Heritage Week – Windhoek Heritage walk
September 18, 2013An Automobile Association stop for Swakop
September 18, 2013As a man who’s been involved in community development projects ‘for my whole life’, Lesley Tjongarero recently launched his latest initiative – a community campsite booking platform – to enhance the lives of smaller groups.
Lesley explains: “Namibia’s communal tourism enterprises are one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. These community campsites play a vital role in developing the rural communities in which they are located.”
Bumhill campsite in the Zambezi region. Photo ©Ron Swilling
The idea came when the Namibia Community Based Tourism Assistance Trust (Nacobta) ran out of funding and Lesley realised there was a gap in the market. He started by focussing on the Spitzkoppe (from where he hails), and when the bookings picked up, developed further campsites.
The Spitzkoppe Reservations and Info Centre online booking platform currently supports 30 communal campsites located throughout our vast country, with more to follow.
www.spitzkoppereservations.com
Compiled by Marita van Rooyen for the Travel News Namibia Spring 2013 print edition
