Gondwana Collection plans to build a new 24-room hotel in Walvis Bay, with property acquisitions completed and council approvals secured.
Chief Executive Officer Gys Joubert told The Brief that the group had acquired three properties, including two on the Walvis Bay lagoon.
“We are not yet in the final phase. What we have done so far is acquire three properties, including two on the lagoon in Walvis Bay, and that process is complete. We have recently received approval from the council to consolidate these properties, which will allow us to move forward with designing and constructing the hotel,” Joubert told The Brief.
Designs for the development have been completed but still require final authorisation from the local authority.
“You have seen our design, but it is now subject to all the necessary approvals at the local authority level. In addition, we are still waiting for final quotes and construction costs. Once these figures are available, they will go back to the Gondwana board for the final decision,” Joubert said.
The hotel is expected to feature larger, apartment-style rooms tailored to tourists, business travellers and long-stay guests.
“We are looking at a 24-room hotel, with the intention of having larger, apartment-style rooms. The design caters not only to tourism but also to business travellers and longer-stay guests. This approach positions us well for the current market trends and the demand for flexible accommodation options,” he said.
A feasibility study has already been completed, though final costings remain outstanding.
“Yes, the feasibility study has been completed, and we are satisfied with the results. However, we do not yet have the final numbers for construction costs. These financial details are essential before the board can make the final decision. Despite this, we remain very hopeful and are aiming to break ground no later than January 2026,” Joubert added.
Discussions on financing are under way with local institutions, including the Development Bank of Namibia.
“The financing model has not been finalised yet. However, we are actively in discussions with local banks, including the Development Bank of Namibia, to determine the best approach moving forward,” he said.
Gondwana currently operates 16 tourism properties across Namibia, largely located in community areas and conservancies.
