The beginning of Camping with Esty.
Where it All Began
I was lucky enough to do my university studies in the mighty Zambezi region, Namibia. Anyone who’s been to Namibia knows Zambezi is the heartbeat of our tourism, with its captivating wildlife, lush landscapes, and welcoming people. I had the privilege of experiencing these wonders through trips with my university.
But traveling on my own wasn’t as simple. Lodges here cater to international travelers, and their prices often reflect that. For a local student, this made exploring beyond campus nearly impossible. Camping could have been an alternative, but good camping gear was just as costly as staying in a lodge. Back then, there weren’t any camping gear rental options in Katima Mulilo—the main town of the Zambezi region—and so many young Namibians were left on the sidelines, unable to experience the beauty of their own country.
It was in 2022, during the pandemic, that I realized just how inaccessible the tourism sector felt for ordinary citizens like myself. Traveling seemed wrapped up in complicated and costly processes. I wasn’t the only one who felt this way; countless young people spent years studying in Katima Mulilo without ever exploring the incredible sites around them.
That’s when I turned to my social media followers and asked why they weren’t more involved in domestic travel. The responses were clear: many felt that the tourism industry wasn’t designed with locals in mind. That conversation sparked something in me. I knew then that I wanted to create something that would make it easier for young Namibians to experience the magic of our own land.
And so, Camping with Esty was born. It started as a simple idea to remove some of the barriers keeping locals from exploring Namibia. We offer affordable camping gear rentals, making travel more accessible and less intimidating. We scout the sites ourselves to ensure our clients feel welcomed. We partner with car rental companies to get the best rates and connect travelers with reliable drivers if they need one. And we’ve joined forces with travel companies to make sure each journey is as seamless and memorable as it should be.
Camping with Esty is more than a business—it’s a mission by a local young woman to make sure young Namibians feel prioritized in their own country. I’m proud to say: “Made for Namibians, by a Namibian.”
“… but Esty, what about non-Namibians?”
Not to worry. We Namibians don’t discriminate! Everyone is welcome to join the CwEsty family.
– Esty
