From the Cheetah Conservation Fund we drove to the Otjibamba Lodge, two hours south of Etosha, where I would spend two nights of R&R. No 6am start, no long road journeys ( named as an “African Massage”, where every bone in your body jumps up and down as if you are in a wheat thresher) and no crazy activities in the searing afternoon sun. I was ready for this.

I knew I was in for a treat when we drove down a long straight soft dirt raised track overlooking a small waterhole surrounded by trees and game. Behind this a small swimming pool and several simple ivory painted buildings with tin roofs. Simple, unpretentious and for me…classy.

In reception, I was greeted by the first domesticated cat that I had seen in 3 weeks, making me feel immediately at home.

If this place was one hour closer to Etosha it would be rammed. As it was, on both nights, I was one of the three rooms used of the 12 they had.

The food was very good and although the service a little haphazard, nevertheless charming. The rooms were perfect with : wildlife viewing from your terrace and Netflix and hundreds of international channels on a flat screen TV (none of which I watched, bar the rugby). Lastly, a special mention to the bed : big, crisp white cotton sheets and a mattress that hugged you. I had the best sleep.

View from me room…

I highly recommend this place.

My wondering brain only took me to question, how did the animals actually come to be here? I was told that they were bought (not brought in). Bought in from where? And how? Even Mr Israel, quick to give me an opinion if it put the Government in a bad light, was evasive. Saying that maybe they had come from South Africa, because the kudu antelopes on the property were too small to be Namibian. The property had many types of antelope, ostriches and one male giraffe, who I had nicknamed Norman. How can you get a giraffe through passport control without someone noticing ?!

Whatever….. the place had a wonderful karma. The animals all graze happily without the skittishness of the wild. Apart from my worry about Norman NoMates the picture was of peaceful perfection.