Welcome to PLUS online

"Together we are strong "- so three well-established guest-farms situated in the beautiful Naukluft Mountains joined hands in 2004.

They decided to create their own brand and to implement NAUKLUFT-experience as the youngest tourism destination of Namibia.

The farms Ababis, Blaesskranz and BuellsPort each have their own profile and together they developed a variety of ideas and aims. Independent of the farm the visitor is staying in, he can utilize all tourism products. Ababis is targeting on-road safety and has won over Germany’s ADAC Motorclub as a partner in establishing a Road Safety Training School. Blaesskranz, with the beautiful Blaesskopf Mountain, has established the "Peter Bridgeport – Hiking Trail" and offers guided tours to the Merker-cave and BuellsPort is offering horse riding and the well known 4x4 excursion onto the Naukluft plateau which is followed by hike through the Quiver Tree Gorge. All three guest-farms invite visitors to share the quiet life on a remote farm, the scarce beauty of the semi-desert and enjoy lovely candle-light dinners under the sparkling African stars.

Launching the new NAUKLUFT-experience brand within the frame of their ambitious tourism project meant:

- to present the Naukluft Mountains (Hardap Region) as a spectacular spot on the Namibian tourism map through the website www.naukluft-experience.com

- to underline the ecological, historical and cultural heritage of the Naukluft and to promote its beautiful landscape, stunning views and un-spoilt nature.

- to enlarge and develop tourism infrastructures like biking, hiking and walking trails, 4x4 possibilities, game drives and camp sites.

- to make the development of the region sustainable through vocational training for the members of the local community of Nabasib

- to create income generating projects for the local community through arts crafts and services and a "Living Museum".

Detailed action plans have been designed and are to be implemented within the next two years..The village of Nabasib, 15 km south of the Naukluft mountains, is to become a partner of NAUKLUFT-experience A campsite and a backpacker lodge will be developed..

Guest Farm Blaesskranz spearheads the program which will qualify members of the Nabaseb community in producing arts and crafts for sale.

NAUKLUFT-experience is planning to train regional tour guides for Naukluft visitors. The first Nabasib guides have already completed a training course (level 2 tour guide) They will continue their training to qualify as trainers.

It will then be possible to train additional local staff as self-employed tour guides.

First contacts have been established to find training possibilities for local workers in "dry-pack" rock walls. As tourism is strongly seasonal, these skills will support local guides during the non- tourism season. Furthermore this technique will provide building skills and knowledge to the local community and may contribute to upgrading living conditions in the region. To further empower the community of Nabasib the "Naukluft Foundation " has been established. The three participating guest farms will take N$10 per overnight stay per guest to be contributed to the Foundation.

The overall aim of NAUKLUFTexperience is the empowerment of the regional population through sustainable tourism development. The creation of a new brand of unique, sustainable and income generating tourism attractions is the first step. This will ensure that a rising demand can service the funds needed for development.

For further information please contact: E.& J. Sauber, tel. **264 (0)63 693371