Islands in Africa new office The Windhoek booking office for Islands in Africa has moved to a new address and has new contact details with immediate effect. Erika Glück is the office manager at the Windhoek office and can be contacted at reservations@islandsinafrica.com or called at 061 40 1047. Islands in Africa has the following lodges in its portfolio: Impalila Island Lodge, Ntwala Island Lodge and Susuwe Island Lodge in the pristine floodplains, grasslands, rivers and islands of north-eastern Namibia and Hobatere Lodge in north-western Namibia. The Epupa Falls Lodge and the Village Courtyard Suites are no longer part of the Islands in Africa portfolio. www.islandsinafrica.com
Specialised tour operator launched Namibia JJ Tours is the first registered gay travel agency in the country, which specifically caters for the international gay community. Run by Namibian, Jaco Burger, and his Austrian partner, Joe Gerstmair, JJ Tours specialises in bush trips with off-road vehicles, backpacking, camping tours and motorcycle tours. The tours cater specifically for gay and lesbian people, but those who are gay friendly are also welcome to join on a trip. The company works closely with the Rainbow Project, an organisation specialising in the equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Namibia, and Sister Namibia, an NGO for women’s rights.
www.namibiajjtours.com
Germany assists Namibia The German government is to assist Namibia with N$1.3 billion in funding between 2009 and 2010. The funds will go towards projects such as the management of natural resources, transport, HIV/Aids and economic development. The main aim with these funds is to help the Namibian government alleviate poverty, improve access to land, promote the sustainable use of natural resources and promote economic growth. At a recent meeting between delegates of the two parties, both sides acknowledged the importance of climate change and renewable energy and will now work together towards addressing these issues.
Midgard Upgrades From the beginning of July until the end of September, the Midgard Country Estate underwent extensive upgrades. The improvements include better telecommunications and Internet facilities, upgrading of all 46 rooms, a brand-new beauty salon, gymnasium and sauna, and large-scale upgrades of the recreational facilities. The new recreational facilities include a tennis court and swimming pool, as well as a sports bar. Even the staff members were given brand-new housing facilities. The lodge re-opened at the beginning of October. www.namibsunhotels.com.na
Heritage Tours and Travel Namibian-owned tourism-company, Heritage Tours and Travel, is growing from strength to strength. With a focus on cultural, historical and community-based tourism, the company has established strong links with most major players in the tourism sector. Heritage Tours and Travel provides a comprehensive one-stop service for business and leisure flights, accommodation, tour packages, holidays and car-hire services. It also specialises in guided, self-drive and tailor-made tours within Namibia, which can also be extended to countries within Southern Africa.
Owner of the company, Unotjari Kameeta, worked for Air Namibia and Avis Rent-a-Car before starting Heritage Tours and Travel in May 2008. http://namibiaheritage.com
Kazungula Bridge update Namibia has agreed to participate in the construction of the multi-million-dollar Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River. The construction of the N$2.5 billion bridge is a tripartite effort by Zambia, Botswana and Namibia and will allow these countries the opportunity to expand economic development in remote areas. The bridge will also allow for easier travel between the countries. Additional plans by the Namibian government include the acquiring of a ferry to allow communities along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers easier access to other parts of the country, as well as to their immediate neighbours. Final arrangements are still underway.
Nam one of cleanest Namibia has been ranked the fifth-least polluted country in the world in the latest Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. The annual index comprises 72 indicators, divided into competitive advantages and competitive disadvantages. For hospitality, Namibia secured the 30th position in the category measuring the attitude of the population towards visitors. Namibia furthermore earned 18th place for its state environment and tourism policy in the category that determines how sustainable development in the industry is. The effectiveness of Namibia’s marketing and branding secured 27th position and Namibia earned 23rd position for the good quality of its roads. The variety of wildlife, vast open areas and natural environment make Namibia a competitive destination and contributed to the good results the country earned in different categories.
Twyfelfontein celebrates Heritage In August, two years after Twyfelfontein was approved as Namibia’s first World Heritage Site, the event was officially cele-brated with the unveiling of a memorial stone. Twyfelfontein, also known as Ui-//aes, is situated in the Kunene Region and contains over 2 000 rock engravings. The engravings represent animals such as rhinos, elephants, ostriches and giraffes, and human and elephant footprints. Scientists have estimated their ages to vary between 1 000 and 10 000 years. The unveiling was officiated by Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Willem Konjore.
Strand Hotel construction The Strand Hotel is currently closed for reconstruction. Building operations will commence by the beginning of 2010. The new hotel will be built on the same site it was previously situated, on the main beach in Swakopmund, within easy walking distance of the city centre and restaurants and pubs.
Nature Friend Safaris – new offices Previously situated at 36 Bismarck Street, the Nature Friend Safaris offices have moved to new premises. The new office building is located at 2 Storch Street, just behind the NICE restaurant. Previously an old, run-down building without electricity and water, the Nature Friend Safari team worked hard on the renovation, turning the building into an exceptional office space. Nature Friend Safaris operates from Windhoek and specialises in fly-in safaris to exciting and pristine natural environments. The company organises itineraries to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia and plays a positive roll in supporting conservation and adhering to a sustainable and ecologically sound code of conduct.
www.naturefriendsafaris.com
In memory of Charlotte On 31 August, the life of the personality behind Mondesa Township Tours, Charlotte Shigwheda Angula, was tragically ended in a car accident. Charlotte was well known for her work with the DRC children and won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her work at Mondesa Township Tours. She is survived by her husband, Phillip, and three children. Philip will continue their work with the township tours. We extend our condolences to the Angula family.
