Namibia travel tips: Meke Imbili’s tips for travellers

Text Marita van Rooyen

Local tourism expert Meke Imbili shares her tips on what makes winter a special time for travelling in Namibia, detailing how to experience the cultural aspect of local tourism in the best possible way.

“Namibia is an all-year-round travel destination. In winter the temperatures are more favourable for visitors from the northern hemisphere, and it is also the dry season in Namibia.

Winter is the time of year for guests whose main interest is game viewing, which can be done on guest farms around the country, in private game reserves, and in the world-renowned Etosha National Park.

In our villages in the northern-most regions, this is when cattle give birth and we take care of the new-borns to ensure they are safe and have a chance of survival. Wintertime is also harvest time when homestead owners reap in what they have sowed, be it millet, beans or melons. The millet is pounded and mahangu is produced, while melon seeds are used to manufacture Oontanga oil.”

Meke

Learn more about local communities

• Northern Namibia is a region rich in cultural heritage, but not visited by many. Hence it represents a new and highly interesting area of discovery for travellers.
• North-western Namibia hosts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. It is home to the Ovahimba, one of the last nomadic tribes in Namibia. In Kaokoland you can visit a village nestled between hills and participate in the daily activities of the villagers, such as milking and herding cattle. The area also presents a variety of scintillating adventure activities, such as rhino tracking.
• The San people of Namibia reside in several areas, including the east and north-east. The most popular locality for visiting is the north-east, where the San have formed conservancies.
• To gain an insight into the San way of life, spend time in the Nyae Nyae and N#a Jaqna conservancies, both in the Otjozondjupa Region. Visits to conservancies can be combined with a wildlife experience in either the Etosha National Park or Khaudum National Park.
• In the far north-east are the Salambala, Impalila and Kwandu conservancies, which Meke also recommends as well worthy of visiting to educate yourself on Caprivian culture and traditions.

How and where does Meke travel during winter?

Damaraland by Paul van Schalkwyk.

“My favourite way of experiencing Namibia is by light aircraft, as it presents an entirely different view of life down below. However, travelling by road allows you more time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes at a slower pace.”

During the winter months, Meke travels mostly to tourist facilities close to Windhoek, such as Gocheganas and Lake Oanob, to enjoy game viewing while relaxing during wellness treatments. “Harnas is also one of my favourite destinations.”

Who is Meke?

Meke Imbili is a vibrant personality in the local tourism sector. She is Chairperson for the Emerging Tourism Enterprises Association (ETEA), Secretary for the new Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA), and Secretary for the Tourist Guides Association of Namibia (TAN). She is furthermore the manager and co-owner of Aabadi Safaris and recently expanded her portfolio by registering Xceptional Tourism Services (XTS), a company that offers specialised experiences in rural areas, to be extended with Voluntourism opportunities in time. “XTS will also offer travel-agency services, marketing services for emerging tourism businesses, customer service training to individuals and institutions, and event-management services.”

Meke was schooled by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) & Commonwealth as a customer-service trainer and has successfully completed the NTB/ Witwatersrand University Certificate in Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creations.

Says Meke: “I believe in the culture of serving and am a customer-service specialist with a passion for tourism. I think the combination of the above with in-depth knowledge of your product, markets and financial discipline, are excellent ingredients for making a success of any business.”

Contact Meke at eteanamibia@gmail.com, or 081 124 7869