Travel Namibia | Kalkveld Mount Etjo Safari Lodge

Описание: Mount Etjo Safari Lodge | Travel Namibia | Kalkveld

A gem found on the D2483 about 40km from Kalkveld.
There is alot to say about this amazing lodge. Not only is a a unique place, but they are dedicated wildlife conservancy.

Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Okonjati Game Reserve.

One of the first private Game Reserves established in Namibia and founded by world-renowned conservationist Jan Oelofse.

Home to over 8000 animals and a impessive variety of bird species the Okonjati Wildlife Sanctuary is a true Conservation Area, this historic lodge deservedly carries the name “Etjo”, meaning place of refuge. Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is where the most important Declaration towards Namibia's Independence was signed in 1989 (The Mount Etjo Declaration).

Experiencing Wildlife activities and Enjoying Nature on the Okonjati Game Reserve is memorable and everlasting , while enjoying excuisite cuisine and luxurious accommodation, Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is and remains one of the most favourite destinations to visitors from around the world.

Even though Jan had many offers for employment in the United States, his passion for wildlife and Africa soon brought him back, where during 1964, he was employed by the Natal Parks Board in the capacity as Game Capture Officer. Thousands of animals were shot yearly in the attempt to alleviate grazing in Parks. The task fell on Jan’s shoulders to try and remove the animals alive. After applying the method from East-Africa, capturing animals on horseback and in nets, a time consuming and tedious method with high mortalities, Jan finally came up with the idea to capture animals in mass with woven opaque plastic sheets and the aid of a helicopter, during 1968. This technique, now known as the "Oelofse Method", revolutionized conservation in its entirety in Southern Africa. Translocation of animals could now take place in mass and thousands of animals were and are still re-located to private sanctuaries, conservancies and National Parks throughout Southern Africa. He visited South America, parts of America and many other places on invitation, to teach and assist other bodies of conservation’s in their endeavours to capture wild animals in mass. Jan, a dynamic and enterprising man soon started his own capture business.

He returned to Namibia during 1975, leased approximately 5000 hectare of land, a farm with the name of Etjo previously used for cattle ranching. He pitched his tents under a huge Acacia tree, fixed the telephone to the tree trunk, and with only N$ 700.00 in his pocket, courage, determination and the love for nature, he worked towards his goal. He re-introduced many new species of game to the leased land, which he later purchased, together with neighbouring land, named Okonjati and thus founded the Okonjati Game Sanctuary. It took him and his wife Annette 30 years to build up the Okonjati Game Sanctuary to its size of over 30 000 hectares today and create an environment for thousands of animals and birds. Elephants were introduced during 1985, as well as many different species, like the rare Roan and Sable Antelope, who found a place of refuge in the sanctuary.
https://www.mount-etjo.com