A brief glance at the capital city, Windhoek
Windhoek, Namibia's vibrant and bustling premier city, reputed to be amongst the cleanest conurbations in Africa, is very much the administrative, commercial and educational centre of the country. Situated on the central escarpment, it sits at 1650 m above sea level. Served by two airports, Hosea Kutako International and the smaller, central Eros Airport, more the Mecca of light aircraft, Windhoek is very much the clearing house for all visitors and the starting point for most Namibian safaris.
The capital boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles, the German influence in many buildings harking back to those earlier colonial days; there are three castles set close together in what is now the fashionable suburb of Klein Windhoek. They are the Heinitzburg, Schwerinsburg and Sanderburg, built between 1913 and 1918; the former was commissioned in 1914 by Count von Schwerin for his fiancée Margarethe von Heinitz. Rumour has it that a secret tunnel was constructed, connecting Count von Schwerin's castle with that of his fiancée Ms von Heinitz, in order to avoid any scandal before the couple actually wed. The Heinitzburg is now one of Windhoek's finest hotels, whilst Italy's ambassador to Namibia resides in the Schwerinsburg and the Sanderburg has become a private dwelling. The State Museum is housed in the Alte Feste (Old Fort), dating from the end of the nineteenth century, and is closer to the city centre. Interesting places and buildings literally surround the Alte Feste. The seat of Parliament is within the local Tintenpalast, the quaint Christuskirche is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles supporting the Evangelical Lutheran faith; the original Presidential residence, State House, still occupies a large plot nearby on Robert Mugabe Avenue, but has now been replaced by a magnificent new State House complex, recently inaugurated, atop a hillside in the city's Auasblick suburb.
A new dwelling for the incumbent President will be completed adjacent to the main development later this year. Other places of interest include Windhoek's Botanical Gardens (Orban Street), the National Art Gallery (cnr of John Meinert Street & Robert Mugabe Avenue), Post Street Mall (off Independence Avenue) with its impressive collection of meteorite rocks, Zoo Park (very centre of town), the Supreme Court building (overlooking Independence Avenue) and Heroes Acre - a burial place reserved for Namibia's most vaunted freedom fighters - a few kilometres out of town on the B1 road, direction Rehoboth. Several small proclaimed Parks or state resorts lie within easy motoring distance of Windhoek, namely Daan Viljoen Game Park (take the C28), Gross Barmen Hot Springs (off the B1 near Okahandja), the Reho Spa Recreation Resort (Rehoboth on the B1 south) and the Von Bach Recreation Resort (also near Okahandja off the B1). All should provide some worthy rest and relaxation.Where to stay? Here are a few alternatives, large and small, arranged in perhaps a pecking order of prices: The Heinitzburg Hotel, the only member of the Relais & Chateaux group of excellence in Namibia, is situated in the old castle described earlier and has 16 air-conditioned rooms and en suite facilities, along with the upmarket Leo's Restaurant.
Olive Grove has 10 en suite air-conditioned rooms and an executive suite in a location close to the city centre. Its veranda offers al fresco dining and there is a tranquil garden and pool. The Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, several kilometres from the city itself, has 152 air-conditioned rooms with en suite facilities, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and a swimming pool. A free shuttle will take you to and from the city. Hotel Thule, situated in a magnificent hilltop location in classy Eros, boasts 23 rooms with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. The restaurant has views to die for, the pool too. The Kalahari Sands Hotel and Casino, located right in the centre of town, has 173 air-conditioned rooms and suites with en suite facilities, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre and a recently improved reception area. The Safari Court (4*) and Hotel Safari (3*) are located just 3 km from the very centre of the city; the Safari Court has 257 rooms whilst the Hotel Safari boasts 192. All are air-conditioned with en suite facilities; there is a swimming pool and again free transport to and from Windhoek.
Villa Verdi, a small guest lodge located a pleasant stroll away from the city centre, has 13 standard rooms, 3 apartments and one luxury suite, all with en suite facilities. There is a lovely swimming pool. Klein Windhoek Guest House is a vibrant, busy establishment with 9 air-conditioned rooms, all en suite, and a choice of six self-catering flats. There is a small pool, and the restaurant bar overlooks the Klein Windhoek River. Monteiro Self-Catering & Camping lays 11km south of the city off the B1 tar road and offers camping in nature so close to Windhoek. Two large chalets and six campsites, complemented by pretty gardens, a pool and awesome vistas of the Auas Mountains make it a lovely spot. Arebbusch, located about 4 km from the city centre, has a number of campsites and budget self-catering chalets, together with a restaurant.
Hungry? For a lekker African vibe, try La Marmite (Independence Avenue) where the most engaging Cameroonian proprietor, Martial Pouna, produces some classic West African cooking; African Roots (Klein Windhoek) is always full of locals, a good sign, and has a diverse Namibian menu. Fancy a braai? Iitumba, in the bush a few kms from town, will satisfy any meat-eater. Upmarket, try Gathemanns in Independence, or NICE (The Namibian Institute of Culinary Education) in Windhoek West. It offers international cuisine infusing Namibian classics such as exquisite game dishes with Asian or Italian, along with more traditional dishes and a Sushi option. For Italian, it must be Sardinia also in Independence. Luigi and the Fish in Klein Windhoek is another highly popular venue with a varied menu. Fresh 'n Wild is a great venue with lovely outdoor seating in Liliencron Street near the centre of town. The Taal Restaurant, once again in Independence Avenue, produces lovely Indian meals; Cafe Zoo meanwhile, nestling under the most amazing rubber tree in Zoo Park, offers great antipasti and much more or simply coffee. Last but not least, Joe's Beerhouse is the iconic "watering hole", a legend in its own time; it's an incredibly popular bar and restaurant known for its informal atmosphere, its huge menu featuring all types of game, and is loved by Namibians young and old, Namibians - a must visit for all tourists. Mmmm!
By Neil Digby-Clarke
The capital boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles, the German influence in many buildings harking back to those earlier colonial days; there are three castles set close together in what is now the fashionable suburb of Klein Windhoek. They are the Heinitzburg, Schwerinsburg and Sanderburg, built between 1913 and 1918; the former was commissioned in 1914 by Count von Schwerin for his fiancée Margarethe von Heinitz. Rumour has it that a secret tunnel was constructed, connecting Count von Schwerin's castle with that of his fiancée Ms von Heinitz, in order to avoid any scandal before the couple actually wed. The Heinitzburg is now one of Windhoek's finest hotels, whilst Italy's ambassador to Namibia resides in the Schwerinsburg and the Sanderburg has become a private dwelling. The State Museum is housed in the Alte Feste (Old Fort), dating from the end of the nineteenth century, and is closer to the city centre. Interesting places and buildings literally surround the Alte Feste. The seat of Parliament is within the local Tintenpalast, the quaint Christuskirche is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles supporting the Evangelical Lutheran faith; the original Presidential residence, State House, still occupies a large plot nearby on Robert Mugabe Avenue, but has now been replaced by a magnificent new State House complex, recently inaugurated, atop a hillside in the city's Auasblick suburb.
A new dwelling for the incumbent President will be completed adjacent to the main development later this year. Other places of interest include Windhoek's Botanical Gardens (Orban Street), the National Art Gallery (cnr of John Meinert Street & Robert Mugabe Avenue), Post Street Mall (off Independence Avenue) with its impressive collection of meteorite rocks, Zoo Park (very centre of town), the Supreme Court building (overlooking Independence Avenue) and Heroes Acre - a burial place reserved for Namibia's most vaunted freedom fighters - a few kilometres out of town on the B1 road, direction Rehoboth. Several small proclaimed Parks or state resorts lie within easy motoring distance of Windhoek, namely Daan Viljoen Game Park (take the C28), Gross Barmen Hot Springs (off the B1 near Okahandja), the Reho Spa Recreation Resort (Rehoboth on the B1 south) and the Von Bach Recreation Resort (also near Okahandja off the B1). All should provide some worthy rest and relaxation.Where to stay? Here are a few alternatives, large and small, arranged in perhaps a pecking order of prices: The Heinitzburg Hotel, the only member of the Relais & Chateaux group of excellence in Namibia, is situated in the old castle described earlier and has 16 air-conditioned rooms and en suite facilities, along with the upmarket Leo's Restaurant.
Olive Grove has 10 en suite air-conditioned rooms and an executive suite in a location close to the city centre. Its veranda offers al fresco dining and there is a tranquil garden and pool. The Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, several kilometres from the city itself, has 152 air-conditioned rooms with en suite facilities, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and a swimming pool. A free shuttle will take you to and from the city. Hotel Thule, situated in a magnificent hilltop location in classy Eros, boasts 23 rooms with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. The restaurant has views to die for, the pool too. The Kalahari Sands Hotel and Casino, located right in the centre of town, has 173 air-conditioned rooms and suites with en suite facilities, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre and a recently improved reception area. The Safari Court (4*) and Hotel Safari (3*) are located just 3 km from the very centre of the city; the Safari Court has 257 rooms whilst the Hotel Safari boasts 192. All are air-conditioned with en suite facilities; there is a swimming pool and again free transport to and from Windhoek.
Villa Verdi, a small guest lodge located a pleasant stroll away from the city centre, has 13 standard rooms, 3 apartments and one luxury suite, all with en suite facilities. There is a lovely swimming pool. Klein Windhoek Guest House is a vibrant, busy establishment with 9 air-conditioned rooms, all en suite, and a choice of six self-catering flats. There is a small pool, and the restaurant bar overlooks the Klein Windhoek River. Monteiro Self-Catering & Camping lays 11km south of the city off the B1 tar road and offers camping in nature so close to Windhoek. Two large chalets and six campsites, complemented by pretty gardens, a pool and awesome vistas of the Auas Mountains make it a lovely spot. Arebbusch, located about 4 km from the city centre, has a number of campsites and budget self-catering chalets, together with a restaurant.
Hungry? For a lekker African vibe, try La Marmite (Independence Avenue) where the most engaging Cameroonian proprietor, Martial Pouna, produces some classic West African cooking; African Roots (Klein Windhoek) is always full of locals, a good sign, and has a diverse Namibian menu. Fancy a braai? Iitumba, in the bush a few kms from town, will satisfy any meat-eater. Upmarket, try Gathemanns in Independence, or NICE (The Namibian Institute of Culinary Education) in Windhoek West. It offers international cuisine infusing Namibian classics such as exquisite game dishes with Asian or Italian, along with more traditional dishes and a Sushi option. For Italian, it must be Sardinia also in Independence. Luigi and the Fish in Klein Windhoek is another highly popular venue with a varied menu. Fresh 'n Wild is a great venue with lovely outdoor seating in Liliencron Street near the centre of town. The Taal Restaurant, once again in Independence Avenue, produces lovely Indian meals; Cafe Zoo meanwhile, nestling under the most amazing rubber tree in Zoo Park, offers great antipasti and much more or simply coffee. Last but not least, Joe's Beerhouse is the iconic "watering hole", a legend in its own time; it's an incredibly popular bar and restaurant known for its informal atmosphere, its huge menu featuring all types of game, and is loved by Namibians young and old, Namibians - a must visit for all tourists. Mmmm!
By Neil Digby-Clarke
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