The History of N/a'an ku sê
5 years ago the Harnas family
realized that they had to improve the logistics of Harnas
in order to provide a better prognosis for the wild animals that
find their way to Harnas. They realized that transporting a sick
lion or cheetah 300 km to Windhoek (the closest big city) very
often made the difference between life and death for the particular
animal. Harnas Wildlife Foundation being a non
profit organization cannot afford to have an experienced qualified
vet on Harnas permanently and so very often animals have to be
taken to Windhoek. Marlice van Vuuren and her husband Dr. Rudie
van Vuuren actively started searching for a piece of land that
was suitable for a new wildlife sanctuary.
Eventually in the spring of
2005 together with their good friend Chris Heunis they bought
the farm Ovuuyo, only 38 km outside of Windhoek and plans were
made to start N/a'an ku sê wildlife
sanctuary and charity guest lodge. Rudie and Chris actively
became involved with Harnas and its projects
4 years ago when they, together with Marlice, who is one of only
a few people in the world that speaks the Bushman language fluently,
started a charity primary healthcare clinic for Bushman people
in the remote area of Epukiro in North-East Namibia. The wildlife
sanctuary is headed by Marlice, the Director of N/a'an
ku sê . The new sanctuary will mostly accommodate
animals that cannot be put back into the wild. Animals from all
over Namibia will primarily be seen at N/a'an
ku sê before they are either relocated or remain
at N/a'an ku sê for long term rehabilitation.
To find out more about Namibia click
here.
The Charity Lodge Concept
Not only would the Charity Lodge
open its doors to paying guests and day visitors who could come
to see the African wildlife but more importantly
it would create employment opportunities for the Bushman community.
In January 2005 Rudie and Chris met once again with a Dutch investor,
Jan Verburg from Burgland Charitas, to discuss the idea for the
rehabilitation centre and lodge and how they would only employ
Bushman people to work on the farm and in the lodge in support
of their community.
Jan Verburgs interest in the
welfare of the Bushman had already been shown by his investment
and he had also agreed that the proceeds from the lodge would
be divided equally into funding for the lifeline clinic, the wildlife
rehabilitation centre, the lodge maintenance and other projects
in Africa that he wished to support.
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"This
being just another example of innovative conservation"
The guest lodge opened
on the 29th September 2007. It is conveniently located on the
Ovuuyo farm (known as N/a'an ku sê) only
42 km east of the Namibian capital city namely, Windhoek and about
20km from the Hosea Kuaka International Airport. Although the
farm is only 35 minutes drive from Windhoek there is a sense of
remoteness. The lodge has been built in a 1500 ha game camp near
the Otjihase river, a non-perennial river, that cuts through the
farm. The area is a natural savannah paradise with riverine vegetation,
lush grass plains and magnificent mountain views. Hartebeest,
Oryx, and Kudu roam freely on the lush vegetation. The lodge is
the means to preserving a nature-based lifestyle, away from the
hustle and bustle of today's world. Every possible precaution
has been taken to minimize environmental impact. A distinctive
Architectural stile infusing a bit of luxury with Namibian sensibility
creates an aesthetic harmony with nature. N/a'an ku sê
permits only the planting of indigenous flora and also encourages
their staff to tread lightly when amenities are erected. The palette
of earthy colors, stone and thatch will ensure that the suites
blend into the landscape. Sensitively positioned suites will ensure
privacy and the best possible views.
Join
Our Volunteer Programs
N/a'an ku sê is offering you a unique opportunity
to join one of our working volunteer programs.
Follow the links at the top of this page to find out more information
about how you can help N
/a'an ku sê save animals and peoples lives
in Namibia or contact Marika for booking information using the
email link below.
We
hope to meet you soon!
The
Project Team
N/a’an ku sê Guest Lodge & Wildlife
Sanctuary
Contact
& Booking Information
Please
email or call Marika
+
264 (0) 81 261 2709
bookingsnaankuse@iway.na
Donations
As
a charity run organization we rely heavily upon donations and
sponsorships to help feed and care for our orphaned and injured
animals. Please help us with as much as you can afford by contacting
our Projects & Funds Manager Carol Owen at carolnaankuse@iway.na
Sponsors
Radiowave
our media partner for local radio campaigns broadcasting in
Namibia http://www.radiowave.com.na
