Gondwana Collection Namibia proudly initiates the construction of new premises for Namibia2Go, which will become the first entirely Namibian-owned car rental company, located at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on 19 January 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Namibia2Go car rental, as it prepares to establish its new home at the turn-off from the B6 to the airport.
Ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the new Namibia2Go headquarters at Windhoek airport (from left): Violet Kinda (Namibia2Go), Bertu Bester und Uwe Brockmann (GAIA), Sven-Eric Staby (Staby Design), Alain and Sonia Noirfalise (Gondwana), Marco Clarijs (Namibia2Go)
Acquired in early 2020, the future Namibia2Go premises will sprawl across two erven in the SUNGATE precinct. "We are excited to announce our partnership with architect Sven-Erik Staby from Staby Design, in collaboration with main contractor GAIA Investments P/L, for this groundbreaking project," said Gondwana’s Operations Director, Alain Noirfalise. The official opening date is set for September 2024 (Update: opening date changed to November 2024).
Guests arriving at Namibia2Go will be greeted by a continuous shuttle service from the arrival hall to the new location, eliminating the need for extended waiting times or the inconvenience of driving to Windhoek. The premises will comprise a guest-related erf designed for smooth traffic flow, featuring a welcoming main building for meet-and-greet, induction, and vehicle handover under a shade roof.
Render of the guest area in the new Namibia2Go headquarters at Windhoek airport. (Staby Design)
Namibia2Go is not just about car rentals; it's about creating an immersive experience for travelers. The main building will house a coffee shop offering delightful treats, and a store stocked with necessities for the first drive out of town, as well as Namibian souvenirs and mementoes for last-minute retail therapy.
The adjacent erf will be dedicated to technical aspects, featuring a mechanical repairs and tire shop, an onsite carwash with its own water filtration system, and over 200 parking spots. A designated area will cater to laundry, cleaning, and storage of camping equipment, ensuring a comprehensive inspection before vehicles are released to clients.
The ambitious plans reflect Gondwana's commitment to enhancing its offerings. In 2017, recognizing the need to provide seamless transportation from lodge to lodge, Gondwana introduced Namibia2Go with four enticing self-drive safari packages in comfortable SUVs. When the Cardboard Box Travel Shop, a renowned destination Management Company (DMC) and tour operator, joined the Gondwana family in 2018 the amalgamation presented a golden opportunity to expand the horizons for Namibia2Go, transforming it into a comprehensive car rental service with tailor-made journeys.
Over the years, Namibia2Go has grown considerably, relocating from Bismarck Street to its current location in Bassingthwaighte Street, Klein Windhoek, in 2019. Today, with a team of 32 dedicated members and a diverse fleet of 278 rental vehicles across various categories, the existing space has become limited.
Namibia2Go has broadened its service portfolio by introducing rental cars in Katima Mulilo and Swakopmund (available upon request) and offering wireless devices (Wifi dongles) for rent, ensuring internet access across the country. Additionally, the dedicated Namibia2Go team takes charge of the efficient management of Go2 Traveller Transfers, further solidifying the company's commitment to providing comprehensive and hassle-free travel solutions.