Economy-Namibia - The company has grown steadily since and now offers tours to 10 to 11 groups per month during the peak season. The turn-around, says Uugwanga, came when a Spanish partner joined the team and helped the company enter that market. "We were trying to get business from everywhere, especially from Germany, as German tourists are known for coming to Namibia. But we soon realised that we would have to target new markets. The majority of our clients are from Spain and we also have an increasing number from Turkey."

Uugwanga developed his affection for the country while working as a volunteer with a computer refurbishing company. "The job involved a lot of travelling, especially to rural areas. I completely fell in love with the country and now share this love with my clients."

Part of the company's unique offering involves time spent in Himba and San villages. "Tourists always want to spend time with locals. They find spending a night in a Himba village, seeing how people live, truly memorable," he says, adding that, "We decided to move away from the more conventional itinerary and focus on this distinct offering."

The company is expanding into Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They also acquired an overlander truck that can accommodate up to 20 people at a time. "We used to rent vehicles, and still do when we have more than one group, but it's expensive. We recently bought an overlander truck with a loan from the Development Bank, which makes things a lot easier."

The company employs four people, who include the three partners. Training is an absolute priority, says Uugwanga. "We recruit students from the Polytechnic's Hospitality Training Centre and provide further and ongoing training when they start with us. I'm also learning to speak Spanish to provide a better service to my clients."

According to Uugwanga, entry into the market was the biggest challenge the company faced to date. Teaming up with a marketer in Spain, helped overcome this challenge he says.

"My vision is now to become a preferred supplier and also to help make an impact on the country's economy; to contribute to GDP growth. In Spain, tourism is the biggest contributor to foreign currency earnings. The number of tourists Spain attracts is equivalent to that of its own population."

He believes that Namibia has a lot to offer tourists. "The country is politically stable, we've got the highest dunes and the second largest canyon in the world and also Etosha, a national park of great renown. Tourism has big potential in Namibia and can become a major contributor to employment.

"I see how people react when they come here. It is a question of love at first sight. People love the country from the moment they arrive. I've had many repeat clients, with some returning up to three times."

He counts himself among the lucky few for whom work is a pleasure. "I love my job. I love adventure and working with people. I also love the fact that I can play a part in making people's dream to experience a new place, a reality."

For entrepreneurs setting out on their own journeys, Uugwanga's advice is perseverance. "Don't give up on your dreams. If you want to start a company, do it. Don't depend on assistance you think should be there. Nothing comes overnight. It's all hard work."

Uugwanga believes his work is starting to pay of. "I should be halfway towards attaining my vision for the company in the next five years. It has taken a lot of work, but I can see that my efforts are starting to pay off!"

Justus Uugwanga

The Namibian/14/02/2011