Natural luxury by design

There are only a few days left before the most responsible tourism accommodation establishment in Namibia will be announced during the Namibia Tourism Expo taking place from 18 to 21 May. Only three finalists have remained namely Gondwana’s Etosha Safari Camp, Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge and Wolwedans Boulders Camp, and the overall winner will be announced on 19 May at the Nedbank Unity Village at 16:00. Set beneath a swathe of shady knob thorn and marula trees on the banks of the Harubandi Channel, Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, which is owned and managed by the Micheletti family, is situated in one of the most remote sites in Namibia.The Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge is a joint venture between the private sector and the Wuparo Conservancy. Following the principles of sustainable tourism, it is constantly striving to reduce its overall impact on the fragile environment, in particular focusing on the key areas of energy, water, waste and wildlife conservation.Canvas, teak wood, tree trunks, reeds, thatch and steel were used for the construction of the lodge while other manufacturing material was limited to the bare minimum. Part of the roof of the main building was made from old 44-gallon drums cut in half and left to rust – giving it a rustic appearance. Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge opened in 2011. Guests are accommodated in ten luxury tents erected on teak platforms. The main lodge area incorporates a lounge, bar, dining room, a plunge pool with a deck, small curio shop and a viewing deck.The lodge has created employment for 23 people living in the Wuparo Conservancy and has gone to great lengths to train its staff. The conservancy receives a percentage of the profits in terms of the joint venture agreement.The three finalists stand to win prises prizes in editorial and advertorial coverage as follows; first prize: N$250 000, second prize: N$150 000 and third prize: N$100 000. These prizes include N$100 000 in cash for community upliftment in the areas where the winners operate in.Nedbank Namibia has sponsored N$50 000 for community projects arising from the competition.STAFF REPORTER

Natural luxury by design

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-16

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Natural luxury by design

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-16

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