Why Windhoek is Africa’s Best-Kept Secret for Business and Leisure Travel

The ever-changing world of business went from meetings in traditional boardrooms to destination meetings. Here, the parties involved would make the journey to an agreed part of the world, and then have their meetings. With the newer working from home policies being implemented by a number of companies, having a time for leisure during business, also known as bleisure has become quite popular. A place that people can’t seem to get enough of in terms of travelling for bleisure is Namibia. Located in the southwest of the African continent, this country sees more and more travellers looking to have meetings, as well as to enjoy themselves. Windhoek, the colourful capital of Namibia, is no exception to the rule. Namibia's capital is more than a gateway to safari experiences and desert landscapes. Windhoek is a smart, compact city with the infrastructure to support both corporate travellers and tourists looking for rich cultural experiences. Windhoek offers a harmonious balance of productivity and relaxation. For those wondering where to stay in Windhoek, the city is home to a growing number of stylish, centrally located properties designed for dual-purpose trips.

Image via Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino

A Central Hub with Regional Connectivity

Windhoek's position in the geographic centre of Namibia makes it a practical base for both local business operations as well as broader leisure exploration. With Hosea Kutako International Airport offering direct flights to major cities in Europe and Southern Africa, getting in and out of the city is straightforward. Downtown Windhoek is where most of the city’s business activities happen, and it’s here that one can find properties like the Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino. The central location of such hotels makes it easier to get to both your business meetings as well as your leisure activities planned for later.

The Rise of Bleisure

As the times evolve, so has the need to mix business with pleasure. According to the Namibian Hospitality Association, this trend is gaining traction across the country as more remote work options and flexible travel policies take root. Travellers visiting Windhoek for conferences, site visits, or government meetings are increasingly adding an extra day or two to unwind, explore, and engage with local culture.

Cultural Exploration and City Sights

Windhoek has a number of cultural landmarks that are both easily accessible as well as entertaining to travellers. The Christuskirche for example, has interesting German colonial architecture, and is one of the city's most photographed buildings. In its proximity is the Independence Memorial Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at Namibia’s journey to nationhood. For anyone looking to experience Windhoek’s cultural side in a deeper way, the Namibia Craft Centre is the place to be. This centre showcases quite an extensive selection of handmade products from across the country. Beautifully woven baskets, carved figurines, as well as hand-dyed textiles all tell a story of the history and the craftsmanship of the Windhoek artisans and locals.

Food, Drink and Social Engagement

The cuisine seen in Windhoek reflects the many influences that it has had over the years. From the famous German sausages to fresh meats as well as seafood, the influences of different nations are pretty apparent in the food seen in the city. If you are not a fan of the local flavours, Windhoek offers a number of international restaurants for those looking for them. It is advisable to try the local dishes and explore flavours that you might not usually come across. For professionals in town on business, this provides a fantastic opportunity to network over shared plates.

Gateway to Namibia’s Natural Wonders

Beyond the limits of the city, Windhoek also serves as the starting point for adventures to Namibia’s plethora of attractions. Whether you are extending your stay or planning a pre-conference adventure, there are so many options for you to try. Day trips to places like the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve offer a great experience to anyone interested in wildlife. Overnight trips to the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, or Swakopmund allow you to enjoy incredible adventures and deeper exploration.