News and Views
People and Places
Cafe Zoo, the charming restaurant with its leafy terrace nestling in the corner of Zoo Park, is now - as from 1st November - in the hands of new owners, the Hertz family. Gunter, together with his wife Beate and their two sons Marius and Andreas, will personally run the place as a family business and will now be opening not only seven days a week, but also in the evenings, so the revised opening hours are indeed "from eight till late". Breakfasts now feature a choice of Fitness, French or Full. They will be baking their own cakes daily, with some new ideas in the gateaux department. But, of greatest interest is that, for lunchtime and candlelit evening meals, the accent will be very much now on Italian specialities. Indeed this fully redesigned menu, with the Italian slant, is offering an amazing antipasti buffet and some innovative, tasty pasta dishes. Café Zoo can seat 80, and boasts possibly the most pleasant location in Windhoek in which to enjoy simply drinks, a light snack or a three course meal. We are promised good, attentive service and creative food to titillate the taste buds. Bon appetit!
Ingo Stritter, CEO and Founder of Gocheganas, the Nature Reserve and Wellness Village situated just outside Windhoek, was in sparkling form at the HAN Tourism Trade Fair (HTTF) which took place in late November at the Safari Court Conference Centre in the capital. Ingo confirmed that all operational activities, management and marketing for Gocheganas would in future be once again under his direct control and supervision. The company is looking forward to a great 2006, with visitors continuing to enjoy the full spectrum of activities on offer at Gocheganas both in their nature reserve and their fully equipped wellness and recreational centres. As always on the wellness and therapy side, only authentic Namibian ThalassO products manufactured in Lüderitz, will be used. So guests can indeed look forward to a unique, special and truly Namibian experience at Gocheganas, says Ingo. Tel +264 61 224909.
Kurt Schlenther, a personality well known within the tourism industry here in Namibia, is now firmly ensconced as General Manager at Sossusvlei Lodge, situated at Sesriem, the gateway to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib. Previous incumbent, the lively Ute de Jager, will be based in Swakopmund - after showing Kurt the ropes at the lodge - and will be busy "developing the company into new and exciting horizons, while also concentrating on the marketing & sales". Indeed the holding company has been renamed Taleni Africa (previously Netgro) and we are promised some exciting developments during 2006. Builders are scheduled to start on one project early in the year; this will be the Desert Camp, to be sited some 4 km from Sossusvlei Lodge, and based on the same farm. Aimed at travellers on a lower budget, particularly locals, the Desert Camp will provide full camping and self catering facilities, although visitors will be welcome to take their meals at the Lodge itself. Completion is scheduled for July 2006.
Well known Belgian crooner Helmut Lotti is coming to Namibia! On 11th February 2006 he will entertain a select crowd at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre in Windhoek with his "Best of Helmut Lotti" Concert. Backed by a twenty piece orchestra, he will sing for over two hours. Proceeds from the show will go to The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and support their HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Namibia. Lotti himself was appointed as a Belgian national ambassador for UNICEF in 2001, and is gladly giving of his time to champion this deserving cause. Leading Lodges of Africa, owned by the Van de Vijver family - themselves originally from Belgium - are organizing and supporting the concert as a goodwill gesture and tickets can be obtained from their Windhoek head office on +264 61 375300. There are 300 tickets available at N$1200 each and a further 600 costing N$1000 per person. A gala dinner is included in the price. Be quick to book, both to enjoy the talents of one of the world's foremost songsters and to give your support to such a good cause.
Business Affairs
Air Namibia recently collected the first of two Airbus A340-300 planes it is leasing from the Paris based group, Avequis. The second is due for delivery in September 2006. The Airbus should prove to be less expensive to operate than the MD11's it replaces, producing an overall saving of some 15% per seat. This first aircraft will ply its trade between Windhoek and either of the two direct European destinations, namely Frankfurt or London Gatwick.
However the national carrier recently withdrew its daily (excl Sat) return service between Windhoek (Eros) & Swakopmund. Elna van Schalkwyk, based at the airline's Swakopmund office explained the logic behind the decision. Firstly, the aircraft operated on the route was a leased Cessna Caravan. It flew only this route and therefore was not at all cost efficient. Secondly, the departure slot timed at 15.00 from Eros was not ideal. Lastly, once the upgrading of Walvis Bay Airport is completed, it is envisaged that a larger plane, such as a 737, could fly between Hosea Kutako International and Walvis, thus allowing international passengers a fast and direct link to the coast. Meanwhile, Comav Air Charters has adopted the route and is operating a 19 seater Beechcraft B1900D aircraft between the two cities on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing from Eros at a more useful 09.30 hours and returning at 15.45 hours.
Lastly, good news for passengers. Air Namibia - in the face of intense price competition from South African Airways on flights to both the Republic and Europe - are maintaining some very attractive return fare options. Currently just over N$ 4000 (excl taxes) to the UK or Germany and only N$ 1200 (excl taxes) to Johannesburg. Kulula regional flights from RSA may also appear cheaper, but after all the taxes are added, maybe Air Namibia is still the best value!
Talking of flying, two local pilots namely Francois van Niekerk (Air Namibia) and Helmon Huisamen (Comav) recently - with their families - bought the Klein Windhoek Guest House at 2 Hofmeyer Street (Tel +264 61 239401). Situated in a blissfully quiet area of Klein Windhoek, the well appointed guest house boasts 9 double rooms and 2 self catering flats, accommodating 24 in total. All rooms have air conditioners and there is a pool too. Plans are afoot to build a restaurant and lapa during 2006 so that dinner can be served to guests, since presently only breakfast is available. Marketing the establishment to the tourism industry, rather than solely relying on business visitors will be a priority for the new owners too. Wireless internet facilities will be available for guests as from January. E-mail [email protected] Website www.natron.net/kwgh
Leading Lodges of Africa and their ebullient marketing team have announced some new branding procedures for their up market portfolio which includes Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa, Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa, Suclabo Okavango Lodge and Villa Verdi Guest House. All the LLA curio shops will become African Lifestyle stores, following much the principles employed at the Elephant Crossing retail outlet in Windhoek (recently purchased by the Van de Vyjver brothers, Christophe & Olivier). The plan is that the shops in each lodge will have their own individual style, but will share a common high standard and marketing thread. Furthermore, Werner Beddies - the Leading Lodges CEO - announced that all spas in the group will be branded and operated under the Mystique Spas banner, a high profile operation which will only benefit guests of LLA.
Cafe Zoo, the charming restaurant with its leafy terrace nestling in the corner of Zoo Park, is now - as from 1st November - in the hands of new owners, the Hertz family. Gunter, together with his wife Beate and their two sons Marius and Andreas, will personally run the place as a family business and will now be opening not only seven days a week, but also in the evenings, so the revised opening hours are indeed "from eight till late". Breakfasts now feature a choice of Fitness, French or Full. They will be baking their own cakes daily, with some new ideas in the gateaux department. But, of greatest interest is that, for lunchtime and candlelit evening meals, the accent will be very much now on Italian specialities. Indeed this fully redesigned menu, with the Italian slant, is offering an amazing antipasti buffet and some innovative, tasty pasta dishes. Café Zoo can seat 80, and boasts possibly the most pleasant location in Windhoek in which to enjoy simply drinks, a light snack or a three course meal. We are promised good, attentive service and creative food to titillate the taste buds. Bon appetit!
Ingo Stritter, CEO and Founder of Gocheganas, the Nature Reserve and Wellness Village situated just outside Windhoek, was in sparkling form at the HAN Tourism Trade Fair (HTTF) which took place in late November at the Safari Court Conference Centre in the capital. Ingo confirmed that all operational activities, management and marketing for Gocheganas would in future be once again under his direct control and supervision. The company is looking forward to a great 2006, with visitors continuing to enjoy the full spectrum of activities on offer at Gocheganas both in their nature reserve and their fully equipped wellness and recreational centres. As always on the wellness and therapy side, only authentic Namibian ThalassO products manufactured in Lüderitz, will be used. So guests can indeed look forward to a unique, special and truly Namibian experience at Gocheganas, says Ingo. Tel +264 61 224909.
Kurt Schlenther, a personality well known within the tourism industry here in Namibia, is now firmly ensconced as General Manager at Sossusvlei Lodge, situated at Sesriem, the gateway to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib. Previous incumbent, the lively Ute de Jager, will be based in Swakopmund - after showing Kurt the ropes at the lodge - and will be busy "developing the company into new and exciting horizons, while also concentrating on the marketing & sales". Indeed the holding company has been renamed Taleni Africa (previously Netgro) and we are promised some exciting developments during 2006. Builders are scheduled to start on one project early in the year; this will be the Desert Camp, to be sited some 4 km from Sossusvlei Lodge, and based on the same farm. Aimed at travellers on a lower budget, particularly locals, the Desert Camp will provide full camping and self catering facilities, although visitors will be welcome to take their meals at the Lodge itself. Completion is scheduled for July 2006.
Well known Belgian crooner Helmut Lotti is coming to Namibia! On 11th February 2006 he will entertain a select crowd at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre in Windhoek with his "Best of Helmut Lotti" Concert. Backed by a twenty piece orchestra, he will sing for over two hours. Proceeds from the show will go to The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and support their HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Namibia. Lotti himself was appointed as a Belgian national ambassador for UNICEF in 2001, and is gladly giving of his time to champion this deserving cause. Leading Lodges of Africa, owned by the Van de Vijver family - themselves originally from Belgium - are organizing and supporting the concert as a goodwill gesture and tickets can be obtained from their Windhoek head office on +264 61 375300. There are 300 tickets available at N$1200 each and a further 600 costing N$1000 per person. A gala dinner is included in the price. Be quick to book, both to enjoy the talents of one of the world's foremost songsters and to give your support to such a good cause.
Business Affairs
Air Namibia recently collected the first of two Airbus A340-300 planes it is leasing from the Paris based group, Avequis. The second is due for delivery in September 2006. The Airbus should prove to be less expensive to operate than the MD11's it replaces, producing an overall saving of some 15% per seat. This first aircraft will ply its trade between Windhoek and either of the two direct European destinations, namely Frankfurt or London Gatwick.
However the national carrier recently withdrew its daily (excl Sat) return service between Windhoek (Eros) & Swakopmund. Elna van Schalkwyk, based at the airline's Swakopmund office explained the logic behind the decision. Firstly, the aircraft operated on the route was a leased Cessna Caravan. It flew only this route and therefore was not at all cost efficient. Secondly, the departure slot timed at 15.00 from Eros was not ideal. Lastly, once the upgrading of Walvis Bay Airport is completed, it is envisaged that a larger plane, such as a 737, could fly between Hosea Kutako International and Walvis, thus allowing international passengers a fast and direct link to the coast. Meanwhile, Comav Air Charters has adopted the route and is operating a 19 seater Beechcraft B1900D aircraft between the two cities on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing from Eros at a more useful 09.30 hours and returning at 15.45 hours.
Lastly, good news for passengers. Air Namibia - in the face of intense price competition from South African Airways on flights to both the Republic and Europe - are maintaining some very attractive return fare options. Currently just over N$ 4000 (excl taxes) to the UK or Germany and only N$ 1200 (excl taxes) to Johannesburg. Kulula regional flights from RSA may also appear cheaper, but after all the taxes are added, maybe Air Namibia is still the best value!
Talking of flying, two local pilots namely Francois van Niekerk (Air Namibia) and Helmon Huisamen (Comav) recently - with their families - bought the Klein Windhoek Guest House at 2 Hofmeyer Street (Tel +264 61 239401). Situated in a blissfully quiet area of Klein Windhoek, the well appointed guest house boasts 9 double rooms and 2 self catering flats, accommodating 24 in total. All rooms have air conditioners and there is a pool too. Plans are afoot to build a restaurant and lapa during 2006 so that dinner can be served to guests, since presently only breakfast is available. Marketing the establishment to the tourism industry, rather than solely relying on business visitors will be a priority for the new owners too. Wireless internet facilities will be available for guests as from January. E-mail [email protected] Website www.natron.net/kwgh
Leading Lodges of Africa and their ebullient marketing team have announced some new branding procedures for their up market portfolio which includes Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa, Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa, Suclabo Okavango Lodge and Villa Verdi Guest House. All the LLA curio shops will become African Lifestyle stores, following much the principles employed at the Elephant Crossing retail outlet in Windhoek (recently purchased by the Van de Vyjver brothers, Christophe & Olivier). The plan is that the shops in each lodge will have their own individual style, but will share a common high standard and marketing thread. Furthermore, Werner Beddies - the Leading Lodges CEO - announced that all spas in the group will be branded and operated under the Mystique Spas banner, a high profile operation which will only benefit guests of LLA.
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