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Treesleeper Camp Tsintsabis |
The word "Treesleeper" has been derived from the biggest
ethnic group in the village of Tsintsabis, the Hei//omn Bushmen. For the
people who are not familiar with Khoisan (Bushmen/San and Nama) languages: The
sign "//" in the word Hei//omn is not a mistake. In the Khoisan language group
four so-called "clicks" are being used, them being: "//", "!", "/" and "‡".
When the Hei//omn still used to hunt in the old days, they sometimes fled into
trees not to be caught by lions. Because of the incredible patience lions
have, the Hei//omn sometimes even had to spend the night in the tree. Hei//omn
in fact means Treesleepers. Therefore the name Treesleeper symbolises the
whole project: It respects the traditional culture of the Hei//omn while at
the same time covering the tourists who are to visit the enterprise.
The tourists who visit the enterprise will have a very interesting African
experience. They have to possibility to experience Bushman culture, whilst
sleeping co
mfortably, surrounded by those typical African bush trees. For a
short period, tourists might even feel like "Treesleepers" themselves,
although of course they sleep under the trees and not actually in them. For
the tourists Tsintsabis is an excellent place to meet the original inhabitants
of this area, combined with a visit to Etosha National Park. The Treesleeper-project
in Tsintsabis is a form of what we call "community based tourism". Tourism is
a relatively new trend within the development aid. Community based tourism
means that the members of a local community are involved in all the aspects of
carrying out the tourist activities, so they can have some income of their
own. They should have a fair income for all their labour activities. As much
as possible will be done by the local community, and we will pay extra
attention to "modern" abilities like working on a computer. By training and
educating the local people, they will eventually be capable of improving their
situation independently and with responsibility.
Therefore, especially for this project a committee has been founded in
Tsintsabis. Everything related to the Treesleeper project will always be
discussed with the committee (as representatives of the community). Men and
women are equally represented in this committee. Quite a variety of subjects
are discussed with them. Matters like "folklorisation", where cultural
expressions are adapted to the needs of tourists. Traditional dancing? Fine,
but the local community should be able to do it their way, if at all.
Treesleeper does not aim to adjust attractions to the needs of tourists. We
want to give a realistic image of both the traditional and the contemporary
way of live. Without bothering the tourists too much with ethical or moral
aspects (they are on vacation, after all), we will give some attention to
pointing out the contemporary situation of the (Hei//omn) Bushmen to them.
Accommodation - Camping:
• Category 1: Camp site with shared ablution and no tree deck;
• Category 2: Camp site with shared ablution and a tree deck;
• Category 3: Camp site with a personal ablution block and a tree deck.
The tree decks can be used as a viewing platform or for placing tents if a
visitor prefers to sleep on the deck. All camp sites are private areas with a
braai, a tap and a bin. All ablutions have warm water.
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Activities: |
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Bushwalk: Learn about edible, poisonous and medicinal plants used by
the Bushmen, see how they used to hunt animals, set up traps and made
fire. The bushwalk is ideal for learning about the traditional way of life
of the Bushmen. One guide takes you into the bush and explains about all
these traditions. Time: 2-4 hours; minimum of 2 people. Best time of the day: early mornings. Village tour: Visit two very different current Bushmen villages and one or two families: see how they live nowadays and learn more about the contemporary situation. One guide will introduce you to families where you can ask questions and take photographs. This tour is about today's "real life situation" and does not exhibit Bushmen people in traditional clothes. Time: 2-4 hours; minimum of 2 people. Best time of the day: early mornings. |
Traditional singing and dancing: See traditional singing, dancing,
healing and other ceremonies of the Bushmen, performed by children of the
Tsintsabis Junior Secondary School or by an elderly traditional healing
group. In case of the children you support the cultural activities of the
school. Learn about the ritual dances and ceremonies and its' meanings
that are taking place around a camp fire. Time: 0.5 - 1 hour; minimum of 4 people. Best time of the day: evenings. |
Rates per person per night, camping only: on request
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Accommodation: Tree houses, per room per night |
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| Suite/double/twin rooms, max 2 persons, bed and breakfast | - |
| Suite family room, max 4 persons, bed and breakfast | - |
| Suite/double room (honeymoon), max 2 persons, accommodation only | - |
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Camping |
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| Camping category 1, 2 or 3 | - |
| Tent hire, canvas dome tents (2x2 m), erected on site of choice. Sleeping bag, mattress and cooking equipment | - |
| Meals per person | |
| Breakfast | - |
| Light lunch | - |
| Dinner | - |
| Activities per person, min 2 persons, advanced reservations only | |
| Bush discovery walk, +- 2hours | - |
| Village tour, +- 2 hours | - |
| San traditional singing and dancing, +- 1 hour, min 4 persons | - |
Contact:
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax: +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com
To book:
1) you can e-mail us requesting information and/or rates
Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
See
also: Terms & conditions,
Payment options and
Cancellation
policy
Related links:
Accommodation in the area:
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