History and architecture, Namibia

  At Kolmanskop
by lihue
 
  • At Kolmanskop
      At Kolmanskop
    by lihue
  • Swakopmund
      Swakopmund
    by lihue
  • Fidel Castro Street sign, Windhoek
      Fidel Castro Street sign, Windhoek
    by 850prc
  • Celebrating Diego Cao's 1484 landing, Cape Cross
      Celebrating Diego Cao's 1484 landing,...
    by 850prc
  •   History and architecture
    by lihue
 

6 Reviews of History and architecture

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Need directions? Know your revolutionaries!
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850prc 1194 reviews
Fidel Castro Street sign, Windhoek

Favorite thing: Namibia's independence came in the early 1990s only after a protracted civil war that included involvement from both superpowers' proxies and pre-apartheid South Africa. Many of the third world's "revolutionary leaders" contributed to the final success of Namibia's bolt to independence.

And, the Namibians have remembered those who have helped them. Throughout cities in Namibia, you'll find street after street named after Sam Nujoma (Namibia's president), Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Robert Mugabe and even Fidel Castro. So, since you're going to be hearing about these guys on a constant basis every time you ask for directions, you might want to learn a little bit about them.

Fondest memory: The look on the face of my guide, Julia, when I told her I wanted to get a photo of the "Fidel Castro Street" sign. She didn't realize how much of a novelty it would be back in the USA.

Written Aug 2, 2003

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Going to Namibia? Get out your history books!
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850prc 1194 reviews
Celebrating Diego Cao's 1484 landing, Cape Cross

Favorite thing: The history of Namibia and southern Africa is something less known to people from North America and Europe. You will get so much more out of your trip if you spend a little time learning about what's been going on in Namibia (and southern Africa) over the last 500 or so years.

Fondest memory: I always enjoy seeing historical sites and buildings. Among the ones I remember most vividly are

(1) 5,000 year old rock etchings at
Twyfelfontein

(2) The old German fort at Namutoni, in
Etosha

(3) The site of the first European landing in
Namibia at Cape Cross.

Written Jul 27, 2003

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Amazing: It´s still somewhat German!
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smoox 793 reviews

Favorite thing: One hundred years ago, this country was a German colony and that those times are still well remembered. Architecture, newspapers, traditions, the language in many places, even the food: German!
This building is Christuskirche in Windhoek - complete with German prayer books.

Updated Oct 17, 2002

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European History
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lihue 284 reviews

Written Nov 13, 2003

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Colonial towns
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lihue 284 reviews
Swakopmund

Written Nov 13, 2003

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Ghosttowns
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lihue 284 reviews
At Kolmanskop

Written Nov 13, 2003

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Top 3 Hotels in Namibia

Hotel Heinitzburg  Windhoek

 1 Review and 63 Opinions  We only stayed for one night sadly, as on our return to Windhoek we travelled on to a game farm. But... 

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 1 Review and 15 Opinions  It is a desert Motel - in the middle of nowhere but the accomodation is great. Make your... 

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Hansa Hotel  Swakopmund

 1 Review and 65 Opinions  the hotel was well located and the rooms that I had to pass by on the way to mine looked good. Mine... 

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 One hundred years ago, this country was a German colony and that those times are still well remembered. Architecture, newspapers, traditions, the language in... 

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Q:  Hi, I've been looking into planning a trip to Namibia and Botswana, but I haven't been finding much useful information as to how... 

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A: The two countries share a huge border. I've been through the crossings at either end of the Caprivi Strip so could offer general comments (although better travelled... 

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Beautiful Extreme World

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Namibia, an unknown yet unique African gem

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 Many people believe Namibia to be a barren and empty land. But, to appreciate the art that is Namibia's landscapes requires many canvasses. This is a country that cannot be described simply. It is,... 

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