Sustainability & Conservation in Namibia

Eliza
Eliza
Marketing Manager
Published on
04 Nov 2020
Updated on
24 Jun 2025
Namibia Etosha Black Rhino - Margo

Sustainability and conservation have long been at the heart of Namibian tourism. In fact, Namibia, was the first country in Africa to incorporate protecting the natural environment into its constitution.

Did you know?

37% of the country is protected land, with 19% National Parks and sanctuaries, with a further 18% protected as private conservancies.

Community Conservation

Historically, one of the key ways in which the Namibian Government encouraged conservation was that in the early 1990’s, they changed national policies so that both private landowners and rural communities had the right to manage and benefit from local wildlife. This has encouraged local communities to work to conserve wildlife through tourism or trophy hunting, alongside agriculture and livestock. Today there are 86 registered conservancies which engage over 10% of the population with outstanding results.

Financial Benefits

During 2017, community conservation generated over N$132 million (around £6 million or $7.5 million) in returns for local communities (up from less than N$1 million in 1998) and created over 5,000 jobs.

Increasing wildlife

  • Namibia is home to some 50% of the 5,500 black rhino that remain in the world - testament to the work being done to protect them in an environment that suits them so well.
  • With 3,500 cheetahs living in the wild, Namibia is home to the largest cheetah population in all of Africa.
  • Namibia’s elephant population has more than doubled since 1995 particularly in the Kavango and Caprivi regions.
  • Whilst free-roaming lions are decreasing across most of Africa, in Namibia they are increasing.
Namibia Caprivi
Elephant in the Caprivi Strip
Cheetah In The Wild Namibia
A cheetah in the wild in Namibia

Community Challenges

Whilst community conservation has shown that it can improve rural lives and contribute to biodiversity conservation, there are still challenges. Increases in wildlife numbers, have led to increased human-wildlife conflict with particular challenges around protecting crops from elephants and ensuring that farmers with damaged crops are properly compensated. There are also challenges around monitoring free roaming animals and in helping community conservancies to diversify so they are not reliant on one stream of income, however whilst there is still work to be done, community conservancies have been hugely successful across Namibia and are being used as a model in the rest of the continent.

Fact: The Africat Foundation at the Okonjima Nature Reserve, the was set up to conserve and protect big cats and wild dog that are injured in conflicts with farmers.

Sustainable Lodges

Namibia has some of the strictest protocol in Africa for building and running lodges, with detailed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) required to gain permission for lodges to be built. Despite the remote environments in which they are found, the lodges provide a level of comfort and luxury to rival any in Africa and are wonderful places to stay.

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge is a standout example of a property existing in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment and is perfectly positioned near Etosha for a Namibian safari.

Within the lodge wastewater is recycled to help reduce water usage, whilst food is sourced from local suppliers, ensuring fresh, seasonal produce and a low carbon footprint to get it to the lodge. Staff are drawn from local villages and towns, meaning the money they earn and skills they acquire are reinvested in to their communities and directly benefit them and their families. The reserve is renowned for being one of the best places in Namibia to see both black and white rhino, with guests able to approach them on foot and learn about the conservation work being done to protect them.

In all areas, Ongava Lodge is an outstanding example of how to run a lodge in such a fragile environment, with a light footprint, strong reinvestment in the local community and an unrivalled dedication to protecting the wildlife that makes Etosha and Ongava such a popular place to visit.

Ongava Lodge Pool
Swimming pool at Ongava lodge
Ongava  Lodge Bathroom
Viewings from a bathroom at Ongava

Our classic Namibian self-drive incudes one night at Ongava Lodge in a private concession next to Etosha and many other highlights including Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

Classic Namibia self-drive: 12 nights from £2,945pp including flights.

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Namibia.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Whether you are planning to visit as a couple or a family holiday to Namibia, our experts would be happy to help you plan your perfect trip. Call today on 01768 603 715 to get started.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024