03.09.2021: Conservation Lodge
Today, for the first time, the navigation system was set to our final lodge. The last days of this journey will be spent at the modern N/a’an Kuse Lodge. Since the drive here was one of the longest of the entire trip, today’s only real plan was simple: relax, slow down, and enjoy the pool ☝🏼.
But Africa… always has its own ideas.
While we were fully committed to serious poolside chilling, we suddenly got visitors — a baboon mother and her baby. We happily watched them for a while… until things escalated 😱😲.
In one swift move, Mama Baboon grabbed our bag — phones, sunscreen, book and all — and took off. We shouted and chased after her, but without success 🤷🏼♂️. About 30 meters below us, she settled in comfortably and began a very thorough inspection, unpacking every single item.
Thanks to the quick and calm reaction of the lodge staff, we eventually got the bag back — completely intact… except for Simone’s book 🤷🏼♂️.
Africa really does write its own stories 🤷🏼♂️🤩
04.09.2021: catwalk…literally
This morning brought yet another truly special moment. At 8:00, we met Kofu for a short walk. Kofu stands about 1.30 meters tall, favors shades of yellow and black, and can sprint at speeds of over 100 km/h ☝🏼.
Our lodge isn’t just a lodge — it’s also a sanctuary for injured, orphaned, or human-raised wildlife. Kofu is one of them. Sadly, he spent seven years living in a house instead of out here in the wild. Because he became too accustomed to people and vehicles, releasing him back into the wild is no longer possible.
We spent an unforgettable hour walking alongside this extraordinary, graceful animal through the lodge’s savannah — a moment filled with respect, wonder, and quiet connection.
And Kofu, as incredible as he was, wouldn’t be the only encounter from today that will stay with us forever.
05.09.2021
Today, we met even more residents of the sanctuary. During the carnivore drive, we watched baboons, caracals, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards, and lions during feeding time.
For each animal, we were given an incredible depth of insight, and we were able to observe them from very close range — 🙏🏼 safely behind an electric fence 🙏🏼 — in vast enclosures that are not just species-appropriate, but exceptional in size and care.
The most intense moment came with the lions. Standing eye to eye with a hungry male lion, barely two meters away and separated by what felt like a far too thin fence for my nerves 🤯🤯 — and then the roar 🤯🤯😱😱😱. Absolutely unforgettable.
For these animals, N/a’an Kuse is a true second chance. Because of their pasts and their habituation to humans, life in the wild would no longer be possible. Seeing the dedication with which this lodge protects and supports these magnificent creatures is deeply moving. Every single cost — accommodation, food, and activities — goes directly toward their care 🙏🏼
and then ther is kay…
…and then there was Kay — with whom we spent a truly wonderful afternoon. Kay is an American in her 50s who began a tourism volunteer program here at N/a’an Kuse Lodge about six months ago. The experiences and moments she’s had here didn’t just shape her stay — they changed her life.
She told us how, after this time, she packed up her life in the U.S. and made a bold decision: this is home now. She bought one of the small villas at N/a’an Kuse and fully committed to this new chapter in Namibia. She invited us over and showed us the place she now calls home.
The kids were picked up in style — modern and very on-brand — in an ☝🏼 electric buggy ☝🏼 😂🤣. And as a former gym owner, Kay couldn’t resist giving them a spontaneous kickboxing lesson 😳.
It turned into an afternoon filled with great conversations, laughter, and genuine connection — one of those moments you don’t plan, but carry with you long after it’s over.
