Acacia News
November 2009

After a year amidst skepticism and doubt on the worldwide economic situation, we at Acacia Namibia are happy to report that our company has not noticed a downturn in tourist arrivals. During the year, as always, we have had a number of repeat clients and greeted many more new visitors to our beautiful country. Preparations are in full swing for the big event in Southern Africa - the FIFA World Cup 2010, and Namibia is also preparing to receive visitors here who wish to enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere in our country.

For the forthcoming Festive Season we wish you harmony and peace with your family and friends!

New child-friendly accommodation near Etosha –
Mushara Bushcamp
Situated only 8km from the eastern Etosha Park gate, the Bushcamp is the first totally child friendly lodge in the area with complimentary child-minders, kiddies pool, kiddies play corner where children can build puzzles, draw pictures and use play dough. The spacious main area, which includes the restaurant, lounge and bar, is thatched with a true bush camp feel to it. The 16 custom-made en-suite tents are built from a combination of canvas, wood and local limestone.

New lodge in the Sossusvlei region -
Moon Mountain Lodge ,
located in the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, has also opened its doors in August 2009. The Camp offers 8 twin rondavel-type rooms with outside bathrooms. The front area of the bedrooms features small verandahs with a scenic view. Similar to Mowani Mountain Camp ( 4 km away) the lounge and dining area feature thatched dome structures. Various activities are offered to the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, to the “Burnt Mountain” ,the “Organ Pipes,” fully guided walking trails around the camp or a 4- 6 hours nature drive in search of the famous desert elephants which frequents this region.

New camp site in Damaraland –
Madisa Camp
18 km west of the D2612, near the turn off to Twyfelfontein, lies the newly developed Madisa Camp. All camping and overland spots offer private ablution blocks with hot and cold running water, wash-up facilities and a barbeque area. A swimming pool and other optional actions offered compliments a stay at Madisa Camp. Other plans in the pipeline by the developers “Leisure-Pleasure Group” are a new lodge in the same area.

New hotel in Swakopmund –
Swakopmund Boutique Hotel
Opened in October 2009, the new Hotel sports 20 rooms (11 thereof sea-facing), one sea view suite, a wine cellar, restaurant, and garden roof-terrace and conference facilities. Situated in the historic heart of Swakopmund, at Sam Nujoma Drive Nr 4, this luxurious hotel offers contemporary chic in unique and refreshing decor to reflect the charm of Swakopmund. All sea-facing rooms have a balcony with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The conference facilities cater for 50-70 people, ideal for conferences, business lunches, dinner-parties and small weddings.

“ steps for children” project
The foundation “steps for children” was initiated by Dr Michael Hoppe in 2006 in cooperation with residents of Okakarara village and supports needy children and youth in Okakarara near the Waterberg. Since its successful introduction of a pre-school and soup kitchen which feeds 60 children, more inter-active projects have been implemented: A sewing and craft centre provides employment for seamstresses, an after-school program was launched to assist children with homework; there is a computer lab and internet cafe. Since January 2009 vegetables and olives are cultivated and 2nd hand bicycles are being sold. The olive grove plantation has no fewer than 1664 trees. Other social projects, so-called "steps", are in the planning phase. The main beneficiaries of the project are orphans and/ or children and youth who have been traumatised and impoverished in connection with HIV/AIDS. The foundation of the organization is to offer income generating steps for goods and paid services. By establishing small businesses which generate income independent of foreign aid, the foundation creates sustainable financing for the steps which benefit the children. The projects will fund themselves independently of donations in the long run. It is vision of ‘steps for children’ that the children will become self-sufficient and economically independent in the long-term and thrive without outside assistance in a few years time. To donate or support this project in any way please view: www.stepsforchildren.de

your Acacia Team

(updated November 2009)