Our very own Coenraad Strydom has been out on the frontline of wild Africa, searching for new destinations, safari lodges and activities to include in upcoming Best African Safari packages and itineraries... 

As a guest of O&L Leisure and Abenteuer Afrika Safari, Coen participated in a post-conference tour after the recent Africa's Eden trade show in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, joining a small group of agents and fellow operators on this wonderful familiarisation trip. Let's get the lowdown from Coen himself...

"We started our tour with a visit to the luxurious water villas at the Chobe Water Villas, Just across the river from Kasane on the Namibian side of the Chobe River," says Coen. "From the lodge you can easily access the adjacent Chobe National Park - one of Botswana's flagship reserves that's home to the Big Five and a variety of wonderful wildlife. Just an hour’s drive away by road are the Victoria Falls, and  a visit to this wonder of the natural world is a must!" 

Coen explains that Chobe Water Villas is an exclusive 16-villa luxury lodge facing the spectacular Chobe River, with views out over the world-renowned Sedudu Island with some of the densest wildlife populations on any river system in the world.

"We were welcomed with a celebration of song and dance by the staff, and after enjoying a very refreshing welcoming drink, we listened to the fascinating story of the lodge's architecture and the themes that have inspired the building of the property. We also visited the local Kasenu village and immediately fell in love with the warm-hearted Masubia people," says Coen.

"We spent time in the swimming pool, enjoyed amazing food and had time to relax with a drink on the patio outside our rooms where we absorbed the majestic river views with hippo and elephants grazing on the island in front of us. It was magical."

A sunset river cruise followed, which turned out to be a highlight with herds of antelope, elephants, buffalo, and large pods of hippos inviting some serious camera clicks. "We all looked on as two young lions attempted an attack on a herd of impala, but unfortunately for the lions the impala’s won the race on this occasion," laughs Coen.

"As daylight faded and the warm colours of sunset drew closer we indulged in a barbeque fit for a king on the river boat, arriving back at the villas just in time to enjoy a nightcap." 

According to Coen, once in bed at Chobe Water Villas, it became a tug of war between the desire to stay awake and listen to the sounds of the African night - lions roaring in the distance, hippos calling on the island in front of the villa - and floating off to a blissful sleep in one of the most comfortable beds he's ever slept in!

"The next morning as the sun rose, birdsong replaced the usual alarm clock, inviting you to enjoy a cup of morning coffee on the patio as local fisherman wave good morning from their Mokoro’s, on their way home with the first catch of the day. After breakfast we were off to Kasane airport for our private flight to the desert town of Swakopmund, where we spent the next two days at the beautiful Strand Hotel...

"After a wonderful warm welcome, we were treated to a craft beer and food paring. Amazing flavours exploded in our mouths as we sampled a variety of dishes with excellent craft beer. But one cannot live of food and drink alone, sometimes you need a well-deserved massage, which was amazing!

"My second-floor apartment had stunning sea views, and it was easy to relax to the sound of waves breaking on the nearby beach. But enough of this relaxing business as there was fun to be had! 

"Off we went to the harbour town of Walvisbay where a catamaran cruise of the bay awaited. We made friends with some rescued seals that came aboard for a wet hug and kiss, and you can also spot amazing sea creatures such as whales, dolphins, leatherback turtles and penguins, if you're lucky. 

"Back on land we headed back to Swakopmund and after some wonderful seafood we headed for the desert where the real adventure lies! 

"We started off with a quadbike trek into the desert and then had great fun in the sand dunes with our sand boards, sliding down the dunes before riding the quadbikes back to camp.

"We headed back into the desert to enjoy sundowners and dinner in the dunes, under the open Namibian skies. The hills lit up in so many ways as the last rays of the sun painted the sky and the hills in an array of magical colours!

"As we arrived in a canyon with lanterns lighting up the rocks, a flame dancer welcomed us to the dinner table and we enjoyed the best outdoor cooking, under a billion stars."

Swakopmund has got so much to offer, from historic buildings and the Swakopmund Museum to an interesting aquarium that's a must. Adventures available from this wonderful coastal town include quad biking, dune carting, hot air ballooning and even sky diving!

From here, Coen and Co travelled on to Mokuti Etosha Lodge, a green oasis bordering the Etosha National Park.

"Luxurious accommodation under big Namibian trees set the scene for a relaxing day at the swimming pool, with antelope grazing on the green landscaped gardens," says Coen. "But if you want to increase your heartrate a bit go for a tour of the snake park where you can touch some of Africa’s most feared creatures. The day ended with singing and dancing provided by the local San bushmen, a hearty dinner and welcome bed.

"The following morning we were up early, heading into Etosha National Park, with its vast, open salt pans and endless horizons home to a variety of amazing wildlife species. It's a dream destination for game viewing!

"We spent the morning in search of the Big Five, returning to the lodge for some R&R, spending the rest of the day indulging in spa treatments, swimming and general relaxation."

"The next day we headed for Okahandja where the staff of the Midgard Country Estate, (situated about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Windhoek) awaited us.

"Midgard was once home to Carl List, a prominent businessman who started Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Leisure. Its beautiful gardens, luxurious accommodation, majestic horses, priceless collection of vintage cars and great restaurant are all sensational. 

"Midgard is all about spending time in nature and there's lots to do, from tennis, swimming and horse riding to bushwalks and mountain bike trails to explore. To round off the day enjoy a sundowner at one of the various lookout points in the surrounding mountains. It was with a heavy heart that we departed the next day to Windhoek to catch our flight home."

So what is Coen's impression of this wonderful tour?

"It was amazing," he says. "Namibia is a country of contrasts and wide open spaces, with landscapes that will blow your mind. This trip can either be done through road transfers or by flying into nearby destinations. There are daily flights into Kasane and Windhoek, and from there we will take care of all the adventures."