Category Archives: Windhoek

Windhoek

A to Z Challenge, Namibia, Windhoek

Blogging from A to Z: W is for Windhoek

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It’s no secret that I simply love Windhoek; I’ve written a lot about the gorgeous capital city of Namibia in this space. I have spent a lot of time there, working and playing. There is much to do there: visits to awesome restaurants, historical sights, architectural delights, craft markets, museums, galleries, and much more. And delicious coffee and German pastries … my kind of place.

There is still a strong German influence, from the architecture to the restaurants to my favourite beer,  Windhoek Lager, and chocolates from the Springer Chocolate Factory. A word of advice: when you visit the factory and buy the chocolates, it is always best to eat all of them immediately lest they melt in the heat of the day. Believe what you will, but trust me on this one 😉

I’ve visited many many restaurants around the world, but one of my top 10 is still Joe’s Beerhouse on Nelson Mandela Avenue. Seriously, this is where I’ve eaten the best steaks and game meat, usually grilled over an open flame. They are also not shy with their portions – more like they are shamelessly bigger than the plate they are served on. The decor is a peculiar blend of ‘junk-chic’ with empty bottles of Jägermeister lining the walls. It’s vibey, unparalleled, and wonderfully addictive. Beer and meat … my kind of place.

A TO Z CHALLENGE WINDHOEK
©Regina Martins
A TO Z CHALLENGE WINDHOEK
©Regina Martins
A TO Z CHALLENGE WINDHOEK
©Regina Martins

Another landmark that I photographed last time I was there was the historic Lutheran Christ Church (or Christuskirche).

A TO Z CHALLENGE WINDHOEK
©Regina Martins
A TO Z CHALLENGE WINDHOEK
©Regina Martins

Can’t wait to return to Windhoek to explore more of this city 🙂

Blogging from A to Z posts – my favourite ones so far are D is for Durban, J is for Johannesburg, R is for Raleigh and S is for Sagres:
V is for Vienna
U is for Umdloti Beach
T is for Trou au Cerfs
S is for Sagres
R is for Raleigh
Q is for Quatres Bornes
P is for Port Louis
O is for Okahandja
N is for New York
M is for Marrakesh
L is for Lisbon
K is for Kanchanaburi
J is for Johannesburg
I is for Istanbul (Magnetic Istanbul)
H is for Hua Huin (party town)
G is for Ghent
F is for Flic en Flac
E is for Erawan Falls
D is for Durban (Memories)
C is for Chiang Mai
B is Bangkok
A is for Ayutthaya
Namibia, Swakopmund, Travel, Windhoek

My favourite things to do in Swakopmund

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Namibia is one of my all time favourite places to visit. I spent many happy years traveling back and forth for work. It didn’t seem like work to me – it was a pleasure and a privilege to travel to that beautiful country. In my spare time, I did get to see a bit of the country.

Windhoek-Swakopmund Roadtrip

The changing scenery on the road from Windhoek to to Swakopmund
The changing scenery on the road from Windhoek to to Swakopmund

The coastal town, Swakopmund, is about 261kms (162 miles) from the capital Windhoek. Off course you can fly to Swakopmund, but then you’ll miss the sheer beauty and stark scenery change from bushveld to rolling sand dunes, all in the space of 3 hours. Rent a car at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and make the trip – the roads are good, and there are 2 towns in between Karibib and Usakos where you can stop and get refreshments. This road trip itself is an event to savour. Put on your favorite music and enjoy the drive.

Cafe Anton

Legendary coffee shop, Cafe Anton, sublime coffee and delicious German cakes and pastries
Legendary coffee shop, Cafe Anton, sublime coffee and delicious German cakes and pastries

This coffee shop is legendary and any visit to this quaint desert town on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is not complete without a visit to this warm and cozy German bakery. The coffee is sublime. The home-made cakes and pastries made from traditional German family recipes are mouthwateringly good! Cafe Anton is part of the Hotel Schweizerhaus. Sit on the patio and look over the palm trees at the rolling Atlantic waves, and if you happen to be there at sunset, be prepared for a wonderful experience.

Sandboarding

Zipping down sand dunes on a piece of masonite is thrilling. Alter-action are one of the many adventure providers in town. In addition to the masonite boards, they introduced snowboards to skim down the dunes. You can choose how you want to do it – masonite or snowboard. I chose the masonite, the snowboard just looked too daunting for me. There are about 6 routes to skim down, and you move from one to the next. Off course, the fun part is going down – because to go down again you have to climb up the soft sand dunes. This operator provides water, and at the end a light lunch. They also take photos and video as a memento of your experience. Remember your sunblock and hat.

Die Muschel

Fairy cakes at Die Muschel served with style
Fairy cakes at Die Muschel served with style

This is a bookshop with a coffee shop on the patio outside. Let me get this out of the way – the coffee is sublime, and the home made cupcakes divine, served in style with folded napkin and little silver fork. Now to the rest. It’s a book shop and an art gallery too. Browse through the english and german books, and admire the local art, for sale, on the walls. It’s in a cute little arcade in the centre of town, and is popular with locals and tourists.

The Beachfront

Swakopmund jetty over the rolling waves of the Atlantic, with the Tiger Reef Bar in the distance, and the dunes of the Namib desert just behind it
Swakopmund jetty over the rolling waves of the Atlantic, with the Tiger Reef Bar in the distance, and the dunes of the Namib desert just behind it

This is not one specific place – it is actually a walk you can take, along the beach or on the paved palm-fronded promenade. Start at The Mole, the sea-wall originally intended to be a harbour, but now protecting the beach. Admire the beautiful bungalows and double storied beach houses, until you get to the restored jetty. If you feel hungry, try the restaurant at the end of the jetty and enjoy spectacular views of the town, the sea and the desert. while enjoying sushi, tapas or seafood  Or you can lunch at The Tug, the boat shaped restaurant,in front of the jetty. Continue along the beach until you get to the National Marine Aquarium. After visiting the Aquarium, walk along the beach to finish the day off with sundowners at the Tiger Reef Beach Bar while watching intrepid kite surfers ride the strong wind and sea currents.

Swakopmund is a friendly town which offers so much more than that mentioned above. Visit sites like Trip Advisor, for more information. It’s a popular tourist spot, with natural, cultural and heritage sights to visit, and activities to do for anyone and everyone.