Latest News from NAPHA
- Front Office
- Jan 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Issue 01/2026 20 January 2026
In this Edition:
Safari Greetings
NAPHA Going International Again
Namibia’s Tourism Sector Reassures International Travel Partners on Safety
NAPHA Committees and Structure
Safari Greetings
Dear NAPHA Members and Friends,
The year has begun on a strong footing and the office is back refreshed, focused, and ready for the busy season ahead. Preparations for the international shows are well underway, and Namibia will again be represented with professionalism and pride by our members across the world.
NAPHA would like to wish everyone a successful 2026, and safe travels to all who will be attending the various international events in the coming weeks and months. It is encouraging to see familiar names on exhibitor lists, and to hear from those who are setting off shortly.
NAPHA has big plans for the year, with a clear focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding networks, and supporting our community wherever possible. The coming months will be demanding but full of opportunity, and NAPHA appreciates the continued cooperation, support, and engagement from everyone involved.
NAPHA ExCo and Office
Namibia Professional Hunting Association
NAPHA Going International Again
The international convention season is upon us and NAPHA will once again be actively present at several key hunting shows. These platforms remain important for meeting international partners, engaging directly with clients, and strengthening Namibia’s position within the global hunting and conservation landscape.
The first event on the schedule is Jagd & Hund in Dortmund, running from 27 January to 1 February 2026. This is one of Europe’s largest hunting and fishing exhibitions and draws a wide audience from across Germany and surrounding countries. Visitors can expect a very broad range of exhibitors, including outfitters, manufacturers, clothing and gear suppliers, educational institutions, as well as tourism bodies. For 2026, NAPHA is joined by the Namibia Tourism Board at the show, and we are pleased to present a united Namibian presence. We are delighted about this collaboration in promoting Namibia as a responsible hunting destination and an attractive tourism option. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Namibian stand and encourage anyone with an interest in hunting or travel in Namibia to stop by.
From 6 to 8 February 2026, the Dallas Safari Club Convention will take place in Atlanta. DSC remains a respected platform for ethical hunting advocacy, connecting international outfitters with conservation-minded hunters, supporters, and foundations. The Namibia Tourism Board will attend this event too, and while NAPHA will as usual be present within the OPHAA (Operators and Professional Hunting Associations of Africa) booth #2969, we are pleased to note the ministry’s and board’s continued engagement with our community. It is encouraging to see this level of participation, and it sends a positive signal that sustainable hunting is recognised as part of Namibia’s tourism landscape.
The SCI Hunters’ Convention will then follow from 18 to 21 February 2026 in Nashville. SCI brings together a wide range of international outfitters, manufacturers, authors, artists, and conservation organisations. Visitors will find seminars, auctions, education sessions, and opportunities to network with representatives from across the world. It is an important meeting point for many US-based hunters who intend to travel abroad, and Namibia remains a popular destination among them.
Rounding out our Convention attendance schedule is the Hohe Jagd & Fischerei in Salzburg, taking place from 19 to 22 February 2026. This show caters to the Austrian and Central European market and combines hunting, fishing, and outdoor pursuits. Visitors usually include outfitters, firearm and optics companies, clothing brands, and tourism exhibitors. The audience here is highly engaged and often well-travelled, with many visitors interested in conservation as well as field sports.
NAPHA encourages members, clients, and friends of Namibia to visit us at these shows. They offer an excellent opportunity to discuss travel plans, conservation efforts, new developments in the community, and to maintain or establish long-term relationships built on trust and professionalism. We look forward to a successful 2026 season and to engaging with many of you in person.
Safe travels to all attending the international conventions and we hope to see you there.
Namibia’s Tourism Sector Reassures International Travel Partners on Safety
Namibia’s private tourism sector has issued a joint statement reassuring international travel partners that the country remains a safe, stable and trusted destination. The message responds to recent media coverage and advisories, while emphasising that Namibia continues to score well in recognised international safety rankings.
The statement notes that Namibia ranks highly on the Global Peace Index and has been rated first for Safety and Security in Southern Africa by the Tourism Readiness Index, developed through international partnerships. This reinforces Namibia’s reputation as a destination with strong visitor safety.
Tourism in Namibia is described as nature-based, low density and professionally managed. Most visitors travel through guided operations where safety, duty of care and risk management are prioritised. While opportunistic crime can occur in urban environments, the private sector stresses that this does not represent the wider visitor experience.
The statement also quotes sector leadership confirming that Namibia continues to deliver well-managed and high-quality travel experiences that meet international expectations, and that travel advisors can continue selling the destination with confidence.
Travel partners are encouraged to ensure that visitors follow normal travel precautions and book through reputable licensed operators. The statement may also be shared by travel advisors when responding to client enquiries.
NAPHA Committees and Structures
NAPHA operates through several governance organs and specialist committees to ensure ethical conduct, member support, scientific input, and responsible representation of the conservation hunting community. Below is an overview of the active committees and their members.
Executive Committee
Hannes du Plessis – President (president@napha.com.na)
Harm Woortman – Vice President
Jacques Strauss – Treasurer
Alex Rogl – ExCo Member
Sigurd Hess – ExCo Member
Ombudsman
Kai-Uwe Denker – Ombudsman (denkerk@erongosafaris.com)
Danene van der Westhuyzen – Vice Ombudsman
Disciplinary Committee
Chair: Dr Hans Gerd Lüesse (doc.lueesse@icloud.com)
Members:
• Hagen Denker
• Rene Krafft
Tribunal
Chair: Tobias Günzel (info@ovisume.eu)
Members:
• Danie Strauss
• Tshuka Lavindao
Big Game Committee
Chair: Hentie van Heerden (vhsaf264@gmail.com)
Members:
• Cornelius Kruger
• Louis Kotze
• Divan Labuschagne
• Henning Schünemann
• Ali Iipinge
Bow Hunting Committee
Chair: Bunsi Erpf (bunsi@jagdoase.de)
Members:
• Sebastian Fechter
Hunters Support Education Committee
Chair: Gudrun Heger (gudrun@otjiruse.com)
Members:
• Barbara Rogl
• Isabelle Fourie
• Nadja Geiger
• Andrea Thiessen
Leopard Committee
Chair: Bernd Garbade (onduno@gmail.com)
Members:
• Cornelius Kruger
• Olaf Haase
• Ali Iipinge
Scientific Data Committee
Chair: Dr. Dirk Woortman (omatako@omatako.com)
Members:
• Dr. Malan Lindeque
Young Hunters Committee
Chair: Eduard Agenbach (eddie@unionsendsafaris.com)
Members:
• Joana Hagmann
• Sven Günzel
• Steph Joubert
• Sebastian Fechter
Black-faced Impala Committee
Chair: Kabous Grunschloss (kgrunschloss@yahoo.com)
Members:
• Louis Kotze
• Sven Günzel
Education Committee
Chair: Hoekus can Niekerk (hoecon@afol.com.na)
Members:
Jan-Daniel Maloney (Jnr)
NAPHA Office
The NAPHA Office manages administration, communication, and member support. The team consists of:
• Office Manager – Kristin Maritz (info@napha.com.na)
• Office Administrator – Francois Botes (napha@napha.com.na)
• Office Assistant – Annemarie Booysen (office@napha.com.na)
• Remote Support – Mariaan van Wyk (former Kok), responsible for social media marketing and course compilation.
NAPHA Discount Program
NAPHA continues to negotiate membership discounts with a number of companies that support our community. These discounts form part of the value of being a paid up member, and every paid up member has the right to make use of them. We encourage our members to support the participating companies, as their involvement strengthens our network and helps us to improve the services offered.
NAPHA DISCOUNT SUPPORTERS
Business | Tel | Address | Benefit offered | |
Afro Pumps & Metalcraft cc | 081 239 5828 | 11 - 13 Parsival Str. Southern Industrial | 7.5 % Discount | |
Hanni Wiggins Sewing Services | 0813862911 | - | Pionierspark Windhoek | 5% Discount |
Car Cooling Services CC | 061 23 88 30 | Unit 5 Hyper Motor City Maxwell Street, Southern Industrial Area | 15 % discount on air-con gas refills, includes a visual inspection of your air-con system, vacuum test, new oil together with a UV-Dye (please call beforehand) | |
NamAgri | Alex McDonald (Windhoek) 081 128 6821 Chris van Lill (Mariental) 081 409 8303 Rolf Haase (Wilhelmstal) 081 127 4911 Uwe Bertram (Omaruru) 081 127 1110 | Eland Street, Windhoek | 2,5% discount on debushing granules | |
Namibia Hunting Destinations | 081 388 8851 |
| 15% Discount on small and standard package + 10% discount for payments within 24 hours 25% Discount on large package + 10% discount for payments within 24 hours | |
NHP | 061 285 5400 | Ombika Street, Kleine Kuppe | Group Scheme | |
NMC | 061 287 6000 | Methealth Office Park Maerua Mall | Group Scheme | |
Safariland Holtz | 061 235 941 | Gustav Voigts Centre (Street Level, Independence Ave, Windhoek | 5% Discount | |
Savanna Car Hire | 061 229 272 | 80 Trift Street, Windhoek | 10% Discount | |
SureClean | 061 256 784 | 161 Mandume Ndemufayo Ave Southern Industrial | 15 % Discount | |
Tactical Sports | 061 401 447 | 92 Nickel Street, Prosperita | 3-15 % Discount | |
TyreRack Namibia | 061 400 102 | Cnr Lazarette & Mandume Ndemufayo Street | 10 % Discount | |
Your Butt Archery Supplies | 081 248 3227 | 11 Parsival Str. Southern Industrial | 7.5 % Discount |
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