Latest News from NAPHA Issue 07/26
- Kristin Maritz
- 11 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Issue 07/2026 08 August 2026
In this Edition:
Safari Greetings
As we move closer to the end of the year, there is no sign of things slowing down at the NAPHA office. This edition contains several important updates, including information to the MEFT registration process, reminders to help you prepare for the 2027 hunting season and an update on recent developments affecting travel to the United States.
We also have a number of exciting projects progressing behind the scenes, and while some are still in the planning stages, we look forward to sharing more with you over the coming months.
One article in particular is very close to our hearts. Over the past few years, NAPHA has worked hard to expand the services, support and benefits available to our members. We genuinely believe that we are moving in the right direction, but we also realise that we only see things from one side of the desk.
For that reason, we are asking for your honest feedback. Whether you are a long-standing member, a new member or even someone who has chosen not to become a member, we would really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Your feedback will help us understand where we are succeeding, where we can improve and how we can ensure that NAPHA continues to meet the needs of Namibia's hunting professionals.
Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
NAPHA ExCo and Office
Namibia Professional Hunting Association
USA VISA and Bond for Namibians
Travelling to the United States Has Become Increasingly Challenging for Namibian Hunting Professionals
For many NAPHA members, travelling to the United States is an essential part of doing business. Every year, Namibian outfitters, professional hunters and tourism operators attend conventions such as DSC and SCI to promote Namibia, meet existing clients and secure new bookings.
Over the past year, however, travelling to the United States has become significantly more difficult for Namibian citizens.
In January 2026, Namibia was added to the U.S. Visa Bond Programme, meaning Namibian citizens applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas may be required to post a refundable bond of between US$5,000 and US$15,000 before a visa can be issued. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State made the programme permanent, increasing the maximum bond to US$20,000 and replacing the previous three bond levels of US$5,000, US$10,000 and US$15,000 with new bond amounts of US$10,000, US$15,000 and US$20,000.
The bond is intended to encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws. If a traveller complies with all visa conditions and departs the United States before their authorised stay expires, the bond is refunded. If the visa conditions are breached, the bond may be forfeited.
Unfortunately, this is not the only recent change affecting Namibian travellers.
In July, the U.S. Department of State announced a major restructuring of visa services across Africa. As a result, routine visa services are no longer available in Windhoek. Since 1 August 2026, Namibian applicants must travel to either Cape Town or Johannesburg for their visa interview, adding the cost of international travel, accommodation and time away from work to an already expensive application process.
For members of the hunting industry, these developments are particularly significant. Attendance at international trade shows is one of the most effective ways to market Namibia as a hunting destination, maintain relationships with long-standing clients and generate new business. Additional administrative requirements and higher travel costs inevitably make participation more challenging, especially for smaller operators.
NAPHA has been actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy regarding these changes and will continue to monitor developments affecting members. Members planning to travel to the United States are encouraged to begin the visa application process well in advance, budget for the additional costs associated with travelling to South Africa for visa processing and familiarise themselves with the latest visa requirements before making travel arrangements.
While the visa bond is refundable for travellers who comply with the conditions of their visa, the combined effect of the bond programme, increased vetting requirements and the closure of visa services in Namibia represents a significant shift in how Namibian citizens access travel to the United States.
What is NAPHA doing?
Since the changes to U.S. visa procedures were first announced, NAPHA has been actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy and other U.S. representatives to highlight the impact these measures have on Namibia's hunting and tourism industry. Despite these efforts, we have not been successful in influencing the decisions, as these policy decisions are ultimately made by the U.S. Government. NAPHA remains committed to doing what it can to reduce the burden on our members.
One practical step has been the addition of a travel agency to our Discount Supporter Programme, allowing members to access discounted travel arrangements for the additional trips now required to Cape Town or Johannesburg for visa interviews. Although this does not remove the inconvenience, we hope it will help reduce some of the additional costs associated with the new process.
We will continue engaging with the relevant authorities, monitor any further changes to U.S. visa requirements and keep members informed as new information becomes available. At the same time, we will continue looking for practical ways to make international travel for our members a little easier wherever possible.
Medal Sales Awards 2026 – Final Leaderboard Update
As we are entering the final month of the 2026 Medal Sales Awards, here is the last leaderboard update, reflecting all medal applications received up to 31 July 2026.
While the names below are currently leading the Group and Individual categories, the competition is far from over.
Historically, August is our busiest month for medal applications and this year is no different. In the past week alone we have received approximately 50 new medal applications, with many more expected. There is therefore still plenty of opportunity for the standings to change.
Will the current leaders remain on top, or will there be a last-minute surprise? We will just have to wait and see.
This will be our final leaderboard update for 2026. The ultimate results will remain under wraps until the winners are announced during the NAPHA AGM Open Session on 2 December 2026.
Good luck to everyone still in the running, and thank you to everyone for your continued support of NAPHA.
Have a look at our Leading Medal Sellers
NAPHA School of Conservation Courses 2026 So Far
FIRST Aid Refresher Course
The First Aid Refresher course was held on the 20th of February 2026 at the Namibian Agricultural Union. The course was hosted by Dr. Heidi Rapp and attended by 12 participants. The course ran smoothly and certificates were ready within a week. Overall, a very successful course. We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rapp for being an excellent host, as well as the NAU for a perfect venue.
Housekeeping Course
The Housekeeping course was held from 12-19 April 2026 at the Namibian Agricultural Union. The course was hosted by Mrs. Anke Halenke and attended by 6 participants. The course was successful and participants had the opportunity to demonstrate some of their new skills before receiving their certificates.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Halenke for being an excellent host, as well as the NAU, once again, for the perfect venue. We would also like to thank Blikbeker Catering and IB Day and Night Transfers for their excellent services provided, as well as Xenia Bed and Breakfast for the lovely accommodation.
Trophy Preparation Course
The Trophy Preparation course was held on 12 June 2026 at Trophäendienste Taxidermy. The course was hosted by Mr. Riaan Vermaak and attended by 19 participants. The course was successful and participants received their certificates after the conclusion of the course. We would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Vermaak for being an excellent host, as well as Trophäendienste for the perfect venue. We would also like to thank Mr. Hendrik Botha for donating animal heads for the participants to practice on.
Butcher Course
The Butcher course was held on 4 July 2026 at Biltong & Bites. The course was hosted by Mr. Siegfried Bergemann-Erni and attended by 11 participants. The course was successful and certificates were awarded after the conclusion of the course. We would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Bergemann-Erni for being an excellent host, as well as Biltong & Bites for an exceptional venue, along with carcasses and supplies donated for the practical training.
MEFT Registration Applications – Important Reminder for Hunting Professionals
NAPHA recently engaged with MEFT regarding the annual registration process for Hunting Guides (HG), Master Hunting Guides (MHG) and Professional Hunters (PH), as well as ways to improve processing times for members.
One of the suggestions discussed was to encourage members to submit their registration and farm registration applications before the end of the year. This would allow MEFT to make use of the quieter months of December and January to process applications and, where possible, issue registration certificates during the first week of February for those who submitted their applications on time.
To support this initiative, NAPHA proposed a submission deadline of 11 December 2026 for members wishing to be included in this arrangement. We believe this will benefit both applicants and MEFT by reducing the pressure usually experienced at the start of the hunting season.
MEFT has also asked us to remind members that many registration applications are delayed because they are submitted incomplete. The most common issue is that the required authorisation letters from landowners are either missing, unsigned or undated.
To assist members, MEFT has prepared example application forms illustrating the correct way to complete the documentation. These include:
Hunting Guide (HG) application.
Master Hunting Guide (MHG) application.
Professional Hunter (PH) application.
For Hunting Guides (HG) and Master Hunting Guides (MHG), the following must be provided:
A list of the farms or hunting units where you intend to hunt during the season.
Farm numbers.
Districts.
Your relationship to the farm owner, lessee or manager.
Official authorisation or employment letters from the relevant landowners (these letters must be submitted annually).
A copy of your NTB Certificate.
For Professional Hunters (PH), the following must be provided:
The name of your safari company.
A list of the farms where you intend to hunt.
Official authorisation letters from the relevant landowners (these letters must be submitted annually).
A copy of your NTB Certificate.
MEFT has advised that if a Professional Hunter does not yet have an authorisation letter when submitting the registration application, it must be provided when lodging the relevant trophy hunting application.
Members are also reminded to make use of their Farm Registration Certificates when submitting trophy hunting applications to ensure that they only apply for species that are registered on the property concerned.
Please also note that, although not specifically listed on the application forms, every Hunting Guide, Master Hunting Guide and Professional Hunter is required to submit:
A valid First Aid Certificate.
Valid Hunters' Liability Insurance.
In addition, members are reminded that Annual Returns/Report Backs are due at the end of November or during the first week of December. We encourage members to submit these on time to avoid unnecessary delays with future applications.
If you have already submitted your registration application but have not yet provided the required authorisation letters, MEFT requests that these be submitted as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your registration or trophy hunting applications.
NAPHA has also followed up with MEFT regarding the 2027 Leopard Quota application process. We have been advised that changes to the application documents are expected. We will continue following up with the Ministry and will inform members as soon as the updated documents and requirements become available.
Why are some hunting professionals not NAPHA members - We Would Really Like to Understand
There is one question that comes up surprisingly often in the NAPHA office, and the more we discuss it amongst ourselves, the more we realise that we simply do not know the answer.
Why are some hunting professionals not NAPHA members?
This is not intended as criticism or an attempt to convince anyone to join. We are genuinely curious because, from where we sit, it is difficult to understand.
Every day we assist hunting professionals with questions on legislation, registrations, permits, annual returns, examinations, first aid requirements, hunting liability insurance, exports, training, and many other matters. We spend a great deal of time liaising with the Ministry, developing study material, negotiating member benefits and discounts, and trying to make life a little easier for Namibia's hunting professionals.
We enjoy doing this because we believe in supporting the industry as a whole.
Perhaps that is why we struggle to understand why someone would choose not to be part of the association. If there is something we are not doing well enough, we would genuinely like to know. If there are services that you feel are missing, expectations we are not meeting, or concerns that have never been addressed, we would much rather hear about them than continue making assumptions.
Working in the office, we see the amount of effort that goes into representing the profession, improving training opportunities, communicating important legislative changes, developing new member benefits, and assisting both members and, quite often, non-members. From our perspective, NAPHA is doing everything within its means to support hunting professionals, which is why we sometimes wonder whether there is something we simply do not see from the outside.
That is why we would like to ask for your help.
If you are a hunting professional but have chosen not to become a NAPHA member, would you please complete our anonymous survey? We are not looking for names, and we are not looking to debate anyone's opinion. We simply want honest feedback that will help us understand your perspective.
Your answers may highlight areas where we can improve, identify services that are important to you, or reveal misconceptions that we should address. Constructive criticism is valuable, and we would much rather have an honest conversation than assume we already know the answer.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us better understand the needs and expectations of Namibia's hunting professionals. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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