The origin of the name
Before getting into the finer details, we would like
to share with you the origin of the name "Chateau".
Often guests ask how the name "Club Chateau"
as well as "Chateau plains", one of the nature
reserve’s most impressive panoramas, fit into
the picture. Elaborate French country estates and fancy
wine labels spring to mind, certainly not the Namib
Desert nor Wolwedans. So why "Chateau"? Here
is the history.
When Albi Brückner, (founder and current chairman
of NamibRand Nature Reserve), bought the farm Wolwedans
back in 1985, he did so from the map and after a short
visit to an awesome sight, which today is commonly referred
to as "Chateau viewpoint". A certain Mr Schumann,
a well read and educated man, was the caretaker of "DieDuine"
at the time. This farm bordered the south of Wolwedans,
forming a part of what was the start to NamibRand. Instructed
to explore the new acquisition (Wolwedans), and report
back to Windhoek, he discovered a small refuge perched
on top of a little "Inselberg", in the remote
north-west of Wolwedans. Bedazzled by this discovery,
and lacking no sense of humour, Schumann named it "Chateau
Namib". Such an illustrious name for the little
cottage perched on the hill. From then on, the plains
hosting Chateau Namib were referred to as the "Chateau
Plains". So the name was born, a name, which stands
as firm as the little "Chateau" itself.
Whilst we pondered for a suitable name for the Wolwedans
Club, we wondered what summarized Wolwedans and its
experience. Apart from the collection of refined camps,
it most certainly is the Chateau Plains. Many guests
have stood at the viewpoint and uttered comments like:
"…the most beautiful scenery seen so far"
and some even rate it as one of the most exquisite panoramas
in the world. It was then that we decided that "Chateau"
should form part of the name as it not only paid tribute
to one of Wolwedans' hallmarks, but also resembled a
degree of exclusivity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Introduction
- The origin of the name
- Join
the Club
- Members
- Modus
operandi |