Showing Namibia to the people
A knowledgeable tour and safari guide
Bruno 'Jimmy' Ngiana, who has over 15 years of experience in tour and safari management, could arguably be described as one of the godfathers of Namibia's French travel industry.
Bruno ‘Jimmy’ Ngiana is the managing director (MD) of Nganzi Tours and Safaris. According to the company’s official profile, Nganzi is a private Namibian tour and safari operator based in Windhoek. Ngiana was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he completed most of his schooling before moving to Namibia.
"I have a diploma in the French language from Paris. They call me ‘Jimmy’ in the Namibian-French tourism industry," said Ngiana.
Ngiana knew from a young age that he wanted to show Namibia off to people.
He has since accumulated more than 15 years of experience running and managing tours and safaris. His company’s official profile describes him as "humble, focused and organised."
"He has a great sense of humour and is a super knowledgeable tour and safari professional. His fluency in English and French has helped him handle clients from different parts of the world. His clients describe him as ‘having an attentive ear’."
Namibia at his fingertips
He moved to Namibia, where he pursued a degree in computer science and attended a short English course at the University of Namibia.
Later, he opted for various practical training in travel and tourism, as well as health and safety. Thereafter, he got employed as a French tour guide and consultant to write tours because of his exceptional expertise in the Namibian map and its routes and terrains.
"You can drop me anywhere in Namibia while I am sleeping. When I wake up, I will know where I am right away. I know the Namibian map by heart," said Ngiana.
After many years working as a guide and crafting tours for Namibian companies, he decided to establish his own tour and safari company.
"I founded Nganzi in 2020. My role as MD is very simple and fun!"
He said the feeling of finally working for himself and no longer being anyone’s employee is unmatched.
In addition to his vast experience in tourism, guiding, and booking management, he loves his job, travelling, and driving.
Clients are family
Ngiana could easily be the godfather of Namibia’s French tourism market. He was awarded the best French tour guide in Namibia award by the Thompson Travel Agency in South Africa and has gained recognition by the Namibia Training Authority.
He has always strived to put the country on the tourism map. "After countless trips with French tourists, I am confident I have accomplished my long-life goal and finally made Namibia prominent in tourism."
His French clients often compliment his experience and praise him for tours that have made them happy.
At the conclusion of their tours, many have told him they want to return and have asked that he travel with them again.
The trust and safety they felt while with him on tour have been some of the biggest motivations in his 15 years of tour management.
"Just like my family, my clients' well-being and safety are my top priorities. I become a good friend to them, not just because it is work". Ngiana also plans to venture into the market for Italian and German clients. He advises his colleagues to be kind and remember that tourism is about creating lasting memories of Namibia.