Namibia: Police Probe Tourist Scam

What the report says

Namibia’s tourism authorities and police are warning visitors to check the credentials of tour operators after an alleged booking scam involving Italian tourists. According to The Namibian, the Namibia Tourism Board is reviewing claims that the travellers lost about N$50,000 on an 18-day trip that was meant to run from 23 October to 9 November across Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The itinerary was reportedly arranged by Timnoeshe Adventure Tours and Safaris, which the article says was listed with the Namibia Tourism Board. The tourists were said to have been left stranded when the service provider did not show up. The report also says tour guide Timan Henguva of Otjiwarongo has been reported missing, though the circumstances were not explained in detail.

NTB spokesperson Flora Quest said the regulator had not yet received a formal complaint from the tourists, but was trying to trace them and collect proof of bookings and payments. She said the board has handled several other complaints about tourism operators since April, including cases involving payment taken for services that were not delivered. Police have urged the alleged victims to open a case and advised all visitors to confirm bookings through official channels and verified contact details.

Industry groups quoted in the article said such cases can damage confidence in Namibia’s tourism sector, even as most operators act responsibly. They also cautioned travellers against relying only on social media offers or unusually cheap deals, and encouraged use of recognised tourism associations and registered business accounts before paying.