NAMIBIA'S NATIONAL PARKS As part of the community tourism development program based on joint ventures, private investors who recognised the potential of the area formed a partnership with the Wuparo Conservancy. First they developed Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge on the border of the park, and later Jackalberry Tented Camp – the first tourism accommodation establishment inside the park – to attract eco-friendly and selective tourism activity to the area. Both camps are completely unfenced and thus present no barrier to the natural movement of wildlife. The Wuparo Conservancy receives a monthly fee and a significant percentage of the net revenue of the tourism operations, while both properties provide sought-after job opportunities; 95% of all employees are recruited locally. Furthermore, most of the building material for the infrastructure was sourced locally, while goods and services, such as fresh produce and crafts, are also bought from the locals. This has created a wealth of opportunities, and especially the women in the area have discovered a new sense of worth by contributing to the warm atmosphere of the establishments and by acquiring skills in cooking, hospitality and craft making. Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge and Jackalberry Tented Camp are members of the International Ecotourism Society. Both establishments have received accolades and awards in recent years, including the HAN Award of Excellence and the Responsible Tourism Award in 2016. They have also attained the highest Eco Awards Namibia rating. There are plans for further controlled, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism development. Natural Selection has earmarked sites in the park for high-end, low-impact facilities to open this part of unspoiled wilderness to more nature and wildlife lovers. Nkasa Rupara National Park, on the fringes of Namibia’s northeast, is truly a hidden gem with an abundance of fauna and flora, with authenticity and with harmony between humans and wildlife living in and off the park. With the right approach and a commitment to environmental sustainability it could once again become a haven for all of Africa’s Big Five and a must-see when visiting Namibia. TNN
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