O Rain, Where Art Thou?
February 4, 2013The Olive Exclusive – small and sumptuous
February 8, 2013Hilton Sky Bar Spot the Who’s Who
The Hilton Hotel had hardly opened its doors last year before the in-crowd of Windhoek was already up on the rooftop, mingling in smart suits, elegant dresses, high heels and showing off plenty of bling. Now, some months down the line, the Sky Bar is still the social hotspot for local yuppies and up-and-comings. Indeed, this is where the Who’s Who sip mojitos, marvel over life, relax and become comfy, lulled by the ambient background music. A wide selection of drinks, snack platters and light meals are offered, with the venue affording stunning panoramic views over the capital. The Sky Bar is on the ninth floor of the Hilton Hotel, which is on the corner of Sam Nuyoma Drive and Reverend Michael Scott Street. The bar is open from 9:00 to 24:00.
Lilly in Lüderitz A unique southern attraction
Open your nostrils to the fresh sea breeze, indulge in homegrown oysters, and marvel at the rugged desolation of Namibia’s southern-most coastal town. Lüderitz now offers a visit onboard the MS Lilly, a traditional sailing schooner with wooden decks and planked hull. Built and launched in 1942, she is one of 612 Kriegfischkutters built for the German Navy during WWII, but Lilly is the only one of her kind still using her original engine. The vessel can carry up to 100 day passengers – perfect for groups and incentives. Accommodation includes five private double staterooms, providing overnight accommodation for up to 12 guests (on request). Or just pop in for cake, coffee, sparkling wine and oysters at Lilly’s spot in the harbour.
Beate Schwippert beate224@gmail.com
CULTUREIn a village
Now here’s a place for a quick culture fix: the Okahandja Cultural Village, officially opened on 4 February by
tourism minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, represents a wide spectrum of Namibia’s ethnic diversity. Hop into a Himba hut, do the Damara dance or test the Tswana tools – this rainbow village offers a quick introduction to all things traditional. “Respect and love comes through understanding,” explains owner Bertha Mbundu. Amen, my meme, amen. Find Bertha and her clan 10 km outside Okahandja, off the Hochveld Road.
Fried’sWalvis Bay
Fried Frederick. Remember that name, because this is the guy who realised (way back in 2002), “Ag man, there’s something lacking in Walvis Bay,” and turned this gap into his bread and butter: Walvis Bay Tour Guides. Today Fried is still the first and only person who offers township tours, stops at a clean shebeen for traditional foods, and educates as he goes. “Man, the excitement!” His latest brainwave saw him buying a catamaran and now he also offers marine and township combo tours. The marine tour comes with a 100% guarantee that seals will welcome you on board and seagulls will join in for the ride. Visit Fried’s office/curio shop at the Waterfront for a selection of handmade crafts, souvenirs and tips on local life.
CrocsThe real ones
Want to see the Nile crocodile in Namibia? Well, so you can. At the Otijwarongo Crocodile Ranch the offspring of these ruling reptiles are bred and reared for their meat and skin, from which many funky-textured purses and bags are made. A small restaurant on site offers unforgettable croc steaks (also supplied to local restaurants countrywide), while you watch monster mommy laze about in the sun. The baby crocs seem cute, but don’t be fooled; these dino predecessors can become feisty!
T +264 (0)67 30 2121
Namibia Popular with Tourism for Tomorrow
Damaraland Camp
Hold your thumbs for Namibia’s latest nominees in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Wolwedans Collection and Wilderness Safaris are amongst twelve finalists chosen for incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits into their business models. As members of The Long Run Initiative, they subscribe to the 4Cs – Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce – in their approach. Namibia’s tourism sector already holds an impressive track record of best practices in sustainability and conservation. Good luck guys!
Daan Viljoennears completion
Following several years of redevelopment, the Sun Karros Lifestyle Safari Lodge at Daan Viljoen Game Park outside Windhoek is now ready to receive visitors. Boasting with a refurbished reception area, camping sites, chalets and restaurant, by March the two conference facilities will also be ready to host delegates. The swimming pool, a new restaurant and a third conference venue will be next on the list. More changes are in the pipeline, but for now, go check out the new contemporary African look in this sought-after spot!
info@sunkarros.com.na
Galton House
An initiative for tour operators by tour operators, this new guesthouse is the latest service-oriented enterprise to open in the capital. Named after British explorer Sir Francis Galton – who explored Namibia in the 1850s – the user-friendly venue is a basis from where to plan your travels. The house has four double and four twin en-suite rooms with DStv and Wi-Fi, a comfortable lounge and dining areas, an exchange library, as well as a swimming pool and sundowner deck. Meals are offered from the interactive kitchen. Transfers to and from town are available when required. The house is situated in 72 Amasoniet Street, Eros.
Namib Guesthouse
The Namib Guesthouse at the coast puts proof in the pudding that you can remain environmentally conscious while your holiday is luxurious and doesn’t mean having to pitch your tent in rugged conditions. With its five-star look and inviting ambience, contemporary touches and personalised service, this place is already creating a buzz amongst visitors to Swakopmund.
On the green side of things: your bath water is heated by solar energy; breakfast scraps are fed to the worms or put on the compost heap; beer bottles, cool-drink cans and paper napkins are separated; and biodegradable detergent is used to do your laundry. The guesthouse is at 61 Anton Lubowski Street.
The Sands has been revamped
If you pay a visit to the Kalahari Sands Hotel and Casino these days, you might hardly recognise the place, as it recently underwent an extensive facelift. Apart from the foyer and the Casino, the rooms, restaurant and Oasis Bar have been completely revamped. The conference facilities, Moringa Room, pool-deck area and Wellness Centre have also been upgraded. Visit the Dunes Restaurant for the ever-popular buffet dinners, or indulge in a Business Man’s Buffet Lunch from Monday to Friday for only N$95.
The Oasis Bar has live entertainment on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Find out more by scanning the QR code on the left with your smartphone, or visit
http://www.suninternational.com/DESTINATIONS/Hotels/KALAHARISANDS/Pages/default.aspx
Stay fit at the WCCR
Haul out your gym gear! The Windhoek Country Club now caters for fitness fanatics with its brand-new, fully equipped, Fitness Centre. “Since health and keeping fit these days is becoming ever more important, we are confident that the improvements will be well received by our regular guests and will add value to the services offered,” says general manager, Tony Boucher.
ME on a stamp?
Smile, you’re on a Namibian postage stamp! For real. Look grandma, it’s me underneath that black rhino walking towards you! NamPost has launched the personalised postage stamp, creating a unique opportunity for you to show your face beneath one of Namibia’s tourism attractions. The stamps, designed by Helge Denker, depict interesting and unusual viewpoints of the most popular attractions – a soaring eagle over the Fish River Canyon; a leopard sneaking into view at an Etosha waterhole with a mighty elephant bull towering in the background; the red dunes of Sossusvlei with a springbok gazing into the distance.
The ‘real’ postage stamp, showing one of Namibia’s attractions, is attached to a blank stamp where buyers can, for example, have a portrait of themselves reproduced. The personalised stamps are available in units of five. Stamps are available at the main post offices in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Okaukuejo, and at most accommodation establishments in the Gondwana Collection and Namibia Country Lodges portfolios. So here’s your chance to send a personalised greeting that has a souvenir twist.
