Episode Number: 7

Episode Description:
Discover Moon Mountain Lodge, a luxury desert retreat at the foot of Namibia's Naukluft Mountains, offering spectacular views across the Namib Desert and convenient access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, host Rael Zieve welcomes Frans du Raan from Travel Weavers, who shares his journey from South Africa to Namibia and his experience of nearly three decades in African tourism.

Located approximately 30 kilometres from Solitaire and 56 kilometres before Sesriem, Moon Mountain Lodge offers elevated timber-and-canvas accommodation designed to minimise environmental impact while providing panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Frans explains what guests can expect from the lodge, including its luxury rooms and executive suites, dining facilities, the Cosmos Bar and outdoor deck. He also discusses the lodge's approach to desert accommodation, using natural airflow, fans and water coolers rather than conventional air conditioning.

The conversation explores the experiences that make Moon Mountain Lodge a memorable part of a Namibia itinerary. These include early morning excursions to Sossusvlei, picnic breakfasts in the desert, guided sunset walks, stargazing and wildlife viewing at the lodge's waterhole.

Guests may encounter oryx, springbok, wildebeest, hartebeest and mountain zebra, while seasonal rainfall transforms the surrounding plains with fresh grass and wildflowers.

Frans also shares practical advice for international visitors, including travelling from Windhoek or Walvis Bay, choosing a reliable rental vehicle, preparing for Namibia's gravel roads and understanding the country's different travel seasons.

Whether you're planning a self-drive adventure, a privately guided tour or a luxury holiday near Sossusvlei, this episode offers valuable insights into Moon Mountain Lodge and the remarkable landscapes of southern Namibia.

Guest Information:
Frans du Raan
Travel Weavers
Featured Property: Moon Mountain Lodge, Namibia

Key Takeaways:

• Location and accommodation: Moon Mountain Lodge is approximately 56 kilometres from Sesriem, making it a convenient base for visiting Sossusvlei and Deadvlei while enjoying luxury desert accommodation and panoramic views.
• Activities and experiences: Guests can enjoy guided Sossusvlei excursions, picnic breakfasts, sunset walks, stargazing and wildlife viewing at the lodge's waterhole.
• Practical Namibia travel advice: Allow at least two nights where possible, prepare for changing desert temperatures, use a reliable rental vehicle and book well ahead during the busier travel season.

Contact Information:
🌍 Website: https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/moonmountainlodge

Episode Number: 6

Property / Guest Name:
Sashwa – Peter Eastwood

Episode Summary:

• Peter Eastwood shares how a lifelong connection with Africa, rhino conservation and fundraising eventually led to the creation of Sashwa in the Greater Kruger.
• Discover Sashwa’s slower safari philosophy, with 12 rooms, a wellness focus and facilities including massage, infrared sauna, yoga, meditation, a saltwater pool and creative spaces.
• Hear how the unfenced Greater Kruger setting allows wildlife such as rhino, leopard, lion and wild dog to move freely through the area.
• Learn why lower vehicle numbers can create more relaxed wildlife sightings and allow guests to spend longer with animals without the pressure of constant rotation.
• Explore Sashwa’s 100% plant-based food philosophy, local produce sourcing and its wider connection to sustainability and community support.
• Pick up practical South Africa travel advice, including what to pack, how to approach wildlife photography responsibly and what may surprise first-time visitors to the country.

Guest Information:
Peter Eastwood
Founder
Sashwa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• Sashwa combines traditional Greater Kruger safari experiences with meditation, yoga, wellness and a slower daily rhythm.
• The lodge’s low vehicle density can create quieter, longer wildlife sightings than more crowded safari environments.
• Sashwa uses food, local sourcing, conservation partnerships and community initiatives as part of a broader effort to make a positive impact.

Contact Information:
🌍 https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/sashwa

Episode Number: 5

Property / Guest Name:
Lolelunga Private Reserve – Wesley Hartmann

Episode Summary:

• Wesley Hartmann shares what makes Lolelunga Private Reserve such a distinctive Zambia safari experience, from its remote setting north of Kafue National Park to its private charter access from Lusaka.
• Discover the lodge itself, including its seven rooms, family-friendly layout, gym, spa and position overlooking the Lunga River.
• Hear how the Lunga River has been restored from a heavily depleted waterway into a protected fish nursery supporting multiple species.
• Explore Lolelunga’s safari activities, including game drives, extended night drives, walking safaris, fishing, boating, canoeing, birding and stargazing.
• Learn how long-term conservation work has helped rebuild the reserve from fewer than 100 animals to around 4,000, alongside employment, boreholes, schools, clinics and community support.
• Pick up practical Zambia travel advice, including how many nights to stay, what to pack and what might surprise first-time visitors to the country.

Guest Information:
Wesley Hartmann
Wildlife and Conservation Ambassador
Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection

Key Takeaways:

• Lolelunga’s private reserve model allows for longer night drives, creating better opportunities to search for nocturnal species such as aardvark, pangolin and civet.
• A minimum three-night stay at each safari lodge gives travellers more time to experience the property properly without feeling rushed between transfers and activities.
• Conservation at Lolelunga is closely tied to surrounding communities through local employment, fresh-water projects, schools, clinics and long-term development.

Contact Information:
🌍 https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/lolelunga