About Us - Jacana Safaris and Tours

Connecting You to the Wonders of Namibia

Founded in 2018 by Namibians with 8+ years in tourism and hospitality. Jacana designs tailor-made journeys across Namibia for individuals, couples, families, and groups — and delivers friendly, reliable support from your first inquiry to your final day.

Connecting You to the Wonders of Namibia

Jacana Safaris and Tours designs tailor-made journeys across Namibia for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We plan your route, accommodation, and activities around your travel style — then deliver friendly, reliable support from your first inquiry to your final day.

Founded in 2018 by Namibians with 8+ years in tourism and hospitality. Growing under experienced local leadership eager to share the very best of Namibia with the world.

What we offer

Tailor-Made Tour Design
Guided and Self-Drive Options
Premium Lodges and Camps
Multilingual Support (EN, DE, FR, AF)
Trusted Local Expertise
Reliable End-to-End Planning

Simon Hamalwa

Founder & Managing Director

With 8+ years in tourism and hospitality, Simon brings heartfelt Namibian storytelling to every journey.

Education

I have a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management and a Diploma in International Tourism Principals.

Work experience

I worked in different sectors of the Tourism Industry for more than 8 years. To name some experience: I was a front office agent, a retail supervisor, a game drive trainee and more until I founded Jacana Safaris and Tours in 2018 and live my own dream.

What friends & clients say

My friends would tell you that I am a very friendly and passionate person. They would say that I am a Namibian through and through and that I love showing that through my tours for foreign and Namibian national tourists. My clients would tell you that I am a trustworthy person who cares a lot about their wishes and that I would do anything in my power to make their dream tour through Namibia possible.

Favourite quote

“Inoenda, inotala.” - Oshiwambo saying meaning “If you didn’t travel, you didn’t see.”

Lara Hamalwa

Chief of Operations

Lara’s planning expertise and calm leadership ensure every tour feels effortless and unforgettable.

Education

Originally I am a rehabilitation scientist with a Master Degree. But I found my passion for Tourism through my love for Namibia and of course my husband, who teaches me what I need to know, to give you the best experience with us.

Work experience

I am an active part of Jacana Safaris and Tours since 2019. My profession requires me to be able to interact well with different people and to put their wishes and needs in my work focus. This ability and my organizational talent helps me to assure a good service for you.

What friends & clients say

If you would ask my friends about me, they would tell you that I always have a plan and a solution to any problem. They would tell you that I have a positive outlook on life and that it is easy for me to focus professionally on my clients wishes, to assure them the best experience of their life. Our clients would tell you that I make them feel safe and well informed about their possibilities in Namibia.

Favourite quote

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” - John Hemmingway