LAND ROVER OWNERS NAMIBIA generates almost N$ 60,000.00 for wildlife and environmental conservation with recent Treasure Chase event.

Land Rover Owners Namibia (LRON), a club welcoming all vehicle brand enthusiasts, recently hosted its first 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, with a specific focus on raising funds for the De Rust water installation, which provides essential water to the community and to the Ugab elephants. The idea for this family-oriented treasure hunt, designed for 4×4 vehicles, was conceived some months ago by Johan Pretorius, a dedicated LRON member and the driving force behind the ‘Landy Friend’ development.

Johan shared his deep passion for the Ugab River and its elephants, saying, “I have fond memories of this area, and organising the Treasure Chase is something very 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.”

In 2018, Land Rover Owners Namibia (LRON) undertook the installation of a solar installation and borehole pump in order to assist the Community of de Rust with their livestock as well as providing water 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 Treasure Chase, held on August 24th and 25th, 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 main treasure chase  the next day. With 28 vehicles and 70 participants, the chase featured three stages in which the many vehicles were divided into, 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 overall winner. An auction also took place. Not only where donated goods and accommodation vouchers auctioned off to the highest bidder, but so where various funny old junk and car parts that had been picked up by participants during the treasure chase.  Thanks to the auctioneer’s wit and sharp commentary,  the auction turned out to be a jovial and most entertaining event and bidders felt a sense of happiness and purpose as all fund generated are in support of Wildlife and Environment of the area.

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 successfully raised nearly N$ 60,000.00. These funds will be managed by Land Rover Owners Namibia to continue supporting the De Rust water installation and its crucial role in conserving the Ugab elephants.

More information can be obtained from the LRON website www.lrovernam.com