Rundu residents urge NTB to revive forgotten tourism treasures
Rundu residents have urged the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) to look beyond guesthouses and lodges and invest in cultural and historical sites that have been left to fade into obscurity.
They noted that these places once defined the identity of communities along the Kavango River but now sit neglected, unseen by tourists who drive through without stopping.
During a stakeholders’ engagement held in Rundu last Friday, community members spoke of sites around the region, a once-thriving area teeming with wildlife and legends, and Munda, where a centuries-old tree known as Mungomazi still stands as part of a local folktale about a man who entered the tree and never returned.
They said such places could anchor tourism in the region if properly promoted.
“If you can invest in it, tourists will not just drive through,” one participant said. “There’s another lake inside Tabango, and there’s so much history that has never been told. Even in Mbunza, there are stories that define who we are. Those things are not in the presentations you make.”
Some residents also lamented that many people working in tourism offices hail from outside the region and are unfamiliar with its heritage.
They underlined that involving locals with cultural knowledge could help unearth stories that bring visitors closer to the real Kavango.
“The person running the museum was not from here, so he didn’t last long,” one participant remarked. “We are not discriminating, but it’s clear that people from here understand the land, its stories and its value.”
Rooted in tradition
Responding to the points made by locals, NTB tourism inspector Ricardo Jansen encouraged local entrepreneurs to think creatively about how to draw travellers to the region.
He said cultural tourism is growing worldwide, and the Kavango region has the potential to benefit from it if communities develop experiences rooted in their traditions and environment.
“Tourists these days want to experience culture,” Jansen said. “They want to meet people, hear stories and see how others live. Not everyone can afford a five-star lodge, but if there’s a campsite and activities like boat rides or fishing trips, both locals and visitors can enjoy it.”
He added that affordable attractions, such as river cruises, sundowner trips and cultural attractions, could create jobs while offering new income streams for communities.
“Even if you’re camping, you might still want to take your family for a small boat ride. That’s something local entrepreneurs can provide,” he said.
Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga welcomed the opening of NTB’s new office in the town, saying it would make tourism services more accessible to local operators. He called on residents to use the office to launch initiatives that tell their own stories.
“This office must not stand idle,” Kanyanga said. “It should serve everyone, from local people who want to explore their country to visitors passing through. Many Namibians don’t travel within their own country, and that must change.”
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They noted that these places once defined the identity of communities along the Kavango River but now sit neglected, unseen by tourists who drive through without stopping.
During a stakeholders’ engagement held in Rundu last Friday, community members spoke of sites around the region, a once-thriving area teeming with wildlife and legends, and Munda, where a centuries-old tree known as Mungomazi still stands as part of a local folktale about a man who entered the tree and never returned.
They said such places could anchor tourism in the region if properly promoted.
“If you can invest in it, tourists will not just drive through,” one participant said. “There’s another lake inside Tabango, and there’s so much history that has never been told. Even in Mbunza, there are stories that define who we are. Those things are not in the presentations you make.”
Some residents also lamented that many people working in tourism offices hail from outside the region and are unfamiliar with its heritage.
They underlined that involving locals with cultural knowledge could help unearth stories that bring visitors closer to the real Kavango.
“The person running the museum was not from here, so he didn’t last long,” one participant remarked. “We are not discriminating, but it’s clear that people from here understand the land, its stories and its value.”
Rooted in tradition
Responding to the points made by locals, NTB tourism inspector Ricardo Jansen encouraged local entrepreneurs to think creatively about how to draw travellers to the region.
He said cultural tourism is growing worldwide, and the Kavango region has the potential to benefit from it if communities develop experiences rooted in their traditions and environment.
“Tourists these days want to experience culture,” Jansen said. “They want to meet people, hear stories and see how others live. Not everyone can afford a five-star lodge, but if there’s a campsite and activities like boat rides or fishing trips, both locals and visitors can enjoy it.”
He added that affordable attractions, such as river cruises, sundowner trips and cultural attractions, could create jobs while offering new income streams for communities.
“Even if you’re camping, you might still want to take your family for a small boat ride. That’s something local entrepreneurs can provide,” he said.
Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga welcomed the opening of NTB’s new office in the town, saying it would make tourism services more accessible to local operators. He called on residents to use the office to launch initiatives that tell their own stories.
“This office must not stand idle,” Kanyanga said. “It should serve everyone, from local people who want to explore their country to visitors passing through. Many Namibians don’t travel within their own country, and that must change.”
[email protected]
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