An exclusive tour of Accor Hotels in Windhoek offered local and international journalists a taste of city life, culture, cuisine and nearby nature escapes.
The group hosted the press from 27 to 30 March, to not just tour its hotels, but also discover what it truly means to unwind, explore and enjoy the capital as both a tourist and a local.
Reporters got the chance to explore two standout Accor properties that embody the group’s hospitality vision for Namibia.
Day 1: A True Taste of Windhoek
Members of the press checked in at Mövenpick Hotel, just in time for a hearty welcome lunch – traditional pap and vleis, with a juicy T-bone, pap, and a chop of omuriva (maize).
Our city tour kicked off with a nostalgic stop at the train station – a special moment for those of us who can remember a time when trains stopping at the station used to transport passengers.
Nowadays it’s mostly freight, but the historic charm still lingers.
The next highlight was an authentic kapana experience at Windhoek’s Single Quarters, a first for many of the foreign journalists.
They were fascinated by the sense of community, with vendors calling everyone “cousin”, and the fat cakes were a hit too. We washed it down with drinks at a nearby car wash – a social spot that amused many visitors.
A drive through Eveline Street in Katutura offered laughter and fascination with its creative shebeen names, like ‘Kom Drink Jou Uit’ and ‘Push and Pull’.
We continued to the iconic Independence Memorial Museum, with its espresso machine-like architecture and panoramic city views.
As the rain began to fall during rush hour, our guests were surprised that what we considered traffic was barely a ripple compared to their home cities.
Back at Mövenpick, a dance session to Namibian old-school hits (including King TeeDee’s classics) set the mood before we enjoyed an indulgent three-course dinner.
I opted for steak, beautifully paired with butternut and tomatoes, served with warmth by a chef who made sure we were completely satisfied.
The evening ended with a toast of gin and tonic.
Day 2: Into the Wild and West Africa Vibes
We kicked off early with a game drive just outside the city. From the gate, our tall ‘cousins’ – giraffes – welcomed us. In my language, we say “tjombahe mbino mutima omuwa”, meaning, “I have a good heart like a giraffe”.
We spotted zebras, ostriches, kudus, springbok, wildebeest, and majestic rhinos.
The silence was emotional, broken only by camera clicks. Knowing these beautiful creatures are endangered brought a bittersweet note to the moment, which is also why the venue cannot be disclosed.
After the reserve, we took a relaxing cruise on Lake Oanob near Rehoboth. Wine in hand, we floated under grey skies until a drizzle descended, cutting our cruise short – but not before snapping enough photos to make it memorable.
We returned to Windhoek for a drum circle and fire-ring dinner at Mercure Hotel.
For a moment, it felt like we had been transported to West Africa – the music, the rhythm, the energy.
The night wrapped up at the hotel’s Skeleton Bar, with thunder rumbling in the background.
Day 3: Food, Soul and Final Flavours
The day began with a ‘secret sunrise’ yoga and meditation session, followed by a cooking class, which turned out to be one of my favourite moments.
I don’t cook much (my sister’s the chef in our home), but this session reignited my love for the kitchen. I even impressed my colleagues with my dishes!
We wrapped up the day with dinner at a local tourist hotspot in Windhoek, famous for its beer and lush green setting – the perfect end to a whirlwind journey.
Accor Hotels in Windhoek are more than just a place to sleep – they’re an experience.
While business travellers and international guests may be their main clientele, these properties offer something for everyone.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a spa session (soon to be fully operational), or a quiet garden moment, there’s something to make you feel at home.
With gyms, pools, conference rooms, bars and attentive service, these hotels are well-equipped to accommodate the modern traveller.
But it’s the small cultural details – like local cuisine, music and people – that make the stay unforgettable.
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