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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.”
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
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.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
June 29, 2023

Looking back: 30 Years ago in the pages of Travel News Namibia

Thirty years ago, Travel News Namibia offered readers a snapshot of the country’s burgeoning tourism landscape in an edition brimming with optimism and ambitious milestones. We covered the sixth annual congress of the Hotel Association of Namibia, highlighting Namibia’s ranking among the top-five global destinations and underscoring the industry’s call for a national tourism strategy. We also celebrated local developments, such as the opening of the Mbangura Woodcarvers Market, which gave Northern artisans a platform for their craft, and the launch of Ongava Lodge near Etosha—a luxurious safari experience designed to attract international visitors. This edition captured Namibia at a pivotal moment, as it moved to solidify its reputation on the world tourism stage.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
June 29, 2023

35 years of HAN: Some roads well travelled, many more still to create

When various pioneers in the Namibian hospitality sector came together in late 1987, their aim was to pave the way for the creation of a lobby group to speak out for the interests of the tourism accommodation sector, and to see tourism take up a key role in Namibia’s economy. Fast forward 35 years and much has been achieved: the Namibian tourism industry is one of the three economic pillars in Namibia, and tourism businesses provide an impressive percentage of employment opportunities for Namibians at all skill levels and in all regions. But while much has changed in the tourism landscape over the past 35 years, it is noteworthy that much has stayed the same.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
June 29, 2023

Birding with Pompie: Three wise men from the west

Did they bring any presents? Yes, they did. Are they wise? Indeed they are. Are they windgat? No. Are they your typical bird watchers/guides? Not at all. Do they know everything about birds? No, they know everything about nature, be it birds, bees, flowers, trees, butterflies, reptiles. They do not know that much about rugby, but that makes it so much easier to explain the finer points of the Blue Bulls, not to be corrected by wise-guy Stormer supporters. These are probably all the reasonable nice things I can say about these fellows.
Do you like it?
0 Read more