Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Gondwana Collection Namibia

Also known as: Gondwana group

Gondwana Collection Namibia — Namibian hospitality and tourism company operating lodges and conservation initiatives across the country, recently awarded nine international quality awards.

2020-07-062026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. August 2025
  2. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia discovered vast graveyards of zebra bones when looking at farms to extend Gondwana Canyon Park

    Source

    When we were looking at farms to extend the Gondwana Canyon Park, we discovered why.

    The return of Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra
  3. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia launched in-house 'Train the Trainer' development initiative

    Source

    This commitment has led to the launch of an in-house development initiative: the 'Train the Trainer' programme.

    “You can only be successful if you make others successful”
  4. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia runs Go4Gold Academy, a year-long in-house leadership training programme

    Source

    Gondwana Collection Namibia's Go4Gold Academy participants recently explored the vital role of financial literacy in effective lodge management during an intensive budgeting essentials themed week.

    Gondwana’s Go4Gold programme midway completion: Financial Literacy Takes Centre Stage
  5. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia won five honours at the Best of Namibia 2025 Awards

    Source

    Gondwana Collection Namibia has been named one of the standout winners at the Best of Namibia 2025 Awards, taking home five honours across key accommodation, travel and transport categories.

    Gondwana scoops five wins at Best of Namibia 2025 Awards
  6. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia gathered fifteen apprentices at Kalahari Farmhouse for vocational training milestone

    Source

    Fifteen apprentices from lodges across Namibia gathered this past weekend at Kalahari Farmhouse alongside the Gondwana Collection Namibia's People and Culture team to mark a key milestone in their vocational training journey.

    Developing Skills for a Stronger Tourism Sector
  7. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia delivers structured three-year apprenticeship programme in partnership with Okakarara Vocational Training Centre and Namibia Training Authority

    Source

    This group forms part of Gondwana Collection's structured three-year apprenticeship programme, which is delivered in partnership with Okakarara Vocational Training Centre and the Namibia Training Authority.

    Developing Skills for a Stronger Tourism Sector
  8. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia has reduced water consumption by more than half through wastewater recycling systems

    Source

    These systems enable wastewater recycling, which has helped reduce overall water consumption by more than half – a key achievement aligned with our environmental strategy.

    Gondwana’s Commitment to Regenerative Tourism: Making Every Drop Count
  9. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia reduced water use per person per day from 901 to 588 litres since 2020

    Source

    Since 2020, Gondwana Collection's water use per person per day has dropped from 901 to 588 litres.

    Gondwana’s Commitment to Regenerative Tourism: Making Every Drop Count
  10. July 2025
  11. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia recently engaged with the Namibia Tourism Board to discuss the future of Namibian tourism

    Source

    Gondwana Collection Namibia recently engaged with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) to discuss the future of Namibian tourism.

    Shaping the Future of Namibian Tourism Together
  12. The Namibian

    Gondwana Collection Namibia partnered with ERP Namibia and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to launch the world's largest privately-owned black rhino sanctuary

    Source

    The sanctuary is the result of a strategic partnership between Gondwana Collection Namibia, Elephants, Rhinos and People (ERP) Namibia, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

    Namibia to Get World’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary
Tourism & Environment

Gondwana rangers train to strengthen black rhino conservation

The News

Gondwana Collection Namibia held a reinforcement session for environment management teams and rangers from Gondwana Canyon Park and the Elephants, Rhino and People Anti-Poaching Unit to sharpen monitoring skills, including individual identification, health assessment, and behaviour observation to support the Black Rhino Sanctuary.

Why it matters

Gondwana rangers complete reinforcement training to strengthen black rhino conservation monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.

22 May 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 22 May

  1. Gondwana rangers train to strengthen black rhino conservation

    Gondwana Collection Namibia held a reinforcement session for environment management teams and rangers from Gondwana Canyon Park and the Elephants, Rhino and People Anti-Poaching Unit to sharpen monitoring skills, including individual identification, health assessment, and behaviour observation to support the Black Rhino Sanctuary.

    22 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namushasha River Lodge reopens after major refurbishment

    Namushasha River Lodge, part of Gondwana Collection Namibia, closed from January to March for a comprehensive overhaul including a new thatch roof, updated guest areas, and a redesigned interior inspired by Bwabwata National Park and the Kwando River. The lodge reopened on 2 April and has received positive feedback.

    22 May 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Trans-Africa Rally 2026 completes Namibian leg, enters Botswana

    The Trans-Africa Rally 2026, an 8,135-kilometre cross-continental expedition, completed its Namibian leg after traversing Damaraland, Etosha National Park, and Divundu over 14 days, with participants now crossing into Botswana towards Chobe Game Lodge.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté

Monday 18 May

  1. Rain showers forecast for northern, central, southern areas Tuesday

    Namibia Meteorological Service predicts rain showers across northern, central-eastern and extreme south-eastern interior regions on Tuesday, with strong winds expected in central and southern areas. Recent showers have already fallen on Outjo (12mm), Kamanjab and surrounding areas (14–20mm), and parts of Etosha National Park.

    18 May 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 26 April

  1. Gondwana hospitality staff earn formal qualifications through skills assessment

    The Namibia Training Authority conducted recognition of prior learning assessments for experienced waiters and other hospitality workers at Gondwana Collection Namibia across multiple regions in March, evaluating their practical and theoretical competencies against national benchmarks and awarding nationally recognised qualifications in tourism and hospitality disciplines under the Namibia Qualifications Framework.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Avis Dam project advances through Greenspace, Gondwana, PSG partnership

    A partnership between Greenspace Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia and PSG Wealth Namibia is developing Avis Dam as an urban green space, with a new dam warden appointed, information panels installed, and plans for further infrastructure and community engagement.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Gondwana's Etosha King Nehale hosts senior citizens from northern Namibia

    The Etosha King Nehale lodge welcomed seven elders from Ongwediva and surrounding areas for a two-night stay, during which they shared their life stories and were taken on a game drive through Etosha National Park.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Luxury hotel development breaks ground at Walvis Bay

    The Admiral, a luxury hotel designed by Namibian architect Conrad Scheffer, broke ground on 10 April at Walvis Bay's Esplanade and is expected to open in December 2027. The development will feature 24 suites with ocean views and is part of Gondwana Collection Namibia's portfolio.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 24 April

  1. Heavy rain and hail hit central, northern Namibia this week

    Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions experienced intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds mid-week, with Okahandja recording over 100 mm of rain and hail accumulation on Thursday. More rainfall is forecast for the weekend in central and northern regions, with authorities warning residents and motorists to avoid flooded areas.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 18 April

  1. Kunene River flow nearly doubles in three days

    The Kunene River's flow rate jumped from 785.90 cubic metres per second on 13 April to 1,442.6 m³/s on 16 April, according to Namibia's Hydrological Services. Communities downstream of Ruacana are advised to avoid flooded areas and remain on high alert for potential localised flooding.

    18 April 2026 · Informanté

Friday 10 April

  1. ||Kharas rivers flow after rains amid water scarcity

    Major intermittent rivers in the ||Kharas region have been flowing following recent heavy rains, though several roads are temporarily impassable. Despite the rainfall, water resources in southern Namibia remain under pressure due to high evaporation rates and limited groundwater recharge, with six southern dams currently storing 3% less water than a year ago.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Continued rainfall across Namibia raises flood warnings

    Heavy rain has persisted across multiple regions including Hardap, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Khomas, with areas such as Welbedacht recording up to 50 mm. The public is cautioned to avoid flooded areas and exercise care while travelling, with further rainfall expected.

    31 March 2026 · Informanté

Friday 27 March

  1. Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods forecast for Friday

    The Namibia Meteorological Services predicts heavy thunderstorms over the interior on Friday with potential for flash floods, following significant rainfall across the country this week including 70mm near Outjo. Authorities recommend activating flood contingency plans in identified flood-prone areas including the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, Okavango, Zambezi, and other vulnerable regions.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 26 March

  1. Former Miss Universe contestants visit Namibian school for youth support

    Former Miss Universe 1992 contestants, including Michelle McLean, concluded a reunion tour in Namibia with a visit to Michelle McLean Primary School in Otjomuise, celebrating education and youth empowerment initiatives. The event brought together 14 international titleholders to support efforts aimed at uplifting underprivileged youth through the Michelle McLean Children Trust.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Heavy rainfall and windstorm damage buildings across Namibia

    Heavy showers and a severe windstorm hit multiple regions on Tuesday, with Grootfontein in Otjozondjupa most severely affected; the TyreMax Building had its roof completely blown off, prompting the municipality to warn residents against entering the structure or standing near unstable buildings. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Kunene, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, and Hardap regions.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Zambezi and Kavango floods prompt alert in northern villages

    The Zambezi River has overflowed into eastern floodplains, submerging villages in Kabbe South and Kabbe North, while the Kavango and Chobe rivers also record high water levels. Communities along all three rivers have been advised to remain on alert and activate flood preparedness measures.

    24 March 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 21 March

  1. North-eastern rivers rise; authorities urge flood preparedness

    Water levels in Namibia's north-eastern rivers—including the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango—continued to rise this week, with the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo reaching 6.84 metres and the Kavango at Rundu surpassing 7 metres. The Hydrological Services of Namibia has warned the public to remain vigilant in flood-prone areas and recommended activation of flood risk mitigation and preparedness measures, particularly near the Zambezi River, where the river has overflowed its banks and floodwaters are spreading into the eastern Zambezi floodplains.

    21 March 2026 · Informanté

Friday 20 March

  1. Police, Gondwana partner to improve tourist safety measures

    Namibia's Tourism Protection Unit and Gondwana Collection are collaborating to enhance visitor safety through initiatives including the 'Gondwana Traveller Passport' booklet and visible police presence at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The effort aims to provide arriving tourists with practical safety guidance and reassurance as they begin their journeys.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Gondwana Collection wins nine international hospitality awards

    Gondwana Collection Namibia received nine Studiosus Quality Awards at ITB Berlin, representing 10% of the 89 global awards given by the prestigious German tour operator. The awards, based on guest feedback across service, atmosphere, comfort and cleanliness, recognise Gondwana as the only Namibian hospitality company honoured this year.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Miss Universe 1992 Michelle McLean hosts pageant reunion in Namibia

    Michelle McLean, crowned Miss Universe in 1992, is hosting 14 former contestants from that year on a March safari tour across Namibia, visiting Okapuka, Swakopmund, and Etosha while showcasing her charitable foundation and conservation efforts in her home country.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Gondwana staff complete sustainable tourism management course

    The University of Namibia offered a nine-week certificate course in environmentally sustainable tourism management from September to November 2025, covering topics such as human-wildlife conflict mitigation, waste management, and social responsibility. Sixteen employees from Gondwana Collection Namibia participated in the course and received certification.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Gondwana showcases diverse tourism career pathways to pupils

    Gondwana Collection Namibia participated in Namibia National Career Week, showing about 5,000 pupils that tourism careers extend beyond visible roles like guides and lodge managers to include finance, conservation, marketing, human resources, and logistics. The company emphasised that success requires education, soft skills like curiosity and communication, and highlighted apprenticeship and internship programmes as practical entry points.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Black rhino calf born at Gondwana sanctuary in southern Namibia

    A new black rhino calf has been born at the Gondwana ERP Black Rhino Sanctuary, marking a significant milestone for conservation efforts protecting the endangered species. The birth highlights the positive impact of de-fencing, rewilding and species reintroduction initiatives aimed at restoring natural habitats and supporting wildlife populations.

    18 March 2026 · Informanté

  2. Zambezi and Kavango Rivers rise sharply, flood alert issued

    Namibia's Hydrological Services warns that the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo is rising toward the 7-metre mark and nearly double last year's level, with water overflowing into eastern floodplains. Communities in flood-prone areas across Namibia are urged to activate flood preparedness measures as thundershowers are expected to continue river rises.

    18 March 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 21 February

  1. Gondwana Collection launches annual leadership development programme

    Gondwana Collection Namibia has begun its 2026 Go4Gold Leadership Programme, a 12-month initiative involving eleven lodge managers. The programme aims to develop personal leadership, self-awareness and management capabilities through six structured modules and practical workplace assignments, with a focus on strengthening operational excellence and service standards across the lodge portfolio.

    21 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Black rhino sanctuary staff completes anti-poaching training

    Gondwana Collection Namibia and ERP Conservation Foundation completed an intensive anti-poaching training programme for rangers and trainees ahead of the new Black Rhino Sanctuary's opening. The programme combined theoretical and practical training, including scenario-based exercises, emergency response, trauma management, and K9 field medicine, delivered by instructors with military and tactical expertise.

    21 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Gondwana Academy launches holistic tour guide training programme

    Gondwana Collection Namibia has opened the Helmut zur Strassen Room of Remembrance and launched a new Gondwana Academy initiative to train and upskill field and tour guides. The training programme aims to go beyond facts and figures to integrate geology, ecology, history, storytelling, ethics, and personal development, with field-based learning across Namibia's landscape.

    21 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Gondwana Collection plants 435 Kiri trees in Damaraland

    Gondwana Collection Namibia and Avagrow have launched a Kiri Tree-Planting Project at Damara Mopane Lodge near Khorixas, with 435 fast-growing hardwood trees planted by staff and community members. The initiative aims to scale to 3,000 trees, combining environmental regeneration with sustainable land use using recycled water and biochar.

    21 February 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 10 February

  1. Namibia marks 36 years of Constitution Day with founding members

    Namibia commemorates Constitution Day on 9 February, celebrating the adoption of the Constitutional Proposals in 1990. The event honours the role of the Constitution as the supreme law safeguarding human dignity and fundamental rights, with annual commemorations of constitutional writers revived in 2023 after a Covid-19 interruption.

    10 February 2026 · Informanté

Monday 2 February

  1. Namibia urges regional tourism cooperation amid new air links

    The Namibia Tourism Board chief says Namibia must collaborate with neighbouring countries to attract long-distance tourists who want multi-country itineraries. The remarks came as Proflight Zambia announced direct flights between Windhoek and Lusaka starting March 2026, operating three times weekly to support regional tourism and travel connectivity.

    2 February 2026 · New Era

Gondwana Collection Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute