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Unique concert in Namib Desert

At the desert research station Gobabeb along the Kuiseb River in the Namib Desert, a new composition, "Spirits of the Kuiseb" will be performed this weekend. It is a play specially written for the occasion by William Hofmeyr, directed by Ernst van Biljon, performed by 30 dancers, narrators, and musicians. On 23, 24 and 25 May 2003, guests will be escorted into the dunes towering along the Kuiseb, where the magnificent surroundings under the open sky at dusk will accent the performance of "Spirits of the Kuiseb." This experience will be followed by music and culinary delights in harmony with the performance. Tickets cost N$ 1000 and include accommodation. According to Mr André Botes, organiser of the event, some tickets are still available. Interested persons can still phone Gobabeb at 064-694 199 to reserve a ticket. If accommodation is full at Gobabeb, a campsite not too far away is also a possibility.

The occasion is the 40th anniversary of Gobabeb, where in 1973 the environmental training and research centre was founded. Gobabeb is an NGO that promotes sustainable lifestyles and practices through the wise management of natural resources in arid environments. It achieves these goals by raising awareness and skills through training, which is based on knowledge and experience gained through research. Many educational institutions in Namibia benefit from Gobabeb, and this centre can afford to host them through kind donations, such as this fundraising event. The Standard Bank of Namibia, and Namibia Breweries Limited generously sponsor the happening. This enables Gobabeb to host guests who help raise funds by participating in this experience.

B&B brochure launched

The first official brochure of the Bed & breakfast Association of Namibia is available for tourists and Namibians alike. It was launched at the Holiday & Travel Expo recently. Mrs Anita Schmid-Pieters, chairperson of the B&BAN said the almost 80 members offered 898 beds countrywide from Katima Mulilo to Ondangua and Lüderitzbucht and Grünau in the south. The B&B is now a fully recognized sector of the tourism industry and the organisation is represented at FENATA (Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations). All B&B establishments are required to register with their local authority and the Namibia Tourism Board. The web page of the association can be found at www.bed-breakfast-namibia.com.