Stalin Kay, Author at Namibia Wildlife Resorts

Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) and Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Announce Journalist Training at Hardap Dam Resort

Windhoek, Namibia – 5 November 2024 – The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) and Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) hereby announce a collaborative journalism training program to be held at Hardap Dam Resort from November 7 to 9, 2024. This initiative, led by the NSA’s Census team, aims to proactively equip journalists with skills in understanding, accessing, and accurately reporting data, specifically focusing on census data.

Over 14 journalists from various media outlets will attend this training, covering topics including journalism’s role in data dissemination, interpreting census results, fact-checking, and storytelling with data. The program emphasises the importance of factual, data-driven reporting in empowering the public with critical information on health, education, and the economy.

NWR spokesperson Mr Nelson Ashipala highlighted how the collaboration came to be, considering that the two institutions operate in parallel industries.”For NWR, committing to journalist training on the Census in partnership with the NSA is a strategic step to support accurate, comprehensive reporting on a national initiative that directly impacts our industry and the country. By equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge needed to cover the Census effectively, we ensure that critical data around tourism, demographics, and regional development are well represented,” he said.

The training will begin with an overview of the NSA’s recent census data, followed by hands- on sessions designed to help journalists navigate and utilise data for accurate reporting.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Ready to Welcome Cyclists for the Khomas 100 at Gross Barmen Resort

Windhoek, Namibia – 23 October 2024 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) would like to announce its readiness to welcome and host cyclists participating in the highly anticipated Khomas 100 cycling race, which will take place on 26 October 2024. The race will begin in Windhoek and conclude at Gross Barmen Resort.

With a strong history of hosting successful events at Gross Barmen, NWR is particularly excited to support a sporting event of this magnitude as it will be one of the most significant sporting events ever held at the resort. To ensure everything runs smoothly and that all participants and guests receive the highest level of service, NWR has brought in additional staff from various NWR lodges nationwide.

Nelson Ashipala, Communications Manager for NWR, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating: “We are excited for the Khomas 100 because it aligns with our vision of establishing NWR as a wellness destination. Events like this bring that dream closer to reality. We are currently rebranding our wellness offerings, including our spa services, while also preparing hiking trails and making Gross Barmen the home of the annual NWR marathon. Hosting a cycling event of this scale strengthens our belief that we can achieve this goal.”

NWR is committed to meeting all client expectations, and has prepared extensively for the event. The Khomas 100 features three distinct routes designed to offer cyclists of all experience levels a thrilling adventure. Each route has been meticulously crafted to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Khomas region, offering riders a diverse mix of terrain that includes rolling hills, winding gravel roads, scenic climbs, and exhilarating descents. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to the sport, there is a route that will challenge and inspire you.

Cyclists and their supporters can look forward to an incredible weekend at Gross Barmen Resort, where the NWR team is ready to provide top-tier service and hospitality.

NWR Announcement on Shuttle Service Update in the Sossusvlei Area

Windhoek, Namibia – 14 October 2024 – Effective 15th October 2024, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) would like to inform all its valued clients of an essential change in its shuttle service operations in the Sossusvlei area. NWR will cease to operate the shuttle from the 2×4 area in Sossusvlei and will now exclusively run the shuttle from the Sesriem Campsite.

Clients who have already booked shuttle vouchers/tickets to Deadvlei are informed that they will now be ferried from the Sesriem Campsite instead. Similarly interested clients are requested to also buy their shuttle tickets at the Sesriem Campsite which also will be departing from the Sesriem Campsite.

We encourage all guests to make the necessary arrangements and plan their visits accordingly. Our team remains committed to offering the best service possible and will be available to assist with any queries or concerns regarding these changes.

Mayor of Khorixas Visits NWR to Report on Successful Mayoral Gala Dinner and Mayoral Cup

Windhoek, Namibia – 11 October 2024 – Her Worship, the Mayor of Khorixas, Ms Patience !Hoaes, visited Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) head office on the 11th of October to provide a report on the recently held Mayoral Gala Dinner and Mayoral Cup, which took place over the weekend of 27th September. The event was the first of its kind and is set to become an annual highlight in the town’s calendar.

During the Gala Dinner, a total of N$56,850.00 was pledged, while the total income received amounted to N$180,000.00 from activities such as the soccer tournament and food stalls. These funds will play a crucial role in the construction of a youth centre in Khorixas aimed at combating the growing challenge of alcohol and substance abuse among the town’s youth.

NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala expressed its satisfaction in being part of this important initiative. Ashipala affirmed NWR’s ongoing commitment to the annual event and assured the Mayor of further support for future projects to uplift the town and its residents. He stated, “NWR is happy to have come on board and assures the Mayor of more future support. We will continue to do more to uplift Khorixas.”

NWR operates the Khorixas Rest Camp and runs a hospitality school campus in the town, demonstrating its ongoing investment in the region’s development.

Namibia Sees an Increase in Hiking for Charity of Fish River Canyon

Windhoek, Namibia – 9 August 2024 – There has been an increase in Namibian and international hikers undertaking the Fish River Canyon trek to raise money for charitable causes. So far, 15 groups have indicated their intentions to hike for a cause through financial commitment or awareness creation.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) recently received a donation of N$27,483 for its charity wing, Envirokidz, from a group of hikers led by Mr Paul Murray and Mr Erick Mclaren. As hikers passionate about environmental education and conservation, Paul and Mr Erick, from the United Kingdom, spearheaded the fundraising effort for the cause.

Envirokidz aims to provide opportunities, primarily to school groups from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, to experience Namibia’s protected areas. It is also hoped that they will learn about natural fauna and flora, environmental and conservation issues, and the importance of safeguarding the environment.

NWR Communications Manager expressed his gratitude to all hikers and supporters who have contributed to the many causes. “Your efforts are not just appreciated, but they are shaping the future of our environment and the education of our children. Together, we are making a tremendous impact,” he said.

NWR and Namibia Public Workers Union to Sign MoU for Employee Salary and Housing Allowance Adjustments

Windhoek, Namibia – 21 May 2024 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the salary structure and housing allowance for employees within the bargaining unit. The MoU will come into effect on 1 November 2023.

Under this new agreement, all employees in job grades A1 to D3 who are currently below the minimum salary scale will be aligned to the new minimum (25th) percentile of the new salary scale. This adjustment ensures fair compensation for employees in the bargaining unit and recognises their valuable contributions to the organisation.

In addition to the salary adjustments, a total adjustment of N$ 5,500.00 on housing allowance will be implemented over a three-year period. This adjustment will commence in the 2023 financial year and continue through the 2025/2026 financial year. This phased approach aims to provide sustainable support to employees, enhancing their living conditions and overall well-being.

NWR and NAPWU are committed to fostering a positive and equitable work environment, ensuring that all employees receive fair and competitive compensation. This MoU represents a significant step towards achieving these goals and demonstrates the organisations’ dedication to the welfare of their employees.

We look forward to successfully implementing these changes and the continued collaboration between NWR and NAPWU.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Achieves a Significant Milestone with a Historic Record Profit

Windhoek, Namibia – 21 May 2024 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Board and Management presented its annual report to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, Minister Ipumbu Shiimi, on the 20th of May 2023. The Honourable Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Hon. Pohamba Shifeta was also in attendance. The company proudly announced a historic N$46 million profit and a clean audit reports for two consecutive years, a testament to its unwavering commitment to effective governance and statutory compliance.

In a highly competitive environment, the company produced solid financial performance in 2023. Revenue increased by 32%, from N$294 million in 2022 to N$387 million. The overall bottom line was reduced by 231%, from a loss of (N$35) million in 2022 to a record profit of N$46 million in 2023.

Despite increasing inflation, fuel costs and repo rates during the year under review, operational expenses, excluding reversals on penalties and interest payments on statutory payments and loans settled, increased only by 7%, mainly driven by increased spending on repairs, renovations and maintenance of our facilities. The company continued to invest in our capital infrastructure. Repairs and maintenance was N$27 million [2022: N$23 million]. Maintaining our resorts and camps so as to improve customer experience and service delivery is one of NWR’s strategic intent.

The Managing Director, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, was elevated by this positive news, remarking that “NWR continued to make good progress on its strategic value drivers of occupancy growth, revenue, expenses management, profitability and improvements on the balance sheet. The solid financial performance in 2023 and ever-improving profit and balance sheet metrics is a demonstration of our commitment to our national mandate of providing tourism-related services in national parks of Namibia and being an important government arm through which the tourism national objectives are to be met in line with its founding Act, the Namibia Wildlife Resorts Company Act (Act 3 of 1998)”.

On his turn, the Board Chairperson stated that, “Our financial performance continued to show resilience in 2023. In particular, long-term loans, statutory loans to financial development and commercial institutions, and tax authorities, which were long-standing challenges in the past, were fully settled in 2023, and the company attained a long-term debt-free status. We demonstrated that it is possible to achieve positive results in the public enterprises domain”.

NWR’s Annual Financial Statements are up to date, and an unqualified audit opinion was achieved for the 2023 statements, like in the previous year, 2022. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire NWR team and underscores the company’s commitment to improved governance, transparency, and accountability.

Overall, NWR’s Annual Report reflects a commitment to excellence in all areas of its operations. The company remains dedicated to providing exceptional service to its guests while upholding the highest corporate responsibility and accountability standards.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Announces the Reopening of Bo-Plaas Campsite

Windhoek, Namibia – 30 April 2024 – Windhoek. Namibia Wildlife Resorts would like to announce the reopening of the Bo Plaas campsite, situated along the Orange River. As of April 30, 2024, the campsite has officially reopened its doors to visitors after a temporary closure for enhancements.

The closure of Bo Plaas was necessary to address increased security concerns and to expand the campsite’s facilities. With assistance from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, we have successfully implemented additional security measures and constructed extra ablution blocks, significantly improving the safety and comfort of our guests. At the reopening of the site, the Manager for Corporate Communications at NWR, Mr Nelson Ashipala, expressed his happiness at the opening of the camp. “Bo-Plaas serves as a great stopover for those travelling from Northern Cape and the surrounding areas. Now, they can come and enjoy Namibia again with extra security. Fish river hikers can also stop over for some great rest before they tackle the canyon.” he said.

These improvements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors. We invite everyone to come and experience the serene beauty of Bo Plaas, now more secure and accommodating than ever.

Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism & Namibia Wildlife Resorts Announce Sufficient Water Levels for Hiking Season at Fish River Canyon

Windhoek, Namibia – 25 April 2024 – The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts, is pleased to announce that following a thorough appraisal of water resources in Fish River Canyon, there is sufficient water available for the upcoming hiking season. This means hikers can look forward to a rewarding experience with the May 1st, 2024 season commencing.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner. These marshals are part of our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable hiking environment.

Additionally, Namibia Wildlife Resorts is excited to launch a new Responsible Hiking Campaign. This initiative aims to educate and prepare hikers for their adventures in Fish River Canyon. Starting next week, our social media channels will feature valuable tips on hiking preparation, safety, and environmental responsibility. These tips are designed to enhance the hiking experience while preserving the natural beauty of our environment. We encourage all interested hikers to stay tuned to our social media platforms for these updates and to prepare themselves for a memorable adventure in one of Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Introduces Independence Special to Encourage Domestic Travel

Windhoek, Namibia – 28 February 2024 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is pleased to announce the introduction of its Independence Special, which encourages Namibians to discover the beauty of their own country by offering large discounts on accommodation at all NWR locations. The programme responds to Namibians’ worries about the high expense of recreational travel within the country.

With the Independence Special, NWR aims to address these concerns by making travel more accessible and affordable for Namibians. Starting 1st of March, all lodges under NWR’s management will be discounted by 60%, making it easier for locals to experience the diverse landscapes and unique wildlife that Namibia has to offer.

Nelson Ashipala, NWR spokesperson, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to making domestic travel more accessible to Namibians. “Through our recent engagements with the public, we have recognised the genuine concerns regarding the affordability of leisure travel,” Ashipala stated . “The special is open to all travellers but our hope is to see a strong uptake, mostly from locals”. As part of the special, popular lodges such as Khorixas Camp in Damara Land will be available for as little as N$220.00 per night, including breakfast. It’s important to note that while most lodges are included in the Special, seasonal camps such as the Miles along the coastline are not part of the discounted offer.

The Independence Special will run throughout the month of March, giving Namibians ample opportunity to take advantage of these exclusive discounts and embark on memorable adventures across the country. NWR encourages interested individuals to book early to secure their preferred accommodations.