Stories

Travel News Namibia, your gateway to captivating narratives that transport you to the heart of Namibia’s enchanting landscapes, vibrant cultures, and awe-inspiring adventures. Here, we invite you to embark on a journey through the written word, where each article is a window into the soul of this extraordinary land. From tales of intrepid explorations across the vast deserts to encounters with the diverse wildlife that calls Namibia home, our stories are a celebration of the country’s natural wonders and the people who make it come alive.

June 25, 2023

30 years of putting Nature First at Ongava

Article 95 stipulates that the State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people by adopting international policies aimed at, among others, according to Section 12 the “maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future; [...]." This made Namibia one of the first countries to include provisions for environmental protection in its constitution.
June 25, 2023

FlyNamibia goes on safari with EES

FlyNamibia participated in the world’s largest tourism expo, the ITB in Germany, in early March. Together with the Namibia Tourism Board and several other tourism operators, FlyNamibia’s team had three full days of back-to-back meetings with global tourism operators to promote Namibia as the ultimate travel destination. Over 10,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries and regions attended the ITB, with nearly 40,000 visitors drawn to the expo on the first day alone.
June 21, 2023

The art of taking it easy: Exploring some of Namibia’s most scenic roads

The saying goes that of all the roads you travel, make sure that some of them are dirt. Only, around here, most of the roads are. Deep in the south of Namibia, gravel roads and jeep tracks run like veins through the desert landscape. These roads connect destinations like Sesriem to Lüderitz or the Fish River Canyon. They are often looked upon as a means to an end instead of being part of the journey.
June 21, 2023

Travel News Namibia’s Bush Diving Playlist

What’s playing on the radio? A podcaster with a droning voice telling you about the intricacies of silverware antiquing? Skip that. Rather pull up your Spotify app and press play on our Bush Diving roadtrip playlist, specially compiled to bring some much-needed up-beat vibes into the interior of your game-viewing conveyance.
June 21, 2023

Photography Feature: Chris Botha – The beauty of slow, steady and free

Chris Botha is a Namibian-born photographer whose love for photography has made the world around him come alive. He captures the beauty of his surroundings and makes life seem slow, steady and free. Chris’s approach to photography is driven by his love for the creative process and the thrill of the chase. He says, “Anything is interesting if you look close enough. The more mundane, the more exciting the challenge to find that interesting shot.”
June 21, 2023

10 things you might not know about rhino conservation in Namibia

Namibia is a leader in rhino conservation, boasting the largest population of black rhinos in the world. Namibia's success is attributed to various efforts, including community-based initiatives, anti-poaching programs, and breeding schemes. Notably, Namibia’s pioneering “rhino trophy hunting” program generates significant revenue for conservation by allowing the hunting of a limited number of non-breeding animals. Programs like the Black Rhino Custodianship, government actions against wildlife trafficking, and the involvement of the tourism industry also contribute to rhino protection.
June 21, 2023

The ‘Slow Travel’ Check List

Namibia is a destination to be savoured and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush through the vast vistas in order to tick as much as possible off your to-do list. Curate your itinerary, stay longer, explore more. Here is a list of ways to enjoy Namibia more thoroughly as part of our ‘Slow Travel’ theme for this issue.
June 21, 2023

The land of sand and freedom: Birds of a feather

We feel tremendously privileged to know some nature specialists who are founts of knowledge. Luckily, they are also amazing human beings who share their wisdom and their knowledge. Birds of a feather flock together. As this story is about our birding experiences over the years, that seemed like an apt segue.
June 21, 2023

Looking for Namibia’s EMPEROR MOTHS

They are nature’s flying nocturnal artworks, short-lived, some well-known but others secretive and little-known, often overseen and attracted to light. The adults do not feed at all, and the larvae – caterpillars – are very selective regarding their food plants. A few species are a valuable food source for humans, such as the so-called “mopane worms”, whereas of some species the caterpillars and food plants are not yet known.
June 14, 2023

Desert views to die for

Hygge and wabi-sabi. These two foreign lifestyle and design philosophies come to mind at Desert Breeze Lodge. Perched on granite boulders bordering the Swakop River, overlooking dunes of the Namib Sand Sea’s proverbial beach-break with cosy comfort and quirky style, this lodge is completely unique to Swakopmund’s accommodation offerings, and arguably one of the most interesting in the country.
June 4, 2023

Become one of the pride at Hobatere Tree House

Welcomed by handshakes and friendly introductions, arriving at Hobatere is like coming home. The journey begins from the moment guests enter the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas conservancy at the main gate, framed by two towers reminiscent of classic stone castles. Barely three kilometres into the conservancy, we spot the first wildlife. Stocky mountain zebras trot across the jeep track, shy to show us their striped pyjamas as they disappear between the mopane forest dotted with honey-coloured boulders.
March 24, 2023

Discover Namibia with Ondili

Discover Namibia, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the red dunes of the Kalahari and the ancient trees of the Namib Desert to the vibrant coastal charm of Swakopmund, each region offers unique adventures. Experience Namibia's magic and connect deeply with its stunning nature and history.
March 24, 2023

Space and Time

Untouched landscapes spanning as far as the eye can see. An abundance of wildlife roaming free, as nature intended, over bushveld, desert and wetland. A world of birds brimming with sought-after endemic species, found nowhere else on the planet. To the novice this may seem like scenes from the Lion King. In Namibia it is commonplace.
March 7, 2023

Rewind to 1993: Those were the days

Discover Namibia's captivating journey in tourism from 1993 to 2023. Witness the remarkable growth from 181,000 to 1.6 million holiday tourists and the rise of over 2,500 accommodation establishments. As the country recovers post-pandemic, it faces the critical choice between mass tourism and sustainable practices, preserving its delicate environment while promoting exploration for all.
March 7, 2023

The Enigmatic Horns of Gemsbok: Nature’s Intriguing Anomalies

Explore the intriguing world of gemsbok and their unique horn formations. Witness two remarkable animals seemingly unaffected by their peculiar horns, while another faces the challenge of a curling horn causing distress. Learn from Dr. Hans-Otto Reuter, a renowned wildlife veterinarian, about the origins of these uncommon horn shapes and the challenges they pose.
March 7, 2023

RuralRevive: A budding seed in Maltahöhe

Discover RuralRevive: a transformative project empowering Maltahöhe's community and local economy. Partnering with Wolwedans Foundation's Vision 2030, RuralRevive aims to build sustainable and inclusive tourism. Learn about the five focus areas and the positive impact on marginalized women, farmers, and youth. Join the movement for resilient, inclusive conservation tourism economies.