Testimonials

This was my second chance to hunt with my good friend John Miller (pior comment) since a disabled hunt in New Mexico,and it far exceded my expectations. What Gysbert and Gert did to get me on animals was never ending. They made the camps and trucks as accessible as possible. Danene and Sandri made me feel like family. Thank you for the time of my life,I will be back…Randy Reynolds

Thanks for a wonderful time with good food and especially really good hunting. Would like to thank all the staff at Veronica and Kalakwa for their contribution to this successful trip.

I hunted with Jon,Robin,Larry,and Randy who was the second wheel chair hunter at the lodge. What Gysbert, Danene,Gert,Sandri,Martin,and staff did to accommodate these 2 guys was beyond saint hood. You built ramps, Modified the Land Cruisers, got the guys on trophies of a life time,and Wheeled inebriated Randy back to his room. Smiling the entire time Your operation is 1st class, 5 star, over the top, how every you want to say it is the best I have every seen or heard of. I could not of ask for anything more in professional Hunters. All Larry, Randy and I have talked about in the last two weeks was how Great a time we had with Aru Game Lodge. Benjamin and I clicked the first time we met. I was right on his heels every stalk we made and I learned a lot from him. The 5 of us friends collected 26 trophies with Aru and had the time of our lives. Everyone I talk too I tell them the only good place to hunt Namibia is with Aru Game Lodge. It is so true that we 5 came to Aru as guests and left as friends. You will never forget the HOT DOG CREW and you folks will always be on our minds. Hunt to live

Wow. This was without doubt the greatest experience of my life time and I know my son Craig feels the same, we hunted continually for three days at Kalakwa and three days at Veronica lodges, what an exhilarating experience. The accommodation was second to none, the hunting was exceptional, the food was extraordinary, we did not eat the same meal twice in all the time that we were there, we were treated as though we were royalty. From the time we arrived to the time that we regrettably had to leave to come home to Australia we were made to feel that we were part of the Aru family. The good byes were emotional, we hugged and said our good byes even to the point where we just hugged and trembled with emotion, yes Pedri, we will be back, we are planning our next trip next year where hopefully you will be able to turn the tables on Craig and drink him under the table on the last night. I will be 78 by then and I plan on sitting up late to see that. The last days hunt was the most memorable of all where I managed to bag the most magnifinicant Sable, I could not have done it without your guiding and of course the incredible tracking of Johannas, I only wounded the animal with a not so good shot at first and could not believe how he tracked the Blood trail, it was all I could do to keep up with him as he followed the trail till I could get the final shot on a hunt that I will never forget. Yes Pedri, Johannas and all the staff at both lodges THANK YOU for a job well done and most appreciated. Greg and Craig Meuleman, Australia. Be warned we will be back.

I have hunted Tanzania for dangerous game and Zimbabwe for plains game. This time I was able to observe and have my 19 year old son hunt with Aru Game Lodges in Namibia. All of the hunts were fantastic but with Aru, the quality of game and the hospitality and quality of the lodges was far superior to any hunt I have been on. I recommend without reservation!

We had such a wonderfull stay;beautiful landscapes and accommodation,good food,very friendly people and some great and exciting hunts. With fantastic memories and trophies we returned to Belgium. Thanks to Gert,Sandri,Gysbert,Danene and the entire staff. Niki and Veerle

Look no further than ARU. Simply put, everyone and everything is of the highest standard, and it is all done right from start to finish. Thank you Danene, Gysbert, Gert, Sandri, Amon and Ben for sharing your time and blessings. I cherish the trophies and memories.

In May 2015 I had the possibility to join a group of hunters on both Lodges, Kalakwa and Veronica. Both camps are world class and the chefs are dishing up some of the best food you can think of. The slogan "eat what you hunt" is a perfect match, because you will always find the meat of the hunted animals on the plates the other day. Luckily, the hunts can be very long and challenging, so you will definitely burn the calories! The highly professional and also ethical attitude of the PH's make the hunts very enjoyable and exciting. Furthermore, even in the most exciting or situations they keep calm and make the right decisions.
However, the best thing for me was, that already after 1 day around these people, you know you found new friends. THANKS!

Thank you for making our first trip to Africa one we will never forget! The accommodations, food, and staff were outstanding. The hunting was a wonderful experience and I feel blessed to have been so successful. After a grueling last day, the last minute zebra was the perfect ending to a fulfilling hunt! Thanks also to Stefans and Benjamin, who along with Gert and Gysbert were great to hunt with. A special thanks to Gysbert, Danene, Gert, and Sandri for their hospitality and friendship – we really had a great time and think of our evenings in the boma often! We hope to see you again! -Bill, Pat, Angie, & Kelly

Vor langer Zeit hatten wir einen Traum: Jagen in Afrika! Und der Traum wurde wahr, hier auf ARU Game Lodges. Die Realität hat den Traum sogar noch übertroffen. Unendliche Weiten! Unglaublicher Wildbestand! Fünf unvergessliche Jagdtage bei Freunden auf Veronica und Kalakwa. Perfekte Organisation, luxuriöse Unterkünfte und beste Verpflegung lassen den Alltag schnell vergessen. Eintauchen in die unendlichen Weiten Namibias, fokussiert auf eine Sache: Die Jagd. Unbeschreiblich, atemberaubend, unvergesslich. Noch lange werden wir an diese wunderschönen Tage zurück denken. Unser Dank gilt dem gesamten Team auf Veronica und Kalkwa, Gerd, Sandri, Gysbert und besonders Danene. Danke! Andreas und Klaus Österreich

We got the best accommodation, best service, the best food and the experience of the nature was the best we could ever have dreamed of. Aru Logde gave our family; – Great hunting experiences together with Aru Game Lodges professional hunters – Fabulous photo safaris – Lovely sunsets from the highest peaks – Quad bike safari with individual quad bikes and animals running along our path – Total relaxation at Aru Game Lodges, with its stunning patios, pool area and spa Aru Game Lodge gave our family complete relaxation by letting us be together at all times. We loved the early morning hunt, evenings spent at the common bonsai fire and the fabulous dinners. The boys got the opportunity to hunt bird, with a very successful result together with Aru Game Lodges shooting instructor. We also had the opportunity to carry out shark fishing in Swakopmund through Aru Game Lodge, this was an incredibly exciting experience for everyone in the family since we are very interested in fishing. Next time we travel to Aru Game Lodge we have decided to do the Dangerous hunting. We also look forward to seeing all the wonderful people again. See you soon in Aru Game Lodge, Namibia Regards Jonas, Agneta, William & Axel Lännbjer

Aru is the only choice for someone looking to experience a true Namibian safari. With two different lodges and two different ecosystems one can experience two safaris in one. The facilities are second to none and the staff will see to your every need. A wide variety of activities are available and there is never a dull moment. You can make the safari be exactly how you want it to be. Put your trust in the Aru team and you will not be disappointed.

March 2012 again hunting with PH Danene in Veronica and Kalakwa.Must say that all the time everyting goes better and better in Aru and more than satisfield. So november 2012 again hunting Aru.Best regards to all staff and taking so good care again.

Wow…It’s hard to put it into words how exciting our stay at ARU had been. The staff went out of the way to make us feel like kings. Danene knew what we wanted and made it happen. The hunting was fantastic. They were very patient with my 11 year old son and he was able to shoot his dream game. Everyone in our party had an idea of what they wanted and the guides put us on it. The food was 5star and will be missed greatly. It was tough coming home to reality. We are already planning another trip. I hope to see you guys soon!!! Bottom line, the best trip my family has in years. Thank you all, but especially to Danene. She took a personal interest in our group and made us feel like her family. By the way, I’ll never be able to look at menthol snuff the same way again., ha ha…

We have been home for 1 week now and are already thinking about our return! We had the most FABULOUS time EVER on a vacation! The Aru Team, especially Danene, made us feel like family. The food was 5 star! The accomodations were 5 star! The staff – all 5 star! Our safari was the most amazing experience! We learned a lot, had amazing hunts and it all added up to the trip of a lifetime!

WOW!!! is our first thought after returning from Africa with ARU. We had know idea how great it would be! Gysbert,Danene,Brink,Steph, and Amon are the greatest! We came as strangers but left as friends.Veronica and Kalakwa both offer two different setting, that give you the true taste of Africa.We would reccomened ARU to everyone whether its your 1st trip to Africa or your 5th , Untill we see you again THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!!!!!! THE GLENNS

Now it is almost a week since we returned from ARU heaven. Aru is simply the best, we have had the most wonderful hunting vacation. All staff, PH and camp personel do their best, to make you feel comfortable and for you to have the best experience.Thank you all. SPECIAL THANKS to Pedri and Steff who followed us from Veronica to Kalakwa. You guys are awesome! – funny to be around and serious about hunting. We have already started saving up for a new hunting vacation with ARU. Again thank you all at ARU The Isaksen family Denmark

Ohne die Erfahrung einer Jagd in Afrika ist ein Jagerleben nicht komplett und die beste Gelegenheit, diese Erfahrung zu machen, bieten die ARU Game Lodges. Danene und Gysbert sind die perfekten Gastgeber und ihr Team von Berufsjägern und Fährtensuchern ist ebenso qualifiziert, wie motiviert. Auf Aru ist man nicht nur irgendein Gast, sondern Teil der Familie (inklusive der beiden Ridgebacks), ein großartiges Gefühl! Der Wildbestand sucht seinesgleichen und Dank der kundigen und souveränen Führung ist der Jagderfolg so gut wie sicher. Wir danken für die herzliche Aufnahme, die professionelle Betreuung und viele schöne Stunden auf ARU. Wir werden wiederkommen! Mit herzlichen Grüßen aus Köln Erwin & Gundi Kampf

Hey Veronica and Kalakwa. What a hunting trip.We have been home for approx 14 days. After the hunt we continued to see your country. First to Swakopmund and then to Sossusvlei the dessert, amazing what a country you have. Back to you all,it has been super great fun, GOOD food, very nice people, and some great hunting experiences, we cannot praise you enough! Everything was first class,and the staff always smiling, and Amon a great guy. On Veronica it smelled a littel more of malenness when Steff, Pedri and especially Brink were together great fun.A special thanks to Brink for his efforts and help, he knows what we mean, and all on Veronica THANKS

Thank you ARU team!
Miki and I just experienced the best hunting trip we have ever had, and you were responsible. The team has wonderful, kind, helpful, happy people and you, Danene, Gysbert, Zana and Amon are right at the top of that list. Thank you again.
Your Lodge is outstanding and filled with local charm and hospitality and your entire operation is so obviously first class that I simply cannot express how delighted we both were with everything. Gysbert you are a great organiser and Danene your food presentation is so lovely. The hunting is beyond anything that I expected. The number, the variety and the quality of the animals is exceptional. The professionalism of the PH is outstanding. Good job Zana, Amon and Stompie.
Thank you for everything that you did to make our trip so memorable.

Hey I was at Kalakwa and Veronica and I shot a springbok at Veronica. It was a great holiday. I want a go back!

November 2012 my third time hunt in Kalakwa.Everytinhg again perfect and exellent huntingexperience.Africa nad Namibia have take my heart and 2013 come again hunt Namibia and Aru.Danene is PH number one. Thousands thanks to all staff for taking good care of me.Next time must also visit Busmannvillage.

Hallo Danene und Gysbert! Seit einer Woche sind wir leider schon wieder zu Hause und denken jeden Tag an die schoene Zeit bei euch. Wir wollen uns hiermit noch einmal fuer die wundervollen und tollen Jagdtage auf Kalakwa bei euch und eurem wunderbaren Team bedanken. Es war fuer uns wie im Fernsehen, bei der Serie Universum. Man kann es in Worten nicht beschreiben, wie wunderschoen es bei euch ist, man muss es einfach gesehen und erlebt haben. Vor allem hatten wir 100 % Jagderfolg und das in einer sehr kurzen Zeit. Wer eine Jagd in Afrika machen moechte, dem koennen wir nur empfehlen, dass er dies auf der ARU Game Lodge bei Danene und Gysbert und Team macht. Nochmals vielen lieben Dank fuer die herzliche Aufnahme und fuer alle eure Bemuehungen. Liebe Doris und Klaus, Osterreich

My husband and I have both been lucky enough to have visited some amazing hunting lodges throughout the world, but nothing comes close to wonderful time we had at Aru. The hospitality was second to none: Brink & Steph: you guys are top entertainers and had us in stitches many a time; your professionalism and efficiency in the hunting field was also beyond your years and very impressive! Gysbert, Francois, Rick, Amon, Pedri, Mia and all the staff: you made us feel like family, just like you said at the beginning, we felt exceptionally well looked after and all the family: husbands, wives and kids had the best time: us wives: fully relaxed and pampered, the girls loving their new friends Elizabeth and Katrien (as well as the beautiful Ridgebacks!), and the men soaking up the thrill of the hunt in the beautiful Namibian Bush, and we all coming together at meal times, indulging in superb gourmet food, sitting around the fire, telling stories and jokes, thoroughly enjoying all the wonderful surprises you had in store for us. Thank you for your attention to detail, for your care, for the fun… we can\’t wait to come back to see you again!

Frankly there is no way that words can capture the way my wife and two daughters, as well as myself, were effected by the experience with Danene, Gysbert, and the staff. We have done a lot of hunting in North and South America and Africa, and have never experienced the level of quality, people, accommodations, trophies, unexpected positive surprises and connection to the hunting party we were with. You all deliver the total package, something very difficult to pull off given all the complexities of taking care of a hunting family. We will never forget you.

Words are not enough to describe this wonderful stay at the Van Der Westhuyzens. Their kindness and their professionalism is an example to everyone. The lodge is beautiful and the meals are excellent. Lets talk about hunting now. I had many fruitful approaches of many animals. But on Thursday, August 8th, at 3h50 pm, my African dream became true. Indeed, on that day after lunch, we were driving to the mountains to look for baboons. When suddenly, Cheetahs about 300 meters away, in the bush. The car stopped. We left and 10 minutes later, we found fresh tracks. We followed the tracks for about 25 minutes and we saw the cheetah, sitting. I aimed, shot and it fell: the most amazing hunting action in my life. Thanks again to Danene and Gysbert and to their staff for this wonderful and unforgettable stay in Namibia.

Danene, Gysbert, Pedri, Brink, Steph, Amon, Francois. Tau, Kondo, Ridgie, Bushman, Aru. Veronica and Kalakwa. All these names and many more have become part of our memories. Hunting and lodging in a foreign country is done in a couple of days. But memories can last forever, depending on the intensity of the experience. At ARU we experienced a spellbinding diversity of impressions. This concerns the Hunting Guides and Professional Hunters as well as the Ridgebacks, each of them charismatic and absolutely loveable in a different way. And it concerns the landscape, flora, fauna and climatic conditions. As a result, every single day of our stay at ARU was filled with deep emotions. We have learned so much about Namibia, people, animals, hunting-techniques and ourselves. To process all this will take us a long, long time. And this will create forever lasting memories. The members of ARU have made this happen. Our fascination is a result of their professionalism in every matter and their huge daily effort to surprise us with exciting events, to feel comfortable (amazing food and perfect lodging) and to give us company with either lots of fun or serious talking. When ARU says, they give you an experience of a lifetime, it is no advertising slogan. They play it for keeps.

Our entire family had a fantastic time at Aru Game Lodges. The entire experience was fabulous, and we loved the two different lodges. Hats off to the entire crew at Aru for an experience we will never forget. The food, the game, the laughs, the sites, were all something I hope to experience again and again.

Aru was a great place to hunt and the people and PHs were excellent. They all looked after our needs and special interests. Duane and I felt as if we were part of the family. Danene and Gysbert, Pedri, Amon, Francois, and all the helpers made our stay great. We will return again!!

Quality in every inch! Thank you for yet another fantastic week.
Ulla & Carl

After one week of hunting and game drives at Aru Game Lodges, I can vouch to others that everything at Aru has been superlative : The quality and density of the game, the professionalism of the guides, the accommodation and the food were all of the highest standard. Our time at Kalakwa & Veronica has been a most memorable experience. We highly recommend this outfitter.

After one week of hunting and game drives at Aru Game Lodges, I can vouch to others that everything at Aru has been superlative: The quality and density of the game, the professionalism of the guides, the accommodation and the food were all of the highest standard. Our time at Kalakwa and Veronica has been a most memorable experience. We highly recommend this outfitter. Daniel & Adele Le Brun, New Zealand

With so many choices out there it can be a little overwhelming when choosing the right destination for a family Safari.

For multiple reasons, choosing Namibia as our family’s destination country was a no-brainer, but what about an outfitter? After doing our research and meeting with the folks from ARU at a sporting show we put the plans in motion for our first family trip across the pond. Aru just felt like the proper fit.

The accommodations, food, scenery, wildlife and attention to detail at Aru are all first rate, but what really put our experience over the top was the people. Everyone at Aru goes over the top to make you feel welcome and make sure your every need or want is catered to. The PH’s were great with our boys, always patient and teaching, as well as having a lot of fun with them; cherished memories our boys will keep their whole lives.

There are many choices out there, but choosing Aru is one we’re glad we made. We all can’t wait to come back!

Thanks for everything.

Dave, Priscilla, Hunter & Walker Unger

We visited Kalakwa and Veronica in October 2021 and had a wonderful experience. Attached is a letter detailing our experience that was sent to Danene and Gysbert. This was our third trip to Africa and first to Namibia. We cannot recommend Aru highly enough!

Love this place. Awesome scenery, awesome people - unforgettable experience. Oh and the food was absolutely incredible. Thanks Gysbert, Danene and family.

Dear Danene and Gijsbert,

Melanie, our kids and myself have enjoyed very much the exceptional week at Veronica and Kalakwa.

The most heart-warming was the incomparable hospitality of you and your team.

Danene's convincing thoughts on conservancy, Gijsbert’s leadership on the Veld, Janina’s organisational talents, Carlos’s charm with efficiency in managing the daily household, your always smiling PH team keeping looking for the animal we would have dreamt of to be in front of our barrel and all the actors behind the scenes, these are all pieces that have contributed to make this Namibian puzzle a souvenir that never will be erased of our memories! Your Rhino Royale gastronomical dinner was the culminating event of an already dazzling week.

Please continue to be the ideal 'dream team' ( 😉 ) that has opened our eyes to those elements that contribute to make Namibia such an exceptional country: a bluffing scenery, an interesting historical past that has contributed to a peculiar mosaïque of cultures and languages, an astonishing harmony between humans and wildlife and a will to share with us all these elements.

Conclusion: BRAVO ++++ to you and all the team!!!!

We for sure must look forward to a Zambezi experience next year with Buffalo and Sable (at least) on the program!

All the best to you and thank you for everything!

M & J

A Brilliantly run organisation. From start to finish the level of service is unsurpassed. Aru Game Lodges is all about having that African Experience, from the moment you are greeted at the gate, you are treated so professionally and made to feel like as a member of their Family. The PH's they supply have all your needs covered, with thorough advice and courteous service whilst in the hunt. The Accommodation is excellent and a great place to come back to after a hard day in the field. The Food is brilliant and you will never go hungry at this place. There is so many different ways to describe Aru Game Lodges, but the place simply has to be seen to be believed. Im going back without a doubt!!! Are you coming ??

A class by their own.

Dear Friends,

THANK YOU ALL FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TIME WITH YOU AT ARU GAME LODGES!

This adventure was for us as a family a very important moment in our life.

Thanks to You, we will always remember the days with all of you and we hope that we will be able to come back in the future and as well meet with you in Sweden.

All our experiences has far exceeded our expectations!

With all our Love

The Lindström family ... now back in Sweden

From the moment we arrived at Aru we were made to feel at home. The amazing hunting, scenery and professionalism of Aru could only be complimented by the generosity and warmth of the staff. Without a doubt, this is one of the world's top hunting destinations. A true trip of a lifetime!

Hi All
Had the best hunting trip ever. OSA, Zeiss, RWS and Sauer had taken 8 of Australia's loyal Gun Dealers and all have said the same, "best hunting trip ever". Thanks to all involved for the hospitality, the 5 star accommodation, meals and service.

kind regards Danny Galea (OSA Australia)

Real enthusiastic journey!
Professionalism of guides, beauty of both lodges, density and variety of animals, quality of food: all of these points much above the average
Come-back visit programmed for easter holidays 2017!
Many thanks to all of you
Jacques Meuwèse

We had such a fantastic time, the views, excitement of the wild but in luxury, the walks with Pedri on Veronica, the great food, the exciting hunting ...
Lots of laughs, great bungalows, loved swimming in the pool in the afternoons on Kalakwa ... wonderful and highly recommended!!

It was the first time for us in Namibia, we have had a wonderful time in Kalakwa, wonderful landscapes, wonderful trophées and last but not least a wonderful Aru Game Lodges Team!
Thank you for everything and for sure, you will see us again!

I'm American with family in South Africa, been blessed with extensive travel across all of Southern Africa. To know a great location, one must experience less then great. Aru Game Lodges is indeed great and is second to none, looking forward to a return trip in the near future.

I recently spent 8 days hunting at both Kalakwa and Veronica. I am a novice and had never hunted before. I couldn't have found a better location or team for an introduction to hunting. You will not find a warmer or friendlier welcome than you get from Danene and Gysbert and their team. And special thanks to my patient PH, Zana, who introduced me to and taught me the Aru way of ethical hunting. This is not a marketing gimmick. At Aru the ethical hunting culture permeates everything from only stalking on foot, respect for wounded animals to no waste of any part of the game taken.
The 2 locations give you a flavour of different geography and varied hunting conditions, with abundant game. The accommodation is first class. The rooms are spotless, comfortable,and the grounds very well maintained. And the food....heaven. This includes a wonderful variety of game dishes with very original and tasty recipes from Danene.
For anyone looking to hunt in Namibia, Aru should be your first destination. I shall definately be back. Only word of warning...beware of the Jagermeister after dinner!!

Hands down one of the best places I’ve ever been to. I’ve had the luxury of traveling around the world and seeing many different places but nothing has compared to the accommodations, service, and overall experience that I got at ARU. Thanks so much and I will definitely be seeing you soon.

This is a first class operation run by some of the nicest and most hospitable people in the world! A week (or two) of hunting at Aru will produce a lifetime of memories! Thanks to Danene, Gysbert and the staff for making our trip so wonderful. Can’t wait to make it back one day! -Ricky Fairchild

Our African adventure was the most exciting and wonderful trip of our life. We are headed back to Aru for our 2nd trip in August of this year. As a trip for taking your wife this is the one. Accommodations and hospitality was wonderful and a great experience. We have made friends with the family and look forward to seeing them again.

Ha sido un gran placer para mi el compartir unos dias de caza con la gente fantastica de ARU , que se han esforzado por que la experiencia africana fuese realmente autentica. Me siento satisfecho de haber estado al lado de grandes profesionales mientras cazaba algunos de los Big Five en su concesión de Caprivi. Una experiencia absolutamente recomendable en manos de una familia excepcional. Seguro que volveremos a vernos.

In Aru february 2011 were my 24th hunting trip to Africa. I must say nothing were good-everyting exellent. With Danene as my PH we had fantastic hunting experiences and Aru Game Lodges. The landscape at both Lodges Veronica and Kalakwa is super. Nice to come after very good hunting back to Finland and Lappland and almost next day I made next year 2012 booking again at Aru Game Lodges with Danene. Thanks a lot to all staff.

A wonderful 8 days hunting at the two lodges with Danene, Gys, Gert and Sandri. Lots of excellent trophies, but my eland and waterbuck stood out: both superb beasts. Mountain zebra stalking great fun, but hard work. Gys and Gert showed saint like patience in Sharon’s obsessive quest for baboons. Food and hospitality memorable. Look forward to returning (in 2013).

Thank you for a wonderfull week at Aru Game Lodges. We very much enjoyed to stay at both Kalakwa & Veronica – amazing places and great hunting. We hope to return soon. Thanks!

It isnt always easy to travel and hunt internationaly from a wheelchair but Gysbert and Danene made it happen with ease. From building portable ramps for the lodge and cars to modifying the seats in the hunting cars. Everything they and their staff did was with care and compassion, not to mention the great trophies we were able to get. Robin’s Kudu tops the list along with my Gemsbok. Thanks again Gysbert, Danene, Gert, Sandri, Martin and all the staff. We will be coming back! Jon Miller