The Ruacana Eha Lodge was exhibited at the seventh Namibia Holiday and Travel Expo 2005, under the banner of Finesse hospitality support services, together with other lodges, a campsite and one activity tour operator.

The expo which was held in April is a showcase of what Namibia has to offer in terms of accommodation, tourist attractions and adventure travel activities. The 2005 Tourism Expo was the biggest ever, attracting at least 180 exhibitors representing more than 350 organisations.

Organisers of the expo believe that the event attracted more visitors than the more than seven thousand of last year.

Ruacana Eha Lodge, established in 2003, has grown in terms of accommodation facilities, in the form of campsites, and hence the partaking in the expo to market these new facilities.

Fifteen campsites were constructed on the premises of the lodge last year, to cater for self-drive tourists who wish to stay over at Ruacana. The sites offer electricity and ablution facilities with cold and hot water. Each campsite has a lawn, a barbeque, food preparation area and a sink, under plenty of trees providing ample shade.

The camp sites offer accommodation for four guests per site, thus totalling 60 campers.

In addition to the camp sites, six traditional-style huts were also constructed to cater for self-drive tourists who do not wish to pitch a tent when they overnight at Eha. The huts are furnished with two beds and a fridge as well as air conditioning. Guests staying over at the huts and the campsites share communal ablution facilities.

The campsites are rated as one of the most beautiful in the country and inquiries as well as bookings have picked up since its opening. In general, bookings to the lodge have also picked up this year as compared to last year.

The lodge recently held its second educational excursion for tour operators, to introduce them to the new facilities and to Eha and its surroundings. The excursions give tour operators a real experience of what their clients can expect, and they can in turn advice their clients accordingly. The tours are also essential for the lodge and its management to determine any possible shortcomings in terms of requirements for international tourism. Very positive feedback was received from the tour operators, which resulted in some valuable ideas for improvement. Since the area has not much to offer in terms of accommodation, the Lodge is well located and has even been referred to as an oasis in the region. Other developments such as the new lodge in Opuwo, upgrading of the road between Opuwo and Ruacana, will eventually open a circular route which will result in more tourism activities in the area.

Eha also acquired a mini bus, which is used for airport transfers and for tours around the lodge. Transfers to and from the landing strip are provided and bookings can be made through the lodge.

Scenic sundowner drives, visits to Ruacana Falls, the Hydroelectric Power Station and the traditional Himba village are of the most requested activities by tour operators. The walking trails to the foot of the falls and the Rock Pool, a natural spring in the river, with crystal clear water in the winter, are also another attraction. Visitors to the site can sometimes not resist the urge to take a refreshing swim in the natural pool.

Ruacana Eha Lodge is the a natural gateway to the wonders of the Kaoveld, the Etosha National Park, the Epupa Falls and the vibrant African culture of the Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions in northern Namibia. Eha Lodge is committed to exceeding the expectations of its guests. So, come to the Kunene, come to Eha and enjoy carefree moments in the company of your host, Willa Visser, who has become popular with her guests for her warmth and exceptional service.