Joanna James
The capital city of Namibia, Windhoek, is also the largest in the country. The city is located at the epicentre, and tourists visiting Namibia usually start their adventure in Windhoek.
Located 18km west of Windhoek, Daan Viljoen Game Park is a wildlife park sitting in the Khomas Hochland. The desert-hills thick with wildlife are to the nature lover's liking, and one can walk around, taking in the surroundings to their heart's content. The park is also popular for the birdlife it nurtures, and more than 200 species of birds have been spotted. The hills are laden with thorn-scrub vegetation which allows visitors excellent viewing, and so there are three walking tracks for that purpose.
This is the most sought-after highlight in the city, and falls among things to do in Windhoek. Christukirche is a German Lutheran church standing at the city centre. Tourists staying at Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino makes an easy trip to the site. The exterior and interior of the building are quite unusual and have been a point of interest among architectural enthusiasts. The church was built in 1907 using local sandstone in neo-gothic style; the architect is Gottlieb Redecker. The church exudes a funny bearing which makes it look edible because of its design as a whimsical gingerbread house. A tourist wishing to view the interior needs to pick up the key from the church office located close by.
Until 1962, the park was nothing more than a zoo. But now it has become quite the recreational spot for lunching office workers who are encouraged by the shady atmosphere. It is said that 5000 years ago, the park served as a site for a Stone Age elephant hunt; remains of two giant elephants and tools made out of quartz back the story. The park's elephant column honours this prehistoric event.
This is one of the most versatile places in the city. People who like to have a drink and dance a little on a Friday night gather at Boiler Room@ The Warehouse Theatre. Live music is stimulating to the tipsy heads dancing the night away.
The market is the epitome of tourist shopping in Windhoek. They love the crafts offered at the market, and the small and large shops found at the market encourage shopping. African arts and crafts sold at the market make for exceptional gift items, whether they are meant for yourself or someone else. You can find a plethora of wall hangings and rugs in addition to art items. There are small, poky shops selling genuine Bushmen crafts.
This is a hot spring that's widely popular among tourists. Located 100 meters away from Windhoek is this recreational spot owned by the state. With a temperature of 65 degrees, these hot mineral springs are a comfort to both tourists and locals; however, the temperature level is brought down to 40 degrees before using the water in the thermal pool.
Located north of Windhoek, about 60 kilometres away, Von Bach Dam is a recreational area found in Namibia. It also serves as the main water supply for the city. The dam is nourished by the ephemeral Swakop River that's 460 km long; the dam is also supplied by the Swakoppforte and Omatako dams. This is not only an important water reservoir but also the centre of von-Bach-Recreation Area found at the foothills of the Eros Mountains. Surrounding the dam is a game park where you can enjoy various watersports. Visitors can also try fishing provided that they have a permit.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
