My Bonsai Tour of Namibia
 By Jerry Meislik


In October of 2011 we had one of our greatest adventures traveling to Namibia with a great group of bonsai lovers. The tour started after the Durban bonsai convention. We flew from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The tour was led by Bernie O'Callaghan of Namibia assisted by Tobie and Sandy Kleynhans of South Africa. We could not had more experienced and fun travel companions and guides.

Traveling in a small bus the group of 12 was able to stop frequently along the roadside to photograph interesting landscape, explore for rocks to collect, admire and study wonderful tree forms and wild animals. In addition, Bernie arranged visits to a number of bonsai lovers and growers to see their collections.

Namibia is an incredible country of stark contrasts with great natural features of mountains, beaches, sand dunes and spectacular wildlife. Just as important Namibia has friendly people who want to share their love for their country and that made the trip especially wonderful.

Thanks to Bernie's intimate knowledge of the country the tour was especially important for me in being able to view many Ficus growing in their native habitat .

Dwarf Malaleuca, collection Bernie O'Callaghan, 2011



Ficus natalensis, bonsai collection Bernie O'Callaghan, 2011


 Ficus burtt-davyi bonsai, collection Bernie O'Callaghan, 2011

Lampie, Tobie, and Wimpie discussing bonsai

     
Don Stevenson, holding Ficus miniature, 2011

Multiple mini Portulacaria bonsai, Stevenson collection, 2011



Don, Robert and Bernie tuning up one of Don's Ficus trees


One of many native Ficus trees we saw growing in the wild on the trip


Wimpie, Rita, Lampie and Bernie with just collected Ficus ilicina, 2011



Tobie and Bernie discusing the newly collcted treee, 2011


Incredible sand dunes cover many miles of Namibia - a must see!


Visiting Wimpie and Sonette Van Zyles fabulous home and bonsai collection, 2011

Tobie Kleynhans doing a bonsai demonstration for us, 2011


Robert Stevens doing a demo for the group, 2011

Watching the demonstrations
Watching the bonsai demonstrations



Awesome trees to view, photograph and discuss as bonsai models, 2011


Sand dunes, sculptural forms to stimulate our artistic juices



Sunrises and sunsets to compete with the best in the world, 2011

Dressing up in local costumes
Dressing up in local costumes


Innumberable fabulous birds for all to enjoy


Wildlife abounds, mother Baboon and child, 2011


Rhona getting up close and personal with a hand raised Cheetah!


Visiting bonsai collection of Piet Neethling, 2011


Bernie, kicking back


Sandie and Tobie taking shade under an awesome tree, 2011


Yet another stunning landscape


One of the fabulous lodges where we stayed, 2011


Some local people doing their chores


Abundant wildlife is everywhere in Etosha National Park, 2011


A Lion couple resting in Etosha, 2011


Awesome trees to view, photograph and discuss as bonsai models, 2011


Elephants playing in the waterhole, Etosha National Park

In summary, Namibia is a must see country for lovers of scenery, wildlife, and bonsai. To find out more about doing a bonsai tour to Namibia contact Bernie here.


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All Rights Reserved © 2011 Jerry Meislik