On Thursday, 21 March 2019, this beautiful country renowned for its boundless vistas, striking sunsets, and where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, celebrated 29 years of independence. So, it is only fitting to say ‘Happy Independence Day, Namibia’ to all Namibians and to share a few things I love about my country that I think you might admire and love during your visit here.
Firstly, I love the colourful Namibian people, as they have a strong sense of family, are effortlessly welcoming, love diversity, allow others to be different and love to celebrate just about anything… well, we do enjoy festivities on our public holidays.
Namibia is a melting pot of cultures, so it is an incredible destination if you are into cultural cuisine as there will often be something new to try. If you are a meat lover, try Kapana at Oshetu Community Market. You’ll most probably want to go often during your time here.
Public transport is easily heard and cannot be ignored due to the unceasing hooting serving as an invitation to chauffer you just about everywhere within the city of Windhoek. – Taxis, they are known for the best customer service as they often stop anywhere, which is not taken lightly by other road users. The journey to your destination is also eventful as you’ll simultaneously catch up with the latest ‘it’ jams – prepare for DJ Skip-Skip, while your driver delights you with a miscellany of half-played songs.
Although, if you are on a journey to discover Namibia, Namibia2Go is a reliable car rental option.
There are affordable and well-maintained accommodation establishments to select from whilst you explore various corners of this country, and here are a few favourites to visit: Hotel Thule, Villa Vista Guesthouse, Uzuri Guesthouse, Ghaub Nature Reserve & Farm, Oshandira Lodge and Gondwana Collection Establishments.
Namibia also boasts unrivalled landscapes that are soulful, spacious and rugged. Ranging from our velvety Namib Desert, Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon to Sandwich Harbour. Assuredly, you will be able to prove it as it is the perfect opportunity to capture those artistically curated photos.
There are unlimited outdoor activities that you can enjoy when staying at Gondwana Collection Establishments, which vary from hiking, camping, fishing, cycling, quad biking in the dunes, trail running, 4x4 scenic experiences, birding, kayaking and e-bike tours. Also, have a peak at Namibia Outdoor for other activities that might spark your interest.
Namibia has national parks such as Etosha National Park (where you can stay at the Etosha Safari Camp or Etosha Safari Lodge) and the Bwabwata National Park (where you can stay at the Namushasha River Villa or Namushasha River Lodge). These national parks are perfect for sights of unique wildlife.
There’s a lot more that I love about Namibia, so do come experience it… hopefully very soon.
I hope you all had superb independence celebrations.
If you have visited before, what else do you love about Namibia or what do you look forward to experiencing when you visit?
Author – I’m Nela, from a small village called Ongha in Namibia. I am intrigued by research, writing and photography as it is an ideal way to gain knowledge about people and the world. And of course… to share it too!
