Namibia is considered a world-leading example of successful community-owned nature conservancies. Dorine Reinstein takes a closer look at six of the most popular conservancies.

1. Torra Conservancy in the Kunene Region

The Torra Conservancy is known for its rugged landscape with remote, rocky valleys and flat hilltops. It is situated between the Huab and Koigab Rivers and is home to a healthy population of desert-adapted elephants.

Mari Jacobs, Cedarberg African Travel, says the Kunene region is her favourite. She says the area is the most biodiverse desert on earth, where visitors can reliably see desert-adapted elephants, Black rhino, lions, Hartmanns zebra, giraffe and gemsbok. “What fascinates me most is the fact that these animals survive in these dry and unforgiving areas, sometimes against all odds. It is a story of hope that we humans can learn from.”

Wilderness Safaris operates Damaraland Camp from the Torra Conservancy. Damaraland Camp is a luxury tented lodge, which offers travellers a variety of activities revolving around exploring the Haub River system, the surrounding desert plains and the ancient valleys framed by the Etendeka Mountains. One of the most popular activities is a game drive in search of the desert-dwelling elephants. Black rhino and predators such as cheetah and lion are also found close to the lodge.

Today, the Torra Conservancy is one of the most successful in all of Africa, meeting all its management costs and making a profit that is reinvested into community projects. It is the first community conservancy that is able to sustain itself without donor funding.

The lodge is accessible by self-drive or fly-in. Travellers driving a 2x4 vehicle will need to park a distance away from the conservancy from where they can be collected, but 4x4 vehicles can access the camp.

1. Marienfluss Conservancy on the Kunene River

The 303 400 hectare Marienfluss Conservancy is located on the Kunene River at the northern reaches of the Hartmann’s and Marienfluss valleys. Chris Roche, Wilderness Safaris, explains this is one of the most remote and starkly majestic areas in Namibia with dune fields, boulder outcrops, a narrow strip of riverine vegetation and palm trees along the river and – in good rainfall years – the grassy Hartmann’s Valley.

There are a variety of animals to be seen, from gemsbok, ostrich and springbok to the brown hyena, the Cape fox, the Namaqua chameleon and some surprisingly large Nile crocodiles in the Kunene River. The real attraction of the area though is the sense of utter isolation and the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the last semi-nomadic cultural groups in southern Africa, the Himba. The Marienfluss Conservancy is home to Wilderness Safaris’ Serra Cafema Camp. 

1. Doro !Nawas Conservancy in Damaraland

The Doro !Nawas Conservancy is an excellent base for discovering Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site with magnificent rock art and engravings, a petrified forest and incredible geological formations.

Victoria Short, Marketing Manager of Springbok Atlas, points out that Twyfelfontein is home to the Living Museum of the Damara, the first traditional Damara project in Namibia. “Visitors have the unique opportunity to get to know the fascinating traditional culture of the Damara, thus contributing to the preservation of the culture as well as to regular income for the Damara community that built the museum.”

At the museum, visitors will see the work of the local blacksmith and how he makes weapons and tools. They’ll get an insight into the tanning of leather, how to make jewellery and they’ll witness traditional song and dance.

Wildlife in the Doro !Nawas Conservancy is also a big attraction, despite the region’s arid habitat. Desert-adapted elephant are a particular highlight, as are other creatures that can survive the harsh conditions. 

Wilderness operates the Doro !Nawas Camp in conjunction with the community. Accommodation comprises 16 units that are all designed to blend into the hillside.

Doro !Nawas Camp stands on 407 300 hectares of conservancy land and can be easily reached on self-drive and fly-in itineraries.

1.  ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy in Kunene

Steve Felton, spokesperson for NACSO and WWF Namibia says the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy is quite popular with travellers. “Between the vast panoramic landscapes of Kunene north and south, is the Grootberg Pass, and right on top of the plateau is Grootberg Lodge, wholly owned by ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy. The lodge boasts a spectacular view down the Klip River valley.”

According to Felton, rhino tracking is the high spot for many visitors. “The lodge provides highly experienced guides and trackers, who can talk in detail about the ecology, the habits of rhinos, and how to track them. Even if you don’t find a rhino, you will most likely see elephants, oryx, kudu, giraffe, and a whole host of bird species.

 “As you enter the lodge, there is an information panel about ≠Khoadi-//Hôas, which means ‘Elephant Corner’, featuring local people,” says Felton. “Visitors are quickly drawn into the friendly atmosphere, and often leave wishing this or that staff member “good luck with the exam, or the baby”.

Established in July 1998 ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy benefits its more than 3 000 residents with programmes that take advantage of the region’s extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife. 

4×4 vehicles are allowed to drive up the plateau to reach the lodge. Sedans or 2×4 vehicles have to park at the bottom parking area. The lodge will collect the guests upon arrival. Security is available 24/7 at the bottom parking area to look after the vehicles and to arrange for pick-ups if necessary.

1. Mayuni Conservancy – Zambezi Region

The Nambwa Camp on the Kwando River in the Zambezi Region is a popular camp for travellers, according to Felton. He says although the camp is located inside the Bwabwata National Park, one of the finest game-viewing areas in Namibia, it is run almost entirely by the Mayuni Conservancy.

Says Felton: “Now, in a joint venture with African Monarch, the conservancy is running Nambwa Lodge, which is hidden between the trees above the camp site. Each luxury tent is built on a wooden platform and is entirely secluded. Guests have the luxury of king-sized beds and bubble baths, and also excellent cuisine provided by staff hired from the conservancy.”

However, the prime attraction, according to Felton, is the fact that 20 000 elephants constantly move through the park to and from Botswana. “Just up the sandy track from Nambwa lies Horseshoe Lake, a bend in the river that seems to have been designed for tourism. Visitors to the lodge are treated to sosaties and sundowners by the lake, as herds of elephant come to drink.”

1. Sheya Shuushona Conservancy - Etosha

Up to now, Namibia’s conservancies have mostly offered great tourism opportunities in the arid, northwest and the riverine northeast, but Felton says that this set to change with new possibilities opening up around Etosha National Park. “This July, Namibia Exclusive Safaris, in partnership with Sheya Shuushona Conservancy, is opening Sheya Shuushona Lodge just to the north of Etosha.”

The conservancy will have rights to conduct tours inside the park, according to Felton, although he adds that the lodge itself is also offering magnificent views of its own, smaller pan. He adds: “To the south of the park, King Nehale Conservancy is negotiating with a private partner to build its own lodge, which will bring tourism revenue to conservancies.”