Sustainable travel in Namibia

Table of Contents

Namibia is a pioneer in Africa when it comes to sustainability and environmental protection. According to the motto "By the people, for the people", many so-called communal conservancies are organized in villages and communities on their own and independent of the state. They take care of environmental protection and contribute a lot to sustainable tourism. This could be a model for many other countries.

Communal Conservancy

Namibia, with its 26 parks and reserves, has established a comprehensive species conservation program that helps to protect animals threatened with extinction, stabilize populations and help them to grow healthily. Above all, local communities strive to balance tourism and the needs of local people with those of flora and fauna.
Communal Conservancy can be translated as Community Protection. It is not the state that determines the measures, rather it is the communities and municipalities in and around nature reserves and national parks that design and implement conservation measures appropriate to their environment.
Through so-called "joint venture" facilities, the community has created more than 1,000 jobs - a huge and important contribution to society and the environment. Some 30 years ago, this development could not have been foreseen. Unemployment and a lack of prospects have led to a sense of crisis, especially in rural areas. Protecting the fragile environment is not a problem either - Namibia has changed enormously in terms of sustainability since then.

Means of transport

When traveling, especially on safaris, it is recommended to use environmentally friendly means of transport for reasons of sustainability. However, this is not easy to implement in Namibia. Due to the limited bus and train network, it is not always possible to travel from A to B by public transport in Namibia. Buses only run on important routes for the population, not to transport tourists in all directions. City bus service is only available in the capital Windhoek. Private bus companies also provide services between cities such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Windhoek, Keetmanshoop and Victoria Falls (the border area of Zimbabwe and Zambia) and Cape Town (South Africa) and stop at a smaller location.

The state railroad company TransNamib also plays a very subordinate role in public passenger transportation. Progress is slow, travel comfort rudimentary and destinations limited. This is because the rail network dates mainly from the German colonial era and was built for military purposes.
Due to these requirements, one can not only travel to the countryside or cities with more environmentally friendly public transport. Depending on the distance you want to travel, public transport is definitely an alternative to environmentally harmful means of transport.

Local population

Namibia is home to more than 12 different population groups. Each of them has its own traditions, norms and values. These should of course be observed and respected - after all, as a traveler you are only a guest in the country.

  • Behave politely and respectfully towards locals
  • Dress appropriately in religious sites
  • Do not disturb rituals or weddings
  • Before you want to host locals, you should ask for their permission
  • Learn a few phrases in the local language to accommodate the population

Women In White Tank Top Sitting On Brown Wooden Log During Daytime

Save water

A particularly big problem in Namibia is water scarcity. Namibia is considered the driest African country south of the Sahara due to low and irregular rainfall. The Cunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Orange rivers, as well as other rivers with permanent water sources, are also shared with neighboring countries. Water conditions are particularly unstable because the country has been struggling with extreme drought since 2013 - one of the worst droughts in decades. Therefore, as a traveler, it is very important to be careful with this precious resource. Don't use too much water when showering or brushing your teeth. Avoid resorts with swimming pools or other additional facilities that use a lot of water. Use towels in your home more than once so you don't have to wash them frequently.

Selective Focus Photography Of Brown Faucet
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