Namibia: Sustainable Fashion Manufactured in Zambezi Region

Sustainable Fashion Manufactured in the remote Zambezi Region of Namibia

The Sijwa Project has a broad vision of empowering the local community by creating jobs, preserving traditional knowledge, teaching skills and conserving the surrounding environment through a variety of recycling and innovative activities.

The sewing workshop was never part of the original plan for The Sijwa Project. Covid-19 brought about the vision to include a sewing workshop. After various discussions and donations, it came to be.

Initially, the ladies were taught basic sewing skills and started by manufacturing shopping bags. This grew and today we can present to you a range of clothing, by different designers, Namibian and South African, made with love at The Sijwa Project.

Chanique Rabe, Miss Supranational 2021, designed The Sijwa Dress exclusively for The Sijwa Project in April 2021. The Sijwa Dress is a Red, easy-to-wear, linen-blend dungaree style dress. She taught the senior seamsters step-by-step how to make the dress and gave in-depth training on dressmaking.

Once completed, the ladies modeled the finished garment with absolute pride. The Sijwa seamsters then made their own dresses to wear as uniform in a bright happy yellow, using the design of The Sijwa Dress.

THE SIJWA PROJECT NOW DOES EMBROIDERY

When we started the Sewing Workshop at The Sijwa Project, embroidery was not a skill that crossed our minds.

Isabel de Villiers with a passion to share her skills and empower these women further, decided she would teach them embroidery to add to their repertoire.

The ladies were taught the different colour combinations and then taken through basic embroidery stitches.

Isabel skillfully coaxed each lady to tap into their inner artist and lovingly harness endless possibilities and creative styles.

Embroidering their own butterfly using the stitches they learnt and inspired by the colours of nature around them, they composed a little song about the butterfly which brought tears to Isabel’s eyes.

They then layered threads and colours on top of each other to create three dimensional art work.

Their hand embroidered butterflies are showcased on their Kimono Jackets making each one unique. One can see the girl’s personalities pop through each stitch length and colour combinations.

Each being one of a kind and unique.

"Designing something of value and with meaning is important in today's world filled with stuff. We should all get dressed with intention.

I grabbed the opportunity to conceptualize and design the ‘Dusty Men's Tunic’ for African Monarch Lodges. The Tunic is a combination of the project's success, local empowerment and integrity of design inspired by this piece of paradise in the Zambezi Region of Namibia.

The pattern and first sample was developed at The Sijwa Project, quite unexpectedly. We first drafted the pattern and made a rough first sample on the machines. Then we fitted the sample on various staff and team members and adjusted the fit according to their feedback.

The result, a timeless Tunic Top you will love wearing for years to come. These tunics are made from Linen fabric and have a simplistic and modern feel to them. They are made with love at the hands of the talented woman of The Sewing Workshop at The Sijwa project." Isabel de Villiers, owner and fashion designer of Isabel de Villiers Clothing.

All these exquisite dresses and our tunic is made with love at The Sijwa Project and are available at the curio shop of Nambwa Tented Lodge.

THE SIJWA PROJECT AT SA FASHION WEEK!

We present to you the garments designed and created by Isabel de Villiers, embroidered with love by the Sijwa seamsters, and launched on the runway of SA Fashion Week hosted at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg on April 30th, 2022!

"Collaborating with The Sijwa Project gave the decade celebration collection a deeper meaning of teamwork and shared passion. Seeing the end results of the hand embroidery pieces on the runway gave me goosebumps and tears. I am so proud of all the hard work and talent they put into each piece - they are collector's items, true artworks", Isabel de Villiers, fashion designer and owner of Isabel de Villiers Clothing.

Indeed a proud moment for The Sijwa Project and African Monarch Lodges.  Dusty and Tinolla attended the event and their hearts filled with absolute pride and gratitude. Gratitude to Isabel de Villiers and Nikita Rix-Venter for their unwavering support and our beautiful collaboration.

African Monarch Lodges, P.O. Box 5072, Windhoek, Namibia.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Namibia: Caprivi Mutoya Lodge | Каприви Мутоя Лодж Намибия

#CapriviMutoyaLodge #КапривиМутояЛодж #Намибия #Африка #ZambeziRegion #Namibia #Africa #KatimaMulilo #Botswana #Kasane

Caprivi Mutoya Lodge

Tranquil Accommodation
Awake to the sounds of either a myriad of chirping birds or perhaps with a red billed hornbill pecking on it's reflection at your door.  We offer comfortable en-suite chalets, en-suite luxury tents, campsite safari tents and a well manicured campsite under huge indigenous trees.  A variety of accommodation to suit all budgets!

Birds in the Zambezi Region
Did you know that the Zambezi Region is home to over 450 bird species, making it a haven for ornithologists and keen bird photographers? We offer boat cruises on the Zambezi River and drives into the floodplains for viewing of birds and other wildlife, such a hippos and crocodiles. The highlight is going to visit the Carmine Bee-Eaters breeding colony (the largest in Southern Africa) from August to late November. Did you know that this colony has approximately 3000 birds and has nests up to 3 metres underground?

Fishing Packages
We offer fishing trips on the Zambezi River with expert guides who have very good knowledge of the river (the best fishing spots).  Contact us today for fishing packages, as we also offer airport transfers, either from Katima Mulilo or Kasane over the border in Botswana.

Camping for U12yrs Free!
For the Namibian Christmas School Holidays we are offering camping free for children U12yrs and children 13yrs to 18yrs half price when accompanied by an adult. Valid from 30th November 2019 to 6th January 2020.  We will keep your children busy with fishing, cycling, canoing and nature walks.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2

Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Sijwa Project by African Monarch Lodges

#SijwaProject #AfricanMonarchLodges #Nambwa #KazileIslandLodge #KwandoRiver #Namibia #Botswana #ChiefMayuni #Bwabwata #KAZA #ZambeziRegion

Launch of THE SIJWA PROJECT BY AFRICAN MONARCH LODGES

What is The Sijwa Project?
It’s the re-purposing and re-inventing of all recyclable waste from the African Monarch Lodges; Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge, on the Kwando River of the Zambezi Region of Namibia, and from the local community, into exquisite saleable craft and art.

It’s also an organic permaculture nursery to supply food for local people and lodge guests (mitigating the air and road miles lodge food usually travels). The sandy soil is enhanced by composted food-waste and super-strength worm juice, given a boost by the occasional dollop of elephant dung!

It’s also a cultural village, artisanal skills training center, a beehive project, a free-range egg scheme and a junior ranger training venue. Plus, it’s an indigenous tree nursery for visitors to buy and plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint, looked after by a local ‘tree guardian’ to ensure a better chance of survival against nibbling goats.

The Chief Was Shocked!

Plastic recycling is a passion of Chief Mayuni after a conversation he once had with a tourist on a flight who made a negative remark that “plastic is a flower in Namibia, because it is everywhere” The Chief was shocked and as he drove back to the North he realised the truth of the statement and decided to put his mind to changing this in his sizable realm.

When Chief Mayuni learned of Tinolla and Dusty’s plans he released Sijwa - a traditional meeting place within his area in the Mayuni Conservancy of Bwabwata National Park, Zambezi, in the very heart of KAZA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) - for this joint venture with the community. After listening carefully to all the presentations, he gave his personal blessing at a large gathering of dignitaries, international media and conservation role players on 17 November 2018 at Sijwa.

With a surplus of passion in everything they put their minds to, Tinolla and Dusty demonstrate a ‘go big or go home!’ kind of attitude and the Sijwa Project is no exception! They’ve just broken ground (literally and metaphorically) at Sijwa to upgrade some of the derelict buildings into workshops.

“This vision is bigger than us - we occupy a tiny space on this planet – but we know the Sijwa Project will make a real difference and demonstrate how people and wildlife can live sustainably together.”

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2

Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: opening of Serondela Lodge | Серондела Лодж Касане

#ChobeRiver #Botswana #SerondelaLodge #Kasane #ChobeRiverfront
#ZambeziRegion #ChobeNationalPark #СеронделаЛоджКасане

Located on the Namibia side of Chobe River, Serondela Lodge is a new addition to the Chobe River Front area, 17 km from Kasane. The area is best known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months.

The newly built lodge, Serondela will be welcoming guests as from 1st of March 2018, hence, we are already taking bookings. Serondela Lodge is a perfect inclusion for your trip through the Zambezi region as well as touring the Chobe National Park and Vic Falls, making it easy to combine these three premier destinations in one holiday.

The Lodge boasts two lounge areas and a dinning area housed at the main building on raised deck providing spectacular view of the Chobe River Front, Bar, Free WiFi and a refreshing swimming pool.

There are 8 thermal insulated guest rooms, 1 Family room suitable for a family of 4, and 7 Twin rooms all with ensuite bathroom and balconies facing the Chobe river.

The Lodge only allows a minimum of 2 nights stay bookings to ensure guest enjoy the Serondela experience. Reservation can be made on a fully inclusive package rate or DBB (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) rates per person sharing per night and are inclusive of a boat cruise transfer from/to Kasane designated pickup point.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: Nambwa Tented Lodge - why to visit | Намбва Лодж Намибия

#Bwabwata #NambwaTentedLodge #Caprivi #MahangoGamePark #ZambeziRegion
#НамбваЛоджНамибия

Come and explore Bwabwata!

Get excited!

Nambwa Tented Lodge

“Nambwa Tented Lodge, the only lodge inside the Bwabwata National Park, where the biggest herds of elephants that traverse the largest conservation area in Africa can be seen”.

Formerly referred to as the Caprivi, the Zambezi Region is a fertile wilderness of riverine forest, flood plains, swamps and open woodland created by a complex network of rivers and relatively high summer rainfall.

In 2007 the former Caprivi Game Park, proclaimed in 1966, was incorporated into the 6100-km2 Bwabwata National Park, inclusive of the Kwando or Golden Triangle, and the Buffalo and Mahango (the former Mahango Game Park) core areas. This heralds a new generation of parks in terms of an integrated approach towards park management.

Bwabwata was established not only to protect the environment, but also to generate income for the surrounding communities. Bwabwata takes its name from a village in the park, and refers to the sound of bubbling water.

The park is sanctuary to 35 large game species - including elephant, buffalo, impala, reedbuck, red lechwe, sitatunga, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, Chobe bushbuck, tsessebe, sable, roan antelope - and numerous small game species. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog also occur in Bwabwata.
Over 460 bird species have been recorded here, conspicuous examples being kingfishers, herons, cormorants, African skimmers, wattled cranes, pygmy geese and African fish eagles.



Visitors feedback

"In a nutshell we had the most amazing time at Nambwa Tented Lodge and would really recommend it.

It really is in the middle of nowhere which was hugely appealing to us. You do need a four wheel drive vehicle to get to it but don't let that put you off; the drive through the Bwabwata National Park is an experience in itself and well worth the effort.

We arrived tired and weak having suffered badly from food poisoning the day before. We were ready to collapse but Juan, the manager and Andrew, the guide were waiting for us and clearly had activities planned for us. So we ended up going along with everything they suggested and thank goodness we did as we would really have missed out!

Our tented suite was so spacious and luxurious with plenty of storage space. And it was fun being elevated in the tree tops overlooking the floodplain.

We enjoyed two evening safaris whilst at Nambwa, both with Andrew, the lovely guide. It was like being in our own private park as we rarely saw another vehicle and in the evening when the park gates had shut, there was literally no one else around; just us and the wildlife. We saw a lot of animals and so many birds. We were able to get up close to elephants which was amazing and we got caught up in a storm which was scary but wonderful at the same time! Juan and his team laid on a few surprises which were very special. I won't mention what they were exactly so I don't spoil the surprise but be warned you will end up getting out of the safari jeep and there is always food and drink involved! Make sure to see what might be waiting for you when you get back to your tent after a dusty evening drive...!

We also went on a boat cruise up the Kwando river, again with Andrew and just three other guests. Once again we had the river to ourselves; we didn't see another boat but saw a lot of hippos very close up and also crocodiles and numerous birds. What a contrast to Chobe where there are far too many boats including many large ones all over the place (a real shame). Another surprise was in store for us on our way back to the lodge which was also very welcome!”  Guest at Nambwa – Oxford, UK

Nambwa Tented Lodge is located in the Eastern Zambezi Region of Namibia along the Kwando River. It is the only lodge uniquely situated inside the Bwabwata National Park in the heart of KAZA, and is nestled high amongst majestic trees, honouring the elephants’ right of way below. An authentic walkway joins decadently spacious tented suites, which emanate a feeling of vastness and evoke a gentle balance of serenity. Our unquenchable desire to create memorable African experiences takes you on foot, by boat or vehicle, up close and personal with some of the biggest herds of elephant that traverse the largest conservation area in Africa.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

News from Zambezi Queen | Новости Замбези Квин

#ZambeziQueen #ZambeziNamibia #IchingoChobeRiverLodge #ZambeziQueenCollection
#НовостиЗамбезиКвин

Dear friends,

It gives great pleasure to introduce Shameena Masoet and Genevieve Paulsen to everyone.
Shameena and Genevieve have recently started with us at the Zambezi Queen Collection and will be based in our Cape Town office, they will be looking after the reservations functions for the Chobe Princesses and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge.

Having spent a full week on the Chobe River experiencing our full product range including the Zambezi Queen, the Chobe Princesses and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge and enjoying every moment on the river, they are now fully aware of how we operate and are looking forward to assisting with their day to day functions in our reservations department.

Shameena and Genevieve have a strong background in the travel industry having both worked for various hotel and lodge groups in their reservations departments prior to joining us.
We recently made the decision to move the Johannesburg office to our Cape Town offices as of the 23rd of June 2016 and the entire Zambezi Queen Collection is now in the same premises.

Lisa Dyboll, Sales and Marketing Manager for the Chobe Princesses and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge will still be based in the Johannesburg office.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Namibia: news from Chobe Water Villas

#ChobeWaterVillas
#ChobeWaterVillasNamibia

Chobe Water Villas
 
Chobe Water Villas provides your guests an extraordinary experience. Beautiful 85qm Villas on stilts right at the banks of the Chobe river with a 20qm deck overlooking Sedudu island into the Chobe National Park. Chobe Water Villas, an exclusive and intimate “boutique” Lodge is located in Namibia at the eastern tip of the famous Caprivi Strip now known as the Zambezi Region and opens in July 2015 as an all inclusive experience.

The Luxury Chobe Water Villas all feature a guaranteed 180 degree unobstructed view of the Chobe River and into the Chobe National Park. Perched on stilts over or at the water’s edge the Villa’s elevated view includes the world-renowned Sedudu Island.

These “junior suites” with 85m² of living space feature an open plan lounge and bedroom area and include a 19m² front terrace facing the Chobe River with built in day-bed and a 12m² rear terrace facing the natural bush and spectacular sunsets. 

The generous bathroom features a double vanity and separate bath, shower and toilet. The open-plan bedroom and lounge face the spectacular Chobe view through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which fold back completely along the entire width of the Room and onto the front terrace. Each Villa offers a mattress/bed configuration of either extra-length “soft-top” King or 2 x ¾ beds.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, Intercom Phone, Air-Conditioning, Tea & Coffee making stations, stocked Mini-Bar, Hairdryer, Electronic Safe, Linen Bathrobes & Slippers and Writing Desk/Ladies Dresser with multi 220v and 110v plug points for South African, UK, European and USA plugs.

All Villas at Chobe Water Villas Feature

En-suite Bathrooms with double Vanities and separate Baths, Showers and Toilets    Air-Conditioning
Security Door Locks
Mosquito Nets 
Hairdryers and Bathroom Amenities
Torches
Multi 220v and 110v Plug Points
Linen Bathrobes & Slippers
Room Safes
Tea/Coffee Stations and  stocked Mini-Bars
Complimentary Internet Wi-Fi access and  Intercom Phones
Front and Back private Terraces
Large outdoor Day-Beds with river views
Each Water Villa is privately set in its own building on stilts over or at the river

Pilot and Guide Rooms at Chobe Water Villas

Standard twin rooms with spectacular sunset views from a private terrace featuring a separate bathroom with single vanity, shower and toilet. This 34m² room is comfortably furnished with 2 x single beds, which can be converted into one King size bed. Furniture includes a desk, reading armchairs and coffee table.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, Intercom Phone, Air-conditioning, and Tea & Coffee making stations, Mini-fridge, Hairdryer, Electronic Safe, multi 220v plugs.

Photos: Chobe Water Villas Namibia

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia

Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com