KHORIXAS – Welcoming us to her sanctuary while carrying her granddaughter on her hip and accompanied by her sons, Dina Namubes gave journalists a tour of the Môrewag Campsite and Safaris.

Situated in the former Damaraland in the heart of Môrewag communal village, Kunene region, the 23.5 ha campsite is an embodiment of heritage and Namibian history in a tranquil setting.

“Môrewag provides unique amenities
and facilities, including exceptional customer services – promoting eco-friendly practices, providing incredible natural attractions any traveller would want to experience, including its luxury chalets,” stated Namubes. 

The hospitality expert has 20 years of administrative experience and skills in an executive capacity, as well as over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in customer service and the tourism industry.

“The restaurant provides top-notch breakfast, lunch  and dinner, and don’t miss the sunset watch – sundowners around a bonfire. We create a prosperous campsite that is visually appealing, offers sufficient lodging, serves high-quality food and adheres to environmental sustainability,” said the jolly host.

Namubes owns the business with sons Warren Katsani, Morgan Namubeb and Delano Namubeb. Her two godsons, Erens Willemse and Mckenzie van Wyk, are also part of the family business.

The budding businesswoman has been staying at Môrewag village for 38 years, a community with about five homesteads.

“My husband Melvin Namubeb played a key role and invested a lot of time and effort in the project, but unfortunately will not enjoy the fruits of his labour as he passed away as a result of Covid in 2021,” she painfully recalled.

Môrewag provides fresh water from a borehole, and poultry products such as eggs and meat from domestic farm
animals. “Môrewag produces its farm and agricultural products such as pork, poultry and veggies. These also contribute to agritourism, in addition to the campsite and safari,” she said. 

The campsite view boasts stunning mountains, rocks and rock art, all of which are ideal for photography and hiking the rock paths. 

The natural water feature that doubles as a waterfall during heavy rains enhances the charm of Môrewag’s attractions. 

The surroundings all align with the scenery as there is Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, one of Namibia’s most visited tourism spots, nearby. 

This is ideal for activities such as horse- riding, donkey cart rides, rock climbing, photography, nature drives, swimming, traditional performances, sundowners, socialising, camping and interaction with nature.

One of Namubes’ godsons, Van Wyk, said the campsite is one of the best places for one to unwind, enjoy and appreciate nature. 

“What I enjoy most is teaching the visitors how to ride horses. It’s peaceful and ideal when the cities get busy and chaotic. I love coming here when I can,” said the father of one, who is into transport and logistics in the coastal parts of the country.

Van Wyk said being in such an environment does not feel like he is working because he loves what he does, whether it is fixing the generator,
saddling the horses, serving visitors, fixing a light bulb, and ensuring that the tents where the guests will be sleeping are
clean.

“We are children at home and have seen how passionate our mother is about this project. We will make sure she gets the manpower she needs. It is already hard enough that her backbone (husband) is not around, and that was someone hands-on,” shared the animal lover.

 Môrewag Campsite and Safaris is one of the eco-enterprises funded by the Biodiversity Economy Project under the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).

GIZ’s programme director Marc-Alexander Gross told VIBEZ! That the GIZ Biodiversity Economy project supported Môrewag by setting up the solar water pump to rehabilitate the borehole.

“This has benefitted the entire community. Additionally, the project provided materials to complete craft stalls, road and information sign boards, hospitality training, first aid training, a marketing plan, and financial management training,” detailed Gross.

In addition, capacity-building is crucial when it comes to such ventures, hence the project also aided with business concept development, tools and equipment for craft workshop, and advice on vision for Môrewag (future layout), he said.

-psiririka@nepc.com.na