On the southwestern coast of Africa, where the vast Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, is Nature’s playground — lending itself to endless exploration
There’s something magical about Namibia, something that wraps itself around you in warmth and nostalgia before you even realise you’ve arrived. Touching down at Hosea Kutako International Airport, I instantly felt lighter, as if the quiet skies and warm air were ushering me into a slower, more intentional way of being.
The drive into Windhoek was a dream in motion, rolling greenery stretched out beside the road like a welcome mat from nature itself. There were hardly any cars, a strange and peaceful contrast for someone who’s used to the stop-and-go rhythm of Cape Town traffic. The driver mentioned the population, just over three million, and it suddenly made sense why everything felt so open, so free. As we passed small estates tucked among trees and bushland, I was reminded that people live gently here, in sync with the land. Forty minutes later, we pulled up to the Mercure Hotel, our home for the next few days. Perfectly located, the hotel is the perfect balance between business and leisure and boasts 130 premium rooms and offers a variety of dining and bar options; Mirage being the main restaurant. The check-in process was smooth and welcoming, the space inviting.
I barely had time to take it all in before the phone rang, lunch was waiting! Our host, Lauren Christians, arranged a Namibian heritage-themed lunch at The Village, situated within the Mercure grounds.
The sun greeted us warmly, casting a golden filter over everything The buffet felt like a hug; comforting, generous and made with love. A note on the plate read “Welcome to Namibia”, a thoughtful gesture that speaks to the warmth and hospitality of the people. Over a table full of flavour, we connected. Not just with each other but with the story of the place. Later, we headed out on a city tour, where one of our first stops was the Windhoek Railway Station built in 1912. Though it no longer carries passengers, it carries the history of its setting. There’s something grounding about being in a place that has seen so much change yet remains quietly proud. But, they say you haven’t truly been to Windhoek until you’ve had a Shisa Nyama experience and they were right. We dove into hearty local dishes (the kind that make you pause between bites just to savour it all). There was laughter, storytelling and the special kind of joy that comes from trying something new and feeling instantly at home.
One stop that caught me off guard was a local pub in a neighbourhood called Soweto (yes, just like the famous one in Joburg). The resemblance was uncanny, and it felt like a beautiful nod to shared roots. After getting acquainted with our surroundings, we made our way back to the hotel for dinner at Mirage. Filling the evening with soulful sounds, the marimba band set the tone for an intimate dinner inspired by Namibian landscapes and mysticism. Our hearts were full after the jam session where we danced and sang along to tunes reminiscent of home. The ambiance allowed for wholesome conversations, elevated by the glorious dining experience. Before we knew it, the night sky had stretched over the city and it was time to call it a night. We reluctantly obliged, and the days past blurred in the best way possible; sunrises, laughter, conversations, hidden gems tucked into the corners of the city.
After a freshly prepared breakfast, we set out on a game drive at GocheGanas Nature Reserve — and were rewarded with breathtaking views of giraffes stretching into the trees, zebras strutting past and rhinos roaming freely. My camera worked overtime! But, some moments are better held in your heart...
and just when I thought Namibia couldn’t surprise me any further, two hours later, we were on board the SolaQueen for a peaceful sunset cruise at the Lake Oanob Resort. Floating between light and shadow as the sun slipped behind the horizon, glasses clinked, conversations flowed and time stood still. Greeted by the sunrise, we engaged in a mindful, relaxing surprise. What better way to start the day than with a yoga and meditation session by the poolside? The guided session invited us to pause, reflect and connect with ourselves. It was a deeply personal experience that filled me with peace and gratitude. After gathering ourselves, we enjoyed a light breakfast before immersing in a culinary experience at The Purple Fig. The Namibian heritage-themed cooking lesson was like an episode of MasterChef , where we had the opportunity to explore our culinary skills in pairs. My partner, Olivia, and I were tasked with pap and wors stew, as well as a peppermint tart for dessert. The prize? Seeing everyone pour themselves into the exercise, followed by a communal dining experience where we shared our dishes — a chef’s kiss!
Chocolate hour was a welcome delight before cocktails and sundowners on the terrace. Then, our hosts had one more surprise in store, and it’s not something we could have ever imagined. Let’s just say it was an authentic Namibian sensory dining experience. (One would have to visit Joe’s Beerhouse to understand.) This life-changing trip came at just the right time. It was one of those rare moments where everything aligns; the place, the people, the peace. It made me think: what better place to start your forever than somewhere that already feels like home? Namibia doesn’t shout for your attention, it whispers, gently. It invites you to be present, to feel, to reconnect with something deep and real. It’s a place where time expands, where every detail from the rustle of the wind to the warmth of a shared meal feels like part of a larger love story. As for me? I say ‘I do’ to Namibia, an experience that will be etched in my heart forever.
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