Son of the soil

Justicia Shipena





What started off as a high school dream became reality for ambitious 24-year-old Oscar Shilipipo, who now owns a tour company.

Born at Outjo, he went to school in Etosha National Park, where he also lived with his parents.

Shilipipo then moved to Otjiwarongo Secondary School. In grade 12, he conceptualised a tourism business idea.

“My father helped me with the registration of the business and rest of the paper work because I was still in school,” he said.

After high school, he enrolled at the University of Namibia (Unam) to pursue a qualification in mining engineering, which he completed last year.

Speaking to The Zone, Shilipipo said he had been exposed to tourism since primary school and that his idea did not come out of the blue.

He added that being raised along the Anderson Gate, one of the four ways to access Etosha National Park, played a big role in his career choice.

“I saw an opportunity and grabbed it. I felt I could do a better job than some game-viewing companies in the area,” he said.

According to Shilipipo, his company Yovola Tours and Transfers is an experienced tour operator, operating in the Etosha National Park.

“We offer open safari vehicle tours and transfers in the park. These tours are guided by professional tour guides, who are born and raised in the Etosha National Park. They are motivated and enthusiastic, have profound knowledge of nature, history and daily life, and experience the magic of Etosha with us and make it memorable.”

What he likes most about the tourism industry is that it is not really affected by the economy of the country such as other industries, he said.

He added that meeting people from around the globe for the first time is always exciting, and as soon as he starts talking to them, he quickly learns how to give them the best game drive experience.

“Some clients prefer lions while others like elephants. Others just prefer a wild cruise and taking selfies while having a beer. Some tend to share their epic safari experience with me,” he said.

For Shilipipo and his business, the biggest challenge is land. Yovola is a registered company with the Namibian Tourism Board, but has no land to operate on.

“The fleet is just parked outside the Anderson Gate at an unprotected area. Anything can happen to the vehicles at any time,” he said.

Despite this challenge, his accomplishments thus far include adding a new vehicle to the fleet and employing a guide.

Shilipipo believes young people’s curiosity can be influenced by encouraging them to read more about the history of Namibia as well as about what Namibia has to offer as a home to diverse wildlife, minerals and other resources.

“We want young people to find great pleasure in seeing the beauties of the wildlife in Etosha National Park in a game view vehicle,” he said.

His dream is to have at least 50 vehicles in his fleet and to create more employment.

Fun facts about Shilipipo:

· His dream is to see all of Namibia.

· Loves video games.

· Can’t swim.

· Loves heights.

· Skydiving’s on his bucket list.

· Yet to find his hidden talent.