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Windhoek Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Windhoek
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Windhoek Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Windhoek - The small, Germanic capital of the country,
Windhoek is an attractive city situated in the Central Highlands
and surrounded by hills and mountains, occupying the geographical
and economic heart of Namibia.
The city centre
is characterised by historic German colonial architecture and
imposing modern structures. Dominating the skyline is the striking
German Lutheran church, Christuskirche, a mixture of Art Nouveau
and neo-Gothic design, and the Titenpalast, or 'Ink Palace', the
parliament building from where the sparsely populated country is
governed. The railway station is a Cape Dutch edifice dating back
to 1912 and Independence Avenue is a pleasant tree-lined place with
fountains and walkways providing a relaxing ambience among the
modern buildings of the central business district. The women of the
Herero tribe, cattle herders of the region, are very distinctive
with their voluminous Victorian-style dresses and colourful
headgear. The German influence is not only
apparent in the architecture and colonial style buildings, but is
evident in the food and locally brewed beer. Polony and sauerkraut
are available on the menu among local dishes, including seafood
from the west coast and venison or game steaks from the
hinterland.
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Windhoek
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Twyfelfontein
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What is it? Translated as 'Doubtful Fountain',
Twyfelfontein was so named by a farmer who doubted the ability of
the spring to sustain his cattle for a long time. The spring is
still there, but Twyfelfontein is famous for its prehistoric rock
paintings and engravings rather than its water supply. It boasts
the largest concentration of ancient rock art in the country (about
2,500 designs), and has been declared a national monument. The
petroglyphs primarily depict game animals such as giraffe,
antelope, elephant and lion, and are believed to be around 3,000
years old. Visitors are no longer allowed to enter the site without
a guide, due to previous vandalism. The uniquely designed Visitor
Information Centre features an exhibition, kiosk and souvenir
shop.
Hours of Operation:
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2. The Spitzkoppe
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What is it? The natural beauty of the Spitzkoppe, or
Spitzkop, is spectacular; an island of bald granite peaks situated
in an endless grassy plain that is visible for miles around. Groot
Spitzkop is often referred to as the 'Matterhorn of Africa' because
of its similarity in shape, and it is one of Namibia's most famous
mountains. Nearby are the Little Spitzkoppe and the Pontok
Mountains. The area is a paradise for climbers, although only those
with a lot of experience and the correct equipment should attempt
the Spitzkoppe itself. The enormous granite rocks were formed
hundreds of millions of years ago due to volcanic activity and
subsequent erosion has resulted in fascinating rock formations and
memorable outlines, which should not go unexplored. The area is
also renowned for its breathtaking sunrises that turn the rocks
from pale orange to flaming gold.
Hours of Operation:
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3. Brandberg
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What is it? The Brandberg massif is famous for its
thousands of rock paintings and engravings, most notably the 'White
Lady', which is estimated to be about 2,000 years old. Guides
accompany visitors on an hour walk to the Tsisab Ravine where the
famous painting is located on an overhang under a shelter,
surrounded by a variety of painted animal forms. Although faded
over the years, the trip to see it is well worth the effort.
Contrary to early belief, the painting is not actually of a white
lady, but is the image of a male, the white colour of the body
representing body paint, which suggests it is a medicine man. Since
it was discovered in 1955, there has been a great deal of
controversy over the meaning and origin of the painting.
Brandberg's highest peak is Königstein, and at 8,550ft (2,606m) it
is the highest mountain in Namibia, which can be reached on an
organised three-day hike.
Hours of Operation:
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Windhoek
holidays - Top Events
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