Blog Post
A big part of my school holidays as a child growing up in a low to middle-income family was watching a locally produced television programme called ‘Frenzy Specials,’ on NBC TV. I did not know it then, but this was in hindsight, my first encounter with the idea of domestic travel. Images of charging Hippos in the Chobe River fascinated me, crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean left me intrigued, and although seeing lions in the Etosha National Park through our tiny TV screen should probably have scared me, it mostly left me curious.
It took some years for my childhood dreams to come to be (don’t be sad, I do okay with patience) but, boy am I living my childhood dreams!
Walk through a local girl’s domestic travel dreams with me, why don’t you?
Local girl takes Etosha National Park.
Perhaps guided by how much local content I consumed as a child, I found myself in the Travel space as a young adult. As someone who identifies as a travel content creator, I take a lot of pride in my ability to not only research but also document my travels in both a captivating and informative fashion.
I would however like to caution that pictures and videos will never do the glorious Re-imagined Mokuti Etosha Lodge justice. Come iPhone 16 or the best Sony camera, the only and best way to fully experience Mokuti Etosha is by actually visiting the lodge.
Our visit to Mokuti Etosha Lodge kicked off with wet hand towels and a refreshing drink that staff described to us as iced tea. We were allocated a cart that, after a smooth 5-minute check-in, drove us through the greenery of the picturesque lodge to our haven for the duration of our stay, our cozy bedroom. The room is what I would describe as the perfect modern-day getaway haven, by this I mean, more than enough space for yourself and a partner to relax, but also accommodating of our modern-day hobbies. We were equipped with a smart TV, as well as a workstation for the possibility of working from home.
You have, by my standard, not experienced Mokuti Etosha Lodge until you get the full pool experience, the Namibian way. The various pools, accommodating guests of different ages come with some of the best views the lodge has to offer, topped off with a bar and sun deck.
I wouldn’t be living out my childhood dreams if I did not try to see at least one of the big five in the Etosha National Park, which believe it or not, I did! After years of hoping, and maybe a little praying, I finally got to see a pride of lions, and this time, not through my tiny childhood Tv screen! The game drive offered at the lodge came with a lifetime experience that I will cherish for so many more years to come.
Local girl takes the Atlantic.
If you’ve been to Namibia’s coastal town, you’ve likely seen or experienced a piece of the luxurious Strand Hotel Swakopmund. If not while enjoying delicious seafood at the sea-facing Ocean Cellar restaurant, then likely the popular Farmhouse Deli - and popular for a reason I might add. The beer lover has probably had a glass of Windhoek Lager with some steak at a point – all of this is a Strand experience.
My experience came with an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s beautiful and luxurious sea-facing bedrooms. My morning started with the calming sound of the ocean waves and a cup of coffee from my love, who did not need to go far to make my day – the coffee and tea station was right there!
Lunch, as per our tradition, was accompanied by refreshing cocktails and ocean views offered at our favourite of the three restaurants, Ocean Cellar. True to my being a creature of habit, I had what I always have – prawns!
Something about a sea-facing room makes me want to stay in bed, and because the hotel offered room service, that is exactly what I did. Strand Hotel Swakopmund, at the time, seemed the appropriate destination for what I needed, some rest.
Local girl takes Central Namibia (Midgard)
I like to describe Midgard Lodge as the perfect little home away from home, except, it feels like paradise. It is so unique! Between the vintage cars and large chess pieces, its definitely the only of its kind in Namibia.
We arrived at Midgard Lodge just a little over 14H00 and as per O&L Leisure standard, welcomed with warm smiles. The junior suite which we had been booked into was so spacious, so spacious we did not know what to do with the space. We loved it.
The lodge offered an a la carte menu for lunch and the bar had perhaps some of the best non-alcoholic cocktails I have had in the country (barmen rarely get the non-alcoholic drinks right). For dinner, much like Mokuti Etosha, we had a buffet and the menu was impressive both in quality as well as quantity.
As a majority of our travels are for relaxation, we generally try to end our vacations with spa sessions to ready us for our day-to-day lives. A ‘heart of the ocean facial’ by Rochelle, who was so kind was the perfect ending to our relaxing and luxurious experience at our home away from home.
Local girl takes Chobe
The Chobe Water Villas is what I can only describe as heaven... or close.
I have been to the villas twice thus far and given even half the chance, would definitely go back again, twice.
Our journey to the lodge started in northern Namibia and through the small town of Kasane, Botswana, from which we traveled via boat. The boat ride, though not actually offered as an activity at the lodge, already felt like one! The contrast between the greenery of the trees and the brown of the Chobe river banks, the calm waves of the river, and the large population of hippos and elephants? We hadn’t even arrived but had already experienced so much! Staff, in song and (traditional) dance, warmly welcomed us – we felt right at home.
Here’s the thing, right? Chobe Water Villas booking is all-inclusive. What this means is that when you pay for your booking, everything, between your food and drink, as well as activities is included in your booking! Oh, and we lived!
We got to experience breakfast on a morning cruise, as well as the afternoon boat cruise. We had a better chance of seeing more of the big five during the game drive as the Chobe National Park houses an impressive 4 of the big 5, three of which we actually got to see, and up close! The Namibian safari holiday of my dreams if you ask me.
Back at the lodge, Dinner is always three courses. The only thing I love more than a delicious dinner and a beautifully presented dinner – and Chobe always delivers.
The perfect ending to our stay was a room service dinner overlooking the Chobe River with the sounds of hippos all around us.
My journey around Namibia through O&L has made many of my childhood Safari dreams come true, and if you have those same dreams – the Namibian rate the group offers for domestic travelers and free cancellation policy should bring you at least one step closer to yours too.
AUTHOR
Founder of Ndapanda's Consultancy / Travel Columnist and Influencer
