Traveling alone to Namibian tourist spots can cost up to $1,000, a source with knowledge of the situation said.
A guide for a tour group from Namibia who has a reputation for offering cheap, but no-frills tours will not be considered an official guide unless they’re in a capacity to take care of the group, the source said.
It’s also possible for a guide to take a break from their job to take in the scenery, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Tourism Minister Mutharika Thapa said in a statement late last month that it was important that the government protect the safety and security of Namibians traveling in and out of the country.
Thapa did not elaborate on the reasons for the ban.
It’s unclear how many guides are allowed to work in the tourism industry in Namibia.
A Namibie, or Namibanian, is a person of African descent who has African roots, including a connection to Africa.
A tourist in Namibia is a tourist in Africa.
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the country, employing almost a quarter of the workforce.
The government says tourism is helping to attract tourists to Namia and boost local economies, but critics argue that many Namibis lack access to jobs, healthcare, education and other basic necessities, and that many are not properly insured.
Namibia is a popular destination for African countries including Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.
The country is one that has been on a trade deficit with South Africa since the end of the Cold War, and it is still recovering from the devastating effects of the 2008 pandemic.