Published 3rd Jun. 2024
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When it comes to sustainable travel, we’ve taken inspiration from Japanese art. Their concept of kintsugi refers to repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer to create something more beautiful than the original. Ever since the pandemic tore the tourism industry to the ground, we’ve wanted to be the gold lacquer piecing travel back to be better than before. So, it’s no surprise that we’ve been shouting about sustainable concepts like undertourism for a whole range of countries – and Namibia is no exception. As a country that relies so heavily on its natural splendour to attract tourists, it’s only right we treat the landscapes and the locals who live there, with the sensitivity they deserve. Craving a responsible trip to stunning Southern Africa? Read on for our top tips on sustainable tourism in Namibia.
Africa is synonymous with safaris, and there's no wonder why millions of visitors lace up their boots to experience them each year. However, the continent risks becoming a victim of its own success. Overtourism is when too many tourist-laden vehicles visit sought-after spots like Kenya’s Masai Mara, damaging the environment and decreasing wildlife numbers. The solution? To champion destinations – like Namibia – which are often overlooked in favour of their famous neighbours. Whether spotting flamingos in the Etosha Pan or ogling over oryx in the apricot-coloured Namib desert, journeying to off-the-beaten-path places promotes undertourism and avoids the negative consequences of too many tourists flocking to the same places.
Image by Jérôme Galland.
It might not be in the dictionary (yet), but Philantourism is at the forefront of our pursuit to make travel a force for good. It’s a simple combination of philanthropy and tourism, wherein you can support a country simply by being there. When it comes to sustainable tourism in Namibia, Philantourism is one of the easiest ways to ensure your presence is positive. In 2022, the tourism industry supported almost 8% of employment in the country and contributed significantly to the GDP. So, simply turn up and enjoy the Skeleton Coast’s wild shores, marvel at the Namib Desert’s wildlife or feast in a local restaurant, and you’ll have played your positive Philantourism part.
Community-based tourism is all about immersing yourself in experiences and accommodations owned by local communities. The benefits extend beyond boosting the economy and promoting their culture – visitors are provided with a more authentic travel experience. Think switching a chain hotel in Namibia for a homestay to experience rural life, traditional cuisine, personalised hospitality and all-round cultural immersion. Or embark on a safari run by locals who know the area better than anyone else and help support their livelihood.
Along with enriching your cultural knowledge, sustainable tourism in Namibia must focus on uplifting indigenous communities. As part of your trip, we can organise authentic, educational and sensitively planned interactions with the guardians of the extraordinary habitats you’ll experience. For example, we can arrange for you to join the San people (the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa) on a cultural tour in the Omaheke region where you’ll learn how to track animals, identify edible food from the bush and sing traditional songs around the fire.
Image by Habitas Namibia.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Un Cercle.
Our trips to Namibia are personalised just for you, from kickstarting a honeymoon with a romantic bush dinner to securing a manual land cruiser for your intrepid self-drive safari. We can arrange your dream accommodation, too, whether your style is more suited to a desert camp tucked in red sand dunes or an Arabic-style fort in a private reserve. What’s more, let us know your interests, and we’ll recommend cultural, historical and sporting experiences that are right up your street.
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