Story
Founded in 1989, the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) is a voluntary private-sector body that acts on behalf of its members to encourage the development of responsible tourism in Namibia, ensure standards and reliability in the Namibian tourism industry and further the common interests of Namibian Tour Operators. Members of TASA are committed to maintaining professional standards.
Association Objectives
Through a collective industry association effort, to promote and represent the views of its members and the Tourism Industry as well as assisting FENATA in resolving issues with the relevant authorities.
To support members in co-coordinated marketing activities at international travel fairs and by submitting up-to-date lists of members to the tourism industry and tourism promotion offices, (Ministries, Consulates, Trade Missions, Airline Offices, International Tourism Associations, the specialized press, producers of Travel Guides/books and general data base promotion).
Advantage of being TASA member
- Acts as advisor to and supports the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, in line with overseas developments.
- Updates members on new legislation regulating tourism, both national and international.
- Communicates on issues which have an impact on the Southern African in-bound tourism industry.
- Unlimited access to the entire TASA membership database – conditions apply.
TASA has representation at Industry Association level:
- Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)
- Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA)
- Eco-Awards Namibia
- Roads Authority
- NTA and NATH (Information and Training for Guides)
Office Team
Office Guru
Tourist/Holiday Visas, Work Visas(1-3/3-6 months), Employment Permits (1-2 years), Maps
Board Members
What began as a new tourism chapter in 1996 quickly revealed the endless possibilities that this industry offers. With a growing love for Namibia, its neighbouring countries and the captivating beauty of Africa, the work became far more than a job. It became a lifelong passion. Since 2001, Exclusive Africa Tours and Safaris together with our valued partners have given us thirty years of deep product knowledge within the African tourism & travel industry. This passion still keeps the fire burning today, driving us to put Namibia on the map and to discover and offer exciting adventures to our guests.
Namibia will always remain the smile on the face of Africa. It is never about who you are, it is about the passion you share for the industry and the contribution you make to secure its future for the generations that follow.
Namibia will always remain the smile on the face of Africa. It is never about who you are, it is about the passion you share for the industry and the contribution you make to secure its future for the generations that follow.
Company: Namibia Tracks and Trails
Bio: Born and bred Swakopmunder, returned to Namibia in 2015 to join her family-business, Namibia Tracks & Trails. After working for various touring companies in South Africa since 1999, Wiebke now heads up the NTT team in Swakopmund. Wiebke joined the TASA board as a co-opted member in 2020 and has been appointed the TASA secretary in 2022.
Bio: Born and bred Swakopmunder, returned to Namibia in 2015 to join her family-business, Namibia Tracks & Trails. After working for various touring companies in South Africa since 1999, Wiebke now heads up the NTT team in Swakopmund. Wiebke joined the TASA board as a co-opted member in 2020 and has been appointed the TASA secretary in 2022.
In 1994, a fortunate coincidence made me change my career from interpreter and translator to tourism. I started working for an Italian tour operator specializing in high-end tours to Africa. After that, I moved to South Africa, where I spent one year before heading to Namibia.
Currently, I am running my tour company – Sauvage African Tours and Safaris – remotely from Italy, together with my business partner based in Namibia.
I am happy to be joining the TASA board, and I look forward to giving my contribution to the association and to the Namibian tourism industry.
Bio: Ingrid & I have set up Damarana Safaris cc in 1998, specialised on the French speaking market. From expeditions & trekking tour guide to managing Director, I developed a wide and diverse knowledge on the Namibian tourism industry… Top to Bottom! During that time, I also grew a total respect for Namibia and its people, wishing the best for both. This is why I have decided to get involved with Tasa, to give back some positive energy and a serious will to develop a profitable and equitable tourism for this country, I am considering like a home today!
Oliver Ahrens is a dynamic entrepreneur and tourism professional with a deep-rooted passion for showcasing Namibia and Southern Africa to the world. As a board member of the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA), he contributes his expertise in digital marketing, tourism operations, and strategic networking to strengthen the industry and its partners.
Oliver is also the founder of CWell Media, a digital agency specializing in virtual reality, 360° imaging, and multimedia storytelling for the tourism, hospitality and other sectors. Through this, he has worked with leading lodges, tour operators, activity providers and other businesses to elevate their online presence with innovative tools such as virtual tours and immersive video.
He is also actively involved in African Dreamtravel Namibia, where he focuses on international partnerships, self-drive safaris, and vehicle rentals.
With his combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and practical industry knowledge, Oliver brings a forward-looking perspective to TASA. His commitment lies in promoting Namibia as a leading safari destination, supporting sustainable tourism, and building strong bridges between operators, partners, and travellers.
Oliver is also the founder of CWell Media, a digital agency specializing in virtual reality, 360° imaging, and multimedia storytelling for the tourism, hospitality and other sectors. Through this, he has worked with leading lodges, tour operators, activity providers and other businesses to elevate their online presence with innovative tools such as virtual tours and immersive video.
He is also actively involved in African Dreamtravel Namibia, where he focuses on international partnerships, self-drive safaris, and vehicle rentals.
With his combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and practical industry knowledge, Oliver brings a forward-looking perspective to TASA. His commitment lies in promoting Namibia as a leading safari destination, supporting sustainable tourism, and building strong bridges between operators, partners, and travellers.
Originally from Australia, Claire stumbled into the Namibian tourism industry in 2007 by chance. Over nearly two decades, she has gained a deep understanding of the Namibian tourism industry, working in diverse roles including hospitality management, tour operations, and wildlife conservation.
Today, Claire co-owns and operates a boutique tour company with her husband, specializing in crafting tailor-made travel experiences across Namibia & Southern Africa. Driven by a passion for this unique destination and an intense love of giraffe, she is committed to leveraging her broad operational background to support TASA’s mission, champion sustainable industry growth, and advocate for operators across the country.
Today, Claire co-owns and operates a boutique tour company with her husband, specializing in crafting tailor-made travel experiences across Namibia & Southern Africa. Driven by a passion for this unique destination and an intense love of giraffe, she is committed to leveraging her broad operational background to support TASA’s mission, champion sustainable industry growth, and advocate for operators across the country.
Ingrid holds a Master’s degree in Management and brings almost 30 years of experience in the tourism industry across Namibia and Botswana. As co-founder of Damarana Safaris and Africa Under Canvas, she has built and managed tourism businesses with a strong focus on creating personalised travel experiences, innovation, and exceptional service.
Having served on several boards in Namibia, from educational institutions to sporting associations, Ingrid is committed to contributing her experience to the tourism industry. As a mother of two Namibian children, she aims to promote a tourism sector that benefits local communities, strengthens the national economy, and protects Namibia’s exceptional natural heritage for future generations. She joined the TASA Board to support her fellow industry professionals, encourage collaboration, and help shape a strong, sustainable future for Namibian tourism.
Having served on several boards in Namibia, from educational institutions to sporting associations, Ingrid is committed to contributing her experience to the tourism industry. As a mother of two Namibian children, she aims to promote a tourism sector that benefits local communities, strengthens the national economy, and protects Namibia’s exceptional natural heritage for future generations. She joined the TASA Board to support her fellow industry professionals, encourage collaboration, and help shape a strong, sustainable future for Namibian tourism.
Kaino T. Iipinge is an entrepreneur and owner of SES Travel Agency in Ongwediva, Namibia. Holding an MBA, she founded SES Travel Agency in 2020 as a full-service, NTB-registered company providing reliable and affordable travel solutions, from safaris and tours to international trips and cruises. Passionate about showcasing Namibia’s beauty from Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei to the Fish River Canyon, she is dedicated to helping clients create lifelong memories at their dream destinations. Beyond business, Kaino is a proud mother of three, an advocate for community empowerment, and enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, yoga, networking, and exploring new cultures.
Sylvia Kabuba Sawahenga is an ambitious entrepreneur, with over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, she’s the Founder and Travel Specialist at Ompo Travel and Safari, Sylvia has not only created a successful business but also a platform to showcase the beauty and potential of Namibia to the world. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Travel and Tourism Management from NUST where she contributes her expertise as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Department of Hospitality and Tourism. Joining TASA is an opportunity for me to give back to Tourism Namibia.
Partners
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
Namibia Tourism Board