Namibia is a vast Country approx 5 times the size of the UK and as such boasts a wide variety of regional variations in terms of hunting environment and that is certainly true of the Waterberg Region.
Head north out of Windhoek towards Otjiwarongo and turn right and this is where the wide-open plains of Namibia reach out towards the Waterberg Escarpment and plateau which is home to the only Cape Buffalo to be found outside of the Caprivi. Certainly this is cattle country but it is also a fabulous location to hunt with it's almost Kalahari-like red sandy soil and complimentary vegetation and as the pictures suggest, stalking by foot is essential as the density of vegetation is prohibitive to those that prefer to practise their marksmanship from distance that simply isn't an option here and while the region is lush and green, it is also pleasingly not so dense that one's legs arms and clothing is torn by the indigenous sickle thorns and acacia trees.
In terms of hunting environment, personally this is a region that genuinely lends itself to 'walk-and-stalk' outings as I found when escorted by Master Guide Johan Doman of Aloegrove, our superb hosts in this region. Visitors will find the obligatory Mopani and Acasia a delight and Raisen Bushed and Trumpet Plants make a welcome change to some of the more harsh environments to be found further North.
Species available include the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok plus Black Wildebeest, exceptional Kudu and Gemsbok plus Eland and Giraffe. In trust we have never seen so many Gemsbok in one location and the regions proximity to Damaraland has much to do with that while the rich red sandy soil provides the perfect conditions for the countless warthog that inhabit the region, which also explains why so many Cheetah are found here, plus the occasional leopard! Black-backed Jackal stalk the region and baboon can also be found in the granite koppies that thrust themselves upwards out of the ground on the perimeter of the region.
The softness of ground underfoot is such that visiting hunters enjoy easier conditions for their stalk and the numerous waterholes and clearings are such that shooting ranges vary from 30m to 200m, so forget about that 300 Win Mag and stick to something more appropriate, such as a .308 which is more than enough gun for the region and local species.
Weather conditions are in line with the rest of this hot arid Country with temperatures in June/July reaching mid to high 20's c during the day falling to almost freezing at night, in other words, the perfect conditions for visiting Europeans to enjoy their Namibian adventure although February/March and Oct/Nov which welcome the commencement and conclusion of the Hunting Season in Namibia can be very hot with temperatures in the early 40's - and since rains are seasonal, those coming at the beginning of the season should expect high levels of humidity and the occasional storm during their visit.
While we do not play favourites at The Hunting Agency it is perhaps worthy of mention that this is an excellent location for those visiting with non-hunting guests or family, especially as the facilities here have been developed in line with the expectations of European holiday-makers as well as hunters. By way of explanation, the main lodge building and restaurant is located on a flat-topped hill overlooking wide-open expanses of flat thorn-veldt with the majestic Waterberg escarpment rising some 25kms away on the horizon. The lodge is permanently manned by Izabella and boasts a swimming pool with a view to die for complimented by a comfortable lounge area and Pool Table. Each individual guest chalet is very well appointed with twin double beds and comfortable furniture together with air conditioning, ceiling fans and ensuite facilities, some boasting both walk-in shower facilities and expansive corner baths with open view across the plains to the Waterberg Plateau. In addition, significant patio doors can be opened leaving insect screens in place to allow the light breezes to take the edge off and most rooms are complimented with an outdoor dining room complete with kitchen and permanent BBQ!
This is not to say that guest facilities elsewhere in Namibia are not fabulous, but Aloegrove is somewhat unique in so much as it has permanent guests in the form of two lionesses, a pair of leopard and a pair of cheetah, each with their own high-fenced enclosure in close proximity to the guest chalets and visitors are vey welcome to come and watch them, especially at feeding time - something which never fails to generate pure delight from children of all ages (including the author who, at the ripe old age of 45 has been 'up close and personal' with each of these three cat species and never tires of sharing a moment in the company of such beautiful animals!)
