Overall, Namibia has experienced steady growth over the past few years. In 2024, it recorded GDP growth of 3.1%, with projections indicating a rise to 4.2% in 2025. Although traditionally reliant on mining, the country is gradually diversifying its economic base. Agriculture, renewable energy (Namibia ranks second-best for energy transition in Sub-Saharan Africa), financial services, and tourism have all played a vital role in this shift.

UN Tourism Investment Guidelines for Namibia are here!

2024 GDP growth: 3.1%, projected to hit 4.2% in 2025.
FDI inflows: $2.61B in 2023 (+146%)
Tourism: $348M receipts, 863K visitors
More info and access to the guidelines:https://t.co/VFleSPrUEU pic.twitter.com/OHEXVtUDqg

— UN Tourism Academy (@UNWTOAcademy) March 25, 2025

The country saw exponential growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which reached $2.61 billion in 2023, compared to $1.06 billion in 2022. China (29.6%), South Africa (22.4%), the United Kingdom (9.4%), and Mauritius (6.8%) were the main contributors.

“Namibia’s diverse investment opportunities and its dedication to sustainable growth make it an interesting destination for global investments. The country’s efforts in energy transition and tourism expansion reflect its commitment to innovation and inclusivity,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General.

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As for tourism, Namibia welcomed 863,872 international visitors in 2023 — an 87.4 per cent increase compared to 2022. The tourism sector contributed 6.9 per cent to GDP and generated $348 million in international tourism receipts in 2023.

“Namibia’s thriving tourism sector, driven by 6.9% GDP contribution in 2023, showcases how sustainable investments empower local communities. By blending cultural heritage with eco-tourism innovation, Namibia offers a unique model where economic growth uplifts its people and preserves its landscapes,” states Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism.

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According to the UN, Namibia’s tourism potential is due to a number of reasons. Over 20 national parks and reserves, including destinations like Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert, make it the perfect stop for nature lovers, offering great potential for eco-tourism investments. The country’s excellent road network, strategic ports at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, and international air connectivity ensure optimal accessibility.

“Namibia stands as a beacon of opportunity for investors seeking sustainable growth, unmatched landscapes, and a supportive business environment. Its focus on green investments, infrastructure development, tourism expansion, and regional trade integration makes it an ideal destination for global investment”, the UN’s Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Namibia report reads.

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Moreover, Namibia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector highlights the country’s ambition to attract business travellers. New convention centres, premium hotels, and a dedicated National Convention Bureau have been established to position Namibia as a competitive destination for corporate tourism.

L’article Namibia tourism industry boosted by UN support est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“From humble beginnings 20 years ago, we are immensely proud of Desert Rhino Camp’s journey and transformation,” said Alex Henderson, managing director of Wilderness Namibia. “We look forward to welcoming our guests to this reimagined sanctuary soon, to not only experience unparalleled hospitality in Namibia’s awe-inspiring landscapes, but to contribute directly to the ongoing protection of an endangered species.”

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Designed by Migs+Drew, the Desert Rhino camp combines a design that perfectly blends into the landscape using locally sourced materials, aestheticism and sustainability. The six standalone suites are reminiscent of typical safari camps by combining fabric roofs with stone walls and wooden accents, while their interiors offer all the comforts of modern life. The entire camp runs on solar energy, and the materials of the former research camp were salvaged and reused to build the staff quarters.

“After months of careful planning, hard work, passion and grit, we are delighted to reveal this remarkable new camp and to continue driving conservation tourism to the diverse Palmwag Concession. As a former rhino research field station, Desert Rhino Camp has evolved into a truly premier destination, underscoring our commitment to our partners and our unique conservation coalition between Wilderness, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and the famed Big 3 Community Conservancies in the area”, states Alex Henderson.

The whole experience has been meticulously planned, with a strong emphasis on using local products, which is also reflected in the food served.

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“Even our dining experience reflects the camp’s conservation ethos, emphasising sustainability through mindful menus and the use of regional ingredients,” said Henderson. “Chef Namwandi’s passion for culinary storytelling enriches each dish, inviting guests on an immersive journey through Namibia’s diverse gastronomic landscape, enjoyed in an array of settings, from private dining options to exquisite star-studded dinners beneath the expansive African sky and alfresco lunches while on exhilarating rhino tracking excursions. The food philosophy celebrates Namibia’s rich heritage by supporting local agriculture and crafting signature dishes such as Lamb Potjie and Prime Beef, cooked over an open flame for an authentic touch, while sundowners against dramatic sunsets redefine exclusivity.”

Although the camp’s main focus has shifted, it will still be used as a base for SRT’s tracking teams to keep the data collection programs up and running. Moreover, 11% of its total revenue will be shared between conservancies, SRT, and rhino fundraising support. Guests staying at the Desert Rhino Camp will participate in drives, rhino tracking, and conservation experiences.

L’article Desert Rhino Camp is the latest safari destination in Namibia est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In the aftermath, the Namibian authorities reacted to the tourists’ behavior and announced their intention to take legal action against them. The suspects have not been publicly identified and were believed to have left the country before local authorities could take any action, as reported by UK news outlet The Independent.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism told local media that the tourists risked being banned from entering the country’s national parks.

According to local media, the vice-chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Association, Kenneth Nependa, labelled the incident “disgusting” adding that tourists think “they can do whatever they want” in Namibia.

“We have tourists writing graffiti on the Bushman rock art in Spitzkoppe,” said Nependa to The Independent. “Tourists hanging on the trees in Deadvlei, and now naked tourists climbing Big Daddy, which is a very famous dune for families and other tourists and locals. The ministry should really speak up and warn tourists that if this were to happen, the law will take its course.”

“It is a punishable act, according to the country’s laws. When this had been brought to our attention, we were shocked at the extent to which people could go,” Romeo Muyunda, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism told local news outlet The Nambian. “We condemn this type of action as it does not only go against our morals but also violates the country’s laws.” The unnamed foreigners might be blacklisted from entering any of Namibia’s parks, Muyunda added.

Big Daddy is a dune of more than 320 meters of height. Located in the Sossusvlei area, it takes two hours to reach the top on foot. Sossusvlei is a dry lake on the central coast of Namibia, on the African continent. It is surrounded by gigantic dunes of intense reddish color that can reach more than 300 meters high. It is part of Namib-Naukluft, the fourth largest national park in the world.

From Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, the drive to Sossusvlei is five hours by road. The term “Sossusvlei” means “dead-end swamp”; it comes from the Nama and Afrikaans languages. It is so called because the sand mountains represent a natural barrier to the flow of the Tsauchab River, leaving the area completely dry. On rare occasions, when a branch of the river reaches the grounds of Sossusvlei, a small lake of turquoise color is formed.

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L’article Namibia slams tourists for posing naked in Big Daddy dune est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Namibia was the first country in the world to address in its constitution the issue of habitat conservation and the protection of natural resources. Nowadays, the country has established 82 communal conservancies, which are areas within which the local community is responsible for the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the wildlife. Thanks to communal conservancies, the local community is more engaged and receives tourism benefits. International tourism to communal conservancies reduces Namibia’s rural poverty levels by creating new job opportunities, generating new income streams, and providing skills and expertise.

If you are planning a sustainable trip to Namibia, check out these four eco-friendly accommodations focused on nature conservation and community engagement.

1. Grootberg Lodge

Grootberg is a great example of Namibia’s progressive approach to conservation and resource management. The lodge was built thanks to the funds donated by the European Union. Its establishment fostered local employment and a sustainable income to the community, who entirely owns and runs the lodge.

Thanks to its active conservation activities, wildlife species once decimated by poaching are now flourishing again. Most importantly, many of those who were once responsible for the poaching are now actively participating to the rejuvenation process.

The lodge comprises chalets built from natural materials and perfectly blended with the surrounding natural environment. All facilities are powered with solar electricity.

Black rhinos and desert elephants wander freely in the land.

2. Wolwedans’ Boulders Safari Camp

Wolwedans is a collection of elegant and ecologically responsible camps in Namibia. Boulders Safari Camp is one of the newest of the collection. It includes 4 spacious safari tents for a maximum of 8 people. 

One of the main goals of Wolwedans’ Boulders Safari Camp is to work on the conservation of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and its ecosystem, ensuring its financial viability for present and future generations. This approach is summarized in Wolwedans’ earliest mission statement: “We are committed to sustainable growth by carefully balancing quality leadership, economic progress, social responsibility and care for our environment”.  

Wolwedans has the Global Ecosphere Retreat® (GER) certification and it is also a founding member of the Global Ecosphere Retreats. This is an initiative created by the Zeitz Foundation, which aims to move the world towards a sustainable approach. 

Environmental conservation aside, Wolwedans has also other priorities. In particular, it works hard on human resource development, social upliftment, and the sharing of economic opportunities to build a better future. The Wolwedans Foundation promotes these priorities by offering vocational training via The Namibian Institute of Culinary Education and The Wolwedans Desert Academy.

3. Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

Nkasa Lupala tented lodge is a copletely sustainable lodge owned and managed by an Italian family, the Micheletti. It is located on the banks of one channel of the Kwando-Linyanti river, in the Zambezi Region.

The lodge is part of the award-winning Namibian conservancy program and of the Wild Waters Lodges. Wild Waters Lodges is an umbrella company that focuses on sustainable tourism and comprises 3 award-winning Lodges & Camps, including Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge. 

By providing safari experiences, Nkasa Lupala tented lodge is able to partially fund the protection and conservation of pristine land and wildlife populations, as well as helping create economic independence within local communities.

The lodge includes 10 luxury tents made out of steel, canvas and wood with en suite bathrooms and blending with the natural surroundings. There is also a central main area with a bar, a dining room, a lounge facility, a kitchen, a storage, an office, and a panoramic viewpoint. The lodge is totally self-sufficient in terms of electricity thanks to the use of solar panels.

What travelers like most about the lodge is the exclusive wild location, the limited number of guests and vehicles, the game viewing, and the exceptional customer service. 

4. Okonjima Plains Camp

The Plains Camp is a luxurious accommodation ideal for wildlife photography, including cheetahs, brown hyenas and leopards. The camp is located within the wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve, which is extended over 200 km² of plains, mountainous outcrops, and thickets.

In the past, Okonjima was a cattle farm that was purchased by Brahman breeders Val and Rose Hanssen in 1970. Following the Namibian independence in early 1990, the couple needed to address the growing interest in Namibia as a tourist destination. As they sold their herds of Brahmansm, Okonjima transformed into a nature reserve, with a primary focus on carnivore conservation through The AfriCat Foundation. 

Today, the Okonjima Plains Camp includes 10 large view rooms, 14 standard rooms and six garden rooms. The camp has also an entertainment area and a gathering place called Plains Camp Barn that includes a dining and lounge area, a bar, a swimming pool, a parking lot and a shop. The entire camp is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. 

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to rare and endangered animal species, such as leopards; for this reason, it runs extensive research projects to protect them.

L’article Eco-friendly accommodations in Namibia est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.