Bush Telegraph

THE NATURE CONSERVATION BOARD

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has inaugurated the first ever Nature Conservation Board. Its 11 members represent the wildlife sector and will engage in policy frameworks, solutions and strategies on the management of Namibia’s wildlife. The board will serve as an advisory body to the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU: SKY LOUNGE & CAFÉ

When you happen to be in the vicinity of Eros Airport, make sure to stop by the new Sky Lounge & Café run by Lindy Ford. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner while admiring the aeroplanes down below – a great vantage point for those who are passionate about aviation or those who suffer from a severe case of Wanderlust but need to head back to the office after lunchtime. The space is also available to rent for a variety of events. We recommend keeping your eyes on the daily lunch specials or simply enjoying a slice of cake with your afternoon coffee. www.facebook.com/Sky-Lounge-and-Cafe

NEW AND NEWLY RENOVATED

• The new Serra Cafema, on the banks of the Kunene River in the furthest north-western corner of the country (read the full article on page 44)

• The Desert Grace, situated 30 km south of Solitaire and 60 km north of Sesriem (read the full article on page 54)

• Shipwreck Lodge, located in the famous Skeleton Coast Park between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers (read the full article on page 24)

TASA’S NEWEST TEAM PLAYER

Introducing the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia’s newest passionate member - Tonderayi Prosper Mageza. Prosper joined TASA in June 2018 as the Office Manager. With his experience in retail operations, travel and tourism management, environmental education and practice, he aims to assist TASA in continuing to promote, develop and assist tourism stakeholders, especially tour operators, with sustainable tourism on the foreground. This will be part of the foundation for conservation in Namibia and the world.

K9'S CUR-TAIL POACHING ATTEMPTS IN ETOSHA

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Invictus K9 trainers have worked day and night with four dogs and their handlers from the Ministry of Defence Special Force Unit to get them into the field. In an attempt to curb poaching, the canines, based at the dog unit at Waterberg, are trained to search for firearms, ammunition and illegal wildlife products. This project has turned out to be anything but mere barking at the moon – the dogs have already tracked down poachers in Etosha, and that was only during the training period.

GET YOUR HANDS ON A COPY

The second edition of Hentie Burger’s photographic portfolio has recently been published. Namibia Panorama / Panorama Namibiano is a collection of beautiful pictures, now available with text in four languages – English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Italian.

WINNERS OF THE GET NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Finalists of Naturally Namibia’s photo competition have set the bar sky-high with stunning entries showcasing the beauty of Namibia. Chrissi van Dyk walked off with the first prize: a 7-day stay at four Naturally Namibia lodges; and Hannelie Rossouw won second prize: a 5-day stay at three of the lodges.