We were not surprised with the raised eyebrows and sceptical stares upon announcing our intention to head off to work in the Namibian bush. For Dave and I it was a new beginning – not only as newly weds but also in our respective careers and [...]]]>                                                                                                                                     by Nicci Mitchell – Lodge Manager- 3 February 2010

We were not surprised with the raised eyebrows and sceptical stares upon announcing our intention to head off to work in the Namibian bush. For Dave and I it was a new beginning – not only as newly weds but also in our respective careers and lifestyles. This was our chance to challenge ourselves in a new direction. We had spent all our lives living in the city and had developed a passion for the bush through numerous excursions to various game farms in South Africa. When the opportunity arose for us, it was at the perfect time. Dave had just finished his Articles and I was ready for a new and challenging job away from the ‘big smoke’ and the Joburg traffic.

We arrived at Impalila on the 27^th April 2009 filled with expectation. We both had limited to no experience and were immediately challenged upon arrival. We had only a few days of training prior to being left as an autonomous unit in complete control of the lodge whilst its management couple, Heidi and Francois, took their leave. The responsibility was given to and received by both of us with anticipation.

Although we performed well over those weeks… we were met by other challenges coming in all forms and sizes… I think it pertinent therefore to mention that when we first arrived in the Caprivi, although a bush lover, I was still a Sandton girl at heart. Spiders and snakes were mortal enemies. Every night Dave would escort me home as I suspiciously shone my head torch into the bushes to ensure I did not stumble into any hidden hippos, elusive elephants or slithery snakes. Every rustle in the bush would push my heart rate into overdrive. I would stop dead, hold my breath and strain my ears intensely in order to locate the source of the noise.

Initially, I was also extremely concerned about the large gap under the front door to the house we had been given. In my mind the gap was an irresistible invitation to a passing Mamba going about its winter 2009 hibernation routine. Spiders were also rife. I could spot at least 8 visible arachnids in our house at any given time. When spider-hugging Dave wasn’t around I would run around the room with my shoe chasing the little buggers. And these were true, 8 legged, little Olympiads. I can’t say I actually managed to catch one of them – they would always mange to dash into an inaccessible gap or corner leaving me staring at the wall exasperated.

Those few weeks at Impalila flew by quickly and our next challenge was to head off to Ntwala Island Lodge – just a stone throws distance from Impalila. Where Impalila is the luxurious fishing lodge, Ntwala is the lodge every person dreams of being able to stay at one day. Ntwala is luxury at its best. And of course – with the luxury comes high guest expectation and an unquestionable delivery of outstanding service. After a month at Ntwala, Dave and I were handed over control of the lodge. Ntwala’s previous manager had been promoted and we were now to be the managers of this extraordinarily beautiful haven.

Dave and I stayed a blissful four months at Ntwala. The lodge has a unique character made up by the staff spirit and the intense beauty of the location. The buildings are set in and amongst dense forests comprising of predominantly tropical vegetation. As guests arrive at the lodge, most have made the similar comment: “that if you didn’t know better, you could be on a tropical, ocean island” – this is purely due to the flowing rapids, the white, beach sand pathways, the lush palm trees and the sense of complete seclusion.

I am happy to tell you that as time progressed, my snake and bug paranoia dramatically decreased. I am now quite happy to have an arachnid ally, hanging over my head at night, feasting on mosquitoes. I no longer have a nervous break down when walking home at night. I revel in the sound of the bush at night… the frogs, the crickets and the river in the background. Upon returning to Johannesburg for our first leave period, Dave turned and said to me… “Don’t you miss the sounds of the bush at night”? Well yes – I had to agree.

As we enter 2010, our path has somewhat transformed. We have returned to Johannesburg permanently due to unforeseen problems with our work visas. However, reminiscing over the last few months in Namibia, I can’t help but appreciate the unimaginable challenges and learning curves we were faced with. I would not sacrifice the experience we had for anything in the world. The lodge now remains in the capable hands of another couple who have a matched enthusiasm for their roles. We wish them all the best of luck…