Driving through Katutura - suburb of Namibian capital
Part 2
Katutura - rich history: Councillors Alfred Mungunda and Joshua Kamberipa called the township Katutura, which means, "We do not have a permanent habitation". This name derives from the fact that since the whites came to our land, Katutura is the fifth location we have had to live in Windhoek. Life in Katutura under apartheid: The Katutura of 1968 consisted of about 4 000 rental houses organized into five ethnic group section. People were required to live in Katutura in their 'own' ethnic group section. In addition to the rental houses there was a 'single quarter' area of dormitory-type housing estimated to accommodate about 1 000 people, and a walled 'compound' located at the entrance to Katutura where Owambo men on migrating labour were fed and housed. Apartheid in South West Africa was enforced more rigidly than in South Africa. Apartheid created heavy constraints on interaction between members of different racial groups. Law forbade marriage and sexual intercourse between whites and 'non-whites'. Separate entrances and service facilities for members of different 'racial' groups were found at most government, administration and municipal offices as well as at many privately owned businesses. Apartheid in South West Africa defined geographical, economic and social boundaries between people. In 1968, the Windhoek urban area was composed of three separate townships, each set aside for the exclusive use of one of the three racial groups: Katutura for blacks, Khomasdal for coloureds, and Windhoek for whites.
Driving through Katutura - suburb of Namibian capital
Part 1
Katutura - rich history: Councillors Alfred Mungunda and Joshua Kamberipa called the township Katutura, which means, "We do not have a permanent habitation". This name derives from the fact that since the whites came to our land, Katutura is the fifth location we have had to live in Windhoek. Life in Katutura under apartheid: The Katutura of 1968 consisted of about 4 000 rental houses organized into five ethnic group section. People were required to live in Katutura in their 'own' ethnic group section. In addition to the rental houses there was a 'single quarter' area of dormitory-type housing estimated to accommodate about 1 000 people, and a walled 'compound' located at the entrance to Katutura where Owambo men on migrating labour were fed and housed. Apartheid in South West Africa was enforced more rigidly than in South Africa. Apartheid created heavy constraints on interaction between members of different racial groups. Law forbade marriage and sexual intercourse between whites and 'non-whites'. Separate entrances and service facilities for members of different 'racial' groups were found at most government, administration and municipal offices as well as at many privately owned businesses. Apartheid in South West Africa defined geographical, economic and social boundaries between people. In 1968, the Windhoek urban area was composed of three separate townships, each set aside for the exclusive use of one of the three racial groups: Katutura for blacks, Khomasdal for coloureds, and Windhoek for whites.
Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is located at the Ghoha Hills in the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park. Chobe Hills is a part of an extensive list of accommodation establishments in Botswana that can be reserved for your tour.
We are pleased to share some exciting news! Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge has announced that it will begin developing it’s second property, Nogatsaa Pans,in the Nogatsaa/Tchinga area of the Chobe National Park, for a late 2016 opening.
With this expansion in mind, Ghoha Hills has opened its own reservations office in Johannesburg to assist with all reservations for the two properties. Kindly forward all reservation enquiries from the 1st February 2016, to e-mail
#HeroesAcreWindhoekNamibia #Heroes'AcreAerialPhotoGallery #МемориалГероевНамибии The offical memorial commemorating fallen Independence war heroes - The Heroes' Acre, is located close to Namibia's capital Windhoek - 5 minutes of driving south of town, off road B1, on your left. The distance is less than 10 km, turn-off is just after police road check point.
Heroes' Acre was officially opened on 26 August 2012 (celebrated annually as Heroes Day), with purpose of "fostering a spirit of patriotism and nationalism, and to pass on the legacy to the future generations of Namibia".
Heroes' Acre is built as a symmetric polygon with a marble obelisk and a bronze statue of the Unknown Soldier at its centre. The site contains parade grounds and a grandstand for 5000 people. The burial site consists of 174 tombs, not all are currently occupied.
Construction of Heroes’ Acre
The construction of Heroes’ Acre and a Memorial Museum in Namibia was conceived by President Sam Nujoma while attending an OAU Summit in Harare in 1997.
The City of Windhoek identified and donated over 732 hectares of land, less then ten kilometres south of city, to the government for the construction of Heroes’ Acre. It was designed by a team of North Korean experts, in collaboration with the City of Windhoek, the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture, the National Monuments Council and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication.
Heroes’ Acre is situated between two hills, creating an impressive ambience for the visitor as it lies sprawled on the slopes of the larger southern hill. The site also allows for easy access for service- and maintenance teams.
A white obelisk, the tallest element on the site, forms a distinct landmark which is clearly visible from the city centre. White marble and black granite from Karibib on the edge of the Namib Desert were used to clad all the concrete structures.
The layout of Heroes’ Acre is a symmetrical polygon consisting of:
a public seating area that can accommodate 5 000 people; an arrival platform which is the lowest part of the "saddle"; the main area consisting of graves; the obelisk area; and a staircase walkway leading to the pavilion, which allows for a panoramic view of the City of Windhoek.
The main attractions at Heroes’ Acre are the eternal flame that burns 24-hours a day, the heroes’ medal, the eight-meter-tall sculpture of the "Unknown Soldier", the curved relief depicting the struggle and the pavilion. Other interesting features include the gateway, the sculptured couple on the roundabout and the restaurant.
In his inaugural address, President Sam Nujoma stated that "Heroes’ Acre is a place for all Namibians, irrespective of their political, racial, ethnic or religious background, to come and honour those sons and daughters of our soil who sacrificed their lives, and those who, during their lifetimes, made great and meaningful contributions to the liberation of the ‘Land of the Brave’ and all her people in their diversity. Compatriots, this monument was built as our token of honour to our fallen heroes and heroines. It was built in the true African tradition of bestowing honour to our forefathers and mothers."
"The blood of all these sons and daughters of Namibia watered the tree of our liberty and will always be remembered by present and future generations of the Republic of Namibia." – Sam Nujoma
#SwakopmundHistoricalLighthouse #ИсторическийМаякВСкакопмунде Aerial photo gallery - historical lighthouse in Swakopmund, Namibia 11 m Swakopmund Lighthouse, located opposite of Municipal gardens in Swakopmund - Namibia's Atlantic Coast, was opened in July 1902. It is 21 years older than Walvis Bay Lighthouse at Pelican Point. A further 10 m was added in 1910. The original beacon erected at The Mole was washed away by strong current. The Lighthouse is still in operation, guiding ships with its light seen as far as from 35 nautical miles. One of the most prominent Swakopmund's landmarks, now also houses a restaurant.
Lighthouse specifications: focal plane 35 m (115 ft); two white flashes, separated by 2.3 s, every 10 s. 28 m (92 ft) round tower with lantern and double gallery. The upper portion painted with red and white horizontal bands; the lower portion is unpainted brick. The lower 11 m (36 ft) is the original 1902 lighthouse; the upper section was added in 1910. The lighthouse replaced a short-lived lighthouse on the town's mole; built in 1902, it was washed away by a storm only months later. The lantern of the present light was installed in 1982 along with a more powerful light having a range of 33 km (20 mi).
Located on the western side of the C48 road, about 11 km from Divundu and 5 km from Bagani, Divava Okavango Lodge and Spa really is one of its kind in Namibia ’s hidden wildlife paradise, where time stands still. The Lodge is nestled amongst majestic trees on the banks of the Okavango River, sharing common borders with the renowned Popa Falls and is only 20 minutes drive to the Mahango and Buffalo Game reserves.
The lodge boast 20 Luxury Chalets, a Bar, Restaurant, Wine Cellar, Swimming Pools, WiFi at reception area, Air Conditioning and Laundry service. Visa and Master Credit cards are welcome.
20 Luxury Chalets located on a high river bank, with a large deck giving an incredible view of the Okavango. All rooms are air conditioned, equipped with mosquito nets, mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, safe, Hairdryers, Double sinks and Separate toilet, an indoor shower and bath, plus an extravagant outdoor shower. The rooms are generous in size, and the outdoor deck has comfortable chairs, inviting the guests to enjoy the views over the river.
All 20 luxurious chalets has thatched roofs and are well wide spread in tranquil gardens.
Spa with different specialist treatment rooms, Swedish dry Sauna, Steam room and a Hydro bath The Spa has been designed to look similar to the huts of the local residents with each treatment room facing the Okavango River
Dining and Beveraging Divava Okavango Lodge Restaurant offer variety of cuisine with an African touch (Set menu) • Breakfast 06h00 – 10h00 • Lunch 12h30 - 14h30 • Dinner 19h00 - 22h00 Lunch packs for day activities are available on request and to be booked in advance Afternoon Tea, Coffee and Cake is served daily Between 15h30 and 16h00 on the viewing deck
The Bar open daily from 09h00 onwards and serve a selection of the finest wines, liquors and spirits.
Activities and Attractions Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa has a variety of activities on offer for all folks. ° Game Drives into Mahango Game Park ° Boat Cruise ° Mokoro trips ° Fishing adventure trips ° Swimming pools ° Others activities include; Traditional Village Tours, Island Excursions, Popa Falls and game drive to Buffalo Game Park.
Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa is the perfect doorway to unparalleled adventure and a destination beyond wildlife safaris.
Overnight visit to Oanob Resort near Rehoboth town, Namibia - photo report Oanob Resort is located around one hour of driving from Windhoek. It offers self-catering accommodation - chalets, rooms and camp sites overlooking Oanob Dam - well worth a visit. There are various water activities: boat trips, water-skiing, canoeing. Land based activities - hiking trails and game drives. There is a restaurant with magnificent views of Oanob Lake. Contact & information: e-mail