The high country that gave us our name is still in our thoughts, but now we’re planning for our fifth HCA Safari! Consistent with our original goals to give women a chance to learn more about the outdoors in extraordinary settings, we’ll travel again to Bushmanland in northern Namibia. Settled by the Dutch and Germans, Namibia was once called Southwest Africa. It is among the most politically stable and prosperous sub-Saharan countries – and it welcomes people who enjoy the outdoors. Big game hunting not only fuels its conservation efforts; sportsmen bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to local communities. Namibia wildlife parks like Etosha draw many tourists. We’re privileged to visit Eden – not a park, but an aptly named private tract encompassing many square miles of bush, with an abundance of native wildlife – including elephant and black rhino. HCA Safaris focus on plains game: kudu, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest and other antelopes. The hunting is exciting, accommodations “more than we could have expected,” according to women who’ve joined us on this adventure. You’ll stay in wild country, and your individual lodging has a canvas top you can open to the African night sky. But you’re never far from a hot shower, or a cool mid-day dip in the pool. Meals are served in a thatched main lodge overlooking a watering hole that draws animals all day long. Transport, when you’ve had enough walking, is by Land Cruiser, open and elevated in the back so you won’t miss a thing. Competent, bi-lingual professional hunters and a friendly camp staff attend your needs. And if our previous camps are any indication, you’ll bond quickly with the other women in your group.
A High Country Adventures Safari is “truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience” – that description from more than one of our participants. “I want to go back! I’ll cook, I’ll wash clothes….!” Well, we haven’t yet permitted returns. After all, HCA is introductory. And we want as many women as possible to experience Eden. Sponsorships from the hunting industry, and the dedication of people who believe in this program, keep individual costs to roughly a third of the market price of this adventure.
If you want to get acquainted with Africa, there’s no better way to start. If you want to stretch yourself this year, or savor the thrill of big game hunting without draining your children’s college fund, or take an extraordinary trip to a wonderful place with people you’ll cherish as friends, an HCA Safari should be on your horizon!
