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 in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
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/)
UNSERE 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)
TIPS
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.
