Summer Break – Before real life begins
After two long flights, the comfortably warm climate came as no great surprise to Claire. After all, the average temperatures of large parts of Texas are similar to those of Namibia. But her anticipation grew during the two-hour drive to Sney Rivier Lodge. Even though the Namibian landscape had some similarities to her native Texas, an unmistakable African flair could soon be felt everywhere.
The further the drive progressed into the hinterlands, the more often game came into view. Luckily, there had been a big rain not long ago, so fresh greenery was now sprouting through the barren earth. Of all the wild game, it seemed like the baboons were most inclined to tarry in the middle of the roadway. At any rate, Claire’s enthusiasm grew with every kilometer. Our arrival at the lodge itself caused even more stares. The entranceway to the thatched main house, surrounded as it is by countless bushes and trees, only becomes visible once the automobile has stopped just a few meters away.
It is then that each guest comes to realize how uniquely the house blends harmoniously into its surroundings. One could hardly have built the Sney Rivier Lodge any closer to nature. Even before the two guests from Texas can fully comprehend the sort of heavenly refuge in which they have landed, the attentive personnel already have refreshments and a friendly welcome prepared for them. Claire and Romy are visibly impressed by the pervasive yet simple elegance of their bright rooms with open floorplans as they are taken on their first tour of the facilities. It is truly remarkable what can be built out in the bush without detracting from the natural surroundings. It is no exaggeration to say that with every day spent here, one yearns even more for a speedy return.
Even those who have no desire to hunt get their money’s worth at Sney Rivier – if you like peace and quiet and can do without a television set, that is. The best ‘shows’, after all, can be seen from the terrace of the chalet – or even from bed.
For Claire, a still young but already experienced hunter, hunting was at the top of her list. Hunting guide Basie regarded her skeptically at first. His long years of experience with hunting clients led him to question Claire’s marksmanship when faced with some of the shots that might present themselves, which are not always easy. A little later, during mandatory test-firing at the shooting range, Claire was able to dispel Basie’s doubts within a few minutes.
In Texas, especially on the large ranches, one learns at an early age how to confidently and, above all, safely handle firearms. At any rate, Basie was nothing but enthusiastic from that point on. It was no wonder, then, that Claire was able to dispatch several game animals with only one shot.
At a neighboring farm that is also administered by the Sney Rivier Lodge, equestrian guests encounter delightful conditions where, under the guidance of professional riders, they can embark on extended riding tours through the mountainous landscape. For Claire, as a semi-professional rodeo rider, this tour was an absolute ‘must’. We, on the other hand, took a pass, having outed ourselves as greenhorns in this discipline! Besides, we would have just been a hindrance to the others during their mountain outing.
More than enough diversion was offered us by a very special little creature with an unpronounceable name, a female meerkat that had wandered onto the grounds a while back and become part of the farm family. Today, she is the undisputed boss-lady of the entire pack of hunting and watchdogs and takes every opportunity to show the former alpha dog who is really in charge. It is no surprise that she sleeps among the dogs on the veranda at night as if she were one of them.
Claire, Romy and the other guests, the week sped by much too quickly. One thing they have all resolved to do is to return to the lodge as soon as possible.
Further information and booking with Blaser Safaris:
Telephone: +43 (0) 3322 / 42963
www.blaser-safaris.com
info@blaser-safaris.com
