Namibia, land of contrasts and diverse distinctions, from arid desert expanses to the coastal regions in the West, this country offers visitors a rich variety of tourism spots which draw visitors due to their variety in appeal and charm. But that’s by no means all – for people wishing to conduct business in Namibia, this country’s riches and resources ensure that trading is hassle free and productive.
Getting there
Direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town are available daily. AirNamibiaoffers double daily services betweenCape TownandWindhoekand double daily services betweenJohannesburgandWindhoek. BA Comair offers daily flights from Johannesburg to Namibia with SAA operating two flights daily between the two destinations. Flying time from Johannesburg is around two hours. The national carrier, Air Namibia, offers domestic flights to Windhoek, Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay, Luderitz, Oranjemund, Eros and Mpacha. It’s regional network includes Accra, Luanda, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Maun, Victoria Falls and Lusaka. Air Namibia also flies internationally to Frankfurt.
Travel in and around Windhoek
Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, a number of choices are available. Firstly, there are a variety of car hire companies situated within the airport including Avis, Tiger Car Rental and Eurpocar. With roads being easy to navigate and streets well marked, car hire is a popular option with corporate travellers to the capital city. Another option would be to make use of the shuttle bus at the hotel where you are staying. The city centre is relatively compact, meaning that travelers can easily get around on foot. The city does not offer public transport and therefore shuttle and transfer services are mostly recommended. They are the safest and most reliable means of transport.
Money
Namibia’s currency is the Namibian Dollar which is linked to the South African Rand on a 1:1 basis. The South African Rand is still accepted as legal tender in Namibia. Note denominations for the Dollar include NAD200, 100, 50 and 10.
Currency exchange is available in banks and at bureau de change. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
Windhoek
There is a saying in Namibiathat all roads lead to Windhoekand never is it as true as when it refers to business and business opportunities available. Situated in the middle of the country, this capital city is the pulse providing the economic lifeblood of the country. Over 22% of visits from South Africato Namibiaare for business purposes. Bordering on South Africa, Namibia offers a variety of business opportunities, with its main economic sectors being Mining, Fishing, Agriculture and Tourism. Tourism is the fastest growing sector in the country with Agriculture being the largest employer, employing a total of 46% ofNamibia’s workforce. Mining includes minerals such as uranium, copper, zinc, magnesium, cadium, arsenic, pyrites, silver and gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones (granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many other semi-precious stones.
Accommodation
Being the largest city in Namibia, Windhoek offers travellers various accommodation alternatives, from B&B’s through to four-star hotels. The Protea Hotel Fürstenhof, the Protea Group’s flagship business hotel inWindhoekrecently underwent an extensive renovation and upgrade. The upgrades included the improvement of health and safety aspects and installing more eco-friendly systems, such as solar power. The Hotel’s conference and banqueting facilities now accommodate up to 120 delegates in superior style. The Hilton Group will also be opening it’s first hotel in Namibia this year.
Conferencing and meetings
Conference facilities within the city are many and varied and are able to cater to the individual needs of the client. Namibia has a strong support system capable of providing facilities for international conferences of up to 2000 delegates. Popular conferencing options within in the capital city include the Safari Court Hotel, Kempinski Hotel and Windhoek Hotel & Country Club. Windhoek’s conference infrastructure comprises fine accommodation establishments, world-class telecommunications, audiovisual equipment, interpreters and organisational expertise.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is filled with a multitude of buildings and other places of interest to be explores by visitors in between business meetings. There are a number of hotels which are ideal for smaller or medium-sized incentives and conferences. Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre is the flagship of the industry and can accommodate conferences of up to 350 delegates. The Hansa Hotel offers 58 rooms and three conferencing rooms.
Leisure activities
Several tour operators offer city tours inWindhoek, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day’s excursion. For those wishing to get some exercise while taking in the colonial past of this fascinating city, a walking orientation would be the route to go.
A different excursion option and certainly not only an option for beer drinkers, is a tour of Namibia Brewaries Ltd, the home of famous Windhoek Lager. Brewery tours are conducted from Mondays to Thursdays and do need to be booked timeously.
For those with a bit more time on their hands and the opportunity to travel outside the boundaries of the city, other popular excursion options include a visit to the Gross-Barmen Hot Springs Resort or Swakopmund’s adventure sports capital of Namibia with choices of quad biking, 4×4 adventures and sandboarding or alternatively a visit to Luderitz where stunning architecture and seaside charm has visitors queueing for a visit to this quaint town. In Swakopmund, travellers play a round of gold at the Rossmund Golf Course in the heart of the Namib Desert. It is one of only five 18-hole fully grassed desert courses in the world.
For more information
Visit the Namibia Tourism Board website at namibiatourism.com.na
Advantages of hosting conferences in Namibia:
- No jetlag – only one hour difference during winter or same time zone in summer
- Good access to Windhoek: two flights per day from Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Only two hours flying time
- No exchange rate headaches
- Good infrastructure
- No visas are needed for SA passport holders travelling as bona fide tourists
- Range of entertainment options
- Different scenery