Why Namibia Is Africa's Conservation Success Story

When it comes to conservation, Namibia is a leader in Africa. To date, Namibia is one of the only countries in the world that has conservation entrenched in it’s constitution. Conservation is successful in Namibia mainly because communities on grassroots level, and not just governments, are involved.

The history of Namibia’s conservation culture can be traced back to pre-independence years with conservancies like Etosha National Park being one of the first national parks to be proclaimed in Southern Africa. After independence, the new government introduced a wildlife guard system that put locals at the forefront of protecting the wildlife in their areas. In 1999, The Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management (NASCO or CBNRM) was established. This body gave community members newfound responsibility and power in how conservation is carried out in their areas, allowing them to utilize their natural resources in a sustainable manner with the help of the Namibian government and other private sector players.

An elephant in the Popa Falls Resort in Namibia

Inclusive conservation management

Because of this innovative and inclusive management of its wildlife and natural resources, 42% of Namibian land is currently under some form of conservation management. This is an increase from a mere 13% in 1990.

Thriving wildlife populations

Namibia’s conservation success can be measured in the areas such as the thriving black rhino population despite the animal’s populations dwindling in some other countries. Organisations such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Namibian Dolphin Project, Save The Rhino Trust, the Desert Lion Project and the AfriCat Foundation all meet the Namibian government halfway in safeguarding Namibian wildlife.

Tackling the issue of poaching

One of the biggest challenges that animal conservation faces in Namibia is poaching. The Save the Rhino Trust came up with a solution to the poaching of the endangered black rhino by offering former poachers employment as guards and wildlife trackers. The trust operates on a revenue-sharing system with the local communities – giving locals a sustainable source of employment as opposed to poaching.

Community members end up running some conservancies so well that they do so without donor funding or government assistance.

It has become clear that the people who are best suited to protect and safeguard wildlife and natural resources are those indigenous to the area.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.