One of the oldest settlements in the country, the village of Bethanie, now boasts an eco-tourism campsite.
Sister Beate Schroeter, a Catholic nun belonging to the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, conceived the idea to transform an underutilised oasis on the grounds of the mission station into a campsite for tourists and locals alike.
Approved - “We registered the campsite with the Namibian Tourism Board in 2023 and received our certificate. We also applied to the Road Safety Authority to put up our signboards, which allow tourists to easily find the place, and obtained approval to do so,” said Sister Schroeter.
She added that the project plays an important role in creating employment. “The idea is to create value and income for the ten people we employ from the community. We are also looking to establish and finance more projects, such as a coffee shop, with the income we generate.”
Of historical significance - According to Levie “Jackie” Boois, who is employed at the mission and oversees work at the campsite, it is situated where Bethanie had its origins. “Folklore has it that a cow moved a huge rock and exposed an underground water source, which led to the establishment of Bethanie. This is the only oasis in the south. It is a beautiful, tranquil venue, and Sister Beate realised its potential. We decided to develop this place into a campsite by enhancing its natural beauty and incorporating the palm trees that grow here.”
A work in progress - The Eco Tourism Campsite is still being developed and will accommodate six camping sites with ablution facilities, braai spots and relaxation areas. “This is a work in progress, with three of the six camping areas and the ablution block, which also contains showers, already completed. We use what we have, such as solar energy to heat the water for the showers, and natural materials (rocks and wood) collected from the surroundings to make furniture for the braai and relaxation areas,” explained Boois.
Affordable - The Eco Tourism Campsite offers very affordable rates. “It costs N$200 per night per person to camp with us. You can come with your caravan or camping vehicle and pitch your tent wherever you like,” explained Boois. He urged tourists and locals to make use of the facility, saying it really is worth an overnight stay. “ If you drive past Bethanie, you will miss out on a lot. Bethanie is a convenient stop for travellers exploring southern Namibia, including those heading toward the Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks and photography. Furthermore, the unpolluted night sky over Bethanie provides a breathtaking celestial display, perfect for stargazing.”
Sister Beate Schroeter, a Catholic nun belonging to the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, conceived the idea to transform an underutilised oasis on the grounds of the mission station into a campsite for tourists and locals alike.
Approved - “We registered the campsite with the Namibian Tourism Board in 2023 and received our certificate. We also applied to the Road Safety Authority to put up our signboards, which allow tourists to easily find the place, and obtained approval to do so,” said Sister Schroeter.
She added that the project plays an important role in creating employment. “The idea is to create value and income for the ten people we employ from the community. We are also looking to establish and finance more projects, such as a coffee shop, with the income we generate.”
Of historical significance - According to Levie “Jackie” Boois, who is employed at the mission and oversees work at the campsite, it is situated where Bethanie had its origins. “Folklore has it that a cow moved a huge rock and exposed an underground water source, which led to the establishment of Bethanie. This is the only oasis in the south. It is a beautiful, tranquil venue, and Sister Beate realised its potential. We decided to develop this place into a campsite by enhancing its natural beauty and incorporating the palm trees that grow here.”
A work in progress - The Eco Tourism Campsite is still being developed and will accommodate six camping sites with ablution facilities, braai spots and relaxation areas. “This is a work in progress, with three of the six camping areas and the ablution block, which also contains showers, already completed. We use what we have, such as solar energy to heat the water for the showers, and natural materials (rocks and wood) collected from the surroundings to make furniture for the braai and relaxation areas,” explained Boois.
Affordable - The Eco Tourism Campsite offers very affordable rates. “It costs N$200 per night per person to camp with us. You can come with your caravan or camping vehicle and pitch your tent wherever you like,” explained Boois. He urged tourists and locals to make use of the facility, saying it really is worth an overnight stay. “ If you drive past Bethanie, you will miss out on a lot. Bethanie is a convenient stop for travellers exploring southern Namibia, including those heading toward the Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks and photography. Furthermore, the unpolluted night sky over Bethanie provides a breathtaking celestial display, perfect for stargazing.”
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