Activities:  

 

                                        There is something for everyone. . . !

Hiking and walking. . . 

            Walking the high canyon edges 

 

 

                 Walking the Fig Tree Grove canyon

                           

Our main focus is on the never ending walking and hiking opportunities that the spectacular canyon  

landscape of the northern end of the Zaris mountains has to offer. Once the effort has been made to  

reach the high plateau the reward is being able to walk, almost endlessly, along  the zebra trails which 

follow the canyon edges, always being afforded a 360º panoramic view into the landscape beyond. 

The day does not afford enough time to go beyond our boundaries!

 

Zebras have been seen in various parts of the farm and the there is always a chance that you will see

these shy and  elusive animals in their true mountain  habitat. Klipspringers abound and can be seen in 

various areas, often being flushed from the river beds before bounding effortlessly up the steep rocky 

canyon walls until they disappear over the sky line. Kudu are also common and enjoy the linear oases

created by the relatively lush river beds in all the canyons. For the hikers and walkers the river beds

afford welcome shade that can be enjoyed to the full at the springs.

Birders will often be rewarded with sightings of one of the larger raptors in Africa . . . the "Black Eagle". There are at least two nesting pairs in  separate canyons and these are accompanied  by Augur and Jackal Buzzard as well as some of the smaller falcons and Kestrels.

Should you be fortunate enough,  you could be rewarded with sightings of both variations of the black headed canary and the cinnamon- breasted warbler, among others.

    Fig Tree Grove spring                                                     Fig Tree Grove canyon

 

Geology . . .

 

                                    Ancient stromatolite reefs

 

Zebra River offers a host of fascinating geological aspects, in particular the variety of stromatolites

found in a multitude of places on the property. Contained in these stromatolites is the Namacalathus fossil. 

Currently recognised as one of the oldest shelly fossil in the world. It underlies a volcanic ash layer which 

has been dated to 548.86million years. The accepted age of the Stromatalite layer containing the 

Namacalathus is estimated at 550 million years. 

Several world class examples of these ancient fossilized 'algae' reefs occur on the property and afford an

endless fascination for those who have time to explore!

Explore the geology!

 

Birding . . .

                                                                         Fig Tree Grove canyon

 

Birding is one of Rob's passions and he always enjoys taking the opportunity to share his knowledge and 

possibly find a new bird or two to add to the already interesting list that has been compiled for the farm.  

Each year there is a surprise or two in store for those who have the time to relax and enjoy! Our canyons

 often afford good sightings of Black (Verreaux's) Eagle, Jackal buzzard and Augur Buzzard together 

with numerous smaller raptors including the Pygmy Falcon. The linear oases of the canyon river beds offer 

a host of different species for the patient birders.

 

Stargazing . . .

 

Stargazing

Clear night skies offer  unpolluted stargazing opportunities,  almost every evening of the year with the 

exception of those few wonderful rainy days we have each year. Rob is an enthusiastic star watcher so, 

combined with the knowledge of guests who sometimes know more than he does, the telescope sessions 

are always enjoyable.

 

 

What about a bit of pampering? 

 

Massage . . .

 

 Gail's Desert Touch Massage

 Gail has been with us now for four years, after visiting as a guest.

Hails from the USA but the longest she has lived in any one place is on the Greek Island of Paros where she still owns property, the second longest is here at the lodge.

 Qualified to teach several different types of massage she has helped many people relax and feel pampered. Those that choose can also benefit from her Reiki skills.

 Her rates are N$350-00 for one and a half hour session

 

Relaxing . . .

Should your activity preference be to just relax and enjoy a book at the poolside, then we will be glad to 

make you as comfortable as possible whatever you decide to do.

            Briony, Helen & Bella

                                             The pool area              

 

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