Ultimate Safaris support leads to re-opening of Conservancy-owned community business
After more than a decade of closure and a
retreat to a state of full disrepair, thanks to a financial investment of
nearly N$ 1 million from Ultimate Safaris’ Conservation Travel Foundation and
the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, the Doro !Nawas Conservancy-owned Granietkop
Campsite is once again open and ready to welcome tourists.
The agreement to redevelop the campsite,
which is built around an instantly recognisable granite outcrop along the D2612
in the heart of Damaraland, was originally signed in 2019 when Ultimate Safaris
approached the Doro !Nawas Conservancy to develop Onduli Ridge in the area. While
plans for the campsite’s redevelopment had to be put on hold with the arrival
of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and the resulting decrease in funding
available right across the tourism industry, the completely refurbished campsite
will be hosting its grand re-opening on Thursday 15 August 2024.
While guests need to provide their own
camping gear and food, each of the 5 private campsites, set among the granite
boulders at the base of the granite outcrop, is equipped with a shower, wash
basin, flush toilet, food prep area, fireplace, and a raised braai. Much
attention has been paid to ensuring the campsite operates on a minimal impact
basis, with lighting provided by a sophisticated solar plant, and an on-site
solid waste management system which ensures all waste is sorted and processed
on-site before being transported to recycling depots in Windhoek.
With easy access to surrounding highlights,
including the Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site
of Twyfelfontein, a brand-new website (www.granietkop.com) with online booking
functionality, and staff training and booking and management support being
provided by Ultimate Safaris’ Travel Conservation Foundation, Ultimate Safaris
CEO, Tristan Cowley says they are “really delighted to get this
conservancy-owned business back up running,” expressing his hope that “before
too long it will be contributing significantly to livelihood of the members of
the Doro !Nawas Conservancy”.
Enriching Lives
ultimate.earth is privileged to operate in some of the world’s most remarkable wilderness areas. We believe that the future of these landscapes and the wildlife within them lies in the hands of the communities who call them home. Through our Conservation Travel Foundation and trusted conservation partners, we support initiatives that protect ecosystems, empower communities and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Rare And Endangered Species Trust
Protecting Africa’s lesser-known and endangered species through dedicated conservation initiatives.
Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Safeguarding one of Africa’s most iconic and threatened species for future generations.
Africat Foundation
Supporting the conservation of Namibia’s extraordinary cheetah population and carnivore ecosystems.
North West Human Wildlife Conflict Management Plan
Helping create balance between rural communities and free-roaming wildlife populations.
Desert Lion Project
Protecting Namibia’s unique desert-adapted lion population beyond National Park boundaries.
Rhino Ranger Programme
Empowering local communities through conservation-focused employment, protection and training.
Save The Rhino Trust
Conserving Africa’s last truly free-roaming population of black rhino in Namibia.
Bunny Cottage
Providing care and support for vulnerable and orphaned children in Windhoek.
Little Bugs
Supporting self-help initiatives within marginalised desert communities in Namibia.
Grootberg Primary School
Supporting education and helping inspire Namibia’s future conservation custodians.
Namib Tsaris Conservancy
Supporting the restoration and long-term protection of natural wilderness landscapes.
Doro !Nawas Conservancy
Strengthening conservation tourism partnerships that benefit local custodians and communities.
//Huab Conservancy
Using conservation travel to positively impact remote and marginalised communities.
Lionscape Coalition
Creating meaningful conservation impact through collaborative travel partnerships.
Pack For Conservation
Encouraging guests to support conservation and community initiatives while travelling through Namibia.
