Namibia - vast landscapes, the gem of Africa.

We just returned from afrokulcha travel's tour to Namibia. We travelled through Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Much has been written about the contrast phenomenon of Namibia but nothing prepares you for the moment it hits you right in the face. You stand in the middle of the desert and look into the horizon where the desert ends and the ocean begins and it is awe-inspiring. The never-ending rugged hills of Windhoek that slowly turn into the majestic sand dunes of Swakopmund will leave you in wonder of Mother Nature. Besides being a freak of nature, Namibia is a hub of adventure and may as well be dubbed Southern Africa’s very own playground.

Windhoek: Independence Memorial Museum

When you land in Windhoek before you take advantage of the vast activities the country has to offer, make sure to pay your respects at the Independence Memorial Museum. It is only fitting to learn about the country and journey travelled by Namibians. The Independence museum will paint a picture of Namibia’s colonial history and the liberation struggle that led to independence. It’s here that you will learn about Sam Nujoma, the first president of democratic Namibia. The museum is also home to his statue. As you approach the museum you are greeted by the bronze statue of Sam Nujoma facing Windhoek holding up the Constituency Book which is the constitution of Namibia. South of that statue you will find a different statue; the genocide statue. It’s also a bronze statue of a man and woman in an embrace, with broken chains on their wrists. This genocide statue portrays the suffering faced by native Namibians in the hands of German troops during the 1904 Herero and Nama genocide.

Katutura

While you’re still in Windhoek, visit Katutura. Katutura is a township in the Khomas region in Windhoek. Like many townships in South Africa, Katutura is home to black Namibians who were forcefully removed from Old Location in the 1950s. Aptly named by the people, the Herero word Katutura means “the place where people do not want to live”. The people were not happy about being uprooted from Old Location where they had owned their plots while in Katutura they had to rent from the municipality. Katutura was also far from the city while in Old Location they had been able to walk to the city. In defiance, the people resisted this move and protests took place in 1959. The police subsequently opened fire on the protesters and killed 11 and wounded 44. When you visit Katutura today, you find vibrant people living out their stories. Katutura has numerous spots that will give you the township experience. Visit the Single Quarters meat market to sample some amazing braai meat and the best vetkoek you will ever taste. The great thing about this market is that they let you taste the meat before you can commit to buying a serving and all customers are happy.

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

In true contrast fashion of Namibia, Swakopmund is about 350km from Windhoek but may as well be in Europe. While Windhoek is hot and dry, Swakopmund has a bit more moisture, thanks to the cold Benguela current that brings fog to the town. Besides the climate, in Windhoek, there is a sense that one is in Africa, but the German Architecture in Swakopmund will immediately transport you to Europe.

Quad biking in the Namib Desert is the ultimate adventure experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or not, the moment you start that quad bike you’re lost in the adventure of it all. An experienced guide leads you into the Namib where the massive golden dunes beckon you deeper into the desert.

Nothing compares to the freedom you will feel as you spiral from dune to dune until all you can see is the desert and the big blue African sky. An hour later, you take a break to drink some water and take it all in. This is a good time to pull out your camera and take some unforgettable photos before you go back to home base. The same desert that gives you the thrill of quad biking will be the same desert that gives you the serene camel rides and the best sunset you will ever see. The Namib Desert is incredibly vast. No matter how much you read about it, nothing beats being there and taking in every moment.  For true thrill seekers, there is tandem sky diving, camel rides, eco tours and skeleton coast tours.

Walvis Bay is a beautiful coastal town 20 km south of Swakopmund that offers a wonderful range of water activities such as dolphin cruises and kayaking.  You can also see the beautiful flamboyance of flamingos on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. After all the adventurous activities, this is the perfect place to wind down and take it easy. Spend some time on the waterfront and buy some souvenirs or sit down at the famous The Raft restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal while you enjoy the peaceful Walvis Bay Lagoon.

Senegal nekhna! Senegal is good

Senegal is a colourful and vibrant country found in West Africa. It is surrounded by Senegal is Mauritania, Mali , Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. This peaceful country surrounds Gambia. From the listed countries, you will be aware that you will be in a peaceful part of Africa.

Straight flight from South Africa on SAA lands you in the newly constructed Blaise Diagne international airport. The airport is located around 50km from the capital city called Dakar. South Africans do not require a visa to visit Senegal. The visa is issued to visitors on arrival at the airport. Be prepared, the official language is French.

Walking out of the airport you get exposed to the hot & humid temperature of the country. You start thinking if you had packed light clothes. The hotel shuttle picks you up serenading with their popular international Senegalese musicians; the likes of Youssou N'Dour, Ismael Lô, and Baaba Maal. “Let the spring break begin!”

As we approach Dakar, its capital city; the roads choke ablock with traffic, decorated public transport, colourful fabrics, busy markets, lot of people going up and down the dusty streets, horse-drawn carts, open stoves selling street food. The first three days we stay at a hotel that is located within close proximity of the Dakar Grand Mosque, the African Renaissance Statue and where we could enjoy easy access to all 
that the lively city had to offer.

This beautiful city has some of the landmarks that are a must-see. One will not miss the African Renaissance Monument. Despite its controversies, it is the tallest and biggest statue in Africa, with a heart-warming history behind it. You get to climb 198 steps to reach the statue. It is said that during it unveiling, President Wade of Senegal said "It brings to life our common destiny. Africa has arrived in the 21st century standing tall and more ready than ever to take its destiny into its hands"; while the Malawian President Bingu said "This monument does not belong to Senegal. It belongs to the African people wherever we are". We end the city tour, with a drink and sundowners at the Radisson blu hotel, where the sunset is a sight-for-sore eyes.

The next two days are followed by a visit to Goree Island and the Pink Lake. In Goree Island, we learn about the slave trade. We listen to the stories, we learn about the sand art (ancient art) & we met the artisans. We also support the resilient local women who are selling at the market. This is a beautiful island with a sad history. Pink lake on the other side, is a natural lake, God-given salt. Any person can mine salt for business. It is a natural occurring phenomenon. You can only say wow! We took a boat in the pink lake and bought some salts for bathing, cooking etc.

The next three days we drive to the coast to Saly Portudal. Being on the beach side in this hot weather is a breath of fresh air. This small town has its own vibe, it is calming and relaxing. Unlike the big city there is less traffic and less hooting. We relax by the beach for two days while we eat and drink as much as we can, we take long slow walks into town enjoying local bar and pubs. 

Senegal is a pleasure! Whats not to love.