In terms of tourism Oranjemund in the south-western corner of Namibia is a rough diamond (pun intended). The quaint little mining town has been open to the general public for just over five years and its development potential is enormous. With regular FlyNamibia flights from Windhoek and Oranjemund it has never been easier to explore the hidden gems of this rustic town and meet its friendly people. Below are five special things to do and see when visiting Oranjemund:

Ghost

About 20 km from Oranjemund the Hohenfels police station was a stately building constructed in 1908 on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Orange River. According to local legend, the daughter of the constable stationed there took a disliking to a Nama woman whom her father had taken as his mistress. In 1914, while the constable was away on patrol, the 15-year-old daughter shot and killed the Nama woman after a heated argument. Since then it is said that strange things happen in the middle of the night and that a headless woman would sometimes be seen wandering about in and around the building. Although the former police station has long since turned to rubble, the headless ghost apparently still haunts the area.

Tanks

At the end of the Second World War, there was a surplus of redundant military equipment. The number of American-built M4 Sherman medium tanks was especially abundant. Almost 50 000 tanks had been built during the war. Several of these Shermans were bought by the mine and converted into bucket excavators. The tracked vehicles were perfect for the soft, sandy ground surface at the mine. Three Sherman hulls are still on display in the town.

Gemsbok

Thanks to the perennial Orange River nearby, Oranjemund boasts some beautifully manicured public gardens and lawns. These lush green patches of grass set against the arid surroundings are a constant temptation to the local gemsbok population which can be seen grazing lazily and resting all over town.  

Birds

The Orange River Mouth is the sixth-richest wetland in southern Africa. Covering 2000 ha, this RAMSAR site is home to thousands of water birds. Fourteen rare or endangered species and 57 endemic wetland species, including the endangered Cape Cormorant and vulnerable Damara Tern, have been counted during birding surveys.

Steak

You were not expecting steak on this list, were you? Fanie Smit, a descendant of the Afrikaans settlers who emigrated to Argentina after the Second Anglo-Boer War, was born in South America but moved to southern Africa with his mother when he was 17 years old. A self-taught chef who started Op My Stoep Lodge, where mouth-watering steaks are served with an Argentinian flair. 

A carefree holiday mood sets in as soon as the Cape Town City Sightseeing bus starts rolling at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Clear skies, 28 degrees, a gentle breeze and no need to pay attention to the hectic bustle of Cape Town traffic. 

 Via the Clock Tower entrance of the V&A Waterfront and the CTICC we drive through the busy Heerengracht Street where Jan van Riebeeck and his wife Maria stand on high plinths on a traffic island, and on another the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias. Passing the central railway station adorned with mosaics depicting the history of transport we reach Strand Street. This road used to be on the beachfront – until the great land reclamation during the 1970s which created the entire Foreshore area. 

From Strand Street the bus turns into the old town centre full of narrow one-way streets. 

Without any buildings or parked vehicles getting swiped, the skilful double-decker driver manoeuvres us into Long Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife. In bright sunlight it shows its other face: well-kept Victorian mansions catch the eye and many interesting shops that do not belong to the ubiquitous retail chains. 

Soon we pass the massive pillars at the entrance to the time-honoured Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Opposite is the upper end of the Company Gardens, where European influence at the southern tip of Africa started some 370 years ago. Then the bus weaves into the multi-lane traffic of the M3 city highway, and via headphones your gaze is directed towards Groote Schuur Hospital, where the first heart transplant was performed.

The next stop is glorious Kirstenbosch, one of the country’s seven national botanical gardens. “A must for every visitor to Cape Town,” says the voice in the headset, and quite a few passengers vacate their seats. Others get off at Constantia Nek to go on a mini wine tour, compliments of Cape Town City Sightseeing.  

Groot Constantia is the oldest, the most famous and among the most distinguished of all South African wine estates, and Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance used to be a favourite throughout Europe some 200 years ago. Napoleon still sipped it while in exile on St Helena.

From Constantia Nek it is steadily downhill between wooded slopes. The first stop in Hout Bay is the World of Birds, a private sanctuary with some 3000 birds in large walk-in aviaries. Monkeys and other small animals add to the park’s attraction. 

At Mariner’s Wharf, right on the beach of the charming bay, the bus turns for the ride back along the beautiful coastal road hugging the Table Mountain Range. Many things that are hidden from sight when passing in a car suddenly become visible from the upper deck of the bus: the villas of Llandudno, the beach houses of Bakoven wedged between granite boulders, and the sleek apartment blocks of Clifton which rise like a wall between the ocean and narrow Victoria Road. 

But all good things invariably come to an end, and right on time we are back at the Two Oceans Aquarium. My first thought: Let’s do it again!

Or perhaps a harbour cruise? A canal cruise? Or a sunset tour? Award-winning Cape Town City Sightseeing offers a multitude of irresistible tours and combinations. 

Looking to explore Namibia’s northeastern regions? With FlyNamibia’s flights to Katima Mulilo, discovering the beauty of Namibia’s wetlands has never been easier. In the issue we get to know the wonders that await in Katima Mulilo!

Katima Mulilo, on the banks of the Zambezi River, is the largest town in the Zambezi Region. Since several different languages and many more dialects are spoken in this distant corner of Namibia, it is known as a cultural melting pot. It is a town where most modern conveniences are found. Traditional villages are dotted all around it. All in all, Katima is a welcoming town that invites visitors to explore its cultural heritage as well as the untouched captivating beauty of its surroundings. The Zambezi River is very important not only to local livelihoods but also to the fauna and flora it supports. Here are five things to do when visiting Katima.

Birding

Calling all twitchers! The region offers excellent birding opportunities for both novices and experts. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in Zambezi. The best birding spots are a boat on the river or its tree-lined banks. Be on the lookout for Schalow’s Turaco, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron and Pel’s Fishing Owl. The summer months from November to March host an abundance of migrant birds. The most famous are the colourful Carmine Bee-eaters which come to breed in large colonies.

A visit to the market

A vibrant, typical African market in central Katima Mulilo provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. This diverse trading hub offers everything from vegetables and dried or freshly caught fish to live cows and goat meat. Take a closer look at the interesting products sold at the many small shops and stalls, or pop into the curio shop stocked with the skillfully crafted wooden items and baskets for which the region is famous.

Fishing

Cast your rod from the riverbank, or for an even better experience rent a boat to go searching for some big ones. Late April to December are the best time to reel in a tigerfish, while mid-June to November offers the best opportunities for bream species.

A day trip into one of the parks

Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara National parks lie to the southwest of Katima and are easily reachable within a two-hour drive. The parks border the Kwando and Linyanti rivers respectively and are known for big herds of migratory elephants and buffalos. The parks also support healthy populations of other species of game including lions, lechwes, waterbucks, roan antelopes, hippos and crocodiles.

Boat cruise

It doesn’t get much better than drifting with a gin and tonic in hand on the open river after an eventful day. Sundowner cruises are not only relaxing but also a great way to spot crocodiles, hippos and other life attracted by the mighty river. Tour operators also offer sandbank braais where the boat cruise includes a delicious meal prepared in a unique setting.

/Ai-// Gams, Windhoek, Otjomuise, no matter what you call it, the capital city of Namibia has a vibe. There is so much to do, there are many places to fill your belly, and spend your money. Plus the people are energetic, enigmatic and straight-up friendly. Whether you are a local looking to be a tourist in your own county, or a tourist trying to be a local, here is a guide to a day in my lovely city.

Early morning

First things first, coffee! Windhoek has a handful of brilliant coffee shops, but two stand out for being both roasters and purveyors of the wholesome brown liquid that accelerates you. Slowtown Coffee Roasters has a few locations around the city – on Independence Avenue, in Grove Mall and Maerua Mall. Deluxe Coffeeworks is my personal favourite. You can find Deluxe at the Camelthorn Pod in Klein Windhoek and at the Mutual Tower on Independence Avenue. My standard order is a flat white, but you can’t go wrong with an Americano or mocha either.

Breakfast is not my most important meal of the day, sorry. Brunch is! Luckily most cafés/bistros in town serve breakfast until either 11 or 12. Wilde Eend Bistro is a popular brunch spot with a wide selection of benedicts, omelettes and the Landlord’s Breakfast reminiscent of the English kind, minus black pudding (thankfully). Olivia’s Kitchen is another great brunch/lunch spot offering decadent, filling meals as well as healthy alternatives. The bakery on the premises means that the toast selection goes uncontested!

Midday

During this time of year, midday gets unbearably hot. Your best bet is to stay indoors, preferably in an airconditioned shop, browsing at leisure and exerting no energy other than reaching for a book on the top shelf or trying on clothing. My absolutely favourite shops in Windhoek happen to be within walking distance from each other and conveniently located in the centre of town. 

Uncle Spike’s Book Exchange is arguably (nobody is arguing, it’s a fact) the best book shop in town. This hole in the wall is chock full of second-hand books, stacked cover to cover in floor to ceiling shelves. Take your time, page through the neverending selection of history, self-help, fiction, biographies and African literature. Chances are you will leave with five books for the price of one brand-new one. 

The Red Shelf is another cool shop to check out, located at the parking lot of the Namibia Craft Centre. There you will find a beautifully curated selection of vintage and second-hand clothing, books, shoes and accessories. Plus a few small local lifestyle brands, creating a space for micro businesses to reach a bigger clientele. 

Afternoon/evening:

For those yearning for activity in the capital, afternoon is a good time to venture out to Penduka, located at Goreangab Dam in Windhoek’s Katutura suburb. There you can get active on paddle boats, or engage in a batik workshop presented by the lovely women employed at the project. They do amazing work to promote and provide consistent income for female handcrafters, particularly hearing-impaired women.

Alternatively you can stay in town and explore some more shops, bars and informal crafters’ stalls along the city’s main road. Check out the Bushman Art Gallery for an immersive curio shopping experience. 

Sundowner cocktails are a must, whether you are a local getting off from your 8-5 or a visitor scoping out the best place to watch the sunset. A rooftop bar is probably your best bet for a good view, and there are two great ones right on Independence Avenue – the Hilton Hotel’s Sky Bar and AVANI’s Stratos rooftop bar. My personal favourite for sunset drinks, and staying for dinner, is Urban Camp. This is a beer-garden-style pub and restaurant operating on a self-service basis. Order your drinks and food at the bar, sit back and revel in the laid-back, lively atmosphere. 

If you are up for something a little more swanky, I can strongly recommend Leo’s Garden Restaurant. Daily specials mean there is always something different and exciting to try. We love sustainable seasonal menus, plus Leo’s has one of the best wine selections in Windhoek.