Blog - Oshili Namibia Travel and Tours CC

Raindance

2022-01-18T00:00:00+02:00

And...one, two, together. Back two, three slide. Forward, two, thr... "Stop! You're doing it wrong. It's one, two three slide, then one, two, three together."

"Jerry...what difference does it make?" Do your own thing. Stop distracting me". "Well if you do the dance properly, I won't be distracting you at all, now would I?", she snapped back at Thunder". If you want the rain to be on time, you have to do it right. Thunder just rolled his eyes and brushed Jerry off with a blah blah blah while continuing to step the way he knew best. No clouds were forming though and secretly he thought to himself "what if Jerry was right?" He's been at this for over an hour, non-stop and not a single cloud in the sky.

"Right, one more try. Come here Jerry, square your shoulders. Feet together, chin up and smile. Here we go. One, two, togeth...". "OUCH!! My foot! Just stop it already. Clearly you don't know what you are doing and you're making me look like a fool". "Fool for who?" There's no audience Jerry". Thunder drops his head laughing and tells Jerry that she's taking this dance way too serious. If it doesn't rain today, there's always tomorrow, but tomorrow doesn't form part of Jerry's vocabulary. "Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today". Jerry lived by this and every other animal knew it. Thunder started strolling over to a tree nearby to just catch his breath in the shade but Jerry wouldn't hear of it. "Thunder, if we rest now, we'll have another dreadful night of scorching heat and empty tummies. No water, no food. Rememmmmmberrr. If you'll just listen to me, you might learn something. Stop trying to be mister know-it-all and just listen for once". Thunder was bored by the lecture and it showed. But he decided to give it a try anyway. Afterall, he didn't have anything to lose.

"Fine! Have it your way. Come here woman. Let's see if YOUR way works." Ten minutes into it and Jerry began smiling secretly. "What's so funny? Thunder asked being annoyed." "Look", Jerry points. "Where?" "There fool", Jerry pointing at several clouds in the distance, forming. "You see? Women are always right". "Yeah yeah, whatever", Thunder replied. Deep down a feeling of joy crept up on him as he became hopeful that rain was on its way. That meant going to sleep satisfied. Once again he realized how lucky he was to have a true friend. It can get quite lonely in the desert. Though difficult and tiring Jerry was, nothing beats having company when it rains. What better partner could he have asked for.

Another hour passed and he felt the first few drops on his head...one, two, three. One, two, three, reminding him of dancing and how to move. He smiled approvingly at Jerry as they did the raindance in unison. "Yep, Jerry was right afterall".

Then again, women always are.

Oshili Energy

2021-04-18T00:00:00+02:00

Make memories while you're young, to have something to discuss when you're old. Take trips, try different foods and skinny dip when it's cold. Jump off a bridge, dive from a plane - you'll never know your time. Do all the things on your bucket list before you're sixty-nine. And even when you're old and grey, energetic perhaps no more, do new things everyday that makes you feel young at heart like before. Who decided life should stop at fifty - you, me or them? It's your life, your decisions, be bold and have fun my friend!

And when kids try to stop you for some or other weird reason, let them know you're the parent, it's your time, not their season. Go wild, let down your hair and spend money on stupid things, regret, forget, forgive and laugh, just fly on eagles wings. Make weird decisions, whatever consequences life might throw at you, at least for a second time round, you'll know what to do. Live a little, go crazy and do what you once would have done don't let life go by, be more than alive, be sure to have lots of fun!

A story of Hope

2021-04-18T00:00:00+02:00

Breath you take shouldn't be taken for granted. Be grateful and give thanks for the smallest things in life. The best things in life are for free. These are called blessings. Celebrate life and look at the world with new eyes. Covid-19 has taken it's toll, still is, but if you find yourself being alive, that's a blessing. If you have a family and are healthy, that's Gods way of telling you that He is still here, still in control, still bigger than any virus or sickness.

In a split second things can change, it actually did. One moment everything was hunky dory and the next, the world was flipped upside down. Yes, we panicked. We were forcefully shifted out of our comfort zones and here we are, struggling to survive and make ends meet. Everyone was affected, those in power too, because all of us are linked and interdependent somehow. Every family has their own story to tell. Some lost loved ones, some lost themselves in the process too. Some ended up falling prey to depression. Depression is real but it can be defeated. Small steps are key and taking it day by day. Slow is good. Slow is progress, as long as you keep on moving forward and as long as you have a positive support structure. We are learning valuable lessons that we are always better off than somebody else. We are fortunate enough to have more than the next person. But what exactly is "more"? More food or money? More privileges of dining at fine restaurants or buying the latest fashion item? The coolest phone or most expensive perfume? "More" should actually not be based on material possessions. "More" should mean more time with loved ones during lockdown. "More" time to reflect on how cruel we have been to Mother Earth. "More" time to ourselves, for ourselves. "More" time to grow spiritually. "More" time with life itself.

Let me not dwell on this rather sensitive topic such as spirituality. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, just count your blessings and treat others the way you would want to be treated. Always be kind as it will be returned threefold and that's all that matters. If need be, start from scratch or pick up where you left off if you were fortunate enough to not lose everything. We have lost jobs, we have lost life partners, we might have even lost our self-worth and pride but it's not too late. For now, Carpe Diem. It'll only be over, once He says it is.

Enchanting Forest

2021-04-18T00:00:00+02:00

You can't travel to the South and not go see the spectacular view of the Quiver Tree Forest. It's strikingly beautiful and makes a lovely picture. Rare of its kind, the thorny structure add to the exquisite beauty as a whole. The exact same place where Dantago saw Thandi for the first time. He couldn't take his eyes off her. For a split second he somehow got confused as to why he was there in the first place. It's beauty was immediately replaced by that of Thandi's.

"Close your mouth", he heard Thandi say as she came closer. "It's impolite to stare, don't you know? Why are you here? The trees are off limits for you today." Dantago was shy but was rather impressed by her forwardness. "Hi, I'm Dantago. Do you always talk too much?" He noticed how elegantly she was dressed from head to toe. He sensed that she was Nama too, just like him. Her head was covered with a soft pink organza headscarf. Her dress was clearly handmade, as colourful as the rainbow, rounded off with an apron matching the headscarf. Nama dress patterns comprise of small material squares needled together. She had on closed shoes made of leather.

"Why are you dressed like that?", Dantago asked pointing at her. "Like what", Thandi snapped back. "Can't you see over there? My Aunty Koros got married. We're here for the photo session. I think they chose this venue to make Uncle Agarob look good. He's always intoxicated, so my Aunty said she hopes that the trees can work it magic today." Datago laughed and Thandi secretly smiled too. Agarob never went without his favourite drink, Tombo. At least he won't begged to smile today.

They both liked each other. Body language is a big thing for this rich culture, not to mention the respect that a male must show a female. They instantly became friends and always met secretly at the Quiver trees. They would play for hours on end and Thandi later started spoiling Dantago with food. He always seemed hungry. She'd pack a picnic basket with all kinds of goodies in. Donkey meat, kaiings, magou and would also properly pack tin cups and plates too. She'd have a quilt for them to sit on as this area is very rocky and sandy. For dessert they'd always find a tree to enjoy "dani" from. Dani means "boomgom". Hide and seek followed, story-telling would begin and before they knew it, the sun would go down. They were always sad to leave the forest. They were happy there and seemed to forget about all their troubles at home. Had it not been for the forest, Dantago and Thandi would not have been married today. Sixteen years later and they still visit the Quiver Tree Forest for their anniversary.

Left eye

2021-04-13T00:00:00+02:00

She normally gets the most compliments because she can strike a pose like no other. She also doesn't make noise like the rest of the clan, she just sits there baking in the sun, head pointed towards the sky. Perhaps the stink of the others put her off, that's why she's always alone. She projects a proud, stuck-up attitude when being admired, as she's very much aware of the fact that her furry skin attracts a lot of attention. With her, it's . always an "ooh, aah or wow". However, nothing is always a hundred percent perfect. There's always some kind of flaw that makes us unique. Everyone calls her Left eye and she lives at Cape Cross.

You'll find Cape Cross Reserve 130km North of Swakopmund, on your way to Henties Bay. As you are about to step out of your vehicle, the smell will blow you away. Perhaps literally but the sight of hundreds of seals and how they sound, is just something else. There's something that draws you to them and as you linger near, you'd be drawn to Left eye. She's always on her own and that attracts people to her silent, distant presence. The Cape Fur Seal is the largest of the worlds nine fur-seal species. Over 200 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross during November/December season.

It's quite interesting how she ended up there as her mother was a fine swimmer. Her mother joined the colony but soon felt that she wasn't welcome there. They all saw her as an outcast and used to poke her left side as they often tried to push her back into the water to find another group. Yet she was adamant and kept on coming back. Clearly Left eye takes after her. Stubborn as a mule. All those years of poking caused Left eye's birth defect. She was born with only one eye. Her mother passed on. From a very young age, she could feel the rejection and negative energy of the rest. Nevertheless, her sadness soon disappeared as many came to mostly admire only her.

Over the years she had made peace with being alone. It had its advantages. Yes, she was often alone but never lonely. How she loved the sun and the effect it had on her skin. Until one day where someone spotted her exquisite beauty and took her far away. She was moved to a space where millions could appreciate and admire her beauty on display. She still thinks back of her younger years at Cape Cross. With her mom, she had fond memories. Now, Left eye is making new memories and still loves to strut her stuff in a more protected and confined space.

Namibia's finest...Swakopmund

2021-04-13T00:00:00+02:00

So the other day I found myself sitting in the car waiting for my husband who had to pay some sort of medical bill. When bills are to be paid, the wife needs to go with to take note of how wisely and responsibly the money is used. If he doesn't invite you...well, you can put one and one together. It's almost forty degrees outside and as the heat rises in the car, so are my stress levels because really now, how many people are involved exactly for paying a single bill?

Then I saw them. Khaki coloured shorts, hats, camera, sandals and backpacks. They have the ability to not quite blend in. They can be spotted a mile away. There's something about Namibia that intriques them. Swakopmund is one of their favourite holiday destinations. In fact, one of the favourites to most of the Namibian population. A small, quiet town, where everything and everywhere you want to go is within reach. Yes, walking distance my friend. "Hier sal jy loop!" The greenest palm trees, (we have other ones too), beautiful sea and buildings that are German structured. Quite picturesque.

There's enough to keep yourself busy with. If sky-diving is your thing, be crazy and go for it. Just make sure to go to the loo first. If you feel like getting up close and personal with camels, go ride them. They make great selfies. Tourists anyway get so see more than locals do. That's entirely our own fault. We are simply too busy. One should be careful of dying whilst being too busy. Once you're dead, "being busy" dies right with you.

As you take a stroll along the beach, somewhere you'll find the well-known yellow food truck. Whatever satisfies your tummy, believe me, they'll have it. Okay, maybe not Kapana. You MUST try Kapana. A Namibian delicacy enjoyed with relish and "vetkoek". "Vetkoek" is Afrikaans. People here refer to it as "fatcake" but who am I to judge by saying that's wrong? It's simply direct translation and that's exactly what it is. Sweet dough kneaded into a round ball that's deep fried in hot oil. Kapana is beef. No further explanation needed, just come taste for yourself. Back to the truck, their food is "lekkerrrr!" Fork'nnice! Try translating THAT into English. I can already hear how foreigners would pronounce the word "lacker". Well, "lacker" means nice. As they say, local is "lacker"

Now here, we don't do barbeques. We don't fry burgers or patty's. We "braai" meat and sausage, maybe with pap on the side or roosterbrood. "Pofadder" which is ..(.snake). "Skilpaadjies" (tortoise), sosaties (meat skewer/kebab) and most importantly...Basterslaai (Coloured salad...LOL) Potatoe salad. Take your pic and choose your drink. It's not for free though, unless you're invited. Don't invite yourself, we are orig enough...(that means forward/nosy), to get to know y'all first. Oh and by the way, the snake and tortoise part, is not real. We just call it that. You'll love it.

Here, we don't call them cabs. They are known to us as Taxi's. They don't necessarily like you. They are merely honking to see if you're interested to be dropped off somewhere. A single trip to any location will cost you more or less, almost a dollar. US Dollar that is. We have all things you have, but I bet you aren't here for that. You come for the sand, dunes and sea. Now we're talking. You're thinking Oshili Namibia Travel and Tours, right? Right! So go ahead and click, we'll make sure you'll get first-hand experience of all that Swakopmund has to offer. That's Swakopmund for you...surely Namibia's finest!!

Yellow Skin

2021-03-31T00:00:00+02:00

She had the liveliest eyes and brightest smile irrespective of harsh living conditions of the scorching sun and wind. A yellowish skin that glows everyday. Have you ever wondered how the San people get by, to manage a smile in such depressing times? I've come to conclude that simplicity is the answer, being content and satisfied. Nomnom was indeed satisfied. She lived a simple life. She collected veldkos (berries, bush onions, roots), walked miles in search of wood, just to provide the next meal for all her five siblings, her being the eldest. Around the fire is where bonding took place. Unique click sounds only they can do, telling each other stories about ancient times. Each one would have a chance to either sing a song, tell a story or do dances by stamping feet tot he beat of their chosen traditional songs. Nomnoms stories intriqued them all. She had a way with words leaving everyone in awe. They never knew if her stories were true or not but they believed her anyway. That's how powerful and convincing her words were. San women are treated equal to men and are greatly respected, but Nomnom was quite special. Even the little ones admired her. There was something in the way she moved and how she carried herself. When she spoke, the universe listened.

Eventhough the San has excellent sight to hunt for survival, no man in their tribe could use the bow and arrow as accurately as Nomnom could. Hunting by women was seen as a taboo, so she did it secretly. She hid it in the sand where nobody would find it. She simply worshipped it. It had such sentimental value, the exact same one that was used to kill her mother, Kwansi. They called them trophy hunters. Nomnom remember her mother being struck as if it was yesterday. The unfortunate incident when Kwansi was simply too close to big foot and ended up being the target. Big foot, is what they call the elephant. Nomnom often wondered if those men who killed Kwansi, think of that day when they admire their trophies. Was her mother's life worth it?

Whenever the moon was full, she would say a special prayer to the gods and she believed in her heart that her mother was always present, a quiet presence that always made Nomnom feel safe and looked after. She took it on her, to take care of her younger brothers. She knew that younger boys were silly and had no sense of responsibility. All they did was eat, sleep and play. At fifteen, she could do what most married women did.

She made the most beautiful blankets that were first tanned. Usually animal skins were used for this purpose. Oh and how her siblings loved sucking marrow out of the bones. When around the fire every night, before dancing, singing and clapping of hands, one would hear the sucking sounds of satisfaction once they tasted the greasy, cooked marrow. They used a plant straw to suck water out of the sand and stored it in empty ostrich eggshells. Water was appreciated as they often walked long distances in search of food.

Nomnom felt proud of all she could do. She felt she possessed her mom's qualities of being a proper San woman. Kwansi has taught Nomnom to be grateful for all they had. They had little but it made all the difference in the world. Besides, what more does one need, when the most important things in life are for free.

African Sun

2021-03-31T00:00:00+02:00

Count yourself lucky if you came to Namibia and you've seen the most beautiful animals in the world. There's no place like the Etosha National Park. Well...maybe, but not quite as unique as the one in Africa. To hear the king of the jungle roar or see the moving elegance of the giraffe, leaves one feeling completely satisfied. Africa is contagious. In a good way of course. Waking up to birds singing or hearing the rumbling and trumpeting of the elephant, this being a true sight for sore eyes. Just don't come too close or you might just never return to see your loved ones again.

Sometimes people forget that they are coming to Africa. It is not Africa, if the sun isn't hot. Our eyes and skin have adapted to the African soil. Perhaps not yours, thus Etosha wants you to come prepared. Don't forget your camera! For most of the year, weather conditions are favourable. By that, I mean sunny and warm. Our people appreciate the fine body contour lines of longitude and latitude so do cater for your finest beach wear. Once you go back, you'll even miss the annoying sound of mosquitos when taking a nap. That's why here, we use mosquito repellent. I suggest you do the same. Make sure to pack that first. On the contrary, perhaps not. That comes to a close second. Your passport should be first.

When you hear the word, Etosha, it might as well be synonym to The Big Five. Yes, if you're lucky, you might see them all in one day. Remember, I said "if" you are lucky. But Africa is full of surprises. Interesting animals of all shapes and sizes will pop up next to the road as you embark on your journey elsewhere. Wherever you find yourself, you WILL see sand and dry grass and you WILL be thirsty. Namibia makes its own brew. One cold Windhoek Lager will make you speak in tongues.

What better way to capture the beauty of all that Etosha has to offer, with a sundowner (or a lager) and finest guide sharing the love of nature. A few shots...pictures, not beer, are all you'll need to convince so many out there who thinks that Africa is just bush, lions and half naked people speaking words that fascinates mankind. Here, we like wearing clothes too and yes, it does get cold. No snow though, but South Africa comes pretty close during winter.

Here, we mind our own business but we are warm enough people and very accommodating. We are rich in culture and are extremely proud of our heritage. Mostly, we speak Afrikaans. Learn now already that we put emphasis on the letter "g". For most of the world out there, you'd pronounce "g" as a silent sound formed at the back of your throat, for example God or goat. In Namibia, we have no time for silent letters. Here, we abuse them! Google is your friend. Start with "Goeie more"...which means good morning. There are many. Try "gaan" (go) or "gee" (give). "Gou" (quickly) or "geld" (money).

As we all know, violence is something we have no control over but here we look out for each other. Namibia is one of the few countries where the violence rate is rather low. Be sure to always move in groups, and the fastest way to show people here that you are not foreign, is when anyone weird approach, just shout "Voertsek!" out loud. Pronounced as "foot-sek"". Because of the good upbringing that is taught here, I think it's best to rather not ellaborate on the English meaning of that word. Again, Google will do you that favour. So for now, let me leave it at that. "Go well". In Afrikaans, I quote...it means "Goed gaan", with an abused letter "g".

Serenity

2021-03-28T00:00:00+02:00

He was just ten years old but already knew the dunes like the back of his hand. A proud Topnaar he was indeed. It was his home where he grew up with familiar surroundings of sun, sea and sand. He felt lucky because on the dunes he was free with no worry in the world. The dunes provided everything anyone ever needed: food, medicine, peace and tranquility but most of all, closeness to his Maker.

The Sandwich Harbour with all its splendour still took him by surprise. This area forming part of the Namib Naukluft Park, which is only accessible with 4x4. Thabo proved to himself that the only 4x4 he knows and trust, were his legs. The sun was hot, but even this felt familiar to his feet. He was sure a bigger force created such beauty. Nature. Every other day he would climb these dunes. As he would often climb, he would hear the cry of a hyena in the distance. Sometimes he'd spot a springbok, to their tribe this buck presented to be the best meat. Lizards were actually his thing, not to eat though, it was just the weirdest creepy crawly with strikingly beautiful colours. Others were dull and grey, but he still watched them in awe.

When on top, he would sit down, bury his toes in the sand, look up to the bluest clear skies and talk to his Maker while munching on his favourite fruit, the !nara. Thabo called his Maker Makosi. It means "Big one". Thabo would be asking him questions like why the sun is round, how the sea got so close to the dunes or what Makosi's house looks like. Thabo's father told him once that Makosi lives up there, you can hear him talk when the wind blows and when it's extremely quiet. Thabo knew that the best place for silence would be on top of any high dune. It was always silent, so he knew that Makosi would be there. "Why don't you answer all my questions directly?", he asked. "Where are you? Give me a sign". All Thabo heard was silence and the lightest wind - a feathery touch to the cheek.

Thabo forgot having asked Makosi a question when something moving caught his eye. Strange, he thought. Why would a tortoise appear out of nowhere? Let alone, how did it get there. The dune he chose today was rather high. It must have taken the tortoise a pretty long time to reach the top. Thabo frowned, looked up and answered his own question. "Ah, now I understand". He touched the tortoise and said, "perseverance, never give up". He then looked at the sea way down below. "Majestic", he uttered. Then he felt the wind and silently thought again. That's Makosi! Makosi is in everything and everywhere.

To him, Sandwich Harbour gives the feeling of being so small. When descending these dunes, water meets your feet at the bottom. But Thabo knew the tides. One wouldn't dare go down when tides are high. Thabo knew this all too well. To observe the dunes and sea, is to form part of nature. One can't help wondering just how big Makosi really is.

OSHILI NAMIBIA TRAVEL AND TOURS, THE START OF A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

2021-03-24T00:00:00+02:00

To start a company can be one of the most challenging things to do, so let us share how Oshili Namibia started, with you

A leap of faith we took, not knowing how, where or when, yet we decided to take that step...so here is how it all began

A Foreign Exchange and Money Market Dealer, who felt restricted by eight to five, who always had a love for nature and how things, there survive

The thought of sand and sea, the wind, sun and earth has given way to Oshili Namibia Travel and Tours' birth

The Fish River Canyon is a must in the South to see, or perhaps even wildlife in Etosha, wandering free

Standing on the highest dune in the world, imagine being in Sossusvlei and even visit the Himba and Bushmen people on our way

Their click sounds are amazing you'll be intrigued by what they do, so much so you'd want a lot of pics for you

Damaraland is an option, the desert elephant to see, all these tours are tailormade especially for thee

Vast open spaces with cocktails and safari to explore, will lead you straight to Namibia, Africa once more

The cleanest air to breathe on dunes, overlooking the sea, experiencing pure bliss with an inner feeling of being free

Of the activities we offer at the coast, the Sandwich Harbour to mention one, or Cape Cross home to thousands of Seals baking under the sun

Perhaps you are into beach picnics, with a glass of bubbly on the side, who knows, even Skeleton Coast, where there are lots to hide

If romance is your thing, a desert dinner might do, something very unique for a special friend or two

Deep sea fishing is an option or birdwatching if you so prefer. Flamingos are an exquisite sight, that's for-damn-sure!

Oshili will treat you well - we do it African style, making you remember our Land of the Brave for a while

a cure for the soul and guaranteed rest,so go ahead and make that booking, with Oshili - simply the best!

- Esparanza