African Adventure at its Best!

A visit to Namibia is no ordinary holiday. Namibia’s conservationists know that adventure tourism relies on wide open spaces and an ability to inspire—and thanks to concerted efforts by the people and government of Namibia, you’ll find both of those in abundance.

Africa’s Conservation Success Story

Namibia’s people have always had a close relationship with the land.Well-preserved paintings of the natural world, some dating to 26,000 B.C.E., show just how deep this lconnection runs. For thousands of years, Namibia has been populated by diverse ethnic groups including San Bushmen, Bantu herdsmen, and the Himba, Herero and Nama tribes. They all rely on the plants and animals that live in this desert terrain—for better and for worse.

During German colonial rule and the decades-long conflict for independence thatfollowed, many Namibians turned to poaching to support their families. But everything changed when Namibia gained its independence in 1990. This brand-new country enacted laws that reward rural Namibians for protecting the environment .

The first four “communal conservancies” were established in 1998. Today there are 65 communal conservancies that allow native Namibians to be stewards of their precious environments, providing jobs and a steady income. It’s a remarkable success story that’s unmatched anywhere in the world. Communal conservancies encompass 17% of Namibia. Between its conservancies, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks, 42% of this extraordinary country is under conservation management.

And that’s not all. Namibia works with its neighbors to protect huge expanses of land, returning this region to its natural state for the world’s largest migrations. Namibia’s wildlife sanctuaries are far more than tourist parks—they’re true wilderness spaces that allow ecosystems to function as nature intended.

Adventures for the Greater Good 

Explore the tallest sand dunes in the world in Namibia’s desert, or search for elusive black rhinos on the plains. No matter what route you take, you can truly be a part of Namibia’s remarkable story of success.

While you may find safaris and sand dunes in other African nations, this is unique country allows you to play a direct role in conservation through. Staying in one of the adventure lodges located on one of Namibia’s 65 communal conservancies is a unique opportunity to get to know locals who are passionate about their homeland. Native Namibians earn a steady income while leading nature tours and excursions for visitors. Your trip will help ensure these people never need to return to poaching.

The opportunities for adventure in Namibia are truly endless. Embark on a safari in search of elephants, giraffes, and even lions on Namibia’s plains, where the largest migration of animals on Earth takes place each year. Or challenge yourself with a steep climb to the top of the Namibia’s red dunes for sweeping views of the starkly beautiful Kalahari desert.

Ride a horse or an off-road vehicle to enjoy the panoramic views of this extraordinary landscape. Whatever adventure you choose, it’s sure to inspire you--and help support the locals--for a lifetime.