Latest News from NAPHA Issue 04/26
- Kristin Maritz
- Mar 16
- 7 min read
Issue 04/2026 16 March 2026
In this Edition:
Safari Greetings
As the first quarter of the year draws to a close, the hunting season across Namibia is steadily gaining momentum and many of our members are already welcoming clients into the field. It has also been a busy period for NAPHA, with continued engagement both locally and internationally as we work to represent and support our members and the wider hunting community. Namibia’s conservation hunting model remains widely respected, built on responsible wildlife management, ethical conduct and close cooperation with government and conservation partners.
In this edition, we share updates on recent activities, ongoing engagements and matters relevant to our members. As always, thank you for your continued support and commitment to maintaining Namibia’s strong reputation as a leading destination for ethical and sustainable hunting.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
NAPHA ExCo and Office
Namibia Professional Hunting Association
NAPHA Executive Committee 100 Days Old
Last week Friday one hundred days ago, the current Executive Committee took office with the responsibility of guiding NAPHA and representing the interests of Namibia’s hunting community. While one hundred days is a relatively short time in the life of an association, it offers a useful moment to reflect on the work done so far and the level of engagement that has taken place.
During this period, the focus has been on maintaining continuity, strengthening communication with stakeholders, and ensuring that the voice of Namibia’s hunting community remains visible both locally and internationally. The Executive Committee has worked closely with the NAPHA office to address ongoing matters while continuing to support members and promote conservation hunting.
Media engagement has been one area of activity during these first months. Over the past one hundred days, NAPHA representatives participated in six interviews with local and international media and contributed to 22 articles or opinion pieces covering topics such as conservation hunting, wildlife management, and the economic importance of hunting tourism.
Engagement with government and other stakeholders has also remained a priority. During this period, NAPHA participated in sixteen meetings with government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, as well as with conservancies, tourism bodies, and international partners connected to the hunting community.
Communication with members remains an important part of the association’s work. Over the past one hundred days, the NAPHA office distributed five newsletters, along with various notices, and member updates to keep the community informed about developments affecting the sector.
NAPHA’s social media platforms also continue to play a role in sharing information about conservation hunting and engaging with the wider public. During this period the association recorded the following:
Facebook followers: + 525
Instagram followers: + 306
Total reach across platforms: 15 909
Number of posts published: 132
Internally, the Executive Committee held three meetings during this time, addressing governance matters, membership issues, and strategic priorities for the association.
One hundred days is only the beginning of the current term, but the level of engagement during this period shows the continued importance of active representation for Namibia’s hunting community.
Members are always encouraged to reach out to the office or the Executive Committee if they have input, suggestions, or concerns. Constructive feedback, whether positive or critical, is important to ensure that the association continues to represent its members effectively.
NAPHA at the US Embassy
NAPHA would like to inform members about the current visa procedures for Namibian citizens travelling to the United States, particularly in relation to attending international hunting shows.
On 5 March 2026, NAPHA President Hannes du Plessis and Office Manager Kristin Maritz met with representatives of the United States Embassy in Windhoek to discuss the recently introduced visa bond pilot project and the general visa application process.
The Embassy explained that the visa bond system is currently being implemented as a one-year pilot project to strengthen immigration compliance. They noted that Namibia has experienced an increase in visa overstays over the past five years, while neighbouring countries such as South Africa have remained relatively stable.
Visa Bond (standard procedure)
• Adult Namibian citizens: USD 10,000 bond
• Minors travelling with parents: USD 5,000 bond
• Minors travelling without parents: USD 10,000 bond
Important points:
• The bond is refundable once departure from the United States is confirmed.
• The refund is processed according to the exchange rate on the day of repayment, which means the Namibian dollar value returned may differ from the original amount paid.
Visa Application Timing
• Schedule visa appointments 6–8 weeks before travel.
• Applying too early or too late may complicate the process.
Travel Requirements
• Travellers must enter the United States through the authorised port of entry listed in the visa.
• If flights are rerouted, travellers must ensure the new route remains compliant.
What NAPHA Proposes
Members who intend travelling to the United States during the coming year are requested to inform the NAPHA office by the end of May, indicating which shows they plan to attend.
The Embassy confirmed that group visa appointments are possible, and members are encouraged to coordinate applications where practical.
NAPHA can also provide verification letters (directly to the Embassy) for members in good standing confirming that travel is for legitimate professional purposes.
The Embassy indicated that compliance during this pilot period will influence how the programme develops in future. Members are therefore encouraged to ensure full compliance with visa conditions.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the NAPHA office.
Hunting Professionals Must Look After Themselves
In Namibia, being a hunting professional means working in conditions that test both body and mind. Long distances on foot, extreme heat, sharp thorn bush, dust, sudden temperature changes, and the repeated discharge of high-calibre rifles are part of daily life. Added to that is the responsibility for clients’ safety and expectations. It is a demanding profession that requires endurance and constant awareness.
We often speak about ethics, conservation and responsibility in hunting. Personal health deserves to be part of that conversation as well.
Hearing protection should be considered standard equipment. Rifle shots exceed safe sound
levels, and the damage caused by repeated exposure is permanent. Many experienced professionals might struggle with reduced hearing because protection was not prioritised earlier in their careers. Modern electronic hearing protection allows normal conversation and environmental awareness while still reducing harmful impulse noise. Using it consistently protects hearing over the long term.
We all know that the Namibian sun is equally unforgiving. Ultraviolet radiation levels are high for most of the year. Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and proper UV-rated sunglasses are simple measures that reduce the risk of long-term skin and eye damage. Sunburn may seem minor at the time, but repeated exposure over many seasons carries real health consequences.
Hydration is another practical concern. In our dry climate, fluid loss is often underestimated because sweat evaporates quickly. Dehydration affects concentration, reaction time and physical endurance. Carrying sufficient water and drinking regularly should be routine, particularly during long tracking sessions or when working in remote areas.
Appropriate clothing and equipment also play a role in preventing injury. Good boots reduce strain on joints and help avoid long-term knee and back problems. Protective clothing limits cuts from thorns and reduces sun exposure. Eye protection when handling firearms or moving through dense bush is a sensible precaution.
One issue that is often overlooked is wound care. Small cuts and scratches from thorns, wire or rocks are common in the bush. Because they appear minor, they are frequently ignored. However, in hot and dusty conditions even small wounds can become infected if they are not cleaned and treated properly. Basic first-aid supplies, cleaning a wound as soon as possible and covering it when necessary can prevent complications that might otherwise sideline a professional during the season.
There is also a cultural aspect within our community. Many Namibians are reluctant to seek medical advice. Persistent pain, ringing ears or unusual fatigue is often ignored. Regular medical check-ups, hearing tests, blood pressure monitoring and skin examinations are sensible preventative measures. Medical aid is not an unnecessary luxury in a physically demanding profession. It provides security when something does go wrong.
The reality is straightforward. A hunting professional who is healthy, alert and physically capable performs better in the field. Clients are safer, decisions are clearer and careers last longer.
Looking after oneself is not indulgent. It is part of professional discipline. In a profession built on responsibility, that responsibility must also include our own wellbeing.
NAPHA School of Conservation Courses
Classifieds
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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