Forget about any misconceptions you may have, because Namibia, Southern Africa is up and coming on the tourist scene in a major way.
That’s right, there is somewhere other than the big African cities of Johannesburg and Nairobi where you can experience all night partying and top class eateries, with a healthy and sometimes overpowering African influence thrown into the mix.
I for one love to explore, which is why if you are looking for something totally different and some of the most stunning scenery in the whole continent.
The young country of Namibia, Southern Africa can deliver an unrivaled experience that will take even the most experienced travelers’ breath away, and provide a contrasting nightlife suitable for all no matter your expectations.
Windhoek – Little Germany
Africa as a continent has been heavily influenced – mainly negatively – by its colonial past.
Any traveler flying into Namibia’s central Highlands’s capital Windhoek will be immediately met by heavy German influences, which as a result has led to the city becoming a beacon to the rest of the continent on just how an Africa city can thrive if it uses colonial influences to its advantage.
Hotels in Namibia and Windhoek will not exactly be packed full of western tourists – something that I’m sure will appeal to many travelers looking for a true African experience – but there will be plenty of faces milling around on the search for Namibia’s nightspots.
The city may not exactly seem buzzing at first glance, but it can offer first class food – which unsurprisingly is based on German cuisine – as well as several lively party venues.
Club Thriller does not enjoy the best location – in fact new visitors to Namibia, Southern Africa may well think it looks a bit rough on arrival – but it does provide a nice mix of African and European music and a fairly relaxed atmosphere.
Funky Lab is a more popular nightspot and the Jass Bar is a sophisticated venue where you can enjoy a nice cigar and a pleasant conversation in a part of Africa few have explored.
If you can, visit this city in March or April, when the month long German carnival is in town. It’s a real experience not to be missed if possible.
Cheap and Cheerful Swakopmund
Hotels in Namibia can vary, but if you decide to stay in the interesting city of Swakopmund there is no way you’ll break the bank as everything is so cheap!
Hotels in Namibia and Swakopmund in particular can charge around £5 per room, which is great value.
You can sample the local beer for under a £1 and in most places you can fill yourself up on huge steaks for under a fiver. Not bad, eh?
When it comes to nightlife, there are plenty of options in this small but buzzing city. If you want to follow the locals and any travellers who are in town, head to Gruner Kranz.
Here you’ll find pool tables, beautiful girls, cheap beer and shots all accompanied by good music suited to all tastes.
The city is safe and is a good beacon of Namibia, Southern Africa as a whole, so forget about it being bandit country or unsafe for tourists – just relax with the locals and enjoy true African nightlife every night of the week!
So there you have it – Namibia, Southern Africa in a nutshell. Expect the unexpected by all means, but expect a thrilling holiday above all else!
Guest Post By Ricky Durance - Ricky Durance is a freelance copywriter and enthusiastic traveller who is always looking to write for and meet interesting people who share his passion for travel. Ricky names Cambodia and Laos on his list of favorite travel destinations.
(photo credits: Caitlinator - MAZZALIARMAD - mpaskevi)
Ricky, you are right, Namibia is a fantastic gem for those who, like me, enjoy their space open space and raw landscapes. I worked in the country for a while and it wasn’t until I had my first skydiving in Swakopmund that I realised how impressive Namibia is, blue Atlantic waters on the west, orange Namib desert sands on the east.
In regards to Windhoek, I love visiting the city, it feels like Tucson’s little brother with a German accent and multicultural rainbow. Love it.
Visiting the Himba tribes near the Angolan border is a treat to the senses and Etosha’s pan, a miracle. Drive with a group through Skeleton coast and you’ll feel how the conversation dies down while the feeling of being far, far away from everywhere (and everyone) else sinks in.
Beautiful country.
Jordi Casinos
Great to hear you love Namibia, it seems like an incredible place – thanks for sharing your tips about the Himba tribes and Etosha’s pan, sounds great!
Not sure I agree with the statement that Windhoek is a “beacon to the rest of the continent on just how an Africa city can thrive if it uses colonial influences to its advantage.” – it is one of the most inequitable cities in sub Saharan Africa in terms of wealth distribution … just take a look in Katutura, the settlement on the North of the city, where the black population were rehoused during its South African rule (pre 1991). Having said that, i loved Namibia when I worked there, really diverse country in terms of its geography, and the people are exceptionally friendly.
Hey Katey,thanks for sharing your thoughts on Namibia, great to hear the perspective from people who have lived there. It seems like a great country.
How far are these places from Ethiopia? My wife has family there and the plans were to visit next year. She has told me how the German influences have affected a lot of the culture there. Namibia sounds like a great place to visit as well though I really haven’t heard much about it in the past. Thanks for the post!
Ethiopia is pretty far away from Namibia, so the best and fastest way would be to fly.
South African Airways flies to Windhoek from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia via Johannesburg.
Hope you get to visit next year!