FAQ

General FAQ
Activities FAQ
Lodging FAQ
Dining FAQ
Conservation Hunting FAQ
What does ARU mean?
ARU is derived from the beautiful Aru Tree which is endemic to Namibia and reaches 10 meters in height. The bark is regarded as effective against tapeworm. Although it is considered medicinal, it should not be used without professional medical advice.

Aru Game Lodges was conceptualized on the top of a sand dune where these trees are in abundance. The tree has a sweet smell when it blossoms, and this has lured us frequently for afternoon picnics. It is also the place where a memorial stone rests for our dear friend.

Professional Hunters

Our Professional Hunters (PH) are our pride and joy. Many upcoming PH’s in Namibia have started their careers at ARU under the hands of Gysbert and Danene.

Ethical hunting is doing the right thing when no-one else is watching, even when doing the wrong thing is legal.

Your PH will guide you and get you into the best possible position to make a successful shot while portraying our ethical hunting culture.

ARU PH's will always go the extra mile for you.

Namibia’s Climate

Hot and dry. Bring along moisturizer and sunblock. The hot (sometimes) rainy season is from October through April, when shorts are recommended. Mid-May through August are winter months, when warm clothing and gloves are essential.

Namibia’s Time Zone

GMT (London) + 1 hour. EST (New York) + 7 hours

Namibia’s Currency

Namibian Dollar. Same exchange rate as SA Rand. Thomas Cook and American Express at the airport. All major credit cards and banknotes accepted throughout Namibia. Banks open for business Mondays to Fridays 09:00 – 15:30 and Saturdays 08:00 till 11:00.

Namibia’s Language

Officially English. But 13 languages are spoken by the diverse population. At Aru Game Lodges we speak English, Afrikaans and German fluently and un peu de français.

Why choose Namibia?

Namibia is a mood.
We really can’t explain it. When you know, you know. We cannot urge you more to come and find out. Please contact us for tailor made safari adventures.

Wildlife and wild open spaces

  • Namibia has the smallest human population per square mile in Africa - the second least in the world.
  • 46% of Namibia is under conservation management.
  • All of the big 5 can be hunted in Namibia
  • 75% of the mammal species richness of Southern Africa exists in Namibia!
  • Namibia boasts with the largest proportion of land under conservation management in the world
  • 80% of Namibia’s wildlife is hosted on private land - outside of government and national parks
  • 17% of Namibia’s surface area consist of national parks.
  • The entire 1000 mile coastline is a national park.
  • The hosts the largest population of free roaming black rhino in the world.
  • The hosts the largest population of free roaming cheetah in the world.

Safety, peace, economical and political stability
Safety, peace, economic and political stability plays a massive role in providing the ultimate platform for us as hunting operators, and therefor to provide a first class, well supported by government product, placing Namibia well in the front of hunting in Africa.

  • Namibia is the youngest, most peaceful country in Africa
  • It has a democracy where ALL of the heads of state are freely elected.
  • Our national constitution is also the first in the world to formally enshrine the sustainable utilisation of all living resources.
  • Namibia has a 85% literacy rate.
  • In 2014 Namibia’s outgoing president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, received the Mo Ibrahim Award for African leadership.
  • We have freedom of speech, and we rejoice whenever government makes pro active decisions regarding our wildlife and our people.

Our government’s views
Namibia is at the forefront of conservation through sustainable use, and is the flagship to all other African countries with our community based & custodian programs. Our government’s view on hunting is refreshing and in Namibia as was pointed out by our minister of Environment & Tourism, Honorable Pohamba Shifeta

  • Namibia is a pro-wildlife utilization country and our progressive national Constitution is the first in the world to formally enshrine the sustainable utilization of living natural resources.
  • We are a hunter friendly nation with a very proud hunting heritage, and our trophy hunting community is well respected by our government and fellow Namibians as an essential and integral part of Namibia’s wildlife conservation, tourism, agricultural and business sectors.
  • Trophy hunting currently provides more on-the-job training and promotional opportunities, as well as pays better salaries than any other form of agricultural land employment options, and invests heavily in a variety of social upliftment and educational programs in rural areas throughout Namibia.
  • Statistics show that the introduction of trophy hunting here in the early 1960s was one of our countries the most successful wildlife conservation initiatives – trophy hunting has since developed into an extremely lucrative form of land utilization as well as a most effective wildlife management tool.
  • For international hunters, however, the prime draw cards are our excellent hunting professionals, high standards of ethics; interesting and varied hunting opportunities; quality, quantity and diversity of game species including the Big Five; the ease with which hunting rifles may be temporarily imported and our active and our well-respected national hunting association, NAPHA.
Communications
All camps are equipped with WIFI
Covid

WE’RE OPEN – we’re business as usual. Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world, and one of the safest to visit. As of August 2022, the requirement to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter Namibia has been dropped. Foreign travellers can now enter the country without COVID-19-related restrictions.

WE’RE SAFE – health and safety is a top priority. We’re making sure our facilities are safe for you and our team. That means extra daily cleaning, sanitizers etc. to give you the safest environment to enjoy your safari, and for our team to be there for you.

Medical Information
We recommend you contact your personal physician, local immunization clinic or public health facility to find out what immunizations are required for your overseas journey. Prophylactic medication for malaria is highly recommended for any of our Caprivi / Zambezi strip Hunts.

Please note that Kalakwa and Veronica does NOT fall in a malaria area.

There are drug stores and hospitals in Windhoek but you should bring an adequate supply of your prescribed medication. There are first aid bags in the safari vehicles and comprehensive medical boxes in each camp.

Visa Information

If you are a citizen of a country requiring a visa to enter Namibia, you can obtain this beforehand from the Namibia High Commission in your country of residence. Countries that do not require a tourist visa include South Africa, Australia, Britain, Germany, America, Canada and Japan.

Please visit the Namibia Tourism Board’s website for more information regarding Visa Requirements.

You will require an Invitation to Hunt / Visit when applying for a Visa – please find these under Other Documents.

Namibia's Tourism Website

Contact Information

Aru Hunting Safaris Namibia
PO Box 9222, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (81) 129 5536
E: info@arugamelodges.com
Contact: Danene van der Westhuyzen

Veronica Game Lodge
C: +264 (81) 129 5536
E: veronica@arugamelodges.com

Kalakwa Game Lodge
C: +264 (81) 129 5536
E: danene@arugamelodges.com

Emergency contact:
+264 (81) 128 9222

EU/German Embassy – Namibia
Sanlam Centre, 6th Floor, Independence Ave. 145, Windhoek
T: +264 (61) 27 31 00
T: +264 (61) 27 31 33
F: +264 (61) 22 29 81

U.S. Embassy – Namibia
14 Lossen Street, Ausspanplatz, Windhoek, Central Namibia
T: +264 (61) 295 8500
F: +264 (61) 295 8603

Netherlands Honorary Consulate in Windhoek, Namibia
Edelvalk Street 23, Hochland Park, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (61) 223 733
F: +264 (61) 223 732

The British High Commission – Namibia
116 Robert Mugabe Ave, P.O. Box 22202, Windhoek, Namibia
T: +264 (61) 274 800
F: +264 (61) 228 895

Travel Insurance

We know travel remains essential. And that’s why we have safe partnerships with Ripcord and Global Rescue. We recommend that you obtain your own medical emergency evacuation coverage, field evacuation, emergency assistance and travel delays through Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation or Global Rescue. Our agents will assist you with travel insurance and emergency services.

We also recommend you take out a trip cancellation policy and adequate insurance cover for yourself, your personal effects and your trophies while in transit. Even though we take all the necessary precautions to ensure your trophies are kept in good condition and that they leave Namibia in the correct condition, we cannot be held responsible for whatever might happen to them while in transit to their destination.

RIPCORD
Alex Viox
email: aviox@redpointresolutions.com
office: +1.617.410.4566

GLOBAL RESCUE
Justin Walker
email: jwalker@globalrescue.com office: +1.617.210.8110

Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation combines the best medevac and rescue insurance with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage, primary medical expense coverages, and more.

Ripcord Travel Insurance & Emergency Medical Evacuation is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel risk security company owned and operated by special operations veterans and physicians. Redpoint covers over 9 million people through commercial insurance policies, corporate employees and its Ripcord rescue travel insurance program.

 

Travel with Guns

For those of you that need help with booking of flights, or any rifle permits that you require for entry at various airports, please make use of Travel with Guns.

Steve Turner from Travel with Guns will provide you with all the information and documents necessary to travel through various countries. They offer professional and personalised travel arrangements for hunters.

The airport of arrival is Hosea Kutako International Airport. The following airlines provides flights: Air Namibia (Pty) Ltd, South African Airlines (Pty) Ltd, TAAG Angola, Airlink, Condor, South African Express (Pty) Ltd and British Airways (Comair). Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that services routes to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Luanda, Doha, Addis Ababa, Frankfurt and Amsterdam amongst others in Africa and Europe.

Is there shopping nearby?
Yes, Shopping in nearby Windhoek. This is most conveniently done from Kalakwa Lodge as we are approximately 1-hour drive away from Windhoek.
Is there a spa?
Yes at Kalakwa and Veronica. Please request this before your scheduled arrival or through the pre-trip questionnaire or as soon as possible for us to arrange this.
What non-hunting activities do you offer?
At Kalakwa and Veronica we offer: Quad biking, Game drives, Horse riding, Sundowner excursions, Clay pigeon shooting, Stargazing, Swimming pools, Fully equipped gym, Photographic safaris, Walking trails, The Rhino Royale Bush Restaurant, Weddings, Corporate Functions

SCI Blue Bag/Donation drop at local schools - during transfer between lodges. Depending upon school hours, we may have to leave camp after breakfast. We encourage our clients to take part in this ongoing venture.

Who sets up my activities?
Our onsite concession manager will curate all your experiences to make the most of your time.
Are you kid friendly?
Yes, we are family friendly. If you require child day care this needs to be pre-arranged and additional fees will apply.
Veronica Lodge

Veronica is a 2 hour drive from Hosea Kutako International Airport where red sand dunes of the majestic Kalahari wilderness meet rustic luxury.

Built on the crest of a dune it overlooks the vast savannah landscapes, with 360 degree views of the beautiful nature and what we have to offer.

  • Picture perfect sunsets and sunrises you want to last a whole life time
  • 16 chalets
  • Private air field
  • Our hunting clients always stay and hunt both Veronica and Kalakwa
Kalakwa Lodge

Kalakwa is located a mere 40 minutes from Hosea Kutako International Airport and offers landscapes ranging from savannah grasslands to bushveld and mountains.

“The mountains are calling, I must go” tells you everything about Kalakwa, every bit as magical as it sounds.

  • Home to the leopard, cheetah, hyena and many more predators.
  • And yes the Grey Ghost of Africa roams these mountains.
  • 6 chalets
  • Our hunting clients always stay and hunt both Veronica and Kalakwa
Zambezi Lodge

We hunt the very best dangerous game areas in Namibia’s Zambezi Region (formally known as the Caprivi Strip), ensuring your best chance at a quality experience. The Zambezi Region is approximately an hour-and-a-half's flight from our main plains game reserves.

What type of cuisine is served at ARU?

Our in-house chefs will treat you to the best food Namibia - a true taste of Africa while dinning inside or outside. Danene’s “From The Veld” recipe book is available at both lodges and offers some of the delicious recipes that our chef’s will prepare for you.

The Rhino Royale

How do I make a reservation?

Contact Danene at danene@arugamelodges.com or +264 (0)81 129 5536 if you would like to add this to your ARU Adventure, or visit our dedicated website for reservations.

Should I reserve my Rhino Royale spot on future events early?
Yes, the Rhino Royale experience is booked exclusively on request, or per the dedicated dates set out for the year
What type of training do your chefs have?
Our chef’s are all trained in-house by Danene, world award author of “From The Veld” - fromtheveld.com
Do you offer other culinary experiences?

ARU offers Cooking Holidays and culinary adventures for the whole family where we showcase Namibia, living off the land, and the daily feasts of it all. Contact us for a package (minimum of 12 guests)

From The Veld Recipe Book

What is 'the Veld'?
Our local terminology for; wild habitat, eco-system, bush, prairie, virgin fields, jess, unspoilt nature, terrain, natural environment.
Can I substitute meat?
Yes, you may use similar cuts of wild game, venison or domestic stock. Pease let us know how it goes.

Gourmand 2021 World Cookbook Award?
From The Veld won the famous Gourmand Cookbook Award for the Best Meat Cookbook in the World, the best Hotel Cookbook in the world, as well as the best Fundraising Cookbook in the world in 2022. Proceeds go to the Namibia Chamber of Environment.
What is Namibia Chamber of Environment (NCE)?

The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) is an umbrella Association that provides a forum and mouthpiece for the broader environment sector, that can lobby with government and other parties, that can raise funds for its members and that can represent the sector.

The Chamber aims to become a financial (and other) resource center, sponsored by industry, but at the same time keeping industry at arm's length and ensuring complete independence. Many environmental specialists work in remote areas, often alone or in small groups with little in the way of support structures. The Chamber aims to provide support to such individuals and organisations.

It raises and disburses funds for priority environmental and conservation outcomes. It will support the development and entry of young Namibians to the sector.

How do I order?

Please visit fromtheveld.com to place your order, or collect your copy at one of our lodges

What is Conservation Hunting vs Trophy Hunting?
The Namibian Cabinet approved to change the word trophy hunting to conservation hunting. However it's deeper than a simple word change. The real value from a conservation perspective should first and foremost be habitat preservation. We guide you through unspoilt terrain to find the unique species of your choice in their natural habitat. We don’t disrupt the environment, we respect it. We’ll walk and we’ll stalk until we find what we’re looking for, all in one of the most pristine locations in the world. It’s way more than just a hunt. It’s a meaningful experience that takes you back to the roots of where man evolved from. We work hard, we sweat it out, and we pass on animals not yet mature.
What is Fair-Chase/Fair-Range Hunting?
Fair Range is defined as an area in which the process of hunting an animal is in a wild area of public or private land which is bigger than the natural home-range of such a species and where environmental and/or man-made conditions and technologies, regardless of circumstance, does not only allow the animal a realistic chance to evade a potential hunter or predator on the hunt, but also facilitates that the animal is able to evade and survive in that habitat from being hunted for the duration of its lifespan. Fair range holds animals that were born and raised from a self-sustainable population, have not been manipulated by selective breeding, and occurs in its natural territory.

Our Kalakwa and Veronica concessions has a perimeter fence (no internal game fences). This in no way plays a role in your hunt. Our hunting reserves are under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). Hunting in Namibia is based on game counts and a management plan, which has to be approved by the MET via strict quotas.

All our hunting guests can rest assured that we are doing our best for the environment and local people. We understand that our ecosystem relies on a fragile balance between man and nature. We welcome discussion on how to sustain our precious natural resources further.

What is Self-Sustaining Game?
We believe very strongly in promoting self-sustainable habitat that yields a healthy mix of flora and fauna. Within our sizable, 130,900 acres (53 000 hectares) of private concessions, all game species are endemic; breeding is 100% natural and occurs according to nature’s “survival of the fittest” rule - as it should. This includes a variety of predators, including leopard, cheetah, hyena, caracal and jackal, all of which live and hunt on our properties.

We condemn all selective breeding and release practices, and we have no agricultural activities on our properties.

How big are your hunting areas?
Kalakwa and Veronica equal 130,900 acres (53,000 hectares). That’s 204+ square miles (530 square kilometers) fair chase hunting.
How many hunters are in camp?
We max out at four Professional Hunters (PH) per camp.

Maximum hunters depends upon how a safari is booked, the number of guests, 1x1 or 2x1 hunters, non hunters and families.

In most cases our camps are exclusive to booked client/group, but in some cases some groups may overlap.

We cater for the discerning hunter, offering a remarkable hunting experience – with attention to detail along with top class service.

What is your success rate?
Depends upon species, weapon, hunter and luck.

We only hunt prime, past-prime animals and regardless of horn/tusk size. We pass on animals not yet mature.

We’re not a guaranteed kill outfitter.

Can I take my meat home?
No. Rest assured no meat goes to waste and our private chef prepares a wide variety of game meat for you to try throughout your stay.
Do you take bow hunters?

Yes, We cater for the esteemed bow hunter, and pride ourselves on the sport of bow hunting in Namibia

Later dryer season is best archery dates.

We hunt archery dedicated blinds over water with some spot and stalk depending upon species, shooting distance and experience.

Important: the minimum requirements for bow hunting in Namibia is an energy of 25 ft-lbs for small game, 40 ft-lbs for medium game, and 65 ft-lbs for big game. Hunters should come well equipped as bow equipment in Namibia is limited.

Crossbow is not permitted as of yet, but Namibia’s new hunting legislation which will come into effect in 2023 will permit crossbows.

What is your average shot distance?

Plains game rifle shot range is 100–300 on average

Plains game Archery ranges out to 15- 60-yards 

Dangerous game rifle shot range is 20-40 on average

What's included?
  • Transport to and from the airport to the lodges by road
  • All meals and beverages (alcoholic beverages in moderation)
  • Accommodation
  • Daily cleaning and laundry services
  • Hunting license fees and required hunting permits
  • All pre-hunt preparation and Leopard baiting
  • Services of professional hunters, trackers, skinners, drivers
  • Four wheel drive hunting vehicles and equipment
  • Field preparation and delivery to ARU's reccommended taxidermist
  • Game drives and all other activities offered at ARU
  • Wifi on Kalakwa and Veronica
What's NOT included?
  • Transport costs to and from Namibia and airport taxes
  • Transport costs to and from our Zambezi dangerous game concessions
  • Optional traveling costs by aircraft to and from ARU lodges and or Zambezi region
  • Hire of rifles and ammunition (U$ 70 per day)
  • International phone calls
  • Insurance and medical expenses of any kind
  • Taxidermy fees and dipping, mounting and shipping of trophies
  • Import permits and fees required by countries other than Namibia
  • Sightseeing excursions other than offered at ARU
  • Gratuities to staff and PH’s (10 - 15% recommended)
  • Trophies for game wounded / taken and lost
  • Accommodation expenses before and after scheduled trophy hunting period
  • 15% VAT on all cull and wounded animals
  • 15% VAT on daily rates
  • 1% Tourism Levy on daily rates
  • Bank charges at (U$ 50 per invoice)
  • Bush Spa expenses
  • Social Development / Community / Anti-Poaching Fees
Is there a license fee?
Included in your hunt
When is the hunting season?
Our main hunting season starts beginning February and runs through end-November.

Leopard hunting is best in June and July when temps are the coldest and baits last longer.

Do I need a waterproof coat?
Typically no

A full packing list will be supplies upon booking in our Pre-Trip information packet

Gear list?
We are hunting gear junkies and have tried lots of gear. Our detailed gear list will be supplied upon booking.

Daily laundry is included in daily rates.

Exact equipment list changes for specialty hunts including leopard and Zambezi Region safaris vs. plains game concessions.

Do I need camo?
This varies by your home country and hunting traditions.

American’s traditionally love it and have excellent camo that works well afield.

Traditional solid colors in dark green also work equally well.

Wear what you feel most comfortable in, we will hunt hard and play the wind.

For archery hunters stalking in close, quiet camo is an excellent idea.

If your hunt requires sitting in a blind, wear very quiet clothing in dark colors.

It’s best to dress in layers as temperatures vary greatly throughout the day.

What boots do you recommend?
Footwear can be a highly personal choice and vary by hunting region booked.

Kalakwa is rocky and mountainous, a more sturdy boot over ankle is a plus.

Veronica is rolling red sand dunes, a lighter footwear with African safari gaiter (available for purchase at our lodge) is a nice choice.
Zambezi Region, foot wear that dries quickly

Whichever you chose, make sure they are well broken in.

Will I need a spotting scope?
No

Binoculars will be on the gear list, we recommend 10x binoculars.

How do you hunt?
We walk and stalk, we observe, we listen, we wait, we take, we use, we give back, we slow down, we speed up, we share, we live…

We use traditional Toyota safari vehicles to access our large fair chase hunting concessions

What physical shape do I need to be in?
We highly recommend you be in the best shape possible for your age and physical limitations to have best hunting experience.

If you have any physical or health issues, let us know at booking, our guides are well trained and considerate, they will pace hunt to suit your ability.

What do I do if I tag out early?
There is plenty to do in and around our plains game concessions. Depending upon side trip off property additional fees may apply. See Activities section of FAQ’s
Can my hunt be documented on video and/or photographed?
Yes, it is very popular and we highly recommend it!

We will need prior notification to book videographer talent.

Additional rates apply based on what you want.

Photo editing and video production will be completed and delivered post hunt.

What happens if I wound an animal?
We will do everything possible to locate and recover game. However, in the unlikely event an animal is wounded and not recovered the full trophy fee is due. All animals not exported are subject to 15% VAT
How is my trophy taken care of?
Game is typically skinned and quartered back at the skinning shed. Meat, capes and horns are salted, dried and cleaned.

And of course, game is skinned based on your instructions for taxidermy.

Post-hunt they will be taken to Windhoek, Namibia for export to your taxidermist or taxidermy and finished mounts shipped, your choice.

What happens to the meat?
Our private chef will prepare large variety of traditional dishes throughout your stay. The remaining venison will be used in our ARU Blockmen butchery and also provided to our schools in the area.
What are your rates?

Click contact link and request rates

What are your terms and conditions?

Click contact link and request rates

What species do you have?

Plains game hunting – Central Namibia

Our concessions are home to interesting species such as the Southern Greater kudu, oryx/gemsbuck, giraffe, ostrich, warthog, eland, hartebeest, impala, klipspringer, Southern Greater kudu, oryx/gemsbuck, sable, springbuck, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, and more. Plus natural free roaming predators including; caracal, cheetah, brown hyena, leopard and jackal.

Dangerous game hunting – Zambezi Region

The Zambezi region is one of the last remaining free-roaming areas. This ecoregion, once known as the Caprivi Strip, is a combination of open grassland and freshwater swamp. It supports an abundance of wildlife including big game species such as Cape buffalo, crocodile, elephant, hippo, and leopard. This region also has a vast supply of plains game including baboon, red lechwe, reedbuck, spotted hyena, and Chapman’s zebra.

Charter flight from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo and ground transfer to camp.

Wing-shooting – Central Namibia

An abundance of Sandgrouse is found in our region, flying great distances to drink at favored waterholes during the morning hours. These agile birds are hunted as they approach the water in large numbers and descend at high speeds. A good shot can expect shooting anywhere from 15 to 40 Sandgrouse in one morning shoot.

There are 3 species of sand grouse - Burchell’s, Namaqua and Doublebanded.

Guineafowl, Francolin and Quail are tricky escape artists proving hard to flush and are usually hunted by walking them up. Guineafowl and Francolin are shot in small numbers and one can expect taking 5 or so of these birds in one outing.

How easy is it to bring firearms into Namibia?
It is very easy unlike many other countries to bring a firearm as well as ammunition into Namibia.

We recommend you bring your own firearm, but we have a wide array of rifles available to rent as well.

If you fly via other countries, additional firearm permits and regulations may need to be met.

American clients, we recommend Travel With Guns to book your flights.

May I rent a firearm?
Yes, we offer firearms for rent.
What caliber do you recommend?
Plains game .30 caliber that you shoot well. We prefer the slower calibers for possible shots through brush.

Dangerous game .375 is legal minimum

Lose Yourself in Namibia

Leave the world behind and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

Contact

+264 (0)81 129 5536
info@arugamelodges.com
Windhoek, Namibia

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