Joanna James
Windhoek is Namibia’s largest city and also its capital, featuring a unique atmosphere that gives it a unique identity and sets it apart from Namibia’s other locales. Home to several wildlife reserves and zoos, the odd German castle, and a few historical buildings, Windhoek there’s plenty for you to explore with your significant other during your vacation to Namibia. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do as you explore Namibia’s capital city.
This German Lutheran Church is the most well-known landmark in Windhoek, located in the middle of a roundabout. Dating back to 1910 the church is made from local sandstone and features conflicting neo-Gothic and nouveau features, courtesy of architect Gottlieb Redecker. As a result, the structure resembles a whimsical gingerbread house. The church’s altarpiece is a copy of the renowned Resurrection of Lazarus, done by Rubens.
Opened in 2014, this museum is all about the country’s anticolonial struggle and independence. Its first floor tells the story of Namibia when it was under colonial rule, while the second floor addresses the efforts of the resistance movements against colonial powers. Finally, the third floor tells of the country’s road to independence. The building also features a glass elevator that takes visitors up along the outside of the building and provides scenic views over the city. The Museum was in fact funded and constructed by North Korea as a gift to Namibia.
A visit to Windhoek isn’t complete without a wildlife tour at one of its parks or sanctuaries. The Daan Viljoen Game Park is perfect for a quiet stroll through desert hills where you can spot kudus, mountain zebras, springboks, gemsboks, warthogs and more. The Park is also known for its massive bird population, featuring over 200 species of birdlife including the green-backed heron and the pin-tailed whydah.
This green park once served as a public zoo up until 1962, and today simply serves as a scenic picnic spot for a good afternoon rest. However, the spot does have an intriguing history; about a thousand years ago it was the site of an elephant hunt during the Stone Age, which was evidenced by the discovery of two elephants and many quartz tools found at the site in the early 1960s. This historical event is honoured by the Elephant Column which is featured prominently in the park. If you happen to be staying at the Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino off Independence Avenue which is arguably the best place to stay in Namibia, you can make a short walk to the Zoo Park that’s just two minutes away.
This is yet another interesting place to visit in Windhoek if you want to learn more about Namibia’s history. However, its most interesting feature is the rock art display. The rest of the museum features Indigenous artefacts and various photos and memorabilia from the colonial period. Outside, you can also witness a collection of railway engines and coaches that at one point in time formed one of the first narrow-gauge trains in the country.
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.
