Windhoek - Walvis Bay, Namibia
Namibia is situated in southwest Africa, and is largely distinguished by the vast Namib Desert which runs along its Atlantic Ocean coast, making it known as a country where the desert meets the ocean, quite a sight. The country contains German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek's Christuskirche, built in 1907.
Fun Facts About Namibia
Namibia is home to the largest population of cheetahs than anywhere else.
It is home to the oldest desert in the world. 80 million years old, the Namib desert is the oldest desert on earth, and is known for being home to some of Africa’s strangest flora and fauna. This huge 2,000 kilometer expanse is almost entirely uninhabited other than some small indigenous settlements.
It has the world's tallest sand dunes. Dune 7 stands at over 1200 feet tall.
The Namibian Fish River Canyon holds the second largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon
Despite being a desert nation it does get cold sometimes and can plunge from over 40 degrees Celsius in the heart of the desert to under 10 degrees Celsius
Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world.
True Namibia Experience
It would not be a complete Namibian experience if you do not go to Windhoek and Walvis Bay, one cannot forgo the other. You can fly from Windhoek to Walvis Bay. However I would recommend driving the 4 hours route as it is truly scenic and worth the while. And if seeing the red soil sand dunes of the Sassouslvei is on your bucket list you definitely will want to take the drive, as you will drive through the beautiful Fish River Canyon. You are free to hire a car for the days you intend to use it. I have recommended car hire agencies that I have worked with and hired from personally as well as can recommend professional tour guides who will transport you in comfort as you peer out the window in relaxation.
Where to stay and eat
There are a number of different accommodation options in Windhoek for any type of travelers needs, from all inclusive luxury hotels, lodges and homestays and airbnbs. Here are a few of my recommended stays for a first time traveler.
Windhoek Luxury Suites
Olive Grove Exclusive and Guesthouse
Bayview (Walvis Bay)
And as far as cuisine Namibia, its beef is known for its exceptional quality, especially due to its free-range production in the country. Alongside their quality beef they have a large offering of foods I would largely recommend such as their seafood and other dishes due to the German influences such as their chicken schnitzel.
If you are like me and enjoy different cuisines and experiences that take into account the atmosphere and aesthetic of the restaurant, as well as freshness of produce and environmental care, then it is hard to give a definitive list of places to eat because there are simply too many. I would need to know more about your preferences to guide. As the extreme foodie I am, trust me I have eaten at a lot of different places.
But should I make one recommendation of a must stop by, it would be the ‘Single Quarter’ in downtown Windhoek known for their local meat cooked on flames right before you and it is definitely an experience you will not forget… neither will your tastebuds.
Cost of Living
The Namibian Dollar is the official use of currency in Namibia. As of 7 September 2023 $1USD = N$19.15 which is similar to the South African Rand. From my time spent in Namibia I found that I got bang for my buck in Namibia compared to South Africa which makes costs relatively cheaper than a lot of places.
Accommodation prices are also relatively cheaper than that of South Africa and significantly cheaper than that of the United Kingdom and United States. And that filters through to all expenses from food, transport and activities.
Activities to do
Aside from the mentioned above here is a short list of activities I would highly recommend a traveler to partake in whilst exploring Namibia:
Quad biking in the desert dunes
Skydiving
Visit to Sandwich Harbour (where the desert meets the Ocean)
Catamaran Cruise in the Atlantic Ocean.
