Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, located in the central highlands of the country. South of the city, the sprawling Heroes' Acre war memorial commemorates Namibia's independence in 1990. On a hill in the city center stands the Old Fort, dating back to the 1890s, which was a former military headquarters with historical exhibits, and the Independence Memorial Museum. Colonial influences are visible in nearby buildings such as the Lutheran Christ Church made of sandstone, as well as in the Victorian buildings lining the streets of Windhoek.
THINGS TO DO
- National Museum Namibia (www.museums.com.na/museums/ windhoek/national-museum-of-namibia)
- Independence Memorial Museums (www.museumscom.na/ museums/wind-hoek/independence-museum)
- Visit the Christ Church
- Tour through the Katutura Township (www.mwiyatours.com)
UNSERE RESTAURANT TIPPS
- Joe's Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com)
- Daisho Sushibar (www.daishosushibar.com/menu)
- ButcherBlock (www.butcherblocksteakhouse.com)
- Leo’s at the Castle (www.heinitzburg.com)
TIPS
Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro: The bistro-style menu showcases the fresh and diverse flavors of Namibia. The focus is on prime Namibian cuts of meat, perfectly grilled over an open flame, accompanied by a selection of delicious homemade sauces and sides. Complete your meal with a quality wine from the excellent wine list.
Tel.: +264 61 309 141 \ Web.: www.thestellenboschwinebar.com
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, located in the central region of the country, approximately halfway between the capital, Windhoek, and Etosha National Park. Covering an area of about 200 square kilometers, the reserve is privately managed.
Okonjima is famous for its conservation efforts, particularly for the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs and leopards. It serves as the headquarters of the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of these big cats. The foundation conducts research, provides veterinary care, and runs educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of predator conservation.
In addition to cheetahs and leopards, Okonjima is home to other wildlife species such as spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. The reserve offers a diverse ecosystem of open grasslands, rocky hills, and dense bushland, providing a suitable habitat for these animals.
Besides wildlife-focused activities, the Okonjima Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for cultural interactions and outdoor adventures. Visitors can learn about the local Herero and Himba cultures through village visits and craft markets. Hiking trails, bird watching, and visits to the Bushman Trail Museum allow guests to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.
Overall, the Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia is a remarkable destination, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to experience the beauty of cheetahs and leopards in their natural environment while supporting conservation efforts. It is a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and education, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers.
Located along the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, Etosha East is a rewarding safari destination known for its excellent wildlife viewing and convenient access to the park through the Von Lindequist Gate near Namutoni. Characterised by open savannah, mopane woodland and seasonal waterholes, the region attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope species. Visitors can enjoy self-drive or guided game drives, with the waterholes offering some of the best opportunities to observe animals gathering to drink, particularly during the dry season. Golden grasslands, distant birdsong and expansive African skies create an immersive safari experience in one of Namibia's most celebrated conservation areas.
Situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South encompasses the park's southern safari region and a collection of private game reserves and lodges. The park is accessed via Andersson Gate, placing visitors within easy reach of renowned waterholes and excellent wildlife viewing. Lions, elephants, giraffes, white and black rhinos, and a wide variety of antelope are among the species commonly seen. Guided 4×4 game drives are the main attraction, with half- and full-day safaris available, some including picnic lunches in the bush.
Twyfelfontein, located in Namibia’s Kunene Region, is a site of extraordinary cultural and historical significance. Known for its rich collection of over 2,500 prehistoric rock engravings, Twyfelfontein is one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and mysterious geometric patterns, thought to have been created by hunter-gatherers over 6,000 years ago. The red sandstone rock formations, set against the backdrop of rugged desert landscapes, add to the region's dramatic natural beauty.
In addition to its archaeological significance, Twyfelfontein offers visitors the chance to see rare desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and oryxes. Guided tours are available, giving travelers the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of this fascinating area.
Nearby Attractions:
- The Petrified Forest: A unique site with ancient fossilized trees.
- The Organ Pipes: Striking dolerite columns formed by volcanic activity.
- Burnt Mountain: A dark, eerie-looking hill with unusual geological features.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Twyfelfontein provides a captivating experience that combines the ancient past with the rugged beauty of Namibia's desert wilderness.
Swakopmund is a charming coastal town and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city blends German colonial architecture with African flair and offers a variety of activities and attractions. Situated on the coast on the edge of the Namib Desert, the city provides a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The towering sand dunes and rugged coastline offer numerous opportunities for activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dune hiking. Swakopmund is also renowned for its excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy both Namibian and international cuisine. Be sure to taste local specialties made from fresh fish and seafood.
THINGS TO DO
- Dolphin Cruise (mola-namibia.com)
- Tommy’s Living Desert Tour (livingdeserttours.com.na)
- Excursion toWalvis Bay
- Fat Bike Tours (https://www.swakopfatbiketours.com/)
RESTAURANT TIPPS
- The Tug (www.the-tug.com)
- Kücki’s Pub (www.kuckispub.com)
- Jetty 1905 (www.lighthousegroup.com.ca)
- The Wreck Restaurant (www.the-wreck.com)
- Village Cafe (www.villagecafenamibia.com)
OUR TIP
Quad biking with Desert Explorer: Looking for a bit of adrenaline? Then join Desert Explorer on a tour through the fascinating dune landscape around Swakopmund. One to three-hour quad bike tours are offered with experienced guides (www.namibiadesertexplorers.com).
As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)
The NamibRand Nature Reserve stretches over an area of approximately 200,000 hectares in the southern part of the Namib Desert. It is a place of remarkable beauty, renowned for its fascinating landscapes and rich wildlife. Established in 1984 by Namibian landowners who recognized the importance of protecting the unique desert landscape and its diverse wildlife, the reserve stands as an outstanding example of sustainable conservation and communal development.
One of the most striking features of the NamibRand Nature Reserve is its majestic sand dunes, which stretch across the land, creating a surreal backdrop. These high, constantly shifting dunes often appear in various shades of red, orange, and gold, offering a breathtaking sight at sunrise and sunset. The reserve is home to an impressive variety of wildlife adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Cheetahs, desert elephants, giraffes, oryx antelopes, springboks, and many other species find their habitat here. Wildlife viewing in the NamibRand Nature Reserve is a special experience, as the animals move freely and undisturbed in their natural environment.
Another highlight of the reserve is the night sky. With minimal light pollution, the NamibRand Nature Reserve provides an incredible opportunity to admire the clear night sky with its countless twinkling stars. It is a paradise for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts who wish to experience the beauty of the universe in all its glory.
Visitors to the NamibRand Nature Reserve can participate in a variety of activities. Guided walks take guests through the fascinating desert landscape, allowing them to discover the unique flora and fauna of the reserve. Game drives offer exciting wildlife encounters and the chance to capture these fascinating moments with a camera. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is a place of unparalleled beauty and rugged, captivating wilderness, enchanting adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Encompassing the bustling capital city of Windhoek, and the laid-back seaside towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Central Namibia features an array of towns, deserts, and wildlife reserves. The landscape of this region is characterised by grasslands decorated with clusters of Acacia trees, between the Namib Desert to the west and the lush Kalahari to the east. Visitors can soak in the steaming waters of the Cross Barmen Hot Springs, view a wide variety of wildlife, and explore the untouched beauty of the beautiful Erongo Mountains with the breathtakingly beautiful Spitzkoppe, which offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. Divers and snorkellers will enjoy the incredible marine life just off the coast of Walvis Bay. Art lovers should make sure to visit the little town of Okahandja, famous for its fine wood carving and vibrant markets.
