If you are looking for a place to visit in Africa, consider Namibia. This former German colony is located in the north-western region of the continent. It shares a border with South Africa at the Orange River, and it covers an area of 800 000 square kilometers. To the north is Angola, while to the east is Botswana. The northern border of Namibia is also bounded by the Caprivi Strip, which stretches from Botswana to Zambia. The country’s history goes back to 1484, when Diogo Cao landed in the region.
Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia. It is situated in the central highlands. Windhoek is home to several historical attractions. You can visit the Heroes’ Acre war memorial, which commemorates Namibia’s 1990 independence. You can also visit the Independence Memorial Museum, a former military headquarters. Its buildings bear Colonial influences.
Climate: Windhoek has a semi-arid climate, which means the city experiences very little rain. It receives around 370 mm of rainfall each year. There are hot and humid days throughout the year, but nights are generally cool. The average minimum temperature is between five and 18 degC. There is little rain during winter.
Windhoek is a former German colony. The city centre is littered with buildings from this era. The oldest, the Christuskirche, was consecrated in 1908. Designed by German architect Gottlieb Redecker, the church was a major undertaking and required a railway line to bring sandstone from the Avis Dam.
The Independence Memorial Museum has a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits. It tells the story of the liberation struggle. It’s located in downtown Windhoek, near the Sam Nujoma statue. It’s also close to the Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the early twentieth century atrocities committed by the Germans against native Namibians.
If you have time to spare, check out the National Museum of Namibia, located next door. This museum has displays about Namibia’s San rock paintings, making it a great place to visit before heading out to see the paintings in situ. The National Museum building itself dates back to the German colonial era, and is worth a visit.
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia, and has a population of around two hundred thousand people. The city is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Its streets are lined with German-style buildings and avenues with African names. Many Windhoek residents speak English, the country’s official language. You can also check out the National Museum and the Zoo Park, a shaded urban green space.
Khomas Highlands
Namibia’s Khomas Highlands region is a game-filled haven situated just two hours from the capital Windhoek. The region’s mountain ranges, riverbeds, and valleys make for beautiful scenery. Hunting is conducted through spot-and-stalk methods.
The region is home to black and white rhinos, and over 350 different bird species. The scenery varies from vast grasslands and open plains to rocky mountains and steep crags. There are also plenty of opportunities to view the Big Five – black rhino, elephant, leopard, and rhino – in their natural habitats.
Otavi Mountains
The Otavi Mountains in Namibia are the home of some of Namibia’s oldest mining operations. In the 19th century, this area was a major producer of lead, zinc and copper. Currently, new exploration projects are underway in the region. These projects are taking place close to the historic copper mine of Tsumeb, which produced 30 million tons of ore between 1905 and 1996. From this mine, 1.7 million tons of copper, 2.8 million tons of lead and 0.9 million tons of zinc were extracted. In addition, the Tsumeb mine produced about 80 tons of germanium.
“The Otavi Stromatolite” is a book by Esther Neitzel. It contains an image of a half-complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. This skeleton was found between plants and was named Tristan after its new owners, the Museum Fur Naturkunde in Berlin. After the skeleton arrived, the Namibian stromatolite couldn’t sleep.
Fish River
The Fish River is 650 km long and flows from the Naukluft Mountains to Hardap Dam near Mariental. Downstream of the Hardap Dam, the river is completely blocked, but its tributaries continue to flow. This dam is the main obstacle to the downstream flow of the Fish River.
If you love hiking, take time to hike the Fish River Canyon. The canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. It was carved by the Fish River some 650 million years ago. It’s a fascinating place to explore, and the hiking trails here are spectacular. You’ll spend 4 to 5 days exploring this magnificent geological wonder.
The Fish River Canyon is situated in the arid region of Namibia, but it has small pools of water in the middle scopes during the dry season. It was inhabited during the early Stone Ages and early Neolithic eras, and early sites have been found inside the canyon and at bends in the river. The Germans also used the area during the Nama War and have since turned it into a protected national monument. The Ai-Ais Restcamp opened in 1971.
The Fish River has a 650-kilometre length and originates in the Naukluft Mountains. It flows southwards through the desert in the southern part of Namibia, and forms the Fish River Canyon. Private nature reserves and a national park protect the area around the canyon. During the rainy season, the Fish River turns into a torrent, while during the dry season it forms sporadic pools.
When on a Namibia road trip, take some time to visit the Fish River Canyon. It is a spectacular, 550-meter-deep canyon. The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It features stunning cliffs and vast rocky landscape.
