Well…and Beyond in Namibia

According to Patients Without Borders, approximately 1,200,000 Americans traveled outside the US for medical care in 2014. Until recently, most were motivated to seek medical care abroad by the prospects of more affordable health care or shorter wait times than they might access at home. A growing niche of luxury facilities is emerging for health travelers who choose – rather than require – health care elsewhere. This “luxe” market draws those interested in improving physical, mental and emotional functioning while enjoying a health holiday. The newest of these destinations has opened in Namibia, a country rated among the top travel destinations on the planet.



Namibia Health Tourism (NHT) operates within the award winning GocheGanas Game Reserve and Wellness Village, but constitutes an independent program. The NHT team encompasses board certified psychologists, biokineticists, health educators, and physician advisors. No invasive procedures or pharmacological changes are undertaken. Rather, holistic health promotion entails a full daily schedule of customized sessions with the wellness team, as well as superb dining and opportunities to explore individual interests. All activities are set against the backdrop of spectacular views and the ever-present wildlife and bird species on the 6000-hectare reserve.

Optional morning game drives, afternoon sundowners, and a full range of spa services are available to all lodge guests, independent of the NHT program. Sleep comes easily in your private villa – one of 16 - each opening onto the panorama of the African veldt. Stargazing is stellar. Namibia's night skies are rated number two in the world, credited to the clear air and limited ambient light. While the lodge feels “a world away from the world,” GocheGanas is situated on a hilltop only 29 kilometers from the nation's upscale capitol, Windhoek.



Five-day wellness programs are geared to those looking to de-stress or boost energy before beginning a self-drive, guided tour, or air safari exploring Namibia's deserts, dunes, seacoast, rivers, and boutique lodges.

A 10-day program is recommended for individuals coping with the specific challenges of chronic pain, an “invisible disability” impacting about 47% of the North American adult population. While it is not expected that the NHT programs will “cure” chronic health problems, the goal is to improve function and quality of life: feeling better and experiencing more even though living with an ongoing health challenge.

Each guest's customized program begins prior to departure, through communication with the medical coordinators and health concierge. All clients leave the programs with a personalized blueprint to maintain the gains at NHT - with the option of continuing distance-delivered health coaching once back at home.



The concept for NHT was drawn from the personal experiences of Calgary psychologist and chronic pain specialist, Dr. Colleen Braun. Although her prior international travels included over 140 countries, she “discovered” Namibia in 2000 – and returned for more than a dozen visits before organizing the NHT team. Braun explained, “I came to Namibia for the scenery and wildlife – and my experiences far exceeded expectations. What I hadn't anticipated was the sense of peace and renewal that resulted, just from being present.” When she returned each year, she brought friends - and a growing circle of friends of friends - to share the experience. Braun recognized that many reached pivotal decisions about their life course while in country. Persons with health problems seemed to thrive, with little or few limitations imposed by their symptoms. She concluded that the restorative qualities of the country would pair effectively with evidence-based approaches to optimal health maintenance.



NHT provides a unique opportunity for those in search of adventure, raw beauty, and the will to live well in mind and body…and with a full compliment of creature comforts.

For more information about Namibia Health Tourism, see the NHT website: www.namibiahealthtourism.com.