Namibia Independence Bucket List - Top attractions

Namibia Independence Bucket List

"Independence Bucket List" - featuring 33 awe-inspiring destinations, attractions, and experiences that showcase the incredible beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved nation. Discover the wonders of Namibia and make unforgettable memories as you embark on these once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

1. Sossusvlei: The iconic red dunes and otherworldly Dead Vlei, a must-see destination in the heart of the Namib Desert.

2. Etosha National Park: A premier wildlife destination, home to various species of wildlife.

3. Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world and a geological marvel.

4. Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife, and unique landscapes.

5. Swakopmund: A charming coastal city with unique architecture and a variety of adventure activities.

6. Namib-Naukluft Park: Home to diverse landscapes, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Naukluft Mountains.

7. Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

8. Zambezi Region: A lush, water-rich region with diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty.

9. Spitzkoppe: A striking granite peak rising from the desert, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

10. Walvis Bay: A coastal city offering activities like whale watching, seal kayaking, and exploring its vast lagoon, home to flamingos and other bird species.

11. Kolmanskop: An eerie ghost town that once thrived as a diamond mining community, now a popular destination for photographers.

12. Damaraland: Home to desert-adapted elephants, ancient rock art, and the Petrified Forest.

13. Bwabwata National Park: A conservation success story, this park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, African wild dogs, and various antelope species.

14. Windhoek: The capital city of Namibia, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical attractions.

15. Waterberg Plateau Park: A striking plateau with unique red sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.

16. Ai-Ais Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Ai-Ais, located within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

17. Lüderitz: A coastal town with unique architecture and a gateway to the nearby Kolmanskop ghost town.

18. Namib Sand Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast expanse of ever-shifting sand dunes is a testament to the power of nature.

19. Brandberg Mountain: Namibia's tallest mountain, home to the famous "White Lady" rock painting and diverse wildlife.

20. Daan Viljoen Game Reserve: A small game reserve near Windhoek, perfect for wildlife viewing, hiking, and picnicking.

21. Popa Falls: A series of cascades on the Okavango River, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.

22. Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.

23. Mudumu National Park: A remote park in the Zambezi Region, offering diverse habitats and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

24. Khaudum National Park: An off-the-beaten-track destination, perfect for intrepid travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

25. Otjiwarongo: A town known for its cheetah conservation efforts and the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund.

26. Quiver Tree Forest: A unique natural attraction, featuring hundreds of quiver trees, some up to 300 years old, creating a surreal landscape.

27. Hoba Meteorite: The largest known meteorite on Earth, located near the town of Grootfontein, offering a rare chance to see a piece of outer space.

28. Epupa Falls: A series of stunning waterfalls along the Kunene River, set against the backdrop of the arid Kaokoland landscape.

29. Erindi Private Game Reserve: A sustainable ecotourism destination, offering excellent wildlife viewing and conservation programs.

30. Dorob National Park: This coastal park stretches from Walvis Bay to the Ugab River and includes diverse landscapes, such as dunes, gravel plains, and lagoons.

31. Kuiseb Canyon: A dramatic geological feature carved by the Kuiseb River, providing a striking contrast between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the canyon's rugged terrain.

32. Zambezi Arts Centre: Showcasing traditional crafts from the Zambezi Region, supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

33. Tsumeb Cultural Village: A unique attraction that celebrates Namibia's diverse cultural heritage, offering visitors an insight into the country's various ethnic groups and their traditions.

Namibia Welcomes You!

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Namibia: Historical Swakopmund - Ritterburg Mansion

Historical Swakopmund 

Theodor Ritter was a son-in-law of the Hamburg shipping magnate Adolph Woermann, and had been managing affairs at the local offices  of the Woermann Shipping Line from 1908 until 1912. Architect Höft (who also signed responsible for the design of the Haus Altona and the stately Woermann Haus with the Damara Tower) had designed the residence for Mr Ritter. Notably, it had been the first building in the country with electrical wiring and switches for lights and appliances integrated in the walls. (The Woermann group of companies operated the local coal-fired power station in town, it  had also been one of the very first electrical power stations in all of Southern Africa).

View from Woermann Haus Tower over the Ritterburg Mansion, the empty shell of the customs shed, and a deserted Mole in the distance

The mansion for Mr Theodor Ritter and his family (remember: his wife had been a daughter of the patrician Woermann dynasty) had been built onto the upper ridge of an age-old beach terrace, at the intersection of Kaiser Wilhelm - and Bismarck Straße. Further north along the same terrace, there had been the lighthouse as well as the 'Kabelmesse' (the local telegraph station). A little distance away, the Woermann Haus had been completed a few years prior.

YouTube video: Old Swakopmund:

As can be seen on the historical photograph of the 'Ritterburg', the main entrance had originally been on the southern façade of the building. This explains why the current entrance around the back has always felt like the kitchen servants' entrance - and does not make much sense, architecturally.

The southern main entrance had probably been shut off and bricked in somewhere between 1920 and 1970, when the building had served as yet another boarding school / 'Schul-Internat'.

The persistent southwesterly winds are probably to blame for this, but today there would be more elegant solutions to that.

Note how the building had once been surrounded by trees, probably the hardy Manotoka, Rooikrans / 'Port Jackson', Araucarya and Casuarina trees.

The photograph dates back to the years immediately after the 1st World War.

The customs shed in the picture explains  why the diagonal street below is still known as 'Am Zoll Straße'.

Swakopmund had originally been the main harbour town of German South-West Africa. All the harbour activities were moved to Walvis Bay during the war in 1915 already.

Swakopmund thus remains a harbour town that hasn't seen a single ship in well over a hundred years. And, against all odds, the town seems to be doing pretty well.

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Namibia: Row Between Mobile Food Kiosks And Swakopmund Municipality

Row Between Mobile Food Kiosks And Swakopmund Municipality

The Swakopmund Municipality has demarcated several sites for mobile food kiosks.

This, the municipality says, will allow them to better manage their activities and operations in a manner that improves the image of Swakopmund while addressing the needs and interests of all the residents.

According to the public relations officer for the Swakopmund Chief Executive, Archie Benjamin, despite there being 17 sites for mobile food kiosks in the Central Business District and surrounding areas, residents who are interested in opening food truck enterprises at the town continue to flood the Economic Development Services Department with applications and demands with the inquiries unequivocally showing that new locations are needed.

“The Swakopmund Town Council has also received a mass amount of complaints from residents, particularly those living near the beach, requesting the relocation of mobile food kiosks for various reasons,” he said.

Some of the complaints include a disregard of the town planning scheme by allowing mobile food kiosks to operate in the beach area without following the proper procedures.

He further said that the Municipality of Swakopmund has recognised the need to accommodate and support the mobile food kiosk business by putting measures and systems in place that lawfully support this sector thus creating an enabling environment for economic growth and the creation of employment.

The resolution was not welcomed by all sections of Swakopmund, leading business owners mobilizing community members to sign a petition, which will be imminently handed over to the town council to voice disapproval over the resolution.

“Please leave the Fork n Nice alone! Please don’t move the yellow bus. Don’t be short sighted, it is ours!” remarked one of the disgruntled residents on the Swakopmund Municipality Facebook page.

After the Swakopmund Town Council’s deliberations on 27 October 2022 and 23 February, it was resolved that mobile kiosks be allowed at certain specifically demarcated sites.

These sites include north of the aquarium as well as at the tennis court, the parking area opposite the State House, the Saturday Market area at Erf 118 (Daniel Kamho Avenue) opposite the Swakopmund Prison, Erf 626 in Tamariskia and Erf 2349 in Matutura.

Existing mobile kiosks that need to relocate in respect of the town council’s decision were given the first preference to re-apply and select their preferred sites.

The Mole and the old skateboard area will only be used for special events, while the current kiosks in these areas must be moved to the newly created area.

Furthermore, the council resolved that the mobile kiosk sites at the DRC Settlement be delayed until the complete de-congestion process has been finalised.

Council also noted that no suitable trading areas have been identified at the industrial area, Ocean View, Mile 4, the DRC informal settlement and Mondesa.

The resolution further states that the mobile food kiosk policy inclusive of all operative guidelines will be implemented in phases yet to be announced.

The Swakopmund Town Council will hold public consultations on its mobile food kiosk policy in the near future.

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Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia: 33 awe-inspiring destinations

Namibia celebrate its Independence Day on 21 March. In honor of this momentous occasion, we are thrilled to present you with a special gift - "Independence Bucket List" featuring 33 awe-inspiring destinations, attractions, and experiences that showcase the incredible beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved nation. Discover the wonders of Namibia and make unforgettable memories as you embark on these once-in-a-lifetime adventures!

1 Sossusvlei: The iconic red dunes and otherworldly Deadvlei, a must-see destination in the heart of the Namib Desert.

2 Etosha National Park: A premier wildlife destination, home to various species of wildlife.

3 Fish River Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the world and a geological marvel.

4 Skeleton Coast: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, with shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife, and unique landscapes.

5 Swakopmund: A charming coastal city with unique architecture and a variety of adventure activities.

6 Namib-Naukluft Park: Home to diverse landscapes, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Naukluft Mountains.

7 Twyfelfontein: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock engravings offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.

8 Zambezi Region: A lush, water-rich region with diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty.

9 Spitzkoppe: A striking granite peak rising from the desert, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

10 Walvis Bay: A coastal city offering activities like whale watching, seal kayaking, and exploring its vast lagoon, home to flamingos and other bird species.

11 Kolmanskop: An eerie ghost town that once thrived as a diamond mining community, now a popular destination for photographers.

12 Damaraland: Home to desert-adapted elephants, ancient rock art, and the Petrified Forest.

13 Bwabwata National Park: A conservation success story, this park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, African wild dogs, and various antelope species.

14 Windhoek: The capital city of Namibia, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical attractions.

15 Waterberg Plateau Park: A striking plateau with unique red sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.

16 Ai-Ais Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Ai-Ais, located within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

17 Lüderitz: A coastal town with unique architecture and a gateway to the nearby Kolmanskop ghost town.

18 Namib Sand Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast expanse of ever-shifting sand dunes is a testament to the power of nature.

19 Brandberg Mountain: Namibia's tallest mountain, home to the famous "White Lady" rock painting and diverse wildlife.

20 Daan Viljoen Game Reserve: A small game reserve near Windhoek, perfect for wildlife viewing, hiking, and picnicking.

21 Popa Falls: A series of cascades on the Okavango River, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.

22 Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world.

23 Mudumu National Park: A remote park in the Zambezi Region, offering diverse habitats and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

24 Khaudum National Park: An off-the-beaten-track destination, perfect for intrepid travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

25 Otjiwarongo: A town known for its cheetah conservation efforts and the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund.

26 Quiver Tree Forest: A unique natural attraction, featuring hundreds of quiver trees, some up to 300 years old, creating a surreal landscape.

27 Hoba Meteorite: The largest known meteorite on Earth, located near the town of Grootfontein, offering a rare chance to see a piece of outer space.

28 Epupa Falls: A series of stunning waterfalls along the Kunene River, set against the backdrop of the arid Kaokoland landscape.

29 Erindi Private Game Reserve: A sustainable ecotourism destination, offering excellent wildlife viewing and conservation programs.

30 Dorob National Park: This coastal park stretches from Walvis Bay to the Ugab River and includes diverse landscapes, such as dunes, gravel plains, and lagoons.

31 Kuiseb Canyon: A dramatic geological feature carved by the Kuiseb River, providing a striking contrast between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the canyon's rugged terrain.

32 Zambezi Arts Centre: Showcasing traditional crafts from the Zambezi Region, supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

33 Tsumeb Cultural Village: A unique attraction that celebrates Namibia's diverse cultural heritage, offering visitors an insight into the country's various ethnic groups and their traditions.

Namibia - Your Next Destination!

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Namibia: historical Café Treffpunkt in Swakopmund - 1978 bombing & closure

New York Times

WINDHOEK, South‐West Africa, Dec. 30, 1978 (AP) - A powerful bomb exploded today in a crowded bakery and delicatessen in the coastal resort town of Swakopmund, injuring at least 37 people, the police here reported.

Maj. Gen. Victor Verster, the police commissioner, said two of the injured were in serious condition. All but two of the injured were whites, he said.

Swakopmund, 170 miles west of Windhoek, the South‐West African capital, has drawn thousands of tourists from elsewhere in the territory and from neighboring South Africa for the Christmas‐New Year's holiday period.

News24

Bomb in Swakopmund

1978/1980 I was employed by the Rossing Uranium mine about 68km east of Swakopmund. It was a Saturday morning and my turn to work dayshift. The Saturday day shift was the worst shift of the week. The shift is from seven in the morning to about three in the afternoon. Mine busses convey the workers to the mine and back home again.

The shift was rather quiet without any major breakdowns and production was running according to the target. I remained in the workshop tea room with the coms. radio beside me while reading some or other text book.

The radio burst into life informing all listeners that a bomb had exploded in Swakopmund in a German Café: Putterson's Café. It stated several persons were severely injured and some of the injured were taken to the local hospital.

The previous evening my wife’s cousin and family had come to visit us. They were tired and decided to sleep over before making the 32km trip to Walvis Bay. It had become a tradition for the wife and I to visit the Café every  Saturday when I was not working: The Café was usually packed with locals and visitors. The main attraction was the tea and the brotchens (rolls) with their unique German polony.

A few seconds after hearing the radio call I remembered that I had apologised to my wife because I could not accompany her to the Café that Saturday. She told me not to worry because she would take her cousin and his wife to the Café as they had not been there before.

They would use my vehicle for transport due to the cousins vehicle having no fuel in it and was parked close to the police station.

On realizing what had transpired |I went almost crazy on the mine. Other people were running around hysterical because the telephone lines were jammed. Some were leaving the job because they had private transport.  Later, about midday, I received a message from the production foreman that my wife had phoned the mine to tell me all was ok. It felt like I was woken up from the dead.

The mine bus left earlier that day.

There was a tangible silence hanging over Swakopmund when I reached my home.

My wife told me her side of the story: They had indeed decided to visit the Café and first went to her cousin’s stranded car to see if all was ok. The cousin was one of those guys that had to inspect everything: The doors, windows, wheels, paintwork and contents of the boot. etc, etc. Due to the parking areas being crowded they walked the short distance to the Café.

They were walking on the wrong side of the road and decided to cross the road walking at a wide angle to the café. As they neared the Café a loud whoofing sound was heard followed by a massive bang sounding like a roll of thunder.

People were bodily blown over the street: A man came out of the destroyed building with wooden slivers stuck in his back. The percussion had brought the ceiling down causing additional injuries.

Had they walked further on the wrong side of the road and then crossed they would have walked into the teeth of the blast. A forensic investigation indicated the bomb was placed on the window sill inside the building. The aim was to get at the customers and passers-by.

After the blast and some order reigned they noticed that most of the cars had flat tyres on one side. Apparently caused by wooden splinters. A Merc sports model was a complete write-off.

Had they not stopped at the stranded car they would probably have walked into the blast or been inside the building.

I am not too certain but believe the bombers, about 4 were shot dead some days later.

Photos of Café Treffpunkt Swakopmund from old - until the 31/12/1978 when a bomb exploded with 32 injured, and after that before it officially closed.

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Namibia: A humpback whale washed ashore near Henties Bay

Breaking: A humpback whale washed ashore near Henties Bay, Namibia, southern Africa.

Bystanders estimate it is about 20 metres long, and said it has been on the beach for a day or two

Срочно в номер: горбатого кита выбросило на берег недалеко от города Хентис Бэй в Намибии, южная Африка. Очевидцы оценивают его длину примерно в 20 метров и говорят, что он находился на пляже день или два.

Henties Bay: http://www.namibweb.com/henties.htm

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Namibia: famous old Jetty landmark of Swakopmund | Пирс Свакопмунд Намибия

Swakopmund is ever developing, which is more evident when looking at the past. The Jetty is probably the most well-known and recognizable of the historical features of Swakopmund.

Since the completion of the wooden Jetty in 1905 and the subsequent construction of the steel Jetty in 1911 (which was not completed to its original designed length), it has been revered as one of Swakopmund's many iconic attractions.

Старый пирс, Свакопмунд, Намибия. Деревянный пирс был построен в 1902, заменен на стальной в 1911.

Swakopmund: http://www.namibweb.com/swakopmund.htm

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Namibia: Swakopmund harbour & old lighthouse | Старый маяк Свакопмунд Намибия

Did you know - Swakopmund used to have a harbour?

Well, that’s why Swakopmund has a lighthouse that is visible from afar, thus built to guide ships into Swakopmund. the symbol of Swakopmund.

The Swakopmund Lighthouse was constructed in July 1902. A hill a little further away from the pier and the beach was chosen as the location. Because of the rough surf, the lighthouse was not built directly on the beach or even off the coast. The basic form of the 11.5m high lighthouse was built from hewn stones.

Today, the lighthouse no longer serves to guide ships into Swakopmund but instead serves as a navigational aid to all ships approaching and departing the port of Walvis Bay, in conjunction with the lighthouse at Pelican Point.

The Swakopmund Lighthouse is a landmark enjoying international prominence. It is a coveted object for photography, postcards, and other artwork such as painting. It is also right next to the Swakopmund State House and towers over the Mole area, which is a focal point of tourism and other recreational activities.

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Namibia: O&L Leisure | Strand Hotel Swakopmund Refurbishments

O&L Leisure | Strand Hotel Refurbishments

Update Strand Hotel Swakopmund Refurbishment - Building Remedial Works

This letter serves to provide you with an update of the progress that we have been making regarding the building remedial works, which started in November 2021. During the remedial works project, the hotel has experienced reduced bedroom inventory availability, because of the approach taken in replacement and repairs that are being done in the hotel blocks. We are sincerely, grateful to you our valued business partners for your patience and continued business support during this important building repairs period.

As stated in my previous letter, the focus of the building remedial works has been on improvements that focus on domestic water piping and the replacement of air-conditioning cooling towers. The project has progressed well, with block 1 and block 3 having been completed on the 16 May 2022. The following block, block 2, will commence from the 1st of June 2022 until the 15th of August 2022. During this period there will be a temporary entrance to block 3 outside the hotel. Our team will assist all our guests on arrival that are assigned to that block. During this period our Atlantic Spa has been relocated to rooms 101 to 104. All our treatments will be available as usual.

Our reservations and operations teams will continue to ensure that our guests are not inconvenienced by the works being undertaken. We will continue to ensure that your experience with us, in obtaining all the necessary communication from the time of your reservation, all the way to our guests checking in, is hassle- free.

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