With over fifty years of tracking experience and thirty years exploring Namibia, Ray will show you a new way of reading a landscape. You will not believe how much you have been missing until you explore the nuanced art of tracking.
As we track our way across Namibia, we aim to open not just your eyes but also your heart to the incredible landscape, its wildlife, and peoples. There is a special magic in this arid, pastel shaded country that is totally addictive.
The aim of the safari is to familiarise you with the tracks of African wildlife, but to truly understand them we must also watch the animals as they live out their lives. Ray will teach you to fully utilise your sensory awareness to meet the challenge of spotting animals that are so well camouflaged.
Our journey is all about engagement, while Ray hates to be labelled an expert his experience in his field is second to none, more importantly he is also the most patient and gifted teacher. He has a unique way of sharing his tracking and wildlife observation skills as only a true master can. He will tell you that the true teacher is nature herself, he is just the conduit for her lessons. Whichever you choose to believe the magic is magnified by the natural classroom and what a classroom Namibia is. Awe-inspiring barely describes this astonishing land of contrasts. Namibia was the first country to include an environmental protection clause in its constitution. Today approximately half of the country is protected in one way or another. Safari is a Kiswahili word for journey, but it has come to mean more than just a physical journey, encompassing the profound spiritual growth that results from touching the wild beauty of African wilderness. When you safari in Namibia, you are immersed in the untameable spirit of the African wilderness. The aridity and sheer remoteness repels the dilettante tourist and attracts the passionate, adventurous, naturalist.
“Ray, what is your favourite moment on a safari?”
“That’s easy to answer. It’s the chilly predawn when the group assembles with a warm drink and a rusk. As they watch the sun gradually illuminating the stark horizon, there is a special atmosphere. Some may be refreshing their memory of birds or animals from field guides, others brushing dust from their binoculars. But all are smiling, immersed in the moment, in the journey, in the timeless anticipation of the days coming adventures. There are not enough days in a lifetime for moments such as these.”
Our journey will take us from the Erongo mountains, which is one of the worlds largest outdoor art galleries. With cave sites decorated with San art that records the details of their traditional life. Some of the galleries are estimated to be at least 6000 years old.
Tuition on the safari will comprise some lessons conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, but mostly lessons are delivered in the field as we encounter wildlife and their tracks, wherever possible we like to finish the day by upholding the tradition of a sundowner.
After stepping off the aeroplane under the fierce African sun, we will travel by 4x4 deep into the bush, travelling north to a stunning lodge, located in the Erongo Mountains, an area rich in Rock Art and birdlife. During your stay here, you will have the opportunity to visit the local bushman village as well as taking in the rock paintings, which are a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Before we venture off into the bush, Ray will teach you how to behave and remain safe, especially when on foot. He will also give you some photography advice, helping to ensure you take home some fantastic memories to show friends and family. There will also be lectures from various local experts, giving you the rare opportunity to learn firsthand about a range of topics.
From the Erongo Mountains we will head northwest into Damaraland, which comprises nearly 50,000 km2 of arid mountain terrain where it often seems impossible that anything could survive let alone live. Here we will visit the mysterious San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which for a student of tracking is a must visit location.
Exploring this region, we will use our tracking skills to search for elusive Desert Adapted Elephants, one of the rare specialities of Namibia. Meeting these giants in such a difficult landscape where people and wildlife must share the precious water resources can be a strangely emotional experience.
Our next destination will be the Etendeka Mountains in Northern Damaraland, here the semi desert landscape is interspersed with small dry riverbeds and mopane trees. The most arid regions of the basalt mountains resemble the surface of Mars, except for occasional cactus like Euphorbia. Here we will go on foot to track Africa’s last population of truly free roaming black rhinoceros. Assisting us will be expert trackers from the community game guards, professional trackers dedicated to the preservation of these critically endangered animals. This will be an astonishing demonstration of their tracking prowess but will also bring the unforgettable thrill of being on foot with one of the largest mammals of Africa.
Travelling Eastward we will head into the region of Etosha National Park. One of the most exciting landscapes in Namibia to track in, it abounds with wildlife. Here the alert tracker can expect to find, Lion, Leopard, Giraffe, Elephant, Kudu, Oryx, Haartman’s Mountain Zebra to name but a few species. The aim is to see them before they see you.
Exploring the dry riverbeds and beautiful granite kopjes, this will be the honing ground for our tracking skills, providing you with ample opportunity to astonish yourself with all that you have learned. Naturally while in this area we will visit Etosha National Park, one Africa’s largest national parks, home to 114 Mammal species and 340 species of bird. As national parks rate worldwide, this is one of the crown jewels.
For our final two nights we will travel south again to Namibia’s central region where we will have the chance to experience encounters with game more suited to grassland and Acacia Thornveld. One of these mammals is the White Rhino, slightly more docile than its Black Rhino relative, but almost twice the size. Woodlore will call upon its 30 years of experience in Africa, and so as much as possible we will leave the confines of the vehicle to explore further on foot.
Beautiful lodge accommodation, superb food and true African hospitality, coupled with the astonishing wildlife and varied landscapes, will make this special expedition an unforgettable experience, comparable to nothing else.
Some of the wildlife you may have the opportunity to see include:This list is just a drop in the ocean compared to the wide range of possible encounters during your stay.
This expedition will take place from 17th - 27th November. If you are travelling from the UK using our recommended flights, you will need to book flights departing on the evening of 16th November to arrive in time for the course. Your return flight will arrive in the UK early on 28th November. Our recommended flight details will be sent in due course.
Included: 1 of 11
What a fantastic 10 days. A real, in-depth introduction to the birds, animals, reptiles and environment of central Namibia.
I didn’t quite know what to expect but the structure of the course, the teaching, the guiding were all excellent and the bush and the African sunsets were just astonishing.
I’d genuinely love to do it all again.
Rated: 5/5
2 of 11
We started our Namibian journey in Sossusvlei and it was amazing. Wow, we thought, can anything top this? The answer is a resounding 'Yes'. The Ray Mears bush tracking course did it in spades for us. The breadth of knowledge, the sensible and clear safety instructions, the classroom, the practical: all were top class and exceeded even our high expectations.
In addition to the outstanding course elements, the accommodation was truly luxurious with comfortable rooms, close up animal viewing, delicious food and last, but certainly not least, friendly, efficient and delightful staff. If I could give this course 5+ stars I would.
Rated: 5/5
3 of 11
Simply put, this is truly an amazing trip, one definitely not to miss out on!
The mixture of tuition, guidance, and encouragement throughout the time spent with Ray, Steve, and the guides within a formal setting and out in the game reserve was spot on, accompanied by the fun loving Ruth with her love of life and many anecdotes just added to the whole experience.
Learning how to identify different tracks and signs from a variety of animals mixed up with observing them in the wild was a lovely balance and one I won’t forget.
Last but not least, the accommodation, food, and service at The Old Traders Lodge was exemplary.
Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime trip!
Rated: 5/5
4 of 11
It was a trip of a lifetime. An excellent week in Namibia. Ray's expert knowledge and daily tuition...with local guides...showed us how to track many wildlife in the African bush. We saw close up: lions, leopards, elephants and many more. The Erindi accommodation was first class with friendly staff. We socialised with Ray and his lovely wife Ruth in the evenings. I would thoroughly recommend going.
Rated: 5/5
5 of 11
I wish to state that this experience was excellent and would readily recommend anyone to attend this expedition. As ever Woodlore came up trumps. Ray and the team, Steve and Ruth were knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging throughout. Guest speakers were interesting, thought provoking and inspiring. The two guides were friendly, very knowledgeable and a credit to Erindi. In a word; Awesome. Thank you.
Rated: 5/5
6 of 11
By now you're probably looking at the reviews to see whether the cost paid for this trip is worth the money. Undoubtedly YES! The accommodation is first rate. This is no bushcraft shelter you'll be staying in! It rates with many high class hotels anywhere in the World. The food is really good, the staff are friendly and helpful and the surroundings are so amazing. There are two water holes, one outside the bungalows and another outside the dining room veranda. The drinks are not too expensive and you just sign them to your room and pay, (cash or card), at the end of your stay. The guides for our game drives were so experienced and the benefit of going with Woodlore is you get the same two highly rated guides for the whole week. You have two game drives per day, one first thing in the morning, (half six start, prompt!) and another at 4.30 in the afternoon. Each one lasts about three to four hours long. There is also a stop for coffee in the morning drive and one for 'Sundowners' on the evening one. The guides take you to some amazing high level stops where you can watch the sun go down over the distant mountains. The drive back under the stars is something that you'll never forget. There isn't much walking on the drives as the terrain isn't conducive to being on foot. You don't want to play hide and seek with many of the animals at Erindi! Being part of the menu is something you'll want to avoid! You'll see some amazing animals and be in no doubt you will see them! Being 20 foot, or less, from a lion eating their kill is something you'll never forget. You get lectures on some species of the animals in the park during the day, before the afternoon drive. As well as being taught the different tracks and animal signs by Ray Mears. Who must surely be one of, if not the most highly knowledgeable people on the planet about tracking, spotting and knowing the animals in the reserve. You'll learn so much and come away with so many special memories you'll not want the time here to come to an end. One thing. If your partner is a bit wary of coming along because they might think it's all about 'Bushcraft', it's not! This is about becoming more aware of the many different, and special species of animals that make up our planet. You'll also make some amazing friends and share some memories forever. So if you do have any doubts about this expedition. DON'T! Get it booked you won't regret it!
Rated: 5/5
7 of 11
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.
Rated: 5/5
8 of 11
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.
Rated: 5/5
9 of 11
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.
Rated: 5/5
10 of 11
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!
Rated: 5/5
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