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If cheetahs are your passion, head to Babson Guest House, the only lodge for visitors in the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund reserve, in northern Namibia. Here you'll find the largest population of cheetah remaining in the wild, and a conservation/research centre that offers interesting insights into cheetah conservation and rehabilitation. The reserve is a worthy destination in itself, but it's also conveniently located in the Otjiwarongo area between Windhoek (Namibia's capital) and Etosha National Park, and makes for a good stopover between the two. It's also just 13 kilometres from the striking sandstone cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau National Park.
From $450 person/night
Enjoy a tasty lunch, prepared by Babson's private chef, on the veranda as you look out over the cheetah enclosures just in front of the house.
Spend the day with a CCF guide and one of the researchers learning almost everything there is to know about cheetahs, their rehabilitation, and the projects undertaken at the centre.
See how they run – every morning, the world's fastest mammals put on a show as they get a bit of exercise and chase down a lure at speeds of up to 112 kilometres (70 miles) an hour.
The cosy, converted farmhouse is best suited for one family or a small group travelling together. The communal open-plan lounge/dining room area is compact, with wildlife-inspired furnishings such as classic leather seating, and dining chairs upholstered in cheetah spots. Outside, a pleasant, shaded veranda has a second dining table (perfect for lunch), and a comfortable sitting area to one side. Your eyes will be drawn to the scenery, and the large cheetah enclosure directly in front of the house.
Farm-style Babson House has three bedrooms – one with twin beds, the second with a queen-sized bed, and the third with two queens (guests are limited to just six, though). The floors throughout are cool-underfoot tiles, and the furnishings, reminiscent of Namibia's colonial past, are comfortable. En-suite bathrooms range in size from small to comfortable, and have the necessary facilities, but no bath. The rooms are fitted with mosquito nets, fans and tea/coffee stations.
There are cheetahs in the yard! Do visit the CCF reserve if you're self-driving Namibia's safari circuit to see these endangered wild cats.
Highlights are obviously the research and education centre, and of course, interacting with and observing the cheetahs. Accompanied by the staff, and possibly team leader Dr Laurie Marker, you'll see the big cats being fed, watch the morning "Cheetah Run", hang out with the cheetah "ambassadors", and tour the lab (the genetic laboratory is fascinating). You can also take a private safari through CCF’s own "Little Serengeti", an open plain with large herds of hartebeest, oryx, springbok, warthog and jackal.
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