MINING THREATENS TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS OF OVER N$ 10.5 MILLION TO COMMUNAL CONSERVANCIES IN 2024

Last week, Ultimate Safaris presented their 2024 conservancy partner impact report for their operations in the Kunene Region to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry & Tourism, partner NGOs, and other stakeholders. The company operates three conservancy joint venture tourism establishments in southern Kunene in partnership with the Uibasen Twyfelfontein, Doro !Nawas, and Sorris Sorris communal conservancies. These establishments include the internationally acclaimed Onduli Ridge, Onduli Enclave, and Camp Doros.

Despite the existential threat posed by mining in the area, operations at these lodges contributed a combined N$ 10.5 million to the three conservancies. Ultimate Safaris CEO, Tristan Cowley, stated:
“2024 was an incredibly strong year for tourism in Namibia. Despite massive risks and challenges to our joint conservancy operations stemming from a mining threat, the positive impact we continue to contribute to the people of Namibia is extremely pleasing.”
Since beginning operations in the area in 2020, the company’s impact is now valued at over N$ 90 million.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

In 2024, Ultimate Safaris contributed just under N$ 3 million in cash to their three partner conservancies and two Traditional Authorities who are financial beneficiaries. Additionally, over N$ 6 million was paid in salaries and subsistence to full-time staff, while N$ 1.6 million was invested in conservation and community development initiatives.

AWARD WINNING

The company received international recognition in 2024, further spotlighting Namibia’s tourism potential. Onduli Ridge was named one of the best hotels in the world by world-renowned tourism authority Richard Bangs. Furthermore, the Doros/Red Mountain Joint Management Area received the PURE Conservation Award for exceptional conservation efforts over the past four years.

BUILDING RURAL HUMAN CAPITAL

Ultimate Safaris ensured all staff members received private medical aid, pension contributions, and annual performance bonuses in 2024. Long-term employees became part of the Ultimate Safaris Tribe Trust, designed to encourage staff participation and shareholding.

The company provides employment for over 50 individuals and recorded several career growth stories in 2024, with staff being promoted across various roles. Upgrades to staff living areas included facilities like a gym, clubhouse with satellite television, and an entertainment center.

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Key investments in 2024 included:

• Drilling and solar fitting of three conservancy boreholes.
• Refurbishing a wildlife water point.
• Developing tourist self-drive routes in the area.
• Covering costs of rhino conservation.

Through its Conservation Travel Foundation and the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, Ultimate Safaris also refurbished and reopened the Granietkop Campsite, now a self-sustaining community-run operation employing three locals.

LOST OPPORTUNITIES

Mining activities in the area have halted the development of a 4-suite rhino activity-focused camp, an N$ 30 million project that could have created 25 full-time jobs and contributed N$ 1.5 million in cash payments to conservancies annually. Plans for a conservancy-owned tourist sightseeing self-drive route were similarly postponed due to the mining threat.

THREATS

Since August 2024, Ultimate Safaris and its conservancy partners have faced a smear campaign, threats from mining associates, and malicious complaints from mining proponents. Allegations of political interference and patronage have compounded the situation, with operations and reputations under attack.

Ultimate Safaris remains resolute, viewing this as a landmark case to protect Namibia’s high-value wildlife and tourism areas and ensure sustainable community and conservation efforts for future generations.