Sparing Water

Sparing Use of Precious Water

Water Efficiency

Stewardship of Namibia’s Water Resources

In line with our Sustainability philosophy, we are committed to implementing water-wise initiatives at our Gondwana properties. From treating and recycling water used at our properties to utilising water-efficient devices and promoting water-saving awareness, we understand that every drop counts.

We are resolute in our various efforts to safeguard Namibia’s precious water resources. In a country as arid as Namibia, where water is a scarce resource, these initiatives both honour unique environmental thresholds and inspire us to maintain and further our efforts in efficient water usage.

At Gondwana Collection Namibia, we are dedicated to sustainably managing our water footprint. Discover our water-wise initiatives, and how you can help ensure that every drop counts.

Water-Wise

Our Water-Wise Initiatives

Namibia is predominantly an arid landscape and one of the driest countries south of the Sahara, where water resources sustain life amidst vast desert terrain. With the country’s aridity, unpredictable rainfall and scattered aquifers – underground freshwater sources – wise and sustainable water management is imperative to maintain balanced, verdant ecosystems in the landscapes we operate in.

As Namibia’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to rebound and expand, so does their environmental footprint and reliance on natural resources. At Gondwana, we are dedicated to reducing our reliance on freshwater and making efficient use of the water resources entrusted to our care.

Water recycling plant at Palmwag Lodge & Camp, Damaraland, Namibia

To date, 90% of Gondwana properties have been equipped with wastewater treatment and recycling plants, enabling the safe re-use of water on-site. This eases pressure on Namibia’s limited freshwater sources and gives aquifers time to recharge naturally through rainfall – especially crucial in the Fish River Canyon and the Namib and Kalahari deserts, home to our Fish River Canyon, Namib and Kalahari Collections.

Treated water is recycled to irrigate lodge gardens planted with indigenous trees and shrubs, reducing overall water consumption by more than half. Acclimatised to Namibia’s aridity, indigenous plants thrive in dry conditions – so water-efficient landscaping promotes wise water use while showcasing Namibia’s plant biodiversity.

We closely monitor water consumption at our lodges, including freshwater use, recycled water use and volumes extracted from boreholes or perennial rivers. Each lodge reports its daily readings to an online, live and interactive platform, so potential faults or excess usage can be detected and addressed promptly.

From guest rooms to lodge spaces, we use water-efficient devices and appliances throughout. Look out for awareness signage across our lodges, with tips on how to use water efficiently while enjoying a comfortable and memorable stay. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that every drop counts.

Aerial view of Canyon Lodge, Fish River Canyon area, southern Namibia

Measured Impact

Impact of Gondwana’s Water Efficiency Initiatives

34.7% Less water used per person per day at Gondwana lodges, 2020 to 2023

Our water efficiency initiatives have yielded positive results over the years. Since 2020, water usage per person per day has decreased steadily — from 901 litres in 2020 to 588 litres in 2023 at Gondwana lodges. From 2020, 75% of all water used by employees and guests was recycled. By reducing reliance on freshwater for lodge operations, pressure on each area’s water sources is eased, leaving more water for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

This commitment is set out in our Environmental Overview Policy, which outlines Gondwana’s strategies for environmental management and keeps them aligned with our Sustainability philosophy. Amongst the aspects it covers, water efficiency is particularly important in a country as dry as Namibia.

Water in Practice

How water moves through our lodges

Every lodge runs the same loop: use less, treat what is used, put it back to work, and measure the result.

Repeated daily at every lodge

Use less

Water-efficient devices in guest rooms, kitchens, laundries and staff accommodation cut consumption at the source, backed by awareness signage for guests and staff.
Treat

Used water flows back to the lodge’s wastewater treatment plant: trickle filtering, then microorganisms break down the remaining organic matter.
90% of lodges equipped
Re-use

Grey water, tested and confirmed safe, irrigates gardens of indigenous plants – watered early morning and late evening to keep evaporation low.
75% of water recycled
Monitor

Each lodge logs daily readings to a live platform. The ESI Team reads them against occupancy to catch leaks, and annual training shares every lodge’s results.

Where the rain can’t keep up

Namibia is considered the driest country south of the Sahara. Rainfall increases from the arid south-west to the humid north-east, and vast areas of southern Namibia see very little of it – including the landscapes of our Namib, Canyon and Kalahari Collections.

There, far more water evaporates each year than the rain replaces. That gap is a water deficit, and it is why efficiency matters so much at the lodges we run in these regions.

Namib Desert 5–85 mm
Fish River Canyon 50–200 mm
Kalahari Desert 150–250 mm

Annual rainfall in each region, in millimetres, shown against annual evaporation of 1,500 to 3,000 mm across all three.

Aligned with Namibia’s commitments

Gondwana Environmental Overview Policy
Sets out our strategies for environmental management, with water efficiency as a priority.
National Water Policy and Strategic Plan, and the Water Resources Management Act
Emphasise sustainable water management, especially in semi-arid and arid regions.
International UN SDG 6 and the UNCCD
Clean Water and Sanitation, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

At its core, Gondwana is dedicated to honouring Namibia’s precious water resources and ecological thresholds, one drop at a time.

Water-saving shower head at Etosha King Nehale, Namibia

Your Role

Your Role as a Water Steward

In the driest country south of the Sahara, being water-wise is an essential part of the eco-conscious traveller’s journey. At Gondwana lodges across Namibia, water efficiency initiatives honour the sensitive ecological thresholds of Namibian landscapes while offering memorable guest experiences.

Why Namibia is dry

Extreme temperatures, strong winds, sparse vegetation and bare soil, high solar radiation and the cold Atlantic coast all make Namibia predominantly arid. Average annual rainfall ranges from 25 mm in the coastal Namib Desert to 600 mm in the humid north-east, while evaporation ranges from 1,500 to over 3,000 mm. Here is what happens to the rain that does fall:

83% evaporates immediately
14% is used by plants through transpiration
2% becomes run-off from the soil
1% recharges groundwater

That leaves very little water for Namibia’s landscapes, biodiversity and communities. While visiting Gondwana lodges, we invite you to join us in practising water wisdom and champion your role as a water steward.

Make Every Drop Count

Seven simple ways to be water-wise during your stay.

Take mindful showers

Not longer, contemplative showers – just be mindful of the time you spend in there. Shorter showers save a significant amount of water. For contemplation, look no further than a step outside your guest room.
Use shower buckets

At lodges like Etosha King Nehale and The Desert Grace, guest rooms have shower buckets to collect water while it warms up. A full bucket at the end of the day is a visible testament to your water stewardship.
Turn off the tap

This is your gentle reminder to turn off the tap – tightly – while brushing your teeth. You can also rinse with the glass provided in your room instead of letting the water run.
Re-use towels and bed linen

Like your favourite book, your towels and bed linen have more than one chapter to offer. Re-using them reduces laundering and conserves water.
Report leaks promptly

If you spot a drip, you can save the day. Let lodge staff know about any potential leak, and your prompt action helps us prevent further wastage.
Look out for water-saving signs

Signs throughout our lodges are subtle reminders to use water wisely during, and beyond, your stay with us.
Share with us

Spread the word on wise water use. We value your perspectives and experiences with water-saving, and your input can complement our own initiatives.

Your intangible impact

With most of Gondwana’s lodges in some of Namibia’s driest landscapes, wise water use is essential to the long-term viability of surrounding water resources. Our initiatives would not be possible without our eco-conscious guests, and we continue to promote water stewardship within and beyond our lodges.

By being water-wise during your stay, you contribute directly to sustaining Namibia’s landscapes, biodiversity and communities. How you make every drop count is your intangible impact.

Gallery

Water Management Map

Water treatment and water-wise initiatives at Gondwana lodges across Namibia.

Water Efficiency

Our Water-Wise Initiatives

Impact of Gondwana’s Water Efficiency Initiatives

How water moves through our lodges

Use less

Treat

Re-use