SUSTAINABILITY AT THE HEART OF ONGULA

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE HEART OF ONGULA: Ongula Village Homestead Lodge, a member of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, is a model of sustainable, community-centred tourism in northern Namibia.

Established in 2012, it is among the few lodges built within a living Oshiwambo homestead, offering guests an authentic cultural immersion.

Sustainability is central to operations. The lodge runs on solar power, follows a green policy to limit environmental impact, and supports local businesses and artisans. It works closely with the Hope Youth Development Centre, which empowers young people through education, leadership and community programmes.

Ongula also supports the Shebeen Escape Academy, providing vocational training in hospitality, tourism and agriculture for adolescent girls and young mothers, opening routes to economic independence.

Tourism here matters because it bridges cultural understanding and economic empowerment.

Blending cultural preservation, conservation and economic empowerment, Ongula shows how tourism can be a force for change.

TEXT SOURCE: HAN / PHOTOS: Ongula Village Homestead Lodge

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-18

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