Tracking in Namibia with Ray Mears

  1 of 5

  This was a fantastic expedition with Ray Mears and the Woodlore team. Having traveled to Namibia twice previously, I was excited to see this stunning country through the eyes of a true bushcraft expert. I wasn't disappointed. Our friendly group of 16 learned how to track more than 20 different animals on foot, as well as identify their gender, age, and even direction of travel. We also learned traditional skills from the local bush people and spent time with them and their families. Day and night safaris were plentiful and our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and couldn't do enough for us. We met local conservationists who taught us about projects and how we could get involved and show our support. The pace of the tour was just right, in that we were kept busy but also had time to relax and enjoy the luxuries on camp. A nice added bonus was the extra little lessons that Ray gave us, such as how to use our cameras and binoculars effectively. I learned so many useful skills that can be utilized in all aspects of life and not just in the bush. The accommodation was superb and the setting just breathtaking, right next to a watering hole and overlooking the surrounding grasslands. And the food (especially dessert!) was delicious. Namibia is a magical country in its own right. Experiencing it with Ray and Woodlore left me feeling that I had seen so much more of the "heart" of Namibia that is often overlooked on less specialist trips. I am now looking forward to my next expedition with Woodlore in the Northern Forests of Finland.  

  Sarah Bowditch

  2 of 5

  Namibia is a place of surprising beauty. The animals and people are generally graceful and wonderfully adapted to their environment. Although the bushmen who accompanied us on many of our outings in 2014 spoke languages that I do not understand, their meaning was made quite clear by GP Britz, who acted as a guide and interpreter, and by their gestures and their eyes. When we first arrived at Erindi, and when I stepped onto the veranda at the back of the lodge over looking the water hole, catching sight of a magnificent elephant feeding very close by, it felt like stepping into heaven. That same day, in the evening, I met Ray. It is obvious from his many books and programmes that Ray has a special knowledge, but personal contact brings an appreciation of his perceptive powers. He sees much, and can ask incisive questions about other subjects, making for good conversation when relaxed. Dan Hume, too, is knowledgeable, self effacing, and hard-working even when taken poorly - something he did not reveal until he had virtually recovered. Ruth was a delight - gracious, fun-loving and keen-eyed. We were kindly and carefully looked after, and tested. On this course it is wise to stay alert and be ready for the unexpected. At the same time there is a great deal of fun to be had in this distant paradise. I miss the people we met and the place itself hugely, but have memories and new skills as a reward.  

  Steve Smith

  3 of 5

  I have just returned from this course and words cannot describe how amazing it was. Being in Namibia on safari would have been wonderful in its own right with the abundance of wildlife, friendliness of staff, quality of accommodation and extremely knowledgeable local guides. Travelling with Woodlore added a very special extra to the entire experience as we had chance to learn about the animals behaviour, to recognise and follow their tracks and how to behave around these amazing and inspiring creatures if we encountered them away from the vehicles. This made it one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. Rays knowledge and passion was matched only by his enthusiasm to share it with the lucky few of us who travelled with him. I cant thank Ray, Ruth and Dan enough for all the time they spent with us and for their hospitality. Enormous fun and learning combined in a perfect combination! If you are reading this thinking about booking the trip - go ahead - you will never regret it. I will be living off the memories for a long time to come.  

  John Crawford

  4 of 5

  If anyone is wondering whether this course is worth all the expense, I can tell you categorically that YES IT IS! This was my first trip away as a singleton so I was a little nervous, but Ray (and Ruth) and the team were amazing. I was inspired, amazed, bedazzled and in awe at the sights, sounds and smells of Namibia. The abundant wildlife we saw was truly incredible. I spoke with other visitors at Erindi who didnt see half of what our group saw, and for this I credit the expert tracking skills of Ray, the Erindi guides (Rheinhardt and JP) and the San Bushmen we were privy to be with. Our jeep was nick named the fun bus which says it all really as we had a great laugh as well as learning so much about the area and how to track animals in the wild. My fellow course companions were also excellent company. The accommodation too was superb and the Oryx steaks on the menu sublime! I also really valued the time we spent with Natasha Britz who taught us about the Global Leopard Project and the practical help we were able to give working out the parentage of a leopard cub using our tracking skills! There isnt a week that has passed since where I havent reminisced about this wonderful experience. I cant recommend Ray and the team enough. Also, special thanks to the lovely Dan Hume who helped me build a bird snare when I had all but given up!  

  Alison Walsh

  5 of 5

  Namibia was an absolute feast for the eyes (the wildlife and the rock art were truly exceptional), the nose (a kill really needs to be experienced first hand and at a distance of less than 25 yards) and of course the mind. Courses at Woodlore invariably teach many skills an enable you to experience environments that are generally out of reach for the mainstream tourist. The tracking course without doubt ticked all the boxes both from a skills and experience perspective. The classroom work in relation to the more lethal animals (and reptiles) that may be encountered and what to do should this occur was memorable and upon seeking a black mamba on our first game drive and being charged by a black rhino I thoroughly appreciated the approach the Woodlore team took with regard to preparation and bush awareness. This is a wild place not a zoo, but as we gained confidence and experience in our groups it was plain to see that everyone was absolutely absorbed in the tracking (with 360 degree awareness of course) and dreading the day it all had to come to an end. This was my third expedition with Woodlore and whilst all different all are highly recommended. No doubt Ill continue to indulge myself next year. A real highlight for 2012, thank you all and especially Ray, Ruth, Dan, Reinhardt, GP and our San Bushmen trackers (whose names I dare not attempt to spell).  

  Dean White