Landy friends support conservation

The Land Rover Owners Namibia (LRON) organisation has generated close to N$60 000 for wildlife and environmental conservation thanks to their recent Treasure Chase event in the scenic Uis and Brandberg area.

The Brandberg Rest Camp served as both the base and venue for this exciting and charitable adventure. The event aimed to support local wildlife and environmental conservation, focusing on raising funds for the De Rust water installation, which provides essential water to the community and the Ugab elephants.

The idea for this family-orientated treasure hunt, designed for 4x4 vehicles, was conceived some months ago by Johan Pretorius, a dedicated LRON member and the driving force behind the “Landy Friend” development.

Pretorius shared his deep passion for the Ugab River and its elephants: “I have fond memories of this area and organising the Treasure Chase is close to my heart. I hope to grow this event into something significant and am eager for sponsors to join me in this effort, not only for the elephants but also for broader wildlife and environmental needs.”

Finding solutions

In 2018, LRON undertook the installation of a solar installation and borehole pump to assist the community of De Rust with their livestock as well as providing water to the wild animal population in the Ugab area. In recent years, LRON relied on the generosity of some Uis residents and local sponsors to cover replacements of pumps and the maintenance costs of the water installation, a solution that was not sustainable.

The chase!

The Treasure Chase, held on 24 and 25 August, was organised to address this challenge. The event began with a scenic drive in the afternoon from Uis to De Rust and back, followed by the Treasure Chase the following day.

With 28 vehicles and 70 participants, the chase featured three stages in which the vehicles were divided, each involving the collection of hidden Landy coins and treasure chests containing valuable items.

Awards were given for top performers in each stage as well as for the overall winner. An auction also took place. Not only were donated goods and accommodation vouchers auctioned off to the highest bidder, but so were various funny old junk and car parts that had been picked up by participants during the treasure hunt.

Thanks to the auctioneer's wit and sharp commentary, the auction turned out to be a jovial and entertaining event, and bidders felt a sense of happiness and purpose as all funds generated were in support of wildlife and the environment.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors including Hollard Namibia, Guans Packaging, Uis Guest House, Off Road Centre, AFC, Brandberg Rest Camp, Cymot and Grind Coffee, the event raised nearly N$60 000. These funds will be managed by LRON to continue supporting the De Rust water installation and its crucial role in conserving the Ugab elephants.