windhoek namibia tourism

Because its important were transparent with you, but its equally important you dont let our small negative experience dissuade you from visiting. Vegetarians, your food game might be a little harder, but definitely not impossible. Other national parks in Namibia are: *In November 2012, the Namibian government approved the renaming of the Sperrgebiet National Park to Tsau Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park. In some instances, we found Namibia to be an affordable destination. READ MORE | Our epic 10-day Namibia road trip itinerary. I wander along Independence Avenue to see the old colonial buildings and a meteorite me. The city is known for extreme sports. Visa Information - Visit Namibia To give you an idea, we always had a minimum of 10L of water in the back of our car, and enough food to last us 2-3 days if the need arose. Windhoek to host AviaDev Africa forum - The Namibian Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. What are the best places to eat in Windhoek? Many of Namibias attractions are located deep into the desert, which can cause issues for those unprepared. The vineyard-fringed border town of Noordoewer is a popular base. Etosha is also notable for being home to one of Africas largest populations of the critically endangered black rhino, and these ungainly creatures are commonly spotted. South of Lderitz are the empty expanses of Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Windhoek - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Make no mistake: Namibia is one of Southern Africa's best places to watch wildlife, at least in the country's north. Some of our favourite zero-waste swaps are: Asking for no straw and using our own reusable metal straws instead, Ordering soft drinks or juice in glass or can version (or going without if its not available), READ | Our ultimate guide on how to reduce your plastic consumption on the road. more. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. And if youre a meat eater youll be in heaven, with vast selection of game meat available just about anywhere. If youre still worried, buy a water filtration system such as this before you leave (and stay away from buy bottled water!). The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 14.1 Namibian Dollars(last updated 7/7/2019). Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days. Image by Olga Ernst. Be prepared, be safe, and always travel with insurance for the 'just-in-case-worst-case-scenario' moments. Cost | Kolmanskop permits N$85.00 per adult (see details above). Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia - Welcome 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. Travellers can obtain visas from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, and Namibian missions abroad. Sossusvlei Sand Dunes are some of the highest in the world. More than just tarmac, these road-trip destinations deliver world-class motoring, spectacular scenery and side adventures to keep you busy for days. Combine four or five days on the river with a visit to Fish River Canyon, part of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Windhoeks best-recognised landmark, and something of an unofficial symbol of the city, this German Lutheran church stands on a traffic island and lords, This beautiful wildlife park sits in the Khomas Hochland about 18km west of Windhoek. SLEEPING BAG + SLEEPING BAG LINER | It gets freezing in the night in Namibia, so we recommend bringing a sleeping bag with you such asRAB's range of sleeping bags. READ MORE | Our ultimate 10-day Namibia road trip itinerary, BOOK | Rent your 4x4 via Rentalcars.com, our go-to for car rental globally. Many visitors to Namibia start their adventure in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of this South African country. This page was last edited on 16 May 2023, at 23:45. The most well-known of these groups, the San Khoisan,are also believed to be the oldest original people in the region (of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa), living a nomadic hunter-gatherer life. Namibia has many prominent National Parks, the oldest, most visited and best known is Etosha National Park. With its chilled vibe, German-influenced architecture and array of adventure sport operators, the town has become a favorite stop on the Namibian travel circuit. During this period expect clear sunny days with cooler temperatures (sometimes freezing), especially at night. Day 2: Namibia's Natural Landscape. [5], Windhoek, the capital and biggest city, is the main entrance point for people flying into the country, usually at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport. 559 likes. Opportunities at the Embassy. Contact Us - Visit Namibia Interesting facts to know before visiting Namibia. PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? To the south is Walvis Bay, with flamingoes and wetlands, and the nearby 383m-high (1256ft)Dune 7, Namibias highest. READ MORE | Our top 10 essential things to see and do in Namibia, our guide to Sossusvlei dunes. All the usual suspects are here in Namibia;the big 5 and the little 5, along with a number of desert game we'd never seen before, like the Kudu, Oryx, Gemsbok, and the Damara Dik-Dik. If you're heading out on a planned group tour, you'll generally have a sleeping bag provided to you. However, there are still issues with both poverty and gang violence, which has lead to increased personal and petty crime. 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. If you cant afford a 4WD camper, we recommend hiring a high clearance mini SUV. Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips! Land activities include Sandwich Harbour sightseeing tours, desert sightseeing tours, 4X4 dune driving tours into the massive dunes south of the Kuiseb river, dune hang gliding, dune boarding and dune skiing, guided educational, historic and anthropologic quad biking tours into the Kuiseb Delta, visits to the Topnaar people, descendants of the Khoin-Khoin, and living desert tours. LATEST NEWS Stay Informed about the latest blog posts and industry news. For those who arent sure, Namibia is located on the south-west coast of Africa. Its surprising then, that Swakop is actually Africas adventure capital. In the courtyard of Alte Feste sits a controversial statue of a German corporal on a horse (reminiscent of German oppression), which can only be viewed from the Balcony of Love. Attend Your Interview Appointment at the U.S. Embassy Step 6. Namibia Tourism Board - Namibia Trade Network Kolmanskop, in the far south-west corner of Namibia, was once a thriving diamond mining town. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. From our perspective, we mostly stayed in hotel accommodation during our Namibia road trip as we didn't have a tent or camping equipment. 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. On a Saturday night in the heart of Namibia's capital, we were almost mugged. Namibia's harsh climate and arid conditions make the country a top spot for different extreme sport events like desert runs and ultra-triathlons. It, WESTAIR Aviation has officially become a scheduled passenger airline in Namibia after it was granted carrier status by, Treat yourself to desert elegance and an extra touch of grace! Namibia is a land of superlatives and contrasts. It is, overwhelmingly, a peaceful and welcoming country. languages; English, a native tongue like Oshiwambo (spoken by 49% of the population), and either German or Afrikaans. 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). Its possible to drink the tap water in Namibia, however if youre worried, purchase a water purification and filtration bottle before your travel. The charm of the City of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. However, do still carry an amount of cash with you, just in case. Southeast of Lderitz is the old ghost town of Kolmanskop, a mining settlement that is slowly being taken over by the desert. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. There are more than 40 independent shops, and, together, they provide around 4,000 jobs for artists living in the countrys most remote areas. The definition of this, The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) exhibition at the Namibia Tourism Expo 2022 drawn positive attention to many tourism, COPYRIGHT 2023 NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD. The fusion of German, South African and traditional African cuisine means the quality of food in Namibia is actually very good. Self-drive crossings can also be made easily from Botswana, Zambia, and Angola. Several viewpoints offer glimpses over the canyons massive scale. The city is also known for its surf culture being located close to the famous Skeleton Coast. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Mostly arid, the spectacular landscape resembles Mars, with vast expanses of rocky mountains and canyons, vast orange and white sand dunes, and empty savannas, while the rugged Atlantic coastline is one of the most treacherous in the world. Oh, and despite what Donald Trump may say, its pronounced Na-mibia, not Nam-bia (for those of you who dont know what were talking about - watch this!). 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Particularly when you realise that we humans binge on a million plastic bottles a minute, and they take more than 400 years to break down. This figure has risen over time to 1,176,000 visitors in 2014. Namibia is unlike anywhere else on Earth; a place where youll feel incredibly small by the magnitude of your surroundings and in complete awe of Mother Nature's finest achievements. Namibia 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor If it's diverse and plentiful wildlife you're after, Namibia has exactly what you're after. Most people choose to fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 45min east of the capital, Windhoek. Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment Step 5. The answer to this question is an unequivocal YES. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Windhoek - Tripadvisor Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe, ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Dont leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials. Prices and availability here, Or, search all G Adventures Namibia group tours here. We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Windhoek, which include: Some of the most popular restaurants in Windhoek include: Windhoek is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Windhoek: If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Windhoek between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 19 Things To Do in Windhoek in 2023 - Traveltomtom.net BUY | The Grayl GEOPRESS water purification and filtration bottles. The Delight Swakopmund, Namib Dune Star Camp, Etosha Safari Camp, Kalahari Farmhouse, and, Camp Sossus emphasises every aspect of the intention to redefine immersive exploration and luxury. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Its home to natural wonders such as deep Fish River Canyon, the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Swakopmund, the wildlife mecca of Etosha National Park, the glorious mountains of Spitzkoppe, a rich indigenous and colonial history, and thriving adventure activity scene. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Check the Validity of Your Passport Step 2. If youre visiting Namibia during winter (June - September), expect very pleasant days and freezing cold nights. Unsurprisingly, in a country mostly covered by desert, Namibia suffers from extreme water scarcity. The road network is extensive and generally well signposted (apart from the depths of the Skeleton Coast). Our trusty The Grayl GEOPRESS water purification and filtration bottles is the best investment weve ever made. We spent over N$2,500 (almost $200 USD) on fuel during our 7-day road trip. Hotels near Nande Explorer Cultural Township Tours, Hotels near National Botanic Garden of Namibia, Hotels near Hosea Kutako Intl Airport (WDH). The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) will host AviaDev Africa in Windhoek in June 2024. . 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. On Damaralands northeastern edge is Etosha National Park, where lions and other animals gather in abundance around seasonal waterholes. 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. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Youre going to love Namibia. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. We hope these Namibia travel trips come in handy. 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. TRAVEL TOWEL | Amicrofiber towelis the perfect saviour when your hostel doesn't have towels or you need something to dry off with after a quick dip. Planning Tip:This central coastal region has the advantage that distances arent too great, and even if you have time for just a week here, you can get a good introduction. The wet summer months are not the best time for sightseeing, with high levels of humidity and temperatures soaring from 28C to 31C. 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!). Because of this, its the perfect destination for an epic road trip. Our recommendations are: The budget tent:Eurohike Tamar 2 Man Tent, or the sturdy, splurge tent:The North Face Stormbreak Tent. How to Apply for Tourism & Visitor Visas - U.S. Embassy in Namibia Then, as in many other African nations (and to the surprise of local indigenous populations), the 19th century Europeans arrived. Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. High Average Low Windhoek Temperatures (Celsius) Key High Average Low "Feels-Like" Temperatures The way we experience weather isn't all about temperature. 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. Our Namibia travel tips guide has you covered, including everything from what to see and do, where to stay, how to get around safely, and how to prepare for your trip. 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. SUNSCREEN | It doesn't take long for that relentless Namibia sun to do some real damage, so dont forget yoursunscreen(minimumSPF 30, but ideallySPF 50). . You will need a permit to enter the area, which can be organised through one of the tour companies in Lderitz before you go, or at the gate when you arrive. The building that houses the National Museum is also of interest, as it was originally an old German fort, dating back to 1890. See all Private 3 Days Tour to Sossusvlei Namib Desert - Lodges 5 For a first-timer, driving in Namibia can be tough; there's a lot to know and be aware of. With its famously dry skies, Namibia is a wonderful destination at any time of year. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. The Geographical Journal 162.2(1996): 205-217. Pay the Machine Readable Application Visa (MRV) Fee Step 7. BOOK NOW | Check out and book Swakopmunds best adventure tours here. If youre planning on road-tripping through Namibia, you should do it in an off road 4WD Africamper. Admittedly, the prices are higher than that of roadside stalls, however, the covered market is safe, clean, and community-minded. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. The luxurious rooms here offer en suite bathrooms, complete with modern African decor. Alternatively, stay in the many campsites if you have camping equipment. and the huge Flamingo population around Walvis Bay. On, This old courthouse was built in 1898 for Carl Ludwig, the state architect, but it was never used and was eventually drafted into service as the, Zoo Park's rather anachronous mate to the elephant column is the Kriegerdenkmal, topped by a rather frightening golden imperial eagle, which was dedicated, Dating from 1908, the gabled brick Old Supreme Court was a court from 1920 to 1930, when the legal system was changing from the German to the South. If you do decide to road trip, be aware of the large distances between destinations, and plan accordingly. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Much like South Africa, black and coloured neighbourhoods were torn down, populations were segregated from each other, and it wasnt until 1990 that independence was gained and the united nation of Namibia was formed. It has a 1500km (932-mile) coastline and a network of languid waterways, yet it is one of Africas driest countries. Namibia is a rapidly growing tourism destination, with a diverse range of attractions to offer visitors . Scan the trees for endemics like the Rppells parrot, and near-endemics, like the Monteiros hornbill. Other materials came from much further away, like the Italian Carrara marble used for the portico. 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. AYellow Fever vaccinationcertificate, which is commonly needed for many African countries, is only required for travellers 9 months of age and older coming from - or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within - a country with risk ofYellow Fevertransmission. If you have the time, a month. Windhoek, Namibia from $128/night The Delight Swakopmund 833 Swakopmund, Namibia from $136/night 2023 Onguma Bush Camp 548 Etosha National Park, Namibia from $328/night Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel 142 Walvis Bay, Namibia from $137/night Aloegrove Safari Lodge 162 Otjiwarongo, Namibia from $128/night Hardap Resort 60 Mariental, Namibia In Namibia, its important to prepare for the worst, and expect the best. And thats Namibias appeal. Experience the best of Namibia with this guide to the top places to visit Anastasiia Shavshyna / Getty Images. On one hand, it provides money to communities that otherwise may struggle for forms of income, which in turn raises living standards and allows for further education and medical provisions. Windhoek, Namibia 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Instead of landscaped lawns and exotic flowerbeds, this garden exists largely in its natural stateboth to conserve water, and also to also showcase Namibias incredible indigenous flora. Admission to the museum is free and it's open seven days a week. It's the activities here that make a stay at Voightland unique, however, as you can schedule a high tea enjoyed with giraffes sitting just feet away. From 1904 to 1907, in what's become known as the Herero revolt, the local Herero and the Namaqua tribes took up arms against the colonisers, and resulted in what has been termed the first genocide of the Twentieth Century. Namibia travel - Lonely Planet | Africa Must see attractions Windhoek, Namibia - Lonely Planet But if were honest, we didnt plan our trip to Namibia very well at all. Nama, Herero, German, Afrikaans, and British cultures have influenced the growth and development of Windhoek. The best time to visit Windhoek. [10][11] The following sectors of business within or relating to the Namibian tourism industry are sectors that are regulated by the Namibia Tourism Board:[12], There are a number of trade associations that represent the tourism sector in Namibia, they include the following:[13], Most visitors arriving to Namibia were from the following countries of nationality:[14]. This totally hiked up our daily budget for hotel accommodation, and as camping in Africa is super easy, it's safe to say that if we had our time over we'd definitely choose the cheaper campsites instead! If you like our photography, be sure to follow us on Instagram, too. Travel, adventure, photography and wanderlust, Bucharest, Bucherest, Bucurest, Bucuresti, Europe, Inspiration, Romania, Things to do, travel, Driving in the middle of the Namib desert, Namibia has the second lowest population density in the world, Our ultimate 10-day Namibia road trip itinerary, When it comes to travel and safety in Namibia, German colonists that landed on the shoreline at Walvis Bay in the 1880s, Hostelworld for the best budget accommodation options), Namibia has an awful lot you absolutely must-see, 10 essential things to see and do in Namibia, Check out and book Swakopmunds best adventure tours here, 10 places you absolutely must visit in namibia, comprehensive travel insurance through World Nomads, Namibians commonly speak two or three (or more!) In many ways, this was the precursor to the apartheid years that dominated this region in the 20th century. To the north of Windhoek city centerlies Katutura township, a district with an unhappy history. Amidst a cornucopia of colorful stalls, youll find traditional Namibian crafts, like hand-carved tree roots, copper jewelry, and silk scarves. The Independence Memorial Museum houses an impressive range of paintings, artifacts, and informative displays telling the story of the struggle for racial freedom. 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. However, it's 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 tiny enclave of Sesriem is the gateway to Sesriem Canyon and the many nearby highlights of Namib-Naukluft Park. And at night, make your way to one of the many awesome pubs, notable for their delicious German beer and cuisine. Katy Isd Rank One Schedules, Articles W