News and Feedback
We'd love to hear from
you...
We've recently received some
feedback from happy guests...your comments are always appreciated!
To all who were involved in organising
our trip, but especially to Henk who was a fantastic guide and host
on our trip: a giant thank you. Our 4-day trip with you was the best
the best trip of our lives and back in grey London, we have raved
about it to friends ever since. I think we will live forever with
the vivid memories of the dunes, beaches and mountains. Our many
photos can never do justice to the enormity of the visual impact of
what we saw and the experience of Henk's interest and enthusiasm
about even the smallest detail of the trip. Thank you, and wishing
you all a terrific New Year in 2008. Viv and Matth
Now that we are back down to earth here
in Qatar, I just wanted to write you a quick note to confirm safe
receipt of the refund you organised in respect of the airport
transfer. Additionally, I’d like to take the opportunity to say a
huge thank you to Andre and the rest of the Skeleton Coast team for
what was a truly memorable trip. The whole experience was wonderful
and will stay with us for many years to come. I’m sure that
there is a huge amount of effort and planning that goes into the
logistics behind the scenes, in order to make the trip run so
smoothly and to appear seemingly effortless and straightforward. The
company was great, the scenery inspiring, the itinerary exceeded all
of my expectations (and I had high expectations); and to top it all
off, Andre’s hugely informative, considered, yet understated
stewardship of the tour really made the difference. In fact, we’ve
been enthusing about the trip with our colleagues and friends so
much since we got back that I wouldn’t be surprised if you start
getting bookings through from that previously unheard of hub of
tourism called Doha! Finally, we are mulling over whether we should
pack our parents off to you next year to experience the trip whilst
they are still active enough to make the most of it…we’ll see how
they react to the 700 picture slide show of our trip when we next
see them and maybe we’ll be in touch again. Thanks again for
everything and particularly to Andre. Please tell him that
departures from an international airport (which I have to do
frequently) will never be quite the same again after Windhoek!
Karen and Stephen
Dear Denitza, Well, we are now back in
the UK with only memories and photographs to remind us of our most
fantastic experiences with Andre and SKS. But what memories and what
an experience. We had such an enjoyable time. And we are now your
unofficial un-paid sales people in the Cotswolds here. Thank you
again for giving up your Sunday evening to bring the book down to
the airfield. Our friends were delighted to have it signed by Bertus
who was their guide a couple of years ago. It was our friend's
enthusiasm that made us book with you and 'to hell with the money'.
Yvette and Don
I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank the Skeleton Coast Safaris Team and in
particular Bertus for such a fantastic safari. We loved every
minute of it and it was by far and away the highlight of our whole
honeymoon. We will be sure to recommend you to all our
friends! Sophie
General:
Safari A
with Clinic: From 25 to 29 May 2006
25 May 2006:
Bertus led the way in a C210, while Henk and myself followed on with
Peter Nutt as Pilot of the C208 (caravan). Accompanying us in the
C208 was Dr Estie Maritz and her Mobile clinic.
Safari A
+C: From 07 to 11 June 2006
07 June 2006:
I started of early in the morning from Windhoek for this 5 day safari
with 2 guests, and was joined by André later in Swakopmund, from
where we continued together.
Safari A +
B: From 14 to 17 June 2006
14 June 2006:
Bertus left early in the morning to visit the Sossusvlei Dunes, and
I joined him later en-route along the coast.
Mobile Clinic
Sponsors:
Teresa Waters & Stuart Graham who have been on a safari with Henk &
André Schoeman.
Other
anonymous benefactors also assisted in the operation.
Doctor: Estie
Maritz
Project
Manager: Helga Schoeman
26 May
2006 Quidas:
From 10H00 to
13H00 was visited by four SCS staff members, thereafter six young
children, all the children seen by Dr. Maritz were in general good
health and have all had there vaccines to date.
27 May
2006 Purros:
From 09H30 to
13H00 was visited by four SCS staff members. The word was out and by
10H30 there were patients from the Purros region, at least 60 – 80,
waiting to be attended to. We did our best to see to the most
serious problems starting with the children. There is a definite
need for a clinic in this area, as many of the children have not as
yet had their standard vaccines, and appear to suffer from colds and
flu.
28 May
2006 Hartman Valley:
From 09H00 to
12H30 was visited by 4 SCS staff members. There were not as many
people as in Purros, but we did have our hands full, and I do
believe that a more regular visit by a clinic would benefit the
local people greatly.
We are now
formalizing a Foundation for Medical Care in Remote areas of Africa
(initiating in Namibia), under the auspices of Dr E. Maritz, who is
also the Executive Director of the Medical Association of Namibia,
and she specializes in Travel and Aviation Medicine. Our plan is to
eventually be able to visit the areas mentioned above at least every
3 months, though initially we will probably only manage every 6
months.
We have
already received further sponsorship from Safari Guests:
Ms. Kay
Jones; Ms. Frances Gerson; Ms. Karla Pendexter; Ms .Pat Gradek; Mr.
Michael Hays.
Should anyone
be interested in donating funds or contributing towards this Medical
Clinic Service, please contact Tanja Dahl or Helga Schoeman at the
Skeleton Coast Safaris Office.
Tel:
+264-61-224248
Fax:
+264-61-225713
E-Mail:
scs@iway.na
Address: P.O.
Box 2195
Windhoek
9000
NAMIBIA
Windhoek
to Sossusvlei/Swakopmund:
Weather:
25 May 2006:
There was barely a breeze on the way to Sossusvlei, and on the
ground it was quite ideal, a beautiful clear day.
07 June 2006:
We experienced east wind conditions on the way to Sossusvlei, but
surprisingly the conditions on the ground were quite favourable,
with only a gentle breeze tickling the surface.
14 June 2006:
The east wind had stopped blowing 24 hours ago and the visibility
was so magnificent, we could see the Gamsberg as soon as we were
over the mountains west of Windhoek, just after departure.
Wolwedans/Sossusvlei
to Swakopmund:
Weather:
25 May 2006:
The coast was clear of fog to the south of Swakopmund.
07 June 2006:
The coastal weather proved to be lovely with not much wind.
14 June 2006:
The clear sky of this morning followed us to the coast, giving
wonderful photo opportunities.
Coast/Sea:
07 June 2006:
The sea was clear and as we flew over Sandwich Harbour we spotted
plenty of shark swimming around in the lagoon, there were also
dolphins cavorting in the bay.
14 June 2006:
Clear skies experienced up to just north of Sandwich Harbour, where
we flew over the dunes along the fog bank, taking advantage of the
mystic aura.
Animals
Sighted:
25 May 2006:
Seals: We saw
plenty of seals scattered along the coastline south of Conception
Bay, basking on the sand and leasurely floating in the water.
Birds
Sighted:
25 May 2006 /
07 June 2006 / 14 June 2006:
Flamingoes:
There was no flamingo to be seen – they have all migrated to the
interior, probably the Etosha for breeding. With such a good season
of rain behind us, we expect to see a wondrous increase of flamingo
on their return.
Swakopmund
to Quidas Camp:
Weather:
25 May 2006:
The coast was shrouded with a cloud cover, sending us to the
interior, where we crossed over the Messum Crater, which is a
layered intrusion from an ancient volcano probably about 60 million
years old.
07 June 2006:
André and I flew up the coast and landed for a lunch break, the
water was cold but the sun shone in all its glory, with the wind –
not too strong – cooling the effects of the sun.
14 June 2006:
The fog persisted, so once again we routed over the Messum Crater in
the sun, the lighting was absolutely amazing. The sun in this late
afternoon accentuated all the curves and mounds reflecting an orange
glow over the vast landscape.
Animals
Sighted:
07 June 2006:
Seals: The
breeding colony at Cape Cross boasted its large numbers as we
quietly glided over them. A large number paddling around in the
ocean.
Interesting Sightings:
25 May 2006:
Spring:
Bertus took all the guests for a walk to the spring which was quite
full now after the exceptional rains.
Quidas
Camp:
Weather /
Stars:
25 May 2006:
We arrived at camp in time for a sundowner, and to enjoy the quiet
tranquility as the dying wind left only the gentle rustle of the
reeds to dance in our ears.
Later in the
evening with a clear sky, Bertus chose the best of the “jewels of
the sky” to entertain our guests. The Jewel Box is always a hit as
is the Globular Cluster and Omega Centauri.
Old stars
migrate towards a globular cluster where they eventually die.
When looking
through a telescope, the jewel box appears to be a group of stars of
different colours and brightness and size, this is caused by stars
of various ages in line of sight, though not grouped together. The
younger stars will be white, while the older stars are red, and the
ones in between a yellowish colour, depending on their distance and
size, the sizes and brightness will vary.
07 June 2006:
We arrived at the camp just before sunset, and while the guests
prepared for dinner, André set up the telescope for stargazing.
Before dinner everyone sat round the telescope and enjoyed André’s
animation as he explained various sightings through the scope.
14 June 2006:
The weather was at its best, with a visibility reaching all the way
to the Brandberg – the highest mountain in Namibia. We all enjoyed a
drink as we watched the changing colours while the sun disappeared
behind us. The stars were as magnificent as ever, the clear
sky only enhancing their beauty.
Activities:
26 May 2006:
While Bertus went for a walk to visit the engravings and the
paintings, I assisted Dr Maritz with the Clinic.
08 June 2006:
André took all of us for a long walk to the paintings and then over
the ridge to the engraving. He gave us an informed account of the
history he believed to be the cause of the dwelling sights.
15 June 2006:
In the morning we woke up to a spectacular view of the fog sneaking
into the valley below us. It felt like we were on top of the world
as the white fog randomly disclosed selected hilltops. We took to
the vehicles today and ventured to the red mountain, the weather
being as ideal as it was, made for a kaleidoscope of colours. There
are so many reds and yellows, and now that we have had rain there
are greens as well, with the blue sky as a perfect background.
Quidas to
Terrace Bay:
Weather:
26 May 2006:
Today I flew the guests to Terrace Bay, the weather clear and
pleasant, while Bertus flew with the Clinic.
15 June 2006:
Today the fog played with us, though, we were able to stay under it
to get into Terrace Bay, where there was not much wind.
Terrace
Bay Dunes:
Weather:
26 May 2006:
The roaring dunes provided for entertainment under our warm African
sun, with a blue blue sky as a backdrop. The children infecting all
with their contagious merriment and unsuppressed laughter.
08 June 2006:
The sunny skies provided a beautiful lighting for ideal photography,
while the fit were put to a challenge to climb the dunes to
re-experience the roaring effects.
15 June 2006:
We chased the sun to the edge of the dune belt, where we felt the
warmth in the sand collected over the day. After successfully
experiencing the roaring dunes with the sun as an ever-patient
spectator, the fog came creeping in to provide a feeling of awe and
mystery. We drove back to the aircraft over the hidden dune tops
through the fog.
Terrace
Bay to Puros Camp:
Weather:
26 May 2006:
I led the way back to Purros in the late afternoon enjoying the
quietness and appreciating the rare sight of the green slopes.
15 June 2006:
We flew to the edge of the fog bank then along it over the dunes
still glowing in the sunshine. What a peaceful time of day.
Puros
Camp:
Weather:
26 May 2006 /
08 June 2006 / 15 June 2006: Arriving at sunset, we all gathered
around the campfire to enjoy a drink accompanied with excited
chatter as we discussed the days adventures.
Animals
Sighted:
27 May 2006:
Once again I assisted with the Clinic while Bertus took the guests
for a game drive and to visit the local Himba Village.
Elephant: The
elephant made their appearance at the water hole near the canyon
(South of the Camp), and Bertus and his guests witnessed the two
young bulls in a playful fight with the cows looking on with
disapproval.
09 June 2006:
André had a great drive but unfortunately the elephant were somewhat
elusive.
16 June 2006:
The warm sun at dawn was welcome after a pretty cold night. After
breakfast I tended the aircraft and Bertus took to the wild riverbed
in search of the elephant, but once again they chose to remain
hidden.
Purros to
Hartman Valley (Kunene Camp):
Weather:
27 May 2006:
Bertus left Purros ahead of us (The Clinic), as we had quite a large
number of patients to see. We caught up with Bertus at Hartmann
Valley, where there was quite a wind blowing. Bertus reported a
lovely day along the coast with a shining sun and a strong wind.
09 June 2006:
A beautiful day along the coast with the seals scattered along the
beach basking in the glorious sun.
16 June 2006:
It was not really foggy but rather hazy today, the sun just a
silhouette disc in the distance, the warmth of which we were denied,
giving a nearly eerie experience as we flew along the coast. As we
left the coast to the interior the sun peeped through the scattered
clouds, throwing intense rays onto the Hartman dunes – what a sight
to behold.
Kunene
Camp:
Weather:
27 May 2006:
The air had a chill in it as we drove to the camp in the late
afternoon.
16 June 2006:
The clouds persisted, and grew thicker leaving little room for the
sun to break through, but the effect painted the landscape with
contrast and intrigue.
Activities:
28 May 2006:
We started the Clinic earlier this morning, but still had to rush
towards noon as we had to race the sun to Windhoek. Bertus took the
guests on a boat ride on the river to view the bird life and find a
crocodile or two.
10 June 2006:
I walked the guests to a rock outcrop, watching the bird life
en-route. André came to collect the guests from this rock and took
them on the morning ride while I prepared lunch.
17 June 2006:
The clouds did not want to give way and the sun was only allowed to
let a few warming rays reach the earth. However, the skies cleared a
little later, giving us all an opportunity to bask in the sun. The
crocodile made the most of the “Giant Heater” and took to the banks
affording Bertus a chance to view it from a distance.
Hartmann
Valley to Windhoek:
Weather:
27 May 2006:
Henk flew the guests back to Windhoek today, while Bertus & I flew
with the Clinic. The day was clear and free of bumps.
09 June 2006:
André flew on to Otavi where he would spend the night and visit the
Etosha the following day, while I flew back to Windhoek, to end a
wonderful safari.
16 June 2006:
We flew back to Windhoek in a hazy sky, brought on by the east wind.
Marthin Kasaona:
Marthin has
returned from KwaZulu Natal University (RSA) on the 30th of June
after completing his course work for his Master’s Degree in
Environmental Studies, he is now on his way to the Caprivi to
complete the field assignment on human - wildlife conflict.
The goal of
the assignment is to determine the problems the local inhabitants
encounter arising from conservation of wild life, and the problems
the Wild Life Conservation encounters from settlements in and around
the conservation areas. The assignment is also to supply possible
solutions to the challenges we are to envisage.
Should anyone
be interested in sponsorship, could you please contact Tanja Dahl at
the Skeleton Coast Safaris Office.
Tel:
+264-61-224248
Fax:
+264-61-225713
E-Mail:
scs@iway.na
Address:
P.O. Box 2195
Windhoek
9000
NAMIBIA
Upgrading of tents:
Henk and Léon
are working on our new tent upgrades, which will be build onto
wooden platforms. We do not wish to move away from the camping
adventure, but we are planning an en-suite bathroom for each tent.
Our prototype
is proving to be quite a challenge, and as soon as we have it up we
will furnish some pictures.
Guest Feedback:
We have
decided to insert E-Mails received from Guests that have visited our
safari. We are planning to open a FORUM page, which will allow all
kinds of feed-back from guests – both positive and constructive.
-----
Original Message -----
From: Lauren
To: 'Skeleton
Coast Safaris (iway)'
Sent: 21
June, 2006 12:21 PM
Subject:
THANK YOU
Morning Tanja,
Zonja, Andre and Helga
I have
finally settled down at the office after my time away in Namibia and
Cape Town and would like to say "thank you" for the most incredible
experience of my life.
Despite never
having been to Namibia, it has always been a country that has spoken
directly to my soul, more specifically the Skeleton Coast has been
on the top of my list of places to see before I die. I was first
exposed to the "Schoeman Family" Skeleton Coast Safari in my early
days as a consultant and the product was something that so appealed
to my sense of wonder that I always recommended it to those clients
wanting something different, an experience never to be repeated or
forgotten. Client feedback has always been incredibly positive -
"the highlight of our trip", "highly recommend the Skeleton Coast
Safari, it added a completely new dimension to our holiday", "so
glad you suggested the Skeleton Coast Safari, thank you". While I
did not have first hand experience of this safari I knew I could
sell it with absolute confidence (and envy!) as it was obvious that
it was a winner.
Receiving
your invitation to join Safari A was like winning the lottery,
needless to say I got no work done the rest of the day, instead I
kept pinching myself to make sure it wasn't all a dream. Incredibly
this feeling is still with me days after the trip - wonderful
flashes of memory while braving peak hour traffic, standing in line
at the grocers, enjoying dinner with friends - memories of staring
down a plus 700m long 34 degree mountain slope from the top of a
landrover with Helga screaming "Heee Ha" as we slowly make our way
to the bottom, waking every morning to the most beautiful view from
my open tent flap, the healing vibration of the Roaring Dunes, the
wonderment of Natures' artistic flair and her passion for colour and
contrast. A life-changing experience - yes, a soul-changing
experience - most definitely.
Each day and
each camp provided something new, no two days were the same, in fact
no two hours were the same. As one of the guests, Maria, commented
"you can't possibly close your eyes or you are bound to miss
something", everywhere you looked offered something to be amazed
about, something to catch your breath, something new to learn. And
Andre and Helga were absolutely fantastic as they explained the
history, geology, ecology and culture of the different areas. My
brain became a sponge as they filled it with facts, myths, anecdotes
and tales and this is what, for me, sets this safari apart from all
the others - the absolute passion and dedication this family has for
a part of the world that has fed their souls since the day they were
born. Their commitment and love for the Skeleton Coast was tangible
and their honest desire to share this with guests was inspiring.
After a two
hour presentation to staff in which I went through the stunning
photos, the itinerary, the camps, my impressions, my experience from
beginning to end, I was asked "what would you like to see changed or
improved?" - easy answer, nothing!! This was a perfectly unique and
honest experience which I would not wish to change as it has changed
me.
Thank you.
Kind Regards
Lauren
Please forward any other suggestions or comments to:
Tanja
Dahl at the Skeleton Coast Safaris Office
Tel:
+264-61-224248
Fax:
+264-61-225713
E-Mail:
scs@iway.na
Address: P.O. Box 2195
Windhoek
9000
NAMIBIA
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