Discover the Roots of N/a'ankuse - A feeding Day Tour
Description
A thrilling opportunity to observe and learn about Namibia's majestic carnivores, including cheetahs, leopards, and other native predators, in their natural environment or semi-wild habitats. Here's an outline of what the tour typically involves:Introduction to Conservation Efforts Gain insights into Namibia's conservation projects focused on protecting predators and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Learn about the role of these species in maintaining ecological balance. Guided Feeding Experience Observe trained guides feeding the carnivores in a controlled and safe environment. Witness the natural behaviors of these animals, such as their agility, strength, and hunting instincts. Educational Talks Participate in interactive sessions led by wildlife experts who discuss the challenges of conserving carnivores in Namibia. Learn about their biology, habitat, and the role of community-based conservation initiatives.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Experience an exciting half-day wildlife encounter at the renowned N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, located just outside Windhoek. This unique conservation experience offers visitors the chance to witness the feeding of some of Africa’s most fascinating predators while learning about the sanctuary’s important rescue and rehabilitation work. During the tour, you will observe animals such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, caracals, and baboons up close. Many of these animals are known as “ambassador animals,” meaning they have been rescued and are unable to return to the wild due to injury, human-wildlife conflict, or other circumstances. The sanctuary provides them with a safe home while raising awareness about wildlife conservation in Namibia.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
any hotel or accommodation
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(7)
This was a great experience! It is not a zoo, as some have said. They have fenced off vast areas of the wilderness, and the only reason you see the animals is that they take you there at feeding time, and the animals know the sound of the truck as you drive between enclosures. The guide told us interesting things about each species and the backstory of how the individuals came to there, why they needed to be rescued. If you get a chance, read The Soul of a Lion before you go…the story of how the family got into animal rescue in the first place.
The visit to Na'an kuse preservation sanctuary was really worthwhile. This non-profit organization has funded numerous efforts to protect the essence of Namibia. The tour operator showed up on time and their transport was fine. Our guide from the Preserve was very knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions. We learned a lot about the various predators in the Namibian outback and especially enjoyed the encounters with the leopards. Overall, if you want to see these magnificent animals up close this is a great excursion.
I liked the experience and the guides were great, but the machine they use to cut the meat for the animals was broken and they didn't tell us until the tour had already started. The whole point of buying a "Carnivore Feeding" experience (because it's literally its name) is to see the animals being fed, and we didn't. Plus, I would've expected they took that into consideration to offer something complimentary as a compensation, but that wasn't the case either. Also, I think they should change the picture representing the experience, because there are no lions to be seen at the moment. Even though I believe that's a good thing, since the animals they have at the reserve were rescued from vulnerability situations (so, good to learn there haven't been endangered lions in the area so far), I also believe people expect to see whatever is shown in the picture, which is supposed to represent what you will see during the experience. There are a lot of other amazing animals that could make the cut for that picture.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We truly appreciate your kind words about the guides and your overall experience. However, we sincerely regret that the Carnivore Feeding experience did not meet your expectations due to the unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, the machine used to prepare the food for the animals broke down unexpectedly, and we understand how disappointing it must have been not to witness the feeding. We acknowledge that we should have informed you earlier and offered an alternative or a form of compensation. Your concerns are completely valid, and we will ensure better communication moving forward. Regarding the promotional picture, we sincerely apologize for any confusion. Our beloved lion sadly passed away last week, and we had not yet updated the image in time. We are in the process of making the necessary changes to reflect the current wildlife at the reserve. As you rightly pointed out, the absence of lions at this time is a positive sign, as our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate vulnerable animals. We truly value your feedback and hope to welcome you back in the future for an improved experience. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to reach out. regards albin
(1) The tour was advertised with a photo of an ‘inverted safari’ (out of a cage) (they seem to have changed it in the meantime?). This is more than just false advertising - don't fall for it! (2) In fact, it's not even a safari. It's a very, very sad zoo - don't support it too! (3) If you want to support it: It is the Naankuse Bush Camp. The activity costs 55USD. If you book a taxi or shuttle to get there from Windhoek, you can get the day for 80USD (100USD more than the provider here charges). You will also have a more enjoyable experience because ... (4) ... the tour is terribly organised. It starts with the fact that you are picked up 1.5 hours early and then have to wait on site. (5) My guide was very obviously drunk? He didn't understand any questions, his speech was very slurred and delayed and he smelled very dodgy. Paying 100USD too much for this is very sad.
Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent experience. We would like to address the concerns you raised: Image Claim: Please note that no images have been altered or misrepresented as claimed. Guide's Conduct: We can confirm that the guide was not under the influence of alcohol during the activity. Refund Request: While we understand your request for a refund, it is important to consider that the activity was fully paid for, and the associated costs, including transportation to the activity center, were factored into the pricing. Additionally, we would like to clarify a few points regarding the experience: The establishment is not a zoo, as implied. It is a wildlife sanctuary, and the animals are maintained in their natural habitats, not in enclosures designed for zoo-like interactions. The pick-up time was calculated based on the distance from Windhoek to Naankuse to ensure a timely arrival for the activity. Regarding the request to touch the lion, we must emphasize that such interactions are not permitted as they pose significant risks to both the guests and the wildlife. The guide clearly communicated the purpose and limitations of the activity for everyone’s safety. We value your understanding and are committed to providing authentic and safe wildlife experiences. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns.
The carnivore feeding experience was a fantastic way to spend the day. If you are in or around Windhoek and have a spare morning I would highly recommend taking this tour. A great way to get up close to the wildlife, friendly pleasant & knowledgeable guides and staff and it is all supporting a good cause for the local people, children and endangered wildlife.
This was an absolutely amazing and unique experience, seeing and feeding all these big cats up close and hearing all their stories! Definitely one of my highlights in Namibia 😊
Hello Julia. We are happy to hear that you had absolutely wholesome experience. Thank you for the feedback. Regards
very nice experience .. The Tour Guide was well knowledgeable and was on time , was very cunforable on his driving , we eat nice lunch I can as for more I will highly recommed them
