Set on the edge of Etosha National Park, Onguma The Fort is not only a striking architectural destination—it’s also a place defined by warm, authentic Namibian hospitality.
At the heart of the lodge’s operations is Justine Nuxas, an inspiring figure who has worked her way up from her very first role in reception to become one of the leading female lodge managers in the region.
Born in the north-central town of Tsumeb and raised in Rundu, Justine’s passion for tourism was ignited early. After studying at COSDEC and NUST, she began her career with Gondwana Collection, rising through the ranks before taking on senior roles at Okutala Etosha and Elegant Collection. She joined Onguma Safari Camps in 2023, quickly moving from Assistant Manager to Camp Manager at The Fort, where her leadership continues to shape both guest satisfaction and team growth.
We caught up with Justine to explore her journey, her vision for Onguma, and her advice for the next generation of Namibian hospitality professionals.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
Tourism has been part of my life since birth. I was raised at Lake Oshikoto—one of Namibia’s most iconic destinations—so from a young age, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of our natural environment and the people who travel to see it.
What inspired me most was the opportunity to connect cultures. Working in hospitality gives you the chance to meet people from all over the world, and to showcase the unique stories and landscapes of Namibia through service, conversation, and care.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
We take a proactive, guest-focused approach. That means knowing our guests, identifying their needs, and aiming to exceed expectations. We stay connected through tour operator feedback, guest interactions, and platforms like TripAdvisor, which provide helpful insights into what’s working—and where we can improve.
At Onguma, we’re always listening, learning, and evolving to create experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Honestly, no. I’ve had the opportunity to grow from the ground up, and every step has taught me something important. I’ve learnt by doing—whether as a receptionist or a manager—and I believe that journey has given me the experience and empathy to lead with strength and understanding.
What defines your management style?
I see the team at The Fort as exactly that—a team. My approach is democratic and collaborative. We set goals together, work towards them together, and celebrate our achievements together.
Open communication, mutual support, and shared purpose are the core of my leadership style. I believe when people feel valued and supported, they give their best—and that’s when you see truly excellent service.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
Our goal at Onguma The Fort is to be a leading safari destination in Namibia. That means delivering exceptional, high-quality guest experiences while upholding the values of the wider Onguma Safari Camps brand—growth, excellence, and authenticity.
Strategically, we’re focused on guest satisfaction, team development, and consistent service delivery. We want every guest to leave with a lasting impression of the uniqueness and beauty of Onguma—and to feel like they’ve experienced something truly special.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Invest in continuous learning. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom—every role teaches you something valuable. Talk to guests, listen to their feedback, and always look for ways to improve.
This industry can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Stay curious, stay committed, and believe in your potential. With the right attitude, you can go far.