Text Marita van Rooyen
Local tourism expert Meke Imbili shares her tips on what makes winter a special time for travelling in Namibia, detailing how to experience the cultural aspect of local tourism in the best possible way.
“Namibia is an all-year-round travel destination. In winter the temperatures are more favourable for visitors from the northern hemisphere, and it is also the dry season in Namibia.
Winter is the time of year for guests whose main interest is game viewing, which can be done on guest farms around the country, in private game reserves, and in the world-renowned Etosha National Park.
In our villages in the northern-most regions, this is when cattle give birth and we take care of the new-borns to ensure they are safe and have a chance of survival. Wintertime is also harvest time when homestead owners reap in what they have sowed, be it millet, beans or melons. The millet is pounded and mahangu is produced, while melon seeds are used to manufacture Oontanga oil.”
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How and where does Meke travel during winter?
“My favourite way of experiencing Namibia is by light aircraft, as it presents an entirely different view of life down below. However, travelling by road allows you more time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes at a slower pace.”
During the winter months, Meke travels mostly to tourist facilities close to Windhoek, such as Gocheganas and Lake Oanob, to enjoy game viewing while relaxing during wellness treatments. “Harnas is also one of my favourite destinations.”
Who is Meke?
Meke Imbili is a vibrant personality in the local tourism sector. She is Chairperson for the Emerging Tourism Enterprises Association (ETEA), Secretary for the new Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA), and Secretary for the Tourist Guides Association of Namibia (TAN). She is furthermore the manager and co-owner of Aabadi Safaris and recently expanded her portfolio by registering Xceptional Tourism Services (XTS), a company that offers specialised experiences in rural areas, to be extended with Voluntourism opportunities in time. “XTS will also offer travel-agency services, marketing services for emerging tourism businesses, customer service training to individuals and institutions, and event-management services.”
Meke was schooled by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) & Commonwealth as a customer-service trainer and has successfully completed the NTB/ Witwatersrand University Certificate in Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creations.
Says Meke: “I believe in the culture of serving and am a customer-service specialist with a passion for tourism. I think the combination of the above with in-depth knowledge of your product, markets and financial discipline, are excellent ingredients for making a success of any business.”
Contact Meke at eteanamibia@gmail.com, or 081 124 7869