Namibia is an amazing country located in the southwest of the African continent. She is unusually beautiful and extraordinary with its desert landscapes, mountain ranges and the magnificence of the ocean. Due to the fact that until the end of the last century Namibia was influenced by Germany and South Africa, a mixture of cultures is felt.
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, stands out against this background. It intertwines the architecture inherent in the German style, and African huts. For tourists, this unusual combination is very remarkable. Sights of an unusual city attract visitors from all over the world.
“Who has not been to Namibia, he has not seen Africa!” - so say those who visit the African continent. And Namibia, whose capital is located in the very center of the country, conveys the true atmosphere of modern Africa. The international airport, located 45 km away from Windhoek itself, has a modern terminal and good service. You can get from the airport to the city by bus. It should be immediately said that most regular buses make routes only from the airport to the center of the capital, then you can take walks with a taxi.
History of the capital
The capital of the country - Namibia - is rich in monuments of architecture in the colonial style. Since 1890, it was considered the main city in a state subordinate to Germany. It was at this time that castles built in the Neo-Gothic style appeared. Three of them have survived to this day and attract attention. Since then, the German fort and the Lutheran church have remained intact.
After the First World War, the country came under the protectorate of the neighboring state of South Africa and became free only in 1990. For this reason, all sorts of architectural styles are combined in the capital of Namibia.
In the modern capital there are also a botanical garden, the National Museum, the Art Gallery and the zoo.
Neo-Gothic castles
German architecture attracts the attention of local residents and visitors of the country, who are always glad to Namibia. The capital is unique in that the museums are located in ancient buildings. The National Museum is located in several buildings - the Old German Fort and the Ovella Museum. The old fort is a symbol of the beginning of the founding of the city. Its foundation was laid in 1890, and the armament that was installed to protect the fortress at that time still remains in place and attracts a lot of tourists. Departments located in the fortress - regional and historical.
The Ovella Museum, which houses the natural history and zoological departments, is located in the very center of the capital. It is interesting that there are more than two million exhibits, and there is also a Taxidermy Hall, which contains stuffed animals living throughout the country. The museum is rightfully proud of Namibia. The capital introduced innovation for children - a room was invented where they can not only look at the exhibits, but also touch them.
In the city you can admire ancient castles and mansions. Heinzburg Castle, built of local white stone, is today turned into one of the most chic hotels in Windhoek with the same name. Sanderburg Castle is privately owned and can only be admired from afar. But in Schwerinsburg castle with its small turrets, as in a fairy tale, it will not work either. It houses the Italian Embassy.
The Parliament building will attract tourists with its beauty and chic park, it is also called the "Ink Palace".
National Gallery and Craft Factories
The National Gallery of Art will open to visitors the world of cultural and craft values of the country. The permanent exhibition tells about both modern and ancient art of the Nama and Herero peoples. The gallery houses an archive, a library and an educational center. It is here that you can find out where the craft workshops are located, into which you can get to and see with your own eyes the production technique.
You can visit the factory "Nakara", which is engaged in the production of karakul products and hides the skins of various animals in Namibia. You can purchase goods in a special store at the factory.
Few countries can visit a jewelry factory, but Namibia provides this opportunity. The capital Windhoek has such a factory where you can observe the whole process of jewelry manufacturing: from cutting a diamond to its final design into a product. You can buy your favorite items in a factory store.
Religious buildings
Today, even schoolchildren will answer the question of what kind of church is in the photo above, and where it is located. Of course, this is Namibia! Capital! A photo of the famous church has become the hallmark of the country.
This is a Lutheran church, built at the beginning of the XX century. Kristuskirche, or, as it is also called, the church of Christ, was consecrated in the post-war years as the church of the World. The building is built of sandstone and very nicely decorated. The stained-glass windows in the part where the marble altar is located were donated by Emperor Wilhelm II. The church is located in the very center of the city.
Nature reserve
Namibia has an excellent nature reserve. The capital is located only 20 km from it. Safari tourists regularly depart from it to Dan Wilhun. Unity with nature is very inspiring for urban residents. In the reserve you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. Giraffes, antelopes, elephants and zebras in their natural habitat, as well as many birds will delight both children and adults. For safety, special routes have been developed that allow you to visit the conservation area both alone and accompanied by a guide.
For relaxation, an excellent place is provided by an artificial reservoir, and if you need to spend the night, they will provide a cozy bungalow. In the reserve everything is equipped for a comfortable rest of tourists. Here you can find restaurants, cafes and even hunt for permitted animals. And all this despite the fact that the reserve is the smallest in Namibia and quite young - it was founded in 1962.
Okonjima Camp
A small farm, created in 1986 by a single couple to breed cattle, over time has become a nature reserve for endangered species. Now this unique reserve in Namibia allows you to watch leopards and other rescued wild cats in their natural environment.
The reserve provides excellent comfortable conditions for tourists. This tourist camp brings nature closer together and revitalizes the natural African conditions.
The capital of Namibia is a wonderful place where you can see a lot and get an unforgettable experience from real Africa.