WALK WITH CHEETAHS – BUSHMEN CONSERVATION in AFRICA

I have encountered many outstanding organizations and projects in my many years of travel. But what I saw in Namibia was something that I will never forget. It was a place called N/a’ankuse. This place is an excellent example of a charitable concept.

My Walk with Cheetahs: Learning from the Bushmen and Exploring One of the Most Amazing Conservation Projects In Africa!

It is located 40km from Windhoek in Namibia and close to the International Airport. This place feels far removed from bustling civilization. It is a haven of tranquility and quiet, yet it boasts one of the most innovative charitable and eco-friendly ideas I have ever seen.

Walk with Cheetahs

Well… The Foundation focuses on three main areas. It aims to preserve Namibia’s wildlife, land, and native communities. N/a’ankuse also offers the chance for volunteers from around the globe to take part and receive the experience of a lifetime.

 Early Beginnings

After founders Marlice Van Vuuren and Rudie van Vuuren witnessed a San baby dying due to their local hospital’s lack of care and interest, they started a Lifeline Clinic for San Bushmen in 2003. A large property outside Windhoek was purchased – 3,200ha (8,000 acres). This property will create a sanctuary for endangered species in Namibia and employ the San Bushmen community.

N/a’ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary & Lodge was established in 2007. It includes six guest chalets and ten villas accommodating a whole family.

This is where I had the great fortune to spend some time recently.

Windhoek was about an hour’s drive. It was mostly on gravel roads, passing through beautiful scenery. It took us another 15 minutes to reach the main gate. That’s how far it was …..

It was the first thing I saw, setting the tone for everything else.

Beautiful architecture and interior design impress the main building and six adjoining guest chalets. This style was designed by Dirk Theunissen, a Namibian architect, and Laurie Owen, an interior designer from Johannesburg.

Bushwalk with the San Bushmen

The next step was to meet the San Bushmen and go on a bushwalk with them.

The Lifeline clinic was already mentioned, and N/a’ankuse provides training and employment for San. Almost all of the staff at the lodge, including Safari guides, were San. A school for San children, supported by the Jolie–Pitt Foundation, and scholarships for older children are available.

The next day, my safari guide told me how different the future looked for his children than it did when he was their age. They have choices and can create a better lot. He started his career as a gate guard and progressed to a Safari guide. More about that later.