BACKGROUND
[TOP]
GAVA Explorations is a small, manager-owned
company offering an exclusive luxury safari experience. After working
10 years as a park ranger and guide, Heidi Dednam, the founder of GAVA
Explorations safari company, realized that in order to be successful in
the fiercely competitive arena of African tourist companies she
needed to be different, not only to stand apart form the rest, but to offer
clients an experience they couldn't get elsewhere. What the
big companies don't do, and what people really wanted were specialized safaris
into the more remote areas of Africa. Indeed, Heidi discovered
that many people were captivated
by their first African visit, but returned wanting something more from
a safari than traditional game spotting - they wanted a more intense experience
of Africa. And so GAVA Explorations came into existence.
African safaris that could be taylor made to fit the clients needs and
desires; African safaris that take you away from the crowds and mob of
tourist busses into the fascinating corners of Africa unknown to the
masses, but which hold unforgettable experiences to those who venture
forth.
Recently, we launched GAVA
Adventures, the youth travel branch of GAVA Explorations. Georges Locher
combines his teaching and guiding experience to provide a safari packed
with adventure, informal study, cultural exchange and a lot of fun for
adventurous students.
Based in Cape Town (Bookings and Administration)
and in Otjiwarongo, Namibia (Operations), we are able to benefit from
the infrastructure offered by these two countries to provide a seamless
overland safari operation.
PRODUCTS
[TOP]
We specialise in luxurious tented overland
safaris to the Central Namib Desert as well as safaris to off the beaten
track destinations in Southern Africa and Tanzania. Our safaris are
limited to eight clients, ensuring personal attention and an intimate
atmosphere. Scheduled, tailor-made and specialist itineraries
are available as well as educational safaris for students and photographic
workshops.
WHAT
MAKES US DIFFERENT [TOP]
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A fully self-contained, mobile, eco-friendly
camp that offers
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unparalleled luxury to the same standard
as a five star permanent tented camp.
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We are the only mobile safari operator
with permission to set up camp amongst the towering dunes of the Namib
Desert.
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Our very private desert camp in the
Namib dunes provides our clients with the most peaceful and tranquil
experience of a lifetime: free from noise pollution and other tourists.
There are no other luxury camping safaris in the Central Namib.
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A unique opportunity to overnight
in/visit a Topnaar village is included in our Namibian itineraries.
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Professional, experienced and knowledgeable,
our enthusiastic guides are among the best in the industry.
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Multilingual safaris with guiding
in English, French, Italian and Afrikaans.
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Customised factory built 4x4 vehicle
with removable windows and roof hatches for optimal game viewing.
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Sumptuous three course meals prepared
daily by our professional chef.
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Individual attention with a one to
one staff to client ratio.
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Highest standards of safety at all
times.
CODE OF
ETHICS [TOP]
Our whole approach as a company is one
of sustainable
utilisation. On moving from a location,
the entire camp is taken away and no sign of our presence is left behind.
All waste is removed and disposed of. In particularly sensitive ecosystems,
such as the Namib dunes, even ashes from our fire are cleaned up. In
certain regions where trees are scarce, GAVA uses gas for cooking. Furthermore,
we use water with utmost care and ensure measures are in place to avoid
any pollution.
GAVA Explorations only employs guides
who have a genuine understanding and concern for the environment and
is acutely aware of the fragility of certain ecosystems that we traverse
during a safari.
An integral part of any safari is the
education of the client and our guides strive to provide a meaningful
interpretation of the
environment.
All visits to traditional villages are
discreet and done in such a way that the privacy of the villagers is
respected in every way.
Regulations of National Parks and reserves
are respected at all times and no artifacts are removed from archaeological
sites that we visit during a safari.
SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY [TOP]
GAVA Explorations has a policy of, whenever
possible, only employing local staff. With this in mind, we engage staff
from the Topnaar community resident along the Kuiseb River, who is important
stakeholders in the development of the Namib. During our Namibian safaris
a visit to one of the Topnaar villages is scheduled. By creating employment
opportunities and making the
Topnaar plight known to foreigners, GAVA
Explorations plays a facilitating role in the upliftment of this marginalised
community.
To date, the benefit that the Topnaars
derive from GAVA
Explorations activities is both financial
and tangible: bed night fees, employment and capacity building. We provide
ongoing training in hospitality industry skills: waitron, kitchen and
general camp duties. It is our intention that any staff member should
reach a stage whereby any tour operator in Namibia can gainfully employ
them on the open market. Moreover, GAVA Explorations has recently become
involved in a women's hand-craft project. With the active participation
of our Travel for Women clients in this project, whether through financial
or material means, we hope to improve the earning ability of these rural
women and help maintain traditional cultures.
safaris into the more remote areas of
Africa. That many people were captivated by Africa their first visit, and returned
wanting something more... to experience Africa, not just see it.
