Right smack in the middle of Namibia lies its capital, Windhoek. If you are expecting a ramshackle and grubby city similar to those in some of its neighboring countries, you are in for a big surprise.
Hailed as the cleanest city in the entire continent, Windhoek has a unique charm all its own. At first look, you will be pleasantly taken aback with the evident German influence in the city’s architecture and its people’s lifestyle. However, the legacy of its ancient inhabitants remains one of the major attractions in the region.
Impressions of Namibia’s colonial past continue to linger in the city’s buildings and various dwelling places. The Alte Feste or the Old Fortress in particular is the foremost landmark of Germany’s previous colonial presence. It now houses a museum that displays the country’s history starting from its ancient origins, through the occupation of the German military forces and culminating in the struggle for and the attainment of its independence.
Other notable structures in the area of relevant historical value include the 1910 sandstone church of Christuskirche and the parliament building or Tintenpalast. German influence is also apparent in the city’s cuisine, although slightly modified with a Namibian twist.
Although European influences permeate in the city’s culture, Windhoek remains a ruggedly stunning landscape quintessential of the African continent. The Spitzkoppe is one good example. It is a mountain of towering granite outcrops on the vast grassland plain. Aside from these amazing rock formations, Spitzkoppe is frequented by many for the best hiking opportunities found in the area. If you are an avid hiker, you can test your skill in a technical climb at the Spitzkoppe itself. But if you do not have the skills and/or the gear, you are better off at the less demanding Pontok Mountains nearby.
For a spectacular display of ancient rock art, there are several destination options in Windhoek. Twyfelfontein has the largest collection of these prehistoric markings, totaling to an estimated 2,500 figures. Outlines of animals such as elephants, lions and antelopes, believed to be thousands of years old, are vividly displayed on the stone walls.
Unless accompanied with a guide, do not attempt to go there on your own because caretakers of the area will not let you in. Although a tad inconvenient, do not get annoyed with this seemingly unnecessary rule. Vandals have done great damage to the area, so these measures are needed to avoid repetitions of such unfortunate incidents.
Another destination that offers an impressive display of ancient stone wall paintings is Brandberg. It is famous for the rock painting known as the “White Lady” which actually resembles an image of a man in a white outline. It was discovered back in 1955 and believed to have been drawn about 2,000 years ago. Brandberg is also home to Namibia’s highest peak – Konigstein – which is another favorite hiking destination in the country. If you want to scale the summit, you can join guided hikes regularly offered in the area. Several outdoor adventure outfitters will be more than willing to accommodate you.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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