Written by Nina van Zyl

From the wide-open spaces of the south to the mysterious Skeleton Coast, Journeys Namibia manages a collection of unique accommodation properties in Namibia. At its heart is the aim of establishing a more sustainable form of tourism in the country.

Every member of the Journeys Namibia portfolio in their own way share a passion for conservation and community. The properties are located right across the country and range from luxurious lodges to simple campsites. Nonetheless, each property has at its core a focus on nature, the community and its surroundings, which can all be kept in balance with each other.

Fish River Lodge

Fish River Lodge is a stunning establishment that sits perched on the edge of the majestic Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Located in this inhospitable environment, the lodge was designed and built to have thick dry-packed stone walls, which keep the interiors cool and negate the need for air-conditioning. Additionally, all the electrical power at the lodge comes from solar energy. Water is a scarce resource in Namibia and even more so in the arid environment of the south where the lodge is located. To that end, the lodge optimises the use of water in its day-to-day running, which includes having only showers in guest bathrooms as these use less water than baths.

Fish River Lodge, together with the Canyon Nature Park, is constantly assessing the best ways to ensure the lightest possible impact on its sensitive surroundings. The lodge is also a participant in the Eco Awards Namibia, an initiative that aims to minimise the impact of tourism on Namibia’s unique natural environment. Sustainability is a key consideration in all aspects of the lodge’s day-to-day operations as well as future developments.

Grootberg Lodge

Perched on the rim of the Etendeka Plateau, in an expansive 12.000 ha wilderness in Damaraland, Grootberg Lodge is a useful case study on how conservation, sustainability and the community can all benefit from tourism. The local #Khoadi//Hoas community is at the core of the lodge’s community efforts, providing direct revenue and employment to its members. 

Not only that, the lodge supports the Save the Rhino Trust as well as a form of wildlife-monitoring which has helped to mitigate the cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area, thereby protecting not only the area’s unique animal inhabitants but also the people that call it home. These initiatives have had a direct impact on the populations of endangered black-rhino and desert-adapted elephants in the area, which have been increasing. Grootberg supports other conservancies’ projects, such as by buying local vegetables, financing an education fund for local children, and the collecting of garbage to reduce pollution. 

Hobatere

Hobatere is another lodge that is a member of the #Khoadi//Hoas conservancy, it is located in a 8.808 ha conservancy in Damaraland, where epic landscapes and untamed wildlife meet. It is here that guests can appreciate the ability to experience nature in a way that is low-impact. The lodge was designed to feature thatched roofs, which allow the buildings to be cool without the need for electricity-hungry air-conditioners. The bathrooms only feature showers, as that uses less water than baths.

In addition to all this, the lodge works to actively promote the peaceful co-existence of people and animals. It supports wildlife monitoring systems which have been proven to help locals prepare themselves against damage of property or lives by predators or dangerous animals.

Hoada Campsite

Located in the unique Damaraland biosphere, Hoada Campsite is a simple yet mindful accommodation property that aims to affect the environment as little as possible. In the absence of electricity, the water used for showers is heated in a system that works in combination with the barbeque fire. The lack of electricity also means that there are few lights around the camp, in an effort to reduce light pollution.

Shipwreck Lodge

Near the furthest reaches of Namibia, in a landscape that was once famed for causing the end of many sea-faring ships, lies Shipwreck Lodge. Inspired by the area’s lore, the lodge’s wooden suites resemble pieces of a ship settled in the sand. 

Shipwreck Lodge is a 5-star winner of the Eco Awards Namibia, an accomplishment that reflects its emphasis on low-impact tourism. This includes efforts in conservation, water and energy use, and waste management. The lodge is 100% solar-powered, and has paid attention to the smallest details, such as offering guests reusable water bottles, soap and shampoo. In addition, its waste management initiative is all the more impressive considering that the lodge is located in what is essentially the middle of nowhere, far from towns or cities. The challenges of running an establishment under harsh conditions while still striving to be sensitive to the environment is what makes Shipwreck Lodge so unique.

Travel and tourism can be a force for good when it is done right. Keen to do your part? Find out how your next adventure can be part of the sustainable travel movement by booking your trip through Viatu.