Situated a mere 29 kilometres south east from Windhoek on a
hilltop overlooking a spectacular landscape, GOCHEGANAS is a luxury lodge
offering a unique combination of Wildlife, Nature and Wellness experiences.
"GOCHEGANAS" - a descriptive Damara name, meaning:
"Place of Camel Thorns, abounding with Candle-Pod Acacias" is more
than just a place, it is an experience….
GocheGanas offers 16 luxurious chalets, under thatched roof,
with uninterrupted views over the Nature Reserve. All rooms are equipped with
en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, mini bars, TV and DVD/CD players.
Game abound on the GocheGanas Nature Reserve, with 25 different large game
species totalling approximately 1,600 animals roaming across the reserve. Our
early morning and late afternoon game drives remain a highlight for many of visitors.
With 25 different wildlife species on the 6000 hectares at
GocheGanas, our game drives remain a very popular activity. Game drives are
undertaken early morning and late afternoon and includes a stop halfway where
we serve snacks and drinks to guests. The qualified guide assists with
sharing information on fauna, flora and interesting bird species.
With the
abundance of game on the farm, every game drive has its highlights, especially
when guests are lucky enough to view the rhino family!
Other game on GocheGanas include steenbok, duiker,
klipspringer, red hartebeest, wildebeest (blue), eland, Burchell's zebra
(Protected and conserved mammals in Namibia), springbok, oryx (gemsbok), kudu,
giraffe, waterbuck, warthog, Hartmann's mountain zebra (Endemic, one of
Namibia's conserved mammals), square-lipped (white) rhinoceros (Second largest
land mammal), cheetah, leopard, caracal, striped polecat (Zorilla), and black
wildebeest.
Amongst the small species you can spot small-spotted genet, honey badger,
african wild cat, cape fox, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, aardwolf,
aardvark (antbear), pandolin (scaly anteater) (Protected), yellow mongoose,
banded mongoose, suricate (meerkat), ground squirrel, scrub hare, springhare,
rock dassie, porcupine, bushbaby (lesser night ape) and chacma baboon.
During December 2002, the owners of GocheGanas Nature
Reserve made an exciting discovery of ancient stone age caverns, located a few
kilometres from the Lodge. Stone tools and a variety of pottery shards were
found, and it has been confirmed that the pieces are between 2000 and 9000
years old.
More and more caverns are constantly being discovered, and it would appear that
the natural hot water spring on GocheGanas could have been the reason for stone
age humans to settle down here. The possibility also exists that rock
engravings or paintings may be found on GocheGanas. Due care is taken to not
damage this sensitive area, and for this reason, guided visits to the Stone Age
Caverns are offered by GocheGanas.
A visit to the Stone Age Caverns lasts about 2 and a half hours, and includes a
drive to the site, and thereafter a short walk to the Caverns. On the way back
to the Lodge, they stop for sundowner drinks and snacks.
They also offer guided walks in the vicinity of the Lodge. Given the number of
water holes around the Lodge, this remains a popular activity.
Wellness is a holistic approach to health that combines all
aspects of physical, mental and spiritual well-being to realign mind, body and
soul. It is a place where the noise of our busy lives is drowned out by the
whispers of tranquillity - a place where we can draw upon the strength of a
healthy body.
Guests are
also welcome to undertake unguided walks around the Lodge.
GocheGanas has an interesting background - to the beginning
of this century.
The farm "GocheGanas" is first mentioned in the archives in 1903. In
April 1913 the farm was sold for 210 000 Mark, and included the sale of 175
ostriches. The deed of sale specifies that the new owners, Stoermer and Denk
had the obligation to farm the land and not to resell it without approval of
the "Kaiserliche Gouvernement".
Failure to comply with these
conditions, would result in a fine of 10 000 Mark.
That same year, Mr. CG Mertens forwarded a letter to the
"Gouvernement" stating his intention buy GocheGanas to breed horses,
which he could not do on his farm in the Okahandja district due to the risk of
horse sickness.
He bought GocheGanas for the amount of 277 000 Mark.
During
1928 to 1936 a cheese factory was established, producing Gouda cheese.
Many
years later, Mr. I Bonadei bought the farm from Mr Mertens, marketing the milk
under the name of Bonmilk.
In 1997 the widow of Mr. Bonadei sold half of the
farm to the Ohlthaver and List Group.
The other half of the farm was sold to Mr. Udo M Stritter, who together with
his son Ingo, converted this land into a game reserve. Luxurious chalets and a
Wellness Village with state of the art equipment have been added, and is known
today as "GocheGanas".
GocheGanas is situated in central Namibia, a mere 29 km
south-east of Windhoek. Take the B1 out of Windhoek, after 20 km turn left on
the gravel road D1463 for 9 km and turn right through the GOCHEGANAS entrance
gate.
After passing through our imposing gate, you will travel another 5 km
along a winding road, leading you to the Lodge.
Wide Open Spaces - totally unpolluted, crisp &
clear.
• 30 Minutes from Windhoek and the Domestic Airport.
• 45 Minutes from the International Airport.
