Listen to Nature
Volume up! Today we are setting in motion Ongava's new crusade:
"Listen to Nature"
Ongava Research Centre's Dr. John Mendelsohn elucidates;
"The value of the ‘sounds/songs/melodies/tunes of nature’s silence’ offered by Ongava against the ‘hectic cacophony/racket/blare/clatter of the modern world’ which most urban dwellers have to endure each day: in short, ‘revisit peace to enjoy the sounds of silence’ at Ongava"
We're Back in Business!
Oh my, it's been awhile! The safari buzz is intense, are you feeling it? We've been sensationally busy! Our revamped camps opened in April with superbly trained and motivated Guides offering next level Bush Walk experiences, upgraded — mouth-watering — menus, and .. thanks to your incredible support, how to say this politely ... let's term it robust bookings for the year! Insallah.
Not only have the camps been a frisson of excitement, behind the scenes sees a system upgrade to CiMSO INNKeeper.
Listen to Nature
As our tangle with COVID-19 confirms, along with climate change, biodiversity loss and the myriad negative impact mankind inflicts upon our planet, it's more vital than ever that we listen to nature. While the term Nature First captures everything we stand for we'd like to inspire others to adopt the same philosophy. In fact we think Listen to Nature should be the "a diamond is forever" of the modern world! The expression is high level, timeless, endless, and really explains what we as humans need to do - as a society, we need to listen to what nature is doing. And just switch off and relax. And we think Ongava is the perfect place to do that. And Ongava does listen to nature in many ways, not only just by listening to the birds and beasts, but informs everything that we stand for. As one drills deeper the term has multiple facets. And will be framing our messaging and communication. What do you think, I'm excited to get your feedback?
Fly Namibia Safari Circuit
From June Qatar reinstate their Windhoek service and Eurowings (again!) increase to ten flights a week for the European summer - there's never been a better time to visit.
Naturally Namibia News
Naturally Namibia brings together the country's leading tourism families and friends. It is this strong “family” bond based on our love for Namibia, our pride in every element of service, and our enthusiasm to share Namibia as a tourist destination with the world that makes us special and unique.
With the principles of Naturally Namibia aligned, combined with fun, laughter, and professionalism during tourism events and life in general, we are proud to welcome Miriam Schmidt into our tourism family. Well-known to many of you, Miriam has spent the past months familiarizing herself with the Naturally Namibia group’s updates and changes – travelling out in the wilds has earned her a glowing tan!
We are very proud to announce that The Windhoek Luxury Suites have joined Naturally Namibia. Headed up by well-known Namibian personality, Andrè Compion, The Windhoek Luxury Suites, and his top fine-dining restaurant and wine bar, are a perfect fit for the Naturally Namibia offerings. Andre is renowned for his love for farming along with the role he has played in aviation. Andrè is passionate about Namibia and welcoming guests to the boutique hotel and adjoining Stellenbosch restaurants.
Travel Namibia
A practical planning guide
"Could Namibia be Africa’s most beguiling destination? A country that offers longer vistas, a greater sense of space, more intriguing flora and fauna and a stronger sense of adventure than others? Its allure is undeniable, enticing travellers back repeatedly. Yet the sheer scale and emptiness that draws people also poses a logistical challenge. How do you choose what to include in your itinerary and how best to link them in the time available? Where should you stay and when is best to visit? We hope our 27-page overview will set you off on the right track..."
"I first got Namibian sand between my toes 26 years ago, and it’s remained there — at least metaphorically — ever since. It never surprises me that Namibia frequently jostles with New Zealand, Alaska and other wilderness heavyweights when we’re asked to vote for our favourite destination. Namibia is a traveller’s utopia: wild and rugged yet riddled with self-drive potential; a country so captivating and brimming with adventure, wildlife, epic landscapes and ancient culture that it quickly pervades your itinerary, stretching it thin. Two weeks become three; one visit becomes two. Before you know it, Namibia has wrapped you in its sandy embrace and won’t let go."
Travel Africa Publisher, Craig Rix, adds; "we know our readers look to Travel Africa for practical advice and ideas to help them plan their next trip. We also know they are desperate to escape to Africa’s wide open spaces once more, so the timing seemed ideal to encourage them to visit Namibia, and to give them some pointers to help them on their way. We hope it will help, as we all look to build and recover from the last few difficult years."
Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement
Many of you expressed concern the woeful national economy, ravaged further by COVID-19, would result in dire consequences for the nation's natural resources. Here's the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism's opening paragraphs of the National Report for the year 2021:
"While a significant decrease in registered wildlife crime cases and arrests was recorded in 2020, there has again been an increase in some sectors during 2021. Compared to 2020, the overall number of registered cases has decreased by only 4.1 per cent, while arrests have decreased by 8.7 per cent. The number of registered cases related to high-value species has increased by 26.1 per cent (caused mainly by increases in pangolin and ivory trafficking). Cases related to high value species made up 39 per cent of all registered cases. The numbers of elephant and rhinos known to have been poached in Namibia during 2021 remain similar to those of 2020, but seizures of pangolin and ivory increased by 14.7 and 66.1 per cent, respectively.
It is important to note that much of the ivory seized in Namibia originates from elephants killed in other countries. Seizures of pangolin and ivory remain below peaks recorded in 2019. The number of rhino horns seized by law enforcement remains noteworthy – of the rhinos poached over the past two years, about a quarter of the horns have been recovered (not all horns have been directly matched to carcasses). This is an important success, particularly when combined with the substantial number of pre-emptive arrests (46 in 2020, 24 in 2021). Rhino crime is clearly a risky venture in Namibia. Many perpetrators are caught before they can kill a rhino; of those who do manage to poach, the contraband is seized in one of four cases – and the poachers and colluders are arrested. Meat poaching is an issue of great concern right across Namibia, and is receiving focused attention by law enforcement. Meat-poaching cases made up 49.9 per cent of all cases registered in 2021. After a peak in 2019 registered cases nonetheless declined by 18.2 per cent in 2020, and then by 14 per cent in 2021."
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