Namibia: record tourism growth last year

The hospitality industry of Namibia recorded high growth of nine percent in room and bed occupancy last year, according to new statistics released recently.
 
The quarterly and annual room and bed occupancy statistics report compiled by the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) reveals that the Namibian tourism accommodation industry experienced a growth of some nine percent in room sales last year compared to 2013.
 
In 2014, the annual average occupancy rates exceeded the 50 percent threshold of 2008 again and reached 57.4 percent.

Tourism in Namibia seemed to have experienced its best year in seven years during 2014 with occupancy statistics five percent higher than 2008.

After the global economic crisis, which started in 2008, tourism figures for Namibia declined from 2009 until 2011 when a low average bed occupancy of 40.5 percent was recorded.

From 2012 onwards more tourists visited Namibia with the highest figure of 1.3 million visitors recorded in 2013.

The official visitor statistics for 2014 will only be released later this year.

Namibia has a population of around 2.1 million and 44.5 percent of its total area is under conservation.

The German-speaking European market still remains Namibia’s biggest source market with about 21.1 percent coming from either Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

South Africans made up 12 percent of tourists who booked an overnight stay at accommodation establishments in 2014.

According to the World Tourism & Travel Council (WTTC) direct contribution of travel and tourism in Namibia contributed 3.12 billion Namibian dollars – three percent – to the country’s economy in 2013.

Namibia: new conservation award

Namibia recently received another international award for best wildlife conservation and empowering rural communities due to its outstanding Community Based Natural Resource Management Program (CBNRMP).

Namibia’s success story comes from its programme fo the conservation of wildlife which helped to set the scene for a conservation strategy in an independent Namibia.

Namibia is among few African countries with an expanding, free roaming population of lion, giraffe and elephant and also has the largest cheetah population in the world.

The award follows the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) recognition of 14 finalist organisations from 12 countries around the world that led innovative tourism initiatives in public policy and governance, enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research and technology.

In a statement issued recently the spokesman of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Romeo Muyunda, said the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) partners with local NGOs, the government and the tourism private sector to bring income into rural communities and empower Namibians to manage and benefit from their wildlife.

“Namibia is a conservation travel destination attracting conscientious travellers. This award must be seen in the context in which WWF-Namibia operates,” stated Muyunda.

The Namibian constitution allows for sustainable utilisation of Namibia’s biodiversity.

Namibia remains committed to the sustainable use of wildlife resources, as is indeed provided for in the country’s national constitution, he said.

“Sustainable use of wildlife resources is the result of good conservation and good wildlife management, and it is our collective interest to ensure that we use this resource sustainably. Today Namibian efforts towards conservation is a global success story that echoes across the continents and is seen as an example of how, by commitment, dedication and community empowerment a nation and its biodiversity base can be transformed, leading to the greatest wildlife recovery story ever told,” he noted.

Other recent awards include the film which is part of the greatest recovery story presentation that won the best film award two weeks ago at the Wildlife and Scenic Festival – the largest film festival in the united States of America.

Namibia: Etosha Safari Lodge, Camp & Camp Site

ETOSHA SAFARI LODGE
Guests rave about the view: the restaurant and chalets, situated on a hillock, offer magnificent views of the African bush savannah. All of the 65 double room chalets have air conditioners and mosquito nets, and a choice of three swimming pools between them. Apart from the restaurant and bar there is a wooden platform for sundowners high above the Mopani bush.

Etosha Safari lodge is a peaceful base from which to explore the animal bounty of Etosha National Park.

Property Facilities:
•    24-hour Security
•    Bar
•    Eco Friendly
•    Wi-FI
•    Malaria Free
•    Mobile Connectivity
•    Swimming Pool
•    Restaurant
•    Secure Parking
Room Facilities:
•    Air Conditioning / Heating
•    En-suite bathrooms, showers
•    Hair Dryer (available at reception)
•    Safe
•    Tea / Coffee Facilities
•    Veranda
Available Services:
•    Credit Card: Vista, Master
•    Laundry Service
Activities:
•    Excursions to the Etosha National Park

ETOSHA SAFARI CAMP
Etosha Safari Camp is situated just 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 between Outjo and Okaukuejo. 50 twin-bedded chalets nestle among Mopani trees and impart a feeling of living in the lap of African nature. Each of them is equipped with mosquito gauze, air conditioning and its own bathroom and small veranda. Special attractions are the Okambashu Restaurant and the Oshebeena Bar, styled like a typical little township bar and brimming with African joie de vivre.
Property Facilities:
•    Restaurant
•    Bar
•    Swimming Pool
•    Wi-Fi
•    24-hour Security
•    Mobile Connectivity
•    Secure Parking
•   
Room Facilities:
•    Air Conditioning / Heating
•    En-suite bathrooms, showers
•    Safe
•    Veranda
•    Mosquito Nets

Available Services:
•    Credit Card: Vista, Master
•    Laundry Service
Activities:
•    Excursions to Etosha National Park
ETOSHA SAFARI CAMPSITE
Set up under Mopane trees with loving care, this campsite offers guests many shady spots covered with lawn. Apart from showers, toilets and sink units there are several power points all over the site as well as mobile grills. Camping guests are welcome to use the swimming pool of neighbouring Etosha Safari Camp (a two minutes' walk). And those who want to treat themselves to dinner after an exciting day are most welcome at the camp's Okambashu restaurant.

Namibia: renaming Lüderitz is imminent

The Lüderitz Town Council has announced that the southern town will still be renamed to !Nami#nus, while angry residents of the south coastal town have called for a referendum to decide the name.

Mayor Suzan Ndjaleka broke news of council’s decision at a consultative meeting last week, but her announcement was met with opposition from a section of the residents who are not happy with plans to rename their town.

Following a delimitation process conducted in 2013, residents took to the streets to object the Delimitation Commission’s decision to rename the town to !Nami#nus.

Residents were then assured at the time that only the Lüderitz Constituency will be re-named to !Nami#nus, and that the town itself will retain its name.

However, in a surprise turn of events, it was announced last week that the town too will now be renamed to !Nami#nus.
The town is currently named after Adolf Lüderitz, a German merchant and the founder of German South-West Africa, Imperial Germany’s first colony.

!Nami#nus is a description of “surrounded or embraced by water” in the local Nama language.

Ndjaleka gave an overview on the name-change issue, chronicling events leading to President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s announcement of the delimitation results in August 2013.

Ndjaleka stressed that the town council’s decision to effect the name change is final, saying nothing will reverse the decision.
She referred to the meeting that the town council held with Chief of the !Aman Traditional Authority David Fredericks, who enlightened and provided a rich background and history pertaining to !Nami#nus.

Chief Fredericks was in attendance of last week’s consultative meeting with members of the council of !Aman Traditional Authority. They attended the session as observers.

Ndjaleka urged the residents to embrace the proposed new name, irrespective of cultural differences.
Council will draft a resolution on the subject and forward it to the ministry of local government and housing for final approval, before gazetting the name change to make it lawful.

The business community at Lüderitz is opposed to changing the town’s name, saying it will affect a lot of things at the town, including business brands.

The local branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) held a meeting where owners of businesses expressed discontent with the proposed name change.

Some business people said they export goods bearing the Lüderitz name overseas, and express fear that changing the town’s name to !Nami#nus will adversely affect their businesses’ profitability.

Disillusioned community members called on the town council to conduct a referendum to decide whether or not to rename the town.

No Yellow Fever Vaccination - Zambia & RSA

Yellow Fever Vaccination No Longer Required To Travel Between Zambia and SA
• Zambia is now a Yellow Fever free zone
• The South African Department of Health declares that it is no longer required to obtain a vaccination certificate

The South African Department of Health has officially lifted the requirement that yellow fever vaccinations are needed to travel between Zambia and South Africa.
After being declared a yellow fever free zone by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in January, the South African health department has now announced that travellers no longer need to obtain certification of vaccination.
The decision was made official at the World Health Assembly on Friday 30th January in Geneva, following the confirmation by the WHO that Zambia has a low yellow fever potential exposure status.
This is great news for travellers as they will be able to cross from South Africa to Zambia and visit Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, without the requirement of the vaccination.
Ms. Emmanuelle Moneger, General Manager of The Royal Livingstone Hotel, comments:
“We are delighted that the Department of Health have officially announced that travellers no longer need the yellow fever vaccination. We feel that this factor deterred many of our visitors to be able to cross from Zambia to South Africa and get the chance to visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. We hope that we will see many more tourists and guests crossing over both sides of these beautiful destinations, now that Zambia is yellow fever free.”

South Africa: Sun City notice

The Cascades – Santorini Restaurant
Please be advised that the Santorini Restaurant will be closed effective 01 May 2015 for a total refurbishment. The re-opening of a new Mediterranean Style Restaurant is envisaged for 01 September 2015. During this time a similar menu will be available in Peninsula Restaurant at the Cascades.

The Sun City Hotel – Sun Café
Please note the closure of the Sun City Sun Café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will now be served at Cherry situated above the non-smoking casino floor.

Namibia: Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo Camp

Etosha National Park  – Okaukuejo Camp
Be informed that the swimming pool at Okaukuejo camp is currently out of order until further notice. Their maintenance teams are busy resolving the problem and are doing their best to have the pool repaired as soon as possible.

Botswana: Camp Kuzuma fact sheet & photos | Кемп Кузума Ботсвана

The Most Unique Elephant Experience in Africa…

OVERVIEW 

Reminiscent of the 1800 era, Camp Kuzuma is a private and exclusive safari lodge situated in the pristine Kazuma Forest reserve in the Chobe region of Botswana. Located 75km from Kasane, the camp offers a unique Botswana Safari experience. Overlooking a regularly frequented waterhole and open plains of the Kazuma Pans, the lodge is situated in the busiest elephant corridor that joins two of the world’s greatest parks: The Chobe National Park in Botswana and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. With over 4000 square kilometres of private traversing concession, Camp Kuzuma offers an incredible and unforgettable African wilderness experience. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodation, delectable food, rejuvenating wellness treatments and exhilarating explorations on land or water.

The natural plant life at Camp Kuzuma is carefully preserved by elevated wooden walkways that connect the 5 Luxury Tented Suites to the main guest areas. The main lodge area, built under a large canvas tent, is home to an open plan bar, lounge and dining area. The main area extends onto a large wooden deck with a sparkling swimming pool that overlooks a floodlit waterhole that is frequently visited by an abundance of wildlife including elephant and lion.

The nearby sunken boma just off the deck welcomes guests and offers an opportunity to find solace and comfort whilst reading a book in the cool afternoon breeze, or whilst enjoying a unique dining experience under the African stars. Evenings are rounded off with a night cap around the open fire where guests share their sightings and recap their stories of the day.

The abundance of wildlife roaming the private forestry area of the Kazuma Plains is a sight to behold. Herds reaching the thousands roam the open plains: wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, roan antelope, sable, giraffe, lion and leopard are commonly seen in the area.

Whilst staying at Camp Kuzuma, take the opportunity to experience our well-appointed bush spa which offers a variety of treatments. Use the camp as a base to explore the surrounding areas such as the famous Chobe National

Park, embark on a cruise on the Chobe River or visit the natural wonder of the Victoria Falls.

Our aim at Camp Kuzuma is to minimize our carbon footprint. Our power is generated through batteries, hot water is supplied by solar geysers and the entire camp is connected by wooden walkways raised over a metre above the ground.
FACILITIES:
. Spa

. Swimming Pool overlooking water-hole

. WIFI access 

. Restaurant, Lounge and Bar 

. Boma 

. Laundry Services

ACCOMMODATION

Custom built, open plan Luxury Tented Suites are situated under a canopy of Mopane trees. Our 5 Luxury Tented suites, up to 49 square metres in size, offer luxury and comfort in this magnificent wilderness area. Each suite exudes a romantic and nostalgic ambience with safari memorabilia throughout. All suites are luxurious spaces and tastefully decorated with the feel of an 1800 colonial style camp reminiscent of the days of David Livingstone.

En-suite bathrooms offer high back Victorian baths, double basins, double inside showers and outside showers. 

Features: 

. King Size Bed

. Overhead Fan

. Twin Hand Basins 

. Victorian Bath

. His and Her Showers

. Outdoor Showers

. Separate toilet

. Hair Dryer 

. Private Bush Views

WHAT TO PACK:

• Sun block
• Hat/cap
• Walking boots/shoes
• Comfortable and casual clothing
• Warm jackets for game drives
• Camera (300 - 600mm lenses for good photographs)
• Medication for allergies

EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES:

Included: 

Activities

Game Drives:    These activities are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, as wildlife is more active during the cooler hours of the day. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense wilderness, including breeding herds of elephant, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, giraffe, large buffalo herds, roan antelope and sable to name a few. 

Night Drives:
Exciting night drives take place after dinner and give guests the opportunity to encounter nocturnal nightlife as well as the possibility of observing nocturnal hunters such as lion, leopard and hyena who hunt after sunset.

Guided Walks:
Guests are able to experience wildlife on foot where our qualified camp guide takes guests closer to nature.

Bird Watching: 
The Kazuma Plains are renowned for their prolific bird life. For enthusiasts, some 380 different species are found in the region.

At an additional charge:
Spa Treatments: 
Camp Kuzuma's Bush Spa is a natural haven of serenity offering a wide variety of pampering treatments to soothe the soul. When the day is done and the sun is setting, come and surrender to our sanctuary where we offer a wide range of massages, reflexology, aromatherapy, facials and hand and foot treatments. 

Sunset Chobe Boat Cruises: 
Guests have the option to request a sunset cruise on the majestic Chobe River. This tour includes transfers, park fees, a half day trip on a pontoon on the Chobe River (9:00-12:30 / 15:30-18:30), lunch (option of various restaurants), soft drinks, snacks and selected alcoholic beverages.

Chobe National Park: 
Clients have the option to request a day trip into the well renowned Chobe National Park. This tour includes transfers, park fees, a half day trip in Chobe Game Park, half day trip on a pontoon on Chobe River (9:00-12:30/15:30-18:30), lunch (option of various restaurants or a packed lunch), soft drinks, snacks and selected alcoholic beverages.

Victoria Falls:
We also offer day trips to one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Clients leave early in the morning after breakfast, head to the Falls, have lunch, enjoy the traditional shopping markets and then head back to camp in time for dinner. This tour includes transfers, full day with guide, Vic Falls entry, lunch (option of various restaurants), shopping, visiting crocodile sites, soft drinks, snacks and selected alcoholic beverages.

Fishing Expeditions: 
3 HOURS: This expedition includes transfers, all fishing tackle, soft drinks, snacks and selected alcoholic beverages (brunch to be served at Camp Kuzuma on return). 
HALF DAY: This expedition includes transfers, all fishing tackle, lunch, tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and selected alcoholic beverages.  

Cultural Tour: 
This tour includes transfers, visit to schools, markets and meeting the headman. Soft drinks, snacks and selection of alcoholic beverages are included.

Namibia: Tented Rooms for Corona Guest Farm are temporarily closed

Corona Guest Farm: Tents not available for bookings as from February 2015 till further notice. Tented accommodation at Corona Guest Farm have been temporarily closed and will not be available for bookings as of February 2015.
Family Rooms and Standard Rooms are available for all future bookings. We look forward to warmly welcome you at Corona!

Hospitality Trend - ESKOM'S 12 TIPS TO ELIMINATE ENERGY WASTE

We hope that the following tips from Eskom give you some ideas on how to eliminate energy waste in your establishment
°    Check your hot water pipe insulation and geyser settings.  Turn down the hot water by a few degrees or turn off hot water tanks for a few hours per day.
°    Replace lamps with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
°    Replace traditional showerheads with aerated showerheads.
°    Promote showering over bathing as this uses less water and saves energy.
°    Switch off unnecessary lighting and lights in areas that do not need to be lit on a regular basis.
°    Restaurant or dining - room lights should be switched off when it is closed.
°    Plan shutdown of rooms as per inventory requirements.  This means filling up the hotel floor - by - floor and shutting down the remaining rooms that are not in use.
°    Outside lights should be fitted with a motion sensor and care should be taken that these are not on during daylight hours.
°    Heating, ventilation and air - conditioning (HVAC) systems must be kept closed in air-conditioned areas.
°    Reschedule non - critical operations to off peak times:  10pm - 6am or on weekends.
°    Heated swimming pools should be covered with a thermal blanket when not in use.
°    All appliances in meal preparation areas should be switched off when not in use and care must be taken not to leave fridge or cold room doors open

Uncharted Africa Botswana - new children policy

Namibia: Villa Mushara Etosha National Park photo gallery | Вилла Мушара Этоша Парк Намибия

Villa Mushara is located only 8 kilometers from the Von Lindequist Gate of the world famous Etosha National Park, thus allowing the best of both worlds. The rugged harsh wilderness of Etosha combined with the exquisite accommodation and cuisine of Villa Mushara offers a stark contrast, which has been depicted in the villas through the use of opposing textures. With individuality in mind, only two exclusive villas have been designed to create an ideal retreat from the stress of modern day life, where an aura of tranquility and contemplation prevails. Timeless appeal, shrouded by Etosha’s eminent mystique. Experience the best of both worlds. Whether its your memories of relaxing in the private plunge pool or lounging in the “sala” that’s immersed in bush. Villa Mushara is a place that will leave you yearning for more, long after your departure.

Namibia: The Mushara Outpost, Etosha | Мушара Аутпост Этоша Парк Намибия

Mushara Outpost is another addition to the Mushara Collection of exquisite accommodation establishments, situated just 10 km from the Von Lindequist Gate of world-famous Etosha National Park. Mushara Outpost accommodates 16 guests in custom-made tent-like wood and canvas structures which are nestled on the banks of an ancient dry riverbed, known as ”omuramba” in the Herero language. Mushara Outpost is all about old-fashioned hospitality with warm, friendly and personalized service on the doorstep to the wonders of Etosha National Park. The lodge’s main house is styled like an old farm house with high walls, corrugated iron roof and a large wrap-around veranda facing northeast to take advantage of shade. The ambiance is similar to that of a well lived-in house: friendly and extremely comfortable with a light feel to it.

Namibia: Mushara Bush Camp photo gallery

The latest addition to the Mushara Collection of exquisite accommodation establishments is the ”Mushara Bush Camp”, situated a mere 10 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park. The Bush Camp accommodates 32 guest and 8 children in custom made tent like structures. The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience which is well suited as an exceptional affordable base for independent travelers and families exploring the magical Etosha Pan National Park. The main Bush Camp House is thatched and has a true bush camp feel to it. The early evenings see a camp fire lit where guest can exchange stories of the day’s wildlife sightings. Dinner, lunch and breakfast are served on the thatched verandah with the bush being a mere step away. The Mushara Bush Camp is your optimal family destination on the doorstep to the magical Etosha National Park.

Botswana: donation by Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge has donated some utensils to Kachikau Primary School special care unit.

The utensils were a stove, fridge, microwave, plates, forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils.

The main challenge was that some parents seemed to think that their children were going to be healed from their conditions instead of helping them to become responsible adults who could make independent and informed choices.

Chobe Fish Eagle had established a Leanne Britton Foundation in memory of her late wife, who had adopted the special care unit in Kachikau under Chobe Safari lodge.

It has been announced that the foundation has organised a boat cruise for the Kachikau special unit children due this month and a Christmas party for orphans.

The foundation would come up with more ideas to see how they could continue assisting the special care unit.

Chobe Safari Lodge has adopted the Kachikau special care unit comprising of 12 boys and 8 girls in an effort to provide support and care to these mentally and physically challenged children by improving their quality of life.

Namibia: news from Twyfelfontein Lodge

The Twyfelfontein fuel station will be operational as from 1st March 2015 with 95 Petrol and 50ppm Diesel that will be available.
There will also be a workshop for minor repairs, brake down services and tyres repair.
Fuel is to be paid in cash. Credit /Debit cards will not be accepted for fuel.

Botswana: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge photo gallery

#BelmondEagleIslandLodgeBotswana