To the east, the winding Kunene River (which forms Namibias border with Angola) flows past pretty Epupa Falls, Ruacana Falls and some lovely riverside lodges. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. New Gondwana lodge opens in the Namib Desert, New lodge planned for Iipumbu ya Tshilongo Conservancy, NWR leads Transfrontier Conservation Area product offering, The unforgettable vibe of News Cafe comes to Swakopmund, Gondwana lodges receive TripAdvisor awards. Travelers can marvel at the surreal landscape of Sossusvlei, see endangered species in Etosha National Park, and more. 12 Best Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa, 18 Top Things to Do in Gauteng, South Africa, 12 Best Things to Do in Bloemfontein, South Africa, The Top 10 Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, The Top 18 Things to Do in South Africas Eastern Cape Province, The Top 18 Things to Do in Limpopo, South Africa, The 10 Best Things to Do in Soweto, South Africa, Africa Highlights: What to Do and Where to Go, The Top 18 Things to Do in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The image stabilisation works a treat, even on moving trains! Those looking for a shot of adrenalin can take their pick from a smorgasbord of activities, including skydiving (Swakop is one of the cheapest places in the world skydive! A HEADLAMP | Probably one of the most underrated items in any Africa backpacker's arsenal; thetrusty headlamp, will help you navigate your campsite in the dark. more. Or, Water-To-Go is an all-in-one device: a reusable water bottle meets incredibly powerful filter device (designed by NASA! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. German government officials ordered the extinction of natives, and devastatingly,half of the Nama population and 80% of the Herero population were wiped out. Today, 60 percent of Windhoeks population still lives in Katutura. Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations | Windhoek - Facebook Mint Images - Frans Lanting / Getty Images. In some areas, we recommend that you dont wander alone or catch taxis late at night (particularly after 9pm) as there have been reports of armed muggings and theft of tourist's backpacks. Crossing into Namibia from neighbouring countries will cost N$295 (as at 05/12/20109), payable when entering Namibia. ), sand-boarding, quad-biking and power-kiting. The 2019 tourist statistical report shows that the tourism sector was still healthy and showing slight growth. We had many exceptional meals in far flung outposts such as Aus, Fish River Canyon, and Sesriem. It is home to Africas largest canyon, its oldest desert and some of its highest dunes. For many visitors, Windhoek is simply a point of entrya place to meet up with your tour guide or pick up your rental car. Read our Privacy Policy. Or just someone who loves and epic gram snap? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? In front of the museum, there are two important statuesone of the first President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, and the Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the atrocities carried out against native Namibians by German troops in the early twentieth century. Two other areas are emerging as complements to Etosha. The tiny enclave of Sesriem is the gateway to Sesriem Canyon and the many nearby highlights of Namib-Naukluft Park. When visiting the dunes, just be careful where you go, and try to follow trails and pathways so as not to destroy and plants or wildlife. Tourism in Namibia - Wikipedia As a statutory body, the NTB is the only legal national tourism organization or authority in Namibia mandated by Government to regulate the industry. To the north of Windhoek city centerlies Katutura township, a district with an unhappy history. In the cooler months, put on your hiking boots for an unforgettable 85km (53-mile) hike through the canyons interior, finishing at the relaxing |Ai-|Ais hot springs. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A well-constructed and regularly maintained road network from Windhoek provides access to majority of towns, nature reserves, parks, safari lodges and tourist destinations in the country. However, do still carry an amount of cash with you, just in case. The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 14.1 Namibian Dollars(last updated 7/7/2019). Top Things to Do in Windhoek Things to Do in Windhoek Popular things to do Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Multi-day Tours Historical Tours Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Safaris Private Sightseeing Tours Sporting Events Tours & Sightseeing Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Airport & Hotel Transfers Food, Wine & Nightlife Special Offers Neobaroque cathedral spires, as well as a few seemingly misplaced German castles, punctuate the skyline, and complement . The charm of the City of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. A photography enthusiast? HeTeKa - rural home away from home - NEAR WINDHOEK, 6-Day Dunes and Wildlife Accommodated Safari from Windhoek, 5-Day Tour to Namibia Desert Sossusvlei and Coast, Private 3 Days Tour to Sossusvlei Namib Desert - Lodges, 3 Day Sossusvlei Camping Schedule and Sandwich Habor, 4-Day Swakopmund And Sossusvlei Accommodated Adventure from Windhoek, Half-Day Windhoek City and Township Cultural Tour, Windhoek Tourism and Holidays: Best of Windhoek, Connection Windhoek->VFA with Lufthansa (Eurowings), Hotels near Nande Explorer Cultural Township Tours, Hotels near National Botanic Garden of Namibia, Hotels near Hosea Kutako Intl Airport (WDH). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. If youre after a completely different Namibian experience, the summer rains from November - April can turn parts of the country green and occasionally bring floods to the desert. TENT | When you have your own tent, you have the freedom and flexibility to set up camp just about anywhere in Namibia. Tours depart at 9:30am and 11:00am. Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations, Windhoek, Namibia. We recommend being thrifty in the cities by taking advantage of backpacker accommodation (check Hostelworld for the best budget accommodation options)or AirBnB. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. A vast mountain range eroded down by the ocean. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. The upmarket Stellenbosch Wine Bar and the down-to-earth Joes Beerhouse are just some of the citys many dining options. Windhoek - Wikitravel Although considered a year-round destination, Windhoek receives most of its rainfall (average of 360 mm per year) in summer, mainly between January and March. Hotels near Nande Explorer Cultural Township Tours, Hotels near National Botanic Garden of Namibia, Hotels near Hosea Kutako Intl Airport (WDH). Windhoek, Namibia 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. There is also less chance of malaria during this period, especially in the northern areas such as the Caprivi strip, which should be avoided during the wet season in January - February. Travel Advisory April 6, 2023 Namibia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Exercise normal precautions in Namibia. The city is also known for its surf culture being located close to the famous Skeleton Coast. Image by Diego Delso Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek. Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The fusion of German, South African and traditional African cuisine means the quality of food in Namibia is actually very good. Always bring a sleeping bag liner (we use theseSea to Summit silk liners) with you to use with hired sleeping bags. Located 15miles from Windhoek's center, it cant be beaten for its close-to-the-capital convenience. Annually, over one million travelers visit Namibia, with roughly one in three coming from South Africa, then Germany and finally the United Kingdom, Italy and France. Many visitors to Namibia start their adventure in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of this South African country. There was actually one moment in Sossusvlei we thought wed have to sleep in our car overnight, without anything bar the down jackets on our backs. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A GOOD BOOK / KINDLE | Distances are vast and your travel times between destinations here are often pretty lengthy (especially if youre not driving!). Walvis Bay, as the fourth biggest town in Namibia, is host to the main port of the country, as well as the Walvis Bay International Airport. Work out where you want to visit, how to get around, and where to stay; and then book everything you can before you leave. Theres nothing like hitting the road in an RV or camper van. Namibia has many prominent National Parks, the oldest, most visited and best known is Etosha National Park. However, its worth planning an extra night or two in this capital city, as it's home to some interesting sights, like a historical church and an artisan's marketplace. The mountainous red/orange dunes of Sossusvlei, the stark and perilous Skeleton Coast, the moonscapes of Spitzkoppe, the incredible wildlife viewing in Etosha, the deep valleys of Fish River Canyon, the endless starry skies, the blazing African sunsets, the friendly locals, and seriously delicious food. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But despite there not being a whole lot to do in Windhoek, we just can't hate on the city - particularly because Mark's mum was born there! Get to the heart of Windhoek with one of our in-depth, High Average Low Windhoek Temperatures (Celsius) Key High Average Low "Feels-Like" Temperatures The way we experience weather isn't all about temperature. Visit the statue of Hosea Kutako, a nationalist hero, in the gardens surrounding the Tintenpalast . Debriefing yourself on the artwork is especially worthwhile if youre planning a trip to sites like Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe, where you can see the paintings in situ. City of Windhoek - Tourism Portal - Welcome to the Tourism Portal When we visited, we showered for less than 2 minutes, once a day, a lived by the motto if it's yellow, let it mellow. I wander along Independence Avenue to see the old colonial buildings and a meteorite me. For many visitors, Windhoek is simply a point of entrya place to meet up with your tour guide or pick up your rental car. Walvis Bay is one of many tourism activity centers of Namibia. We didnt plan our Namibian trip ahead of time, nor book any accommodation, and unfortunately we paid handsomely for it. As a result, many visitors to Namibia wish to visit these tribes and understand first hand the semi-nomadic culture, customs and lifestyle. Namibia is also the perfect country to experience the trials and tribulations of Africa for the first time. You will also need the applicable documentation including: Certified copy of the vehicle registration papers, Letter of authority from the registered owner/hire company, Motor insurance certificate - obtainable at the border free of charge, If coming from South Africa, a ZA sticker, CAR RENTAL | Search for your 4x4 on Rentalcars.com here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Therefore, the Namibian Dollar is on 1:1 parity with the South African Rand. Here's how to get around in Namibia. All rights reserved. With the departure of migrant birds, April is a good time for trying to spot Namibia's endemic species, and the air is exceptionally clean. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Admission to the museum is free and it's open seven days a week. Learning how Namibia became an independent country gives you some great background information for your Namibia trip and understanding its culture. Alternatively, stay in the many campsites if you have camping equipment. There were so many times we just had to pull over, the scenery too incredible to pass. Farther along, dont miss Sandwich Harbor, with its bird-filled lagoon dramatically set against a backdrop of towering sand dunes. Windhoek travel - Lonely Planet | Namibia, Africa To be honest, it was the most exhilarating feeling weve had on our travels. Its a seriously cool place to visit and one which is worth the effort of getting there (generally from Luderitz). Interesting Things to Do in Windhoek - Visit Namibia We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to Namibia: NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE | Our complete Namibia travel guide - what to see, know and do, THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA | 10 essential things to do in Namibia, NAMIBIA ROAD TRIP | Our 10 day Namibia road trip itinerary, essential Namibia road trip tips, STUNNING SOSSUSVLEI | Our detailed travel guide to Sossusvlei, NAMIBIA IN PHOTOGRAPHS | The epic beauty of Namibia in photos. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. It's an understatement that mobile service is patchy in desert areas, and there's nothing worse than turning up at your destination after a long drive only to discover that the place is entirely booked up. Location |Map of the Kolmanskop area- Kolmanskop is 10kms east of Luderitz on the B4 highway. Visitors also provide the tribes with the ability to stay within their communities and preserve the rich culturalheritage and traditions. On the parks eastern edge, near the small town of Aus, you may see a few survivors of the areas once-large population of wild horses. And finally, whatever you do, dont buy any animal souvenirs - they stopped being cool in the 1800s and theres nothing noble about coming home with an ivory tusk, or lions tooth. Combine four or five days on the river with a visit to Fish River Canyon, part of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. If possible, bringing a lens with a low aperture, which allows more light to pass through the lens, will yield incredible astro-photography results. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The collection displays works by, The Turnhalle was built in 1909 as a training hall for the Windhoek Gymnastic Club, though in 1975 it was modernised and turned into a conference hall. If youre planning on road-tripping through Namibia, you should do it in an off road 4WD Africamper. Although Namibia was technically a British territory, it was to be German colonists that landed on the shoreline at Walvis Bay in the 1880s and quickly claimed the area known as 'South West Africa'for Germany (actually Prussia, at the time). Namibia's harsh climate and arid conditions make the country a top spot for different extreme sport events like desert runs and ultra-triathlons. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. If you wish to visit the tribes, werecommend doing so as part of an ethical, organised tour, where a portion of the profits goes back into the local communities. This former diamond-mining zone is a biodiversity hot spot with a diverse array of succulents. As a result, we havent bought bottled water in nearly two years now, and have drank tap water throughout Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and the Caucasus without being sick once. "Spatial Patterns and Problems in Contemporary Namibian Tourism." Namibia Tourism Board - Namibia Trade Network Many visitors to Namibia start their adventure in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of this South African country. What are the best places to eat in Windhoek? Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon and Kolmanskop are must visit destinations to the south, while the unique and wild coastlines of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the Skeleton Coast simply cannot be missed. Windhoek to host AviaDev Africa forum - The Namibian Its busy port and single paved access road contrast with its early 20th-century German-style architecture giving the town a distinct time-warped, end-of-the-road feeling. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. These converted 4WD ute/truck/tray back beasts are made for the Namibian roads, and can easily handle the sand that will inevitably stand in your path. If you cant afford a 4WD camper, we recommend hiring a high clearance mini SUV. You can walk to your hearts content through lovely wildlife-rich, The excellent display on Namibias independence at the countrys historical museum provides some enlightening context to the struggles of this young, Although this leafy park served as a public zoo until 1962, today it functions primarily as a picnic spot and shady retreat for lunching office workers, Windhoeks beautiful old Cape Dutchstyle train station on Bahnhof St was constructed by the Germans in 1912, and was expanded in 1929 by the South, Opened in 2014, this museum is dedicated to the country's anticolonial and independence struggle. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. REUSABLE WATER CANTEEN | Reusable water bottle - we use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!). If youre planning a trip to Namibia, most likely your vacation will begin and end in the capital, Windhoek, home of Hosea Kutako International Airport. Situated between Windhoek and the airport, Voigtland Guesthouse is not your average vacation accommodation. Unsurprisingly, in a country mostly covered by desert, Namibia suffers from extreme water scarcity. Visit the statue of Hosea Kutako, a nationalist hero, in the gardens surrounding the Tintenpalast, the seat of the Namibian legislature, or chow down on ostrich kebab or zebra steak at Joes Beerhouse before leaving on a safari into the Namibian wilderness. No visit to Namibia is complete without at least a brief stop in the countrys lively capital. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Windhoek - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Opening hours | 9:00am - 13:00pm each day. How to Apply for Tourism & Visitor Visas - U.S. Embassy in Namibia BUY | The Grayl GEOPRESS water purification and filtration bottles. Check the Validity of Your Passport Step 2. South of Lderitz are the empty expanses of Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels. The first floor tells the story of Namibia under, Uphill from Robert Mugabe Ave are the three Windhoek 'castles', including the 1914 Heinitzburg, which today houses a hotel and fine restaurant. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Amidst a cornucopia of colorful stalls, youll find traditional Namibian crafts, like hand-carved tree roots, copper jewelry, and silk scarves. These include Sossusvlei, a large, occasionally water-covered pan, and the alluring Deadvlei pan, spreading out in the shadow of Big Daddy dune. . If you feel like extending your stay, check out the Sun Karros lodge with its chalets, restaurants, and swimming pools. China. Only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes. You'll want to bring a decent book along with you - or aKindle loaded with all your faves. FIRST AID KIT | In the wild, vast spaces of Namibia, it really does pay to have a well-stocked medical kit in your possession, like thisfirst-aid kit. Annually, over one million travelers visit Namibia, with roughly one in three coming from South Africa, then Germany and finally the United Kingdom, Italy and France. Windhoek is a modern, well-groomed city where office workers lounge around Zoo Park at lunchtime, tourists funnel through Post St Mall admiring curios and taxis whizz around honking at potential customers. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Many visitors to Namibia start their adventure in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of this South African country. and the huge Flamingo population around Walvis Bay. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. [citation needed], In 1996, around 600 jobs were related directly to the country's tourism sector. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There are more than 40 independent shops, and, together, they provide around 4,000 jobs for artists living in the countrys most remote areas. Overall, driving in Namibia isnt dangerous per-se, however, like anywhere in the world, things can and do happen on the long, empty roads. News & Events. Why are we telling you this? Things to Do in Windhoek, Namibia: See Tripadvisor's 39,883 traveller reviews and photos of Windhoek tourist attractions. If self-driving Namibia isnt quite your style, or youre concerned about personal safety, there are also a number of small group adventure tours wed recommend taking through the country, including: WONDERS OF NAMIBIA | This 10-day G Adventures tour takes in all the best Namibia highlights, including Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park.
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