Namibia-Caprivi

After 8 years, finally vacation in Namibia!

The last vacation in this 'land of deserts' was spent in a camper 8 years ago.

A sparsely populated country with more animals than people. Perfect for travelers who seek adventure without danger.

What has changed? What does Namibia look like today? Is the same helpfulness and warmth still there as 8 years ago?

Day 1 - Windhoek:

Today our new adventure in Namibia began.

After a good 10-hour flight, we landed in Windhoek at 7:15 am and were picked up by a driver from 'City Cab Windhoek' who was waiting for us at the airport (from Hosea Kutaki International Airport to the hotel in Windhoek for 2 people 400 NAD = about 22 EUR) and drove us past 3 ATMs, of which 2 did not work or 'swallowed' our card, despite the driver's good recommendation. So it's better to take at least 1 reserve card with you.

Checked in at Hotel Thule, which is perched above Windhoek and offers a beautiful view of the city from the terrace. Half a liter of beer on the terrace plus chips, sun, and a good view for 2.50 EUR. A very warm welcome in Namibia. Also recommended is a 'Don Pedro'. A South African drink consisting of Kahlua with foamed vanilla ice cream and cream. Just lekker!

A MUST in Windhoek is Joe's Beerhouse. We walked there (contrary to the hotel's recommendation as it was too dangerous), which took us about a 1/4 hour on foot. It took a little longer to get back because it was uphill, but you can also order a taxi at Joe's, which you pay for directly and therefore don't have any more discussions with the taxi driver.

The food is fantastic. Meat is recommended in Namibia because it is extraordinary (springbok, kudu, oryx, crocodile ...), but there are also vegetarian options on the menu. Either reserve a table or go early, as most tables are usually reserved from 7:00 pm!

Highlights:

- We would book a taxi ride with City Cab anytime again

- The terrace of Hotel Thule was great and worth a visit

- Joe's Beerhouse is a MUST in Windhoek

Day 2 - Caprivi:

Just enough time for a short walk to the center of Windhoek and a beer in the Skybar of the Hilton Hotel with a great view over Windhoek before taking the plane to Victoria Falls/Zimbabwe. Due to the short duration of our vacation in Namibia (2 weeks), we decided not to drive this part and instead fly for 1.5 hours.

We took a taxi to the hotel (Shongwe Lookout), had the taxi charged to our bill, received a welcome drink, and checked into our room. Total relaxation! The first thing we did was go to the lookout tower to spend the rest of the evening there. We skipped dinner, ate some cookies and nuts on the tower, drank a few whiskeys for purely medical reasons, saw and heard the spray of the Victoria Falls in the background, and later looked at the night sky. It made us forget everything.

Highlights:

- The lookout in Shongwe Lookout is great

Day 3 - Boat Cruise:

We were looking forward to breakfast and what a disappointment it was. It was very limited and we expected more for the room price including breakfast.

After breakfast, we took a walk to the Victoria Falls, but decided to visit the falls tomorrow as we were a bit late. Alternatively, we visited the Cafe Lookout, which is a real recommendation. You sit on a large terrace overlooking the foothills of the falls and the Zambezi River. There is a small sign before the entrance to the falls that is easy to overlook!

In the afternoon, we booked a Zambezi Cruise with reservations@outpostafrica.com. A rarely beautiful experience! A very stylish and comfortably furnished boat for a maximum of 14 guests with sofas, armchairs, plants, complimentary drinks, and delicious small and local appetizers. It was wonderful and an absolute recommendation!

Highlights:

- Cafe Lookout offers a sensational view, even if you just want to have a drink

- Reservations@outpostafrica.com: affordable and luxurious cruise on the Zambezi with the feeling of a private invitation.

Day 4:

Today we had the Victoria Falls on our agenda. We walked about 2.5 km from the hotel to the entrance. If you don't have your own rain jacket, you should rent one at the entrance. It will definitely get wet!

The falls are immensely impressive, and to enjoy them in peace, you should definitely plan for at least half a day.

Just behind the exit, you can go to the bridge to Zambia. If you are already here, you should definitely cross it. If you do not have a 'Kaza visa', please do not get a stamp at the border to Zambia, but only show your passport. This way you can cross the bridge and come back. Don't put away your rain jacket yet!

Afterwards, maybe have a beer at Cafe Lookout?!