at night in some lodges. Which reminds me of the book ‘Whatever You Do Don’t Run!’ I should find it and get her to read it before we go.
Glad to know that a good iPhone works as I doubt I will have room for my Canon DSLR and 3 lenses. My medical equipment takes priority for sure-travel CPAP, insulin cooler and pump supplies. First world problem for me and glad I can still enjoy healthy travel.
Sandy. Thanks for all the info. I go back and forth with my camera and the phone when taking picture. The phone is especially great for videos. I think the world is moving towards just using the phones because their cameras are so good. In fact one well known photographer has totally dumped his cameras and uses his phone and has videos on how to enhance those phone photos. People want it simple and light! Now, I can’t wait for departure day to arrive.
Stellie, British describes the hide perfectly. I also loved the book, Whatever You Do Don’t Run”. So many great books set in Africa, and Tauck does a nice job providing reading suggestions for Namibia. I especially enjoyed Wilbur Smith’s “The Burning Shore” and had fun discussing it with our TD. Planning to read the sequel.
Jill, did you ever get the info you needed about mini fridges? This may be repetitious, but you will have a mini fridge in The Weinberg, The Strand and the Omaanda Lodge. There is no mini fridge at Kwessi Dunes or Ongava, but the staff will gladly keep things cold for you. Every staff member we met in every lodge was so gracious and welcoming.
Thanks for the support from y'all. I have a small portable solar power bank which I can use if needed to plug in to my USB powered medical cooler if no fridge or external power is available. The cooler is about the size of a tennis ball can but a bit wider. I did ask about the issue of reliable power and was assured it exists but will ask again later this summer.
JO, if you look page one of this topic Stellie posted a picture of the duffel he received. It does not seem to possess wheels. When I called Tauck they said the dimensions are 24 by 12 by 11 and it weighs 1 pound 12 ounces
SandyFeet quick question. I know you only do "carry on" so am I to assume that you folded empty Tauck duffel up that was sent to us and placed it inside your carry on for plane travel? Then you left carry on in Windhoek packed the "duffel" for entire Namibia trip and picked up your carry on at Omaanda? (I know you graciously left duffle for fellow traveler)
Trying to figure out what's best for 31/2 weeks in Africa and how to maximize packing!
Cheers!
Stellie, that is exactly what I did. I had plenty of room in my carry on roller bag for both the Tauck duffel and my packing cubes of clothing. I re- packed once I arrived in Windhoek, leaving my carry on roller bag with Tauck who held on to it until we arrived at Omaanda. Omaanda and The Weinberg are just on opposite sides of the Windhoek airport, approximately 30 minutes in each direction. I then had my duffel and backpack with me for the majority of the tour when we were hopping on and off bush planes. Together, they did not even weigh 44 pounds. The lighter the better is my motto! Looking forward to hearing all about your tours!
SandyFeet you are a fountain of knowledge without realizing it! I had hoped to bring a regular rolled carry on with me as I have 3-4 days in Cape Town before flying to Windhoek and was going to leave a very cheap carry on at The Weinberg and ditch it. I had hoped to keep my amenity kits and other nice items from my Emirates flights(got my TA to book me in First using miles!!) but assumed it was not possible! So to be clear then, I can leave a nice carryon with Tauck and they will get it back to me at Omaanda Lodge before I fly home?
Theres a great live stream from a Namibia waterhole near where the trip stays in Etosha. As we are getting into the dry season the number of animals is increasing. if anyone cares to view, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmFZj1y_a0
Jill, that is correct. Tauck will “babysit” any luggage you leave at The Weinberg and will return it to you on your arrival at Omaanda Lodge. Our luggage was already in our Omaanda “hut” awaiting us when we checked in. The Weinberg and Omaanda are on opposite sides of the Windhoek airport. It is about a 30 minute drive. to each from the airport.
Thank you again SandyFeet! This gives me so many more options now! Now I can check a regular size bag all the way to Windhoek to fill with lovely goodies from my flights and Cape Town!
Sandy, did you per chance sleep outside while at Kwessi under the stars? Was it cold and did they have big blankets to keep you warm? It sounds sort of exciting but wonder if the cold is off-putting. Got my docs and now I'm ready to go.
MS78, yes, we slept in the “star-gazer” bed both nights at Kwessi Dunes, and it was wonderful! We were warm. There were blankets. I wonder if the staff would provide hot water bottles if asked. We didn’t need one like I did when sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari on the Z, B and SA trip , but we went to Namibia at a fairly mild time of year. Because Kwessi Dunes is a Designated International Dark Sky Zone we saw such gorgeous constellations, and the Milky Way was amazing. This resident jackal became our mascot. You will not want to leave Kwessi, but then we felt the same way about all of the other lodges. The Strand Hotel was great, but we live at the seashore so it was easier for us to leave that than Kwessi, Ongava, and especially Omaanda. You are really in for an epic adventure!
Sandyfeet, did you download the stargazing app on your mobile device suggested in Tauck Docs? What's the purpose? Is it to identify constellations? Planets? LOVE pics of your mascot!
Comments
It is very dangerous to drive at night in most parts of Africa.
Jill, we arrived back at the Omaanda Lodge after a really great morning and a delicious late lunch at the Zannier Reserve. We had time for a quick swim, an hour at the most poolside, before needing to get ready for the 5:30 Farewell Reception and Dinner. Our time was tighter than most because we had a 7 AM flight from Windhoek the next morning and had to have everything packed up and ready to leave the lodge by 4:30 AM. It was dark during the half hour ride to the Windhoek airport, and we had our last animal sighting as Samuel, our wonderful driver, stopped to allow a magnificent elephant to cross the road in front of us. I felt like it was bidding a Namibian good bye.. If you absolutely must miss the last evening at Omaanda, then Tauck will arrange transportation for you; let them worry about driving in the dark. If I were you, however, I would not want to miss spending that second night at Omaanda. It is the best lodge of the entire journey, and, as I said previously, I hated to leave it. Good luck!
Thank you SandyFeet for the excellent information! I too have a 7am flight out on the last morning so I will not change my plans to depart on the last night. I fly to JNB on Airlink, then board Qatar Airlines from JNB>DOH>DFW, then home on AA to Nashville. Very long travel day! I have read the main risk driving after dark on remote roads is not seeing animals but boy did you see a biggie that was impossible to miss!
HI Sandy- thanks for sharing timing. I too have a flight from W to Jberg on Airlink then on to Doha. I'm glad I opted for the later flight so that Its not a rush. Going home is never as exciting as the journey to, so I try to limit the stress factor. Granted I'll have a little extra time in Joberg airport but at least I scheduled us a day in Doha on the return to break up the long journey and to probably take an air-conditioned taxi to see the sites in the furnace of a city that time of year.. Thanks again for sharing your insights. I'm so anxious for this trip. One quick question, the animals at the watering hole, is it during good light? or dawn/dusk hours? I'm just trying to decide on what camera lens to bring.
oh Sandy, one more quick question. How many passengers did each plane hold from location to location? Was it smooth flights?
I can answer your questions. When I went to Namibia in 2018, there were animals at the waterhole day and night. The night sitings are special.
The smallest plane we went on was a six seater including the pilot. My husband sat next to the pilot, there was a couple sat behind him. I sat attended back and the empty seat had luggage.
Because of the heat, early morning flights are much smoother. In the afternoon ,it can be bumpy. Either way. Spectacular scenic from the air.
Every time we have been to Africa, the TD is never really sure how big/small the planes will be, it just depends what turns up, all part of the adventure! The pilots are often really young. Africa is a great place to rack up the flights required for them.
thanks British,I've been watching a youtube live stream of a waterhole near where we are staying and the amount of animals has increased tremendously as we have moved into the autumn season. I seem to see the the large herds, dazzles, parades and crashes (I remember my collective noun class from my so Africa Safari) around 5 to 6 pm their time. But I'd love to get some shots, so just wondering how the camera aperture is going to need to be in order to get shots without upping the Iso too much. this will be my smallest plane adventure, not sure if I should be looking forward to it or not......
I’m sorry, I can’t help you when it comes to cameras. Our upcoming trip, I’m not even taking my big camera, just my iPhone. Those shots are good enough for my purposes. I think we did get some nighttime shots, like of a rhino by the water hole and if I’m not mistaken, I think it might have been floodlit, but people currently on the Tauck tour should be able to tell you that. Bear in mind, it was the same water hole but that camp was pulled down to build the new fancy one.
My husband will be taking his big camera. He uses a Tamron lens, highly recommended by a friend who used to be a professional and he’s gotten great shots. We have always been lucky to have every one of the big 5 stand right by our safari vehicles at one time or another and that’s why I’m now just going to have my iPhone and I use it with a lanyard round my neck. For me, it’s very freeing from all the big camera hassle and like I said, the photos are good enough for my Shutterfly memory albums.
Good choice, Jill. That second night at Omaanda is very special, and I am happy you are choosing not to miss it. MS, British is correct about the flights and the hide. We were on mostly eight seater Cessnas as we were a small group of six. Very little turbulence, but it was during afternoon flights. The Ongava watering hole is open until about 11 or 12 PM depending on the guests. It is floodlit. One dinner was like jack-in-the box when people were jumping up and down from their meals to run down to the hide; in our case it was for a lioness. The wait staff at dinner would inform our TD if something exciting was happening at the watering hole because, in some cases, we were not facing it. One of my favorite memories was an afternoon by the pool when I hung back from a second game drive, and I think I saw more action at the watering hole than my husband reported from the drive. The TD and I were chatting briefly when we looked down from the pool deck and saw a journey of giraffes, several black-faced impala, and a family of rhinos. The TD said, “Oh, this is too good”, and down we raced. Breathtakingly beautiful. Unsure what time the hide opens, but I would assume first light/dawn when there are serious photographers in the house. I used my iPhone only and got many shots that make me so happy. Others in our group with better camera gear kindly and generously shared theirs without us ever having to ask. No one was working for Nat Geo that I know of 🤣You will love Namibia!
Wow! SandyFeet I've never been to Africa. Are you inside a protected area viewing an outside watering hole where the animals come to drink?
The hide is mostly underground with viewing which is at eye level inside and ground level outside.
My daughter mentioned she wanted to do her running when we go to Africa in July, we laughed and said no, you can’t, you even need escorts back to your room at night in some lodges. Which reminds me of the book ‘Whatever You Do Don’t Run!’ I should find it and get her to read it before we go.
Glad to know that a good iPhone works as I doubt I will have room for my Canon DSLR and 3 lenses. My medical equipment takes priority for sure-travel CPAP, insulin cooler and pump supplies. First world problem for me and glad I can still enjoy healthy travel.
Jill, Namibia can have blackouts but I assume the fancy camps have backup generators.
Sandy. Thanks for all the info. I go back and forth with my camera and the phone when taking picture. The phone is especially great for videos. I think the world is moving towards just using the phones because their cameras are so good. In fact one well known photographer has totally dumped his cameras and uses his phone and has videos on how to enhance those phone photos. People want it simple and light! Now, I can’t wait for departure day to arrive.
Stellie, British describes the hide perfectly. I also loved the book, Whatever You Do Don’t Run”. So many great books set in Africa, and Tauck does a nice job providing reading suggestions for Namibia. I especially enjoyed Wilbur Smith’s “The Burning Shore” and had fun discussing it with our TD. Planning to read the sequel.
Jill, did you ever get the info you needed about mini fridges? This may be repetitious, but you will have a mini fridge in The Weinberg, The Strand and the Omaanda Lodge. There is no mini fridge at Kwessi Dunes or Ongava, but the staff will gladly keep things cold for you. Every staff member we met in every lodge was so gracious and welcoming.
I am ready for a return trip!
Thanks for the support from y'all. I have a small portable solar power bank which I can use if needed to plug in to my USB powered medical cooler if no fridge or external power is available. The cooler is about the size of a tennis ball can but a bit wider. I did ask about the issue of reliable power and was assured it exists but will ask again later this summer.
did ur duffle have rollers (wheels)
JO, if you look page one of this topic Stellie posted a picture of the duffel he received. It does not seem to possess wheels. When I called Tauck they said the dimensions are 24 by 12 by 11 and it weighs 1 pound 12 ounces
Jo, the Namibia duffel does not have wheels.
SandyFeet quick question. I know you only do "carry on" so am I to assume that you folded empty Tauck duffel up that was sent to us and placed it inside your carry on for plane travel? Then you left carry on in Windhoek packed the "duffel" for entire Namibia trip and picked up your carry on at Omaanda? (I know you graciously left duffle for fellow traveler)
Trying to figure out what's best for 31/2 weeks in Africa and how to maximize packing!
Cheers!
Stellie, that is exactly what I did. I had plenty of room in my carry on roller bag for both the Tauck duffel and my packing cubes of clothing. I re- packed once I arrived in Windhoek, leaving my carry on roller bag with Tauck who held on to it until we arrived at Omaanda. Omaanda and The Weinberg are just on opposite sides of the Windhoek airport, approximately 30 minutes in each direction. I then had my duffel and backpack with me for the majority of the tour when we were hopping on and off bush planes. Together, they did not even weigh 44 pounds. The lighter the better is my motto! Looking forward to hearing all about your tours!
You can do it, Stellie!
SandyFeet you are a fountain of knowledge without realizing it! I had hoped to bring a regular rolled carry on with me as I have 3-4 days in Cape Town before flying to Windhoek and was going to leave a very cheap carry on at The Weinberg and ditch it. I had hoped to keep my amenity kits and other nice items from my Emirates flights(got my TA to book me in First using miles!!) but assumed it was not possible! So to be clear then, I can leave a nice carryon with Tauck and they will get it back to me at Omaanda Lodge before I fly home?
Theres a great live stream from a Namibia waterhole near where the trip stays in Etosha. As we are getting into the dry season the number of animals is increasing. if anyone cares to view, here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmFZj1y_a0
Jill, that is correct. Tauck will “babysit” any luggage you leave at The Weinberg and will return it to you on your arrival at Omaanda Lodge. Our luggage was already in our Omaanda “hut” awaiting us when we checked in. The Weinberg and Omaanda are on opposite sides of the Windhoek airport. It is about a 30 minute drive. to each from the airport.
Thank you again SandyFeet! This gives me so many more options now! Now I can check a regular size bag all the way to Windhoek to fill with lovely goodies from my flights and Cape Town!
Sandy, did you per chance sleep outside while at Kwessi under the stars? Was it cold and did they have big blankets to keep you warm? It sounds sort of exciting but wonder if the cold is off-putting. Got my docs and now I'm ready to go.
MS78, yes, we slept in the “star-gazer” bed both nights at Kwessi Dunes, and it was wonderful! We were warm. There were blankets. I wonder if the staff would provide hot water bottles if asked. We didn’t need one like I did when sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari on the Z, B and SA trip , but we went to Namibia at a fairly mild time of year. Because Kwessi Dunes is a Designated International Dark Sky Zone we saw such gorgeous constellations, and the Milky Way was amazing. This resident jackal became our mascot. You will not want to leave Kwessi, but then we felt the same way about all of the other lodges. The Strand Hotel was great, but we live at the seashore so it was easier for us to leave that than Kwessi, Ongava, and especially Omaanda. You are really in for an epic adventure!
Sandyfeet, did you download the stargazing app on your mobile device suggested in Tauck Docs? What's the purpose? Is it to identify constellations? Planets? LOVE pics of your mascot!