| Namibia - Windhoek
INTRODUCTORY TO WINDHOEK:
An African capital with a difference; dubbed as the 'Cleanest City in
Africa', Windhoek is the Capital City of the Republic of Namibia,
a country described as one of Africa's most vibrant and successful
sovereign states.
Situated in the country’s central Khomas Region, Windhoek is
nestled in a basin surrounded by scenic mountains in the central highlands
of Namibia, Windhoek can be better described as a 'Working City'. It is a
thriving active, administrative, commercial and industrial centre, serving
as the melting pot and hub of most economic and technological developments
and activities in the country.
Whether enjoying the continental flair of Independence Avenue; browsing
through the numerous shops; exploring the historical buildings or
searching the markets for that special Namibian memento – we know that you
will enjoy the harmonious blend of African and European cultures and
traditions that make our capital city.
History:
Around 1840, Windhoek became the headquarters of the Nama-Oorlam Group
under Jonker Afrikaner in central Namibia. The name Windhoek dates back to
1844, when it was used in a letter written by Jonker Afrikaner, it is
thought that in a moment of nostalgia, he named the place Winterhoek after
the farm in the Cape where he was born. German colonial administration was
established in 1890 when Major Curt von Francois established a military
post in Windhoek. During this administration the town was known as Windhuk,
which later became Windhoek.
WHAT TO DO IN WINDHOEK:
ALTE FESTE MUSEUM
The Alte Feste (Old Fort) originally designed as a military stronghold now
guards our heritage. The museum houses both permanent and temporary
displays portraying the early history of Namibia, the independence process
(United Nations, elections etc), and displays of the national symbols of
Namibia. The museum gives an excellent introduction to the sometimes
complex history of Namibia. The Alte Feste is open Monday to Friday from
09h00 – 18h00 (17h00 in winter) and on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 –
13h00/14h00 – 18h00 (17h00 in winter). Closed on public holidays.
OWELA MUSEUM
Owela is a traditional African game played with pebbles and is found
throughout the African continent in a delightful variety of designs. This
museum offers an insight into the cultures and traditions of the people of
Namibia with displays covering traditional village life, natural history
and our environment. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 09h00 -
18h00 (17h00 in winter) and on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 -
13h00/14h00 - 18h00 (17h00 in winter). Closed on public holidays.
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Windhoek
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GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MUSEUM
Situated on the outskirts of the city near Eros Airport and the Safari
Hotel the Geological Survey Museum depicts Namibian mining and geological
activities. An excellent collection of maps; ore examples; photographs;
minerals; fossils & meteorites well displayed and offering an insight into
the fascinating geology of Namibia. The Geological Survey Museum is open
Monday to Friday from 08h30 – 12h30 and from 14h30 – 16h30.
It is advisable to phone in advance.
TRANS-NAMIB RAILWAY MUSEUM
For the rail enthusiast this museum offers a nostalgic look at the history
of railways and transport in Namibia. Housed in the historical Windhoek
station building one can view class 32-00 diesel-electric locomotives,
armoured rail cars, funkey rail trollies and many artefacts of cultural
and socio-political interest. The museum is open Monday to Friday from
09h00 –12h00 and 14h00 – 16h00. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
NATIONAL ART GALLERY
The National Art Gallery offers a range of temporary art and crafts,
including historical, traditional and contemporary art. Exhibits include
both Namibian and international artists. The Gallery Shop offers the
opportunity to buy art from rural artists. The gallery is open Tuesday to
Friday from 09h00 – 17h00 and on Saturday from 09h00 – 14h00. Closed on
Sunday, Monday and public holidays.
NAMIBIA CRAFTS CENTRE
Situated in the Old Breweries building in Tal Street this centre offers a
wide range of crafts from all corners of Namibia – be prepared to spend
some time browsing the variety of stalls (baskets, wooden sculptures,
pots, jewellery, semi-precious stones, stunning needle work, African
frames of unique design). The centre also houses the Craft Café and Ombo
Art Gallery with exhibitions of fine art and sculptures of international
as well as Namibian artists. The centre is open Monday to Friday from
09h00 - 17h00 and on Saturday from 09h00 - 13h30. Closed on Sundays and
public holidays.
POST STREET MALL
Located in the centre of town the open air Post Street Mall Market has a
variety of crafts from all over Africa. Spend some time browsing your way
down the mall – en route you will also encounter a display of meteorites!
PENDUKA CRAFT VILLAGE
Penduka is a non-profit making development project, working with women
groups in the rural and underdeveloped areas of Namibia. The women of
Penduka (many disabled) make high quality products like table linen,
bedroom furnishing, bags etc. The project is situated outside the city on
the banks of the Goreangab Dam. Visit the craft shop, the busy workshop,
stroll through the traditional village on the banks of the dam or enjoy a
cup of coffee or a traditional dish at the Penduka Coffee Shop. The
project is open Monday to Saturday from 08h00 – 17h00. Closed on Sundays
and public holidays.
CHRISTUSKIRCHE
This beautiful old church is a striking landmark in central Windhoek.
Standing as a monument to peace, work began on the Christuskirche - Church
of Christ - in 1907. The three bronze bells in the Gothic spire bear the
inscriptions: “Glory to God in the highest”; “On earth peace” and
“Goodwill toward men” – the bells ring out across the town to remind the
inhabitants of the city of this message. The chancel is decorated by three
stained-glass windows, donated by the German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Guided tours are conducted on Wednesday and Saturday from 11h00 - 12h00.
Meet at the Gemeindeburo – one house down from the corner of Peter Muller
& Lüderitz Streets – just down the road from the church. You can also
collect the key from the Gemeindeburo on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
between 07h30 – 14h00; on Tuesday between 10h00 – 14h30 and on Friday
between 07h30 – 13h00. A key deposit is requested. Closed on public
holidays. Sunday service times are posted on the door.
ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral Church of Saint George the Martyr. Saint George’s is the
smallest cathedral in use in the southern hemisphere, if not in the world!
There is usually somebody at this quaint little House of God from Monday
to Friday between 08h00 – 12h30. Sunday service times are posted on the
door.
STATE HOUSE
The residence of the former colonial governor and administrator general,
the building is now the official residence of the President of the
Republic of Namibia, Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba. Please note: for security reasons
photographs are not permitted.
TINTENPALAST
Standing majestically in well-established gardens the ‘Palace of Ink’
watches over the city. It has housed a series of successive governments
and the corridors and chambers echo with history. Today it is the seat of
government of the young Republic of Namibia. The Tintenpalast is open
Monday to Friday from 10h00 – 12h00/14h00-16h00. Closed on weekends and
public holidays. For a guided tour please phone in advance and ask for
Eric on (061) 2882607. Please note that this building may be closed to the
public without notice for parliamentary purposes.
ZOO PARK
Situated in the centre of the city this small park is a favourite amongst
Namibians to whom green grass and fountains are a rare treat. The Chinese
Pavilion symbolises the friendship between the people of Shanghai and the
people of Windhoek while the Witbooi memorial commemorates the lives of
those lost in battles fought between the Schutztruppe and the legendary
Nama chief, Hendrik Witbooi.
NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
The National Botanical Garden strives to protect and promote the
sustainable utilisation of Namibian flora and to function as an
educational and recreational nature facility for both Namibians and our
visitors alike.
A number of self guided trails meander through the garden. The most common
plants are identified and have been placed in their natural environment
rather than in artificial landscaping. The garden boasts one of the
densest stands of Aloe littoralis, the symbol of the city of Windhoek as
well as fine examples of Euphorbia virosa (milk bush family) and
Pachypodium lealii (bottle tree). The garden is open Monday to Friday from
08h00 – 17h00.
(OPENING HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
Excursions are offered in and around the City; the following half and full
day excursions can easily be arranged.
Contact us for
further information.
CITY TOUR:
(3 Hours)
City centre attractions such as well kept buildings, dating back to the
colonial era, standing shoulder to shoulder with modern high rise
buildings; view points over the city; historic buildings & monuments; arts
& crafts from a mix of local cultures; suburbs including Katutura and
Khomasdal. In short: - Namibia yesterday - today - tomorrow
CITY TOUR & PENDUKA:
(Half Day Excursion)
City Tour of Windhoek’s historical buildings & monuments e.g. the
Tintenpalast (Parliament Buildings), Reiterdenkmal (Monument), Alte Feste
(oldest building) and the Christuskirche, as well as the suburbs of
Khomasdal, Katutura & Ludwigsdorf. Visit the Penduka Women’s Project at
the Goreangab Dam. Penduka is a non-profit making development project
working with women’s groups in the rural, underdeveloped areas of Namibia.
The word PENDUKA means “Wake up and become aware of yourself”.
BIG CAT CABARET:
(Full Day Excursion)
Visit Guest Farm Düsternbrook, 50 km north of Windhoek. After a light
lunch experience the thrill of leopard viewing from an open vehicle,
followed by the rare sight of a leopard feeding in a very large natural
enclosure. Next stop Okapuka Ranch for an exciting game drive, return to
the ranch, sit back and relax with a cold sundowner while watching the
famous Okapuka lions feeding. This perfect day ends with a superb dinner
at the Ranch before returning to your hotel in Windhoek. An experience not
to be missed.
OMBO OSTRICH FARM:
(Half Day Excursion)
Visit to the Ombo Ostrich Farm approximately 85 km north of Windhoek.
Various species of flightless birds, as well as ostriches of various sizes
can be viewed. The adjacent shop offers a variety of semi-precious stones
from Namibia. En route to Windhoek, visit the Kavango Woodcarver’s Market.
AUAS GAME LODGE:
(Full Day Excursion)
A classic ‘Out of Africa’-style day at the Auas Game Lodge with all the
frills: game viewing activities, relaxation and excellent meals. Enjoy
Namibian hospitality at its best, walks, bird watching, an unforgettable
sunset with a cool drink in your hand and a refreshing dip in the swimming
pool.
SCENIC FLIGHTS:
(From 3 hours)
Charter flights are offered to various destinations in 5-seater Cessna 210
aircraft.
SOSSUSVLEI:
Early morning flight via the Khomas Highlands and the Naukluft Mountain
Range to the Sossusvlei area, situated in the Namib Desert. Get a bird’s
eye view of the highest dunes in the world amidst scenic landscapes in the
oldest desert of the world.
Sossusvlei with 4x4 drive: Early morning flight via the Khomas Highlands
and the Naukluft Mountain Range to the Sossusvlei area, situated in the
Namib Desert. A guided 4x4 drive takes the passengers along some of the
highest dunes in the world to the Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Lunch
is enjoyed at a lodge built in Bedouin-style. Return flight to Windhoek.
SWAKOPMUND:
Flight to the coastal resort of Swakopmund, wedged between the oldest
desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Natural History Museum, as well
as the unique Aquarium of the Ministry of Fisheries. After lunch, at a
local restaurant, continue to Walvis Bay for a visit to the harbour and
the lagoon with its seabird colonies. Return to Swakopmund airport via the
dunes, where you have the opportunity to climb and experience the dunes,
before boarding the aircraft for the scenic afternoon flight to Windhoek.
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK:
Visit one of Africa's largest game parks. Excursions range from day
flights with a game drive, to package tours including accommodation, meals
and game drives. Please specify your wishes when placing your booking.
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