Wilderness Namibia’s latest Impact Report demonstrates the significant contribution that its conservation tourism model has made to Namibia’s economy, communities and conservation landscape over the past decade.
Operating seven camps across some of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas, Wilderness Namibia’s long-term commitment to conservation tourism has generated measurable benefits for both people and nature. Between 2016 and 2025, the business paid more than NAD 301 million to Government, NAD 72 million to local communities, and over NAD 690 million to employees, while spending more than NAD 1.5 billion on goods and services sourced from Namibian businesses.
The report highlights how tourism can help build resilient conservation economies by creating employment, supporting rural livelihoods, strengthening education, and providing incentives to conserve wildlife and wild places.
‘Many of the landscapes where we operate are remote places with few alternative economic opportunities,’ said Alex Henderson, Managing Director of Wilderness Namibia. ‘Conservation tourism helps create value from wildlife and wild places, ensuring that communities, conservation areas and future generations all benefit from keeping these landscapes intact.’
Most of Wilderness Namibia’s camps operate in partnership with community-owned conservancies, creating direct economic links between conservation and local development. Over the past decade, more than NAD 72 million has flowed to neighbouring communities through concession agreements and partnerships, helping to ensure that wildlife and protected landscapes generate real benefits for the people who live alongside them.
Wilderness Namibia currently employs 400 people, with 97% of employees being Namibian citizens. Importantly, nearly 70% of these jobs are located in remote rural areas where economic opportunities are often limited. The business maintains an average of 2.5 employees per guest bed, reflecting the benefits of its high-value, low-volume tourism model and its ability to create meaningful employment opportunities.
Education remains a central component of Wilderness’ Impact Strategy through its Children in the Wilderness (CITW) programme. Through environmental education, leadership development and bursary support, CITW helps equip young people from rural communities with the skills and confidence to become future custodians of their natural heritage. Since 2016, more than 1,000 children have participated in CITW programmes hosted in Wilderness Namibia camps, while Eco-Clubs engage hundreds of learners annually across partner schools. In addition, 312 bursaries valued at more than NAD 1.8 million have been awarded to students from neighbouring communities.
‘Investing in education is one of the most important contributions we can make to conservation,’ added Agnes Kerii, Wilderness Namibia Impact Manager. ‘When young people understand the value of their natural environment and see that there are career opportunities linked to it, conservation becomes something that is relevant to their own futures.’
Conservation remains at the heart of the Wilderness model. In Namibia, the company’s operations contribute to the stewardship of approximately 1.67 million hectares of land under its area of influence, while Wilderness and its guests have contributed NAD 81 million through protected area fees and community payments that support conservation management across Namibia.
The report also highlights Wilderness Namibia’s long-standing support for Save the Rhino Trust, a partnership that has now exceeded 20 years. Working in one of the world’s last strongholds for free-roaming desert-adapted black rhino, the organisation plays a critical role in monitoring and protecting this iconic species, demonstrating how tourism can contribute directly to conservation outcomes on the ground.
Beyond its own camps, Wilderness continues to generate wider value across Namibia’s tourism sector. Through its travel businesses, more than NAD 640 million in sales have been directed to non-Wilderness tourism products over the last decade, supporting growth and employment across the broader industry.
‘The achievements reflected in this report are the result of strong partnerships built over decades,’ Alex concluded. ‘We are grateful to our guests, trade partners, partner communities, staff, Government, and local conservation stakeholders who continue to support this shared vision. Together, we can continue to ensure that conservation tourism is a force for positive impact across Namibia.’
Click here to read the latest Wilderness Namibia Impact Report, and here to see a one-page summary infographic