Namibia: Renovation works for Okapuka Safari Lodge | Окапука Намибия

Bookings and Renovation Works for Okapuka Safari Lodge kick off

The Lodge is currently closed due to renovation works and will reopen in April 2023. However, bookings are being accepted.

Experience Africa’s wild side at the doorstep of Namibia’s capital Windhoek, just a 30 minute drive from the center of town. Surrounded by a 7300 ha living escape of prime African savannah, Okapuka Safari Lodge is an oasis of lush green lawns under ancient camel thorn trees against the backdrop of a towering mountain range. Enjoy the peace and quiet from the verandah of your cosy holiday home watching an array of warthogs passing by accompanied by antelopes, peacefully grazing side by side.

Okapuka, meaning “small animal” in Herero lives up to its name already at first glance. The iconic game drive, however, will take your breath away as you might encounter most of Namibia’s beautiful and diverse wildlife right here. Just out of town yet deep in the African bushveld, you are almost guaranteed sightings of all indigenous antelope species, giraffe, ostriches and, most importantly, white rhino.

Gondwana Collection Namibia took over the management of Okapuka Safari Lodge on 1 November 2022 and is now accepting bookings. However, guests will only be welcomed from 2 April 2023. Until then, the popular and well-known lodge at Windhoek’s doorstep will undergo a comprehensive facelift.

The thatch roofs are being serviced, and the main area will be opened up for an airier and lighter look. As soon as the first thatch roof of Classic Safari Room is completed, the interior of a sample room will be designed. We will share the first images with you as soon as they are available!

The former Okapuka Game Ranch was opened in 1998 and has since become a renowned accommodation establishment in the Namibian Tourism industry. It is known for its spectacular game drives, just 30 minutes outside Windhoek’s city centre, yet deep enough into the African Bushveld to enjoy a true Safari experience.

The extensive revamp of the Lodge premises is the first step in giving this Classic Safari Lodge a new lease on life. Join us on a nostalgic journey of yesteryear’s travel of your best childhood memories from 2 April 2023.

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Go2 Traveller Transfers through Namibia | Гондвана Трансфер Намибия

Go2 Traveller Transfers through Namibia

Gondwana Collection Namibia is excited to launch nine transfer routes to Namibia’s top destinations! The transfer service aims to compensate for the current shortage of rental cars following the Covid 19 - pandemic.

Bookable as from 20 May 2022, and operational as from 1 June 2022, the Go2 Traveller Transfers will be providing a daily hop-on hop-off transport service. The convenient, affordable and reliable service is aimed at both locals and the overseas market.

The transfers leave in the morning on a daily basis from Windhoek to the Kalahari, Swakopmund, Etosha and Sossusvlei; and from Sossusvlei to the Kalahari; Swakopmund to Sossusvlei and Damaraland; Etosha to Damaraland. And three times per week from the Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon, as well. Please see the route map below.

The return trips are in the early afternoon. Passengers can be dropped off at their respective destinations along the pre-set routes.

Vehicles range in size from Quantums and Sprinters to 4x4 Iveco Busses. The rate is N$690 pp per transfer.

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Namibia, Sossusvlei: Gondwana Collection Desert Whisper

Desert Whisper

Location: 60 km north of Sesriem on the C 19 (Sossusvlei Area)

The desert is calling, whispering sweet nothings in your ear, attracting lovers of life to celebrate the desert in a one-of-its-kind intimate desert hideaway. Creatively constructed with sublime desert views, Desert Whisper is designed as a luxuriously special desert retreat for two.

Inspired by nature and natural shapes, material and colours, your contemporary desert home is one that you may never want to leave. Pad around your open-plan lounge and dining area with its well-stocked bar and fully-equipped kitchen; to your bedroom and en-suite bathroom with their spectacular desert vistas. Soak up the scenery on the terrace with a glass of wine or steaming cup of coffee, and stroll along the wooden walkway to take a dip in the cool refreshing water of your personal plunge pool.

There is the invigorating feeling of space in the desert. The golden expanse of the Namib extends to the horizon, fringed by the softness of the Naukluft Mountains in the distance and the infinite blue sky above. And it is entirely yours for your stay.

Your own dedicated host and scenic drive ensure exclusivity. Meals are pre-arranged to suit your dietary preferences.

Embrace the solitude and magnificence of the Namib Desert at Desert Whisper, your exclusive desert hideaway in the midst of the Namib sands.

AVAILABLE SERVICES
• Credit Card: Visa, Master (at Namib Desert Lodge)
• Laundry Service (at Namib Desert Lodge)

PROPERTY FACILITIES & AMENITIES

• 1 bedroom (max 2 pax, no children of 0-13 years old)
• Open plan fully equipped kitchen and dining area 
• En-suite shower / bathroom
• Balcony
• Barbecue facilities
• Terraced outdoor space
• Private Bar
• Private plunge pool
• Wi-Fi

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Sossusvlei, Namibia: Desert Whisper in photos

Creatively constructed with sublime desert views, Desert Whisper is designed as a luxuriously special desert retreat for two.

Desert Whisper photo gallery

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Namibia: King Nehale Lodge | Кинг Нехале Лодж Намибия

#Namibia #KingNehale #EtoshaPark #GondwanaCollection #Oshikoto #Oshana #Ohangwena #Omusati #Owamboland #PalmwagLodge #Omarunga #КингНехале #Намибия

ETOSHA KING NEHALE ACCOMMODATION

Exciting developments are afoot. Gondwana Collection Namibia is opening a new lodge 1km north of the King Nehale Gate on the northern border of Etosha National Park. Etosha King Nehale will host 40 rooms, which will pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the area. The lodge is situated in the King Nehale Conservancy.

The area is characterised by vast and spectacular landscapes including the Andoni Plains, artesian springs and woodlands. To the north, the conservancy is surrounded by the pulsating life of the communal areas of the Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati Regions. Guests have the opportunity to combine the cultural vibrancy of so-called Owamboland with the natural wonders of the rarely frequented northern part of the Etosha National Park.

Etosha King Nehale opens on 1 May 2020.

Available Lodge Services
Credit Cards: Visa, Master
Laundry Service 
Property Facilities
Veranda with private splash pool
Secure parking
Tea / Coffee Facilities
Fridge
En-suite bathrooms, showers
Wi-Fi
Bar
Restaurant
Air Conditioning / Heating
Safe

Child Policy
Children are most welcome at all our venues. Children up to 5 years old are free of charge; for children between the age of 6 and 13 years we charge 50 per cent of the B&B rate.

Earlier opening date for Etosha King Nehale
We are happy to announce that the construction of Etosha King Nehale is progressing faster than expected. This brand new Gondwana lodge is situated on the Andoni plains just 48 km north of Namutoni and one kilometre from Etosha’s northern-most King Nehale gate.

Etosha King Nehale is now set to open its doors on 1 May 2020.

Each of the 40 spacious chalets, fit for a king, will have its own plunge pool and views over the plains, offering our guests the exceptional feeling of endless space and limitless horizons.

The crowning jewel is our concession for an exclusive waterhole in the Etosha National Park, which is not frequented by other travellers.

Etosha King Nehale is an easy stop after an exciting day of game-viewing in Etosha, and invites our guests to linger longer and explore Owamboland, a world of colour and culture unlike anywhere else in the country.

The lodge is also a much-needed stop on a journey to Namibia’s northern reaches, providing easy access to the Gondwana lodges in the Kavango and Zambezi regions, and to Palmwag Lodge & Camp and Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp in the Kunene Region.

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Namibia: Gondwana Collection new lodge

#Namibia #KingNehaleConservancy #GondwanaCollection #EtoshaNationalPark #Africa #NehalelyaMpingana #OndongaTraditionalAuthority #Owambo

Gondwana and the King Nehale Conservancy Join Forces

Exciting developments are afoot, as the Gondwana Collection Namibia signed a Joint Venture Agreement with the King Nehale Conservancy on 28 June 2018. The agreement will allow Gondwana to develop and construct a new lodge within the Conservancy, about 5 km north of the King Nehale Gate to the Etosha National Park. The envisioned lodge will host 40 rooms, which will pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the area. Furthermore, it enables the conservancy to generate an additional income.

“We at Gondwana are extremely humbled and excited about this opportunity. Etosha, together with our traversing rights into exclusive parts of Etosha, will remain the anchor of this lodge,” says Gys Joubert, Managing Director of the Gondwana Collection. “This location also affords us the opportunity to open up the wonderful tourism potential of the four O regions. The modern traveller wants to experience and interact with the local cultures and we hope to play our part, together with the local communities, to explore this last frontier of Namibian tourism.”

The King Nehale Conservancy is situated along the northern border of the Etosha National Park. To the north, the conservancy is surrounded by the pulsating life of the communal areas of the Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati Regions. The new Gondwana lodge gives guests the opportunity to combine the natural wonders of Etosha with the cultural vibrancy of the Owambo people. Construction is scheduled to commence towards the end of the year.

The King Nehale Conservancy was registered in September 2005 and has been named after the late Nehale lya Mpingana, King of the Ondonga Traditional Authority. The area is characterised by vast and spectacular landscapes including the Andoni Plains, artesian springs and woodlands. Guests will experience antelope grazing amongst cattle and abundant birdlife attracted by diverse habitats.

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Namibia: new Zambezi Mubala Lodge | Замбези Мубала Лодж Намибия

#ZambeziMubalaLodge #Namibia #Africa #KatimaMulilo #GondwanaCollection #VictoriaFalls #ChobeNationalPark #ЗамбезиМубалаЛоджНамибия

Zambezi Mubala Lodge - newest addition to Gondwana Collection

The Gondwana Collection’s newest lodge, the Zambezi Mubala Lodge in the far east of the Zambezi Region, opened on 1 November 2017. Guests are ferried to the lodge by boat. The boat trip gives guests an idyllic first impression of the spectacular water world of the Zambezi and the spacious lodge along its banks.

Zambezi Mubala Lodge offers eighteen luxurious and spacious double rooms, and two family cabins with en-suite bathrooms and stunning views of the river landscape. “Inspired by the way the sun’s light reflects on the Zambezi River, we coloured the interior of Zambezi Mubala Lodge in blues, greens and golds,” says Melanie van der Merwe of Women Unleashed. “A strong sense of living in balance with nature infuses the design of the lodge. Round elements are repeated throughout, signifying the circle of life.”

The former Kalizo Lodge was completely rebuilt and transformed into the Zambezi Mubala Lodge this year. The architect, Sven-Erik Staby, who also designed The Delight Swakopmund and the Kalahari Anib Lodge, drew up the plans for this new property in an environmentally-friendly way. Since Gondwana also acquired the nearby Island View Lodge, now named Zambezi Mubala Camp, it serves as the departure point for the boat trip to the lodge. As from 1 May 2018 campsites and self-catering tents (glamping) will be available there.

The Zambezi Mubala Lodge is a paradise for nature and fishing enthusiasts, and a bucket-list stop for all bird-lovers. Atmospheric sunset cruises or specialised fishing and birding excursions add to the charm of this new Gondwana property along the colourful water and wildlife of the Zambezi Region. The lodge lives up to its name “Mubala”, which means “colour” in the local Lozi language.

At the Zambezi Mubala Lodge, our guests aren’t the only visitors making a home away from home. They are joined by the colourful, joyfully fluttering Carmine Bee-eaters. The colony on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River is one of the largest in southern Africa. 

The lodge is located 40km east of Katima Mulilo on the Namibian Zambezi River, overlooking Zambia – in the heart of unspoiled nature. Day trips to the famous Victoria Falls, Chobe National Parks and other national parks in the area are not to be missed.

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Namibia: news from Gondwana - Zambezi Mubala Lodge | Замбези Мубала Лодж Намибия

#ЗамбезиМубалаЛодж #Намибия #Namibia #GondwanaCollection

Don't miss it: Zambezi Mubala Lodge opens soon

A new Gondwana Collection lodge located in the Zambezi Region, will open in November 2017. The Zambezi Mubala Lodge is a paradise for nature and fishing enthusiasts and a must for all bird lovers. Atmospheric boat trips during sunset allow you to dive into the colourful water and animal world of the Zambezi. A healthy filling for every photographer.

Gondwana Collection's Brand and Marketing Director, Mannfred Goldbeck, is convinced that the name of the new lodge is exactly what it promises:
"Mubala means 'colour' in die local Silozi language. We are convinced that the harmonious colours of nature and its reflections on the water of the Zambezi will be a unique and memorable holiday experience."
The Zambezi Mubala Lodge is currently being rebuilt on the site of what used to be Kalizo Lodge, and accommodation can be booked as from 1 November 2017. Eighteen spacious double chalets and two family chalets, all en suite and air conditioned, offer breath-taking views of the river landscape, inviting you to linger. There are also six tented chalets with en suite bathrooms.
Here, our guests will find a temporary home but it is also home to the colourful, cheerfully fluttering Carmine Bee-eaters. The colony on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River is one of the largest in southern Africa.
The Zambezi Mubala Lodge is located 40km east of Katima Mulilo on the Namibian riverbank of the Zambezi, overlooking Zambia - in the heart of untouched nature. Day trips to the famous Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park and other national parks in the region are not to be missed.

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Namibia: Gondwana news

#GondwanaNamibiaNews
#GondwanaCollection
#GondwanaCanyonParkNamibia 
#MannfredGoldbeck

In November this year, the leading hospitality company in Namibia will turn 21. It began humbly with a single lodge, a handful of staff and a dream, and has grown over the last two decades to become what is today the well-loved Gondwana Collection.

Over the years, Gondwana has created one of the largest privately protected areas in Africa, the 127 000 hectare Gondwana Canyon Park; established 14 lodges countrywide and The Delight Hotel in Swakopmund; grown its staff complement to over 600 people; and welcomed 2 million guests who have walked through its doors. Land that was previously owned by just 11 people is now jointly owned by 64 shareholders representing all sectors of Namibian society. Gondwana has also been the forerunner in making tourism available to Namibians with its popular Gondwana Card. More than that though, with lodges dotted throughout the country, it has enabled people to experience the new Namibia, the positive Namibia, the “yes we can” Namibia as they travel from place to place.

The company has received many accolades over the years including the Equity Empowerment, Investor of the Year and the Most Innovative Tourist Company in Africa awards, as well as a number of environmental honours.

From the beginning, the founding member and managing director, Mannfred Goldbeck, has been in the driver’s seat, steering the company in innovative new directions with his energy, warmth and vision. He has taken the company on an incredible journey and seen many of its dreams materialise. As Gondwana moves into the next decade – and the next part of its journey, he has decided to hand over the reins to new blood. Mr Goldbeck will remain with the company as a senior executive and focus his energy on Gondwana Branding and Marketing, as well as on further improving its Environmental practices with the aim of achieving truly sustainable tourism. He will also be focusing on building a Gondwana Hospitality Academy at Stampriet, to ensure that Gondwana’s well-renowned service quality continues to improve through providing young Namibians with new opportunities and skills. These areas of brand profile underpinned by meeting and exceeding guest expectations, sustainable environmental management and investing in the people of Namibia are at the heart of Gondwana’s values and are the soul of the company. Mannfred Goldbeck has built and nurtured these values. He will now have more time to redefine and grow the core elements of these values, strengthen the synergy between them and help lift the company to greater heights.

“In Brand and Marketing lie opportunities for new growth to unlock potential, attracting even more guests eager to discover and explore Namibia,” says Mr Goldbeck, describing how his love for Namibia will be of benefit to all.

As Gondwana has grown to its present size, the company recognises that it is now a time to restructure. It is advertising for the new position of MD; the process to be facilitated over the next six months by the Gondwana Board. Applications from those with the relevant qualifications and experience are welcome. Essential requirements for candidates are a passion for the new Namibia, commitment to the company, understanding of tourism, leadership and vision, the distinctive human approach that exemplifies Gondwana and the ability to lead the company into the next decade, retaining its place among the top tourism companies in Namibia.

Mr Goldbeck expresses his gratitude to all those who have made it possible over the years: the staff, Gondwana fans and friends, the shareholders, the directors, the media and the public. He will retain his position as MD until the end of the year.

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