His story
Patrick.
Born Penrith Richie Gonteb in Walvis Bay, 1983. From gardener to tour guide on the Namib coast. Now building his own tour company.
The road to here
A guide who came up through the work.
I am Patrick. Born in Walvis Bay in 1983, raised by my mother and three sisters on the edge of the desert and the sea. As a Namibian, you grow up close to nature, and an outdoor job was the only one I ever wanted.
My first break came at Uri Adventures, as their gardener. Peak season pulled me onto a five-day desert tour to make the fire, wash the dishes, and look after the guests. I never went back. From there I worked my way up. Gardener, then driver, then tour guide. Years of it.
What I want now is my own business. For someone like me, that has always been out of reach. The capital is hard to accumulate, and the banks have no interest in lending. But my clients have told me for years: start your own thing. With your help, I will.
My clients have been telling me for years to start my own thing. With your help, I will.
The plan
What your support funds.
Three concrete things. One launch.
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01
12,000 CHF
Reliable vehicle
A used 4x4 Land Cruiser, the standard for off-road coastal touring.
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02
4,500 CHF
Operator licence and insurance
Mandatory Namibian tour permits and liability cover for the first year of trading.
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03
3,500 CHF
Equipment and first-trip runway
Tents, GPS, camping gear, and three months of operating runway.