Etosha counts down to Centenary

THE Namutoni Resorts of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) will be closed to travellers on Friday next week because of the large number of guests expected to attend the main commemoration of Etosha Park’s grand Centenary.

NWR Managing Director Tobie Aupindi told journalists in Windhoek yesterday that about 2 000 guests are expected for the event. “On the 28th of September the Namutoni Resorts will be totally closed to travellers,” said Aupindi.Etosha – which is Namibia’s flagship national park – turned 100 on March 22.It covers 22 270 km2 and is one of the oldest wildlife parks in Africa.He said every region would be represented at the Centenary, while the guest line-up would include Government officials from SADC governments as well media representatives from some European countries.Aupindi said it was important that the event was publicised internationally because it would also have an “international flavour”.Among others, the event will be marked with presentations on the history of Etosha and Namibian traditional dances.As part of the commemoration, NWR has revamped its three resorts in Etosha National Park: Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo.The upgrading of the resorts was facilitated by a loan of N$120 million Government provided to underwrite NWR’s turnaround strategy.President Hifikepunye Pohamba will officially open the event, which will also be attended by Founding President Sam Nujoma.NWR also announced yesterday that Miss Namibia 2007, Marichen Luiperdt, has been made the park’s emissary, Ambassador Etosha 100.This requires her to promote the wildlife and biodiversity of Namibia’s famous park.Luiperdt described Etosha as fascinating, full of countless wildlife and biodiversity, which should be looked after.She also said she was happy to have been given the task of contributing to the preservation of Etosha.The park is home to 114 mammal, 380 bird and 110 reptile species and is visited by about 200 000 tourists a year.Etosha was proclaimed a national park in 1907.”On the 28th of September the Namutoni Resorts will be totally closed to travellers,” said Aupindi.Etosha – which is Namibia’s flagship national park – turned 100 on March 22.It covers 22 270 km2 and is one of the oldest wildlife parks in Africa.He said every region would be represented at the Centenary, while the guest line-up would include Government officials from SADC governments as well media representatives from some European countries.Aupindi said it was important that the event was publicised internationally because it would also have an “international flavour”.Among others, the event will be marked with presentations on the history of Etosha and Namibian traditional dances.As part of the commemoration, NWR has revamped its three resorts in Etosha National Park: Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo.The upgrading of the resorts was facilitated by a loan of N$120 million Government provided to underwrite NWR’s turnaround strategy.President Hifikepunye Pohamba will officially open the event, which will also be attended by Founding President Sam Nujoma.NWR also announced yesterday that Miss Namibia 2007, Marichen Luiperdt, has been made the park’s emissary, Ambassador Etosha 100.This requires her to promote the wildlife and biodiversity of Namibia’s famous park.Luiperdt described Etosha as fascinating, full of countless wildlife and biodiversity, which should be looked after.She also said she was happy to have been given the task of contributing to the preservation of Etosha.The park is home to 114 mammal, 380 bird and 110 reptile species and is visited by about 200 000 tourists a year.Etosha was proclaimed a national park in 1907.