Hi my name is Cwayita and I am making it my life’s mission to travel and experience the beauty of my diverse continent, Africa. I do hope that the upcoming posts will diminish the idea that African countries are not worth making it on your bucket list.
My recent trip to Walvis Bay a coastal town in Namibia was supposed to be a two man mission but turned into the solocation I never knew I needed – still in awe of how things always fall into place the way they are supposed to. My trip was so good I had to do it twice, in one year and all I can say is that the impression left by the wonderful people of Namibia was truly one to write home about. Literally I learnt a big lesson on how strangers become your biggest resource when traveling solo.
This post is all about my visit to Namibia a Southern African country with a population of 2,5 million people and happens to be one of the youngest countries in the world, 29 years old to be exact as it only gained its full independence from South Africa in March 21 1990. This country is the perfect road trip destination, the perfect place to cool off and the best place to solo travel as a woman – literally the best place to go with the flow.
ABOUT
On the borders of South Africa, Botswana and Angola this Southern-Western country is home to a very diverse group of people. With 11 main ethnic groups, the Owambo people make up majority of the population (65% of the population) and make up majority of the ruling party South West African People’s Organization. The main economic inclines are the fishing, agricultural, and diamond mining industries and the main religion being Christianity. I still love the authenticity that is withheld by the HIMBA tribe who still live a semi-nomadic life a visit to their homestead is still something I’ll go back for.
After nearly passing out from the anxiety of traveling alone as a black woman and thinking something terrible like being robbed, raped or scammed would happen, being forced to take travel sickness pills, waiting at my boarding gate for 2 hours I finally made it to the most peaceful place I have ever visited, Walvis bay (Whale Bay). A hidden gem of sorts, home to the outstanding dune 7, flamingoes at the lagoon, breathe taking sunsets, extremely clean, safe, peaceful & Drama free environment. The general consensus is that It’s a cheat of a town to visit because it’s very much like some small towns in South Africa – like Grahamstown it comes alive in the night time lol.
Where to eat in Walvis Bay
- The Raft: Portuguese Curry
- The Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel: Fine dining and drinks
- Iris Boutique Hotel & Restaurant: Lunch
- Any caravan that sells Kapana: Namibia’s soul food – Make sure not to skip this meal
Where you should party ?
There’s something for everyone in this little town. I was fortunate enough to experience hood and inner town groove and where I would say is worth going is Casa Mia, Chez Ntemba and Styles Bar – As a South African I was just happy to be hearing music that was familiar. Its a case of living for nights you don’t remember with people you’ll never forget whilst feeling safe – that’s how I would describe how safe I felt.
Why you should visit ?
The perfect place to find peace and forget about how difficult life can be at times. For the extreme feeling of freedom.
The tour company I nearly used:
Anke Sandwich harbour 4 X4 : +264811473933 – this is an afternoon tour which starts at 12:15 and ends at 16H30, snacks, fresh oysters, sparkling wine. They charge R1640 / N$1640 a little overpriced but if you are solo traveling this is a good way to meet people. Book your tour before 18h00 the night before your tour.
Airport Transfer and getting around town
The best is to contact the accommodation you’re staying in they’re always happy to assist. The price is between R160-R250 one way it’s a 15-20min drive into town. Once you are in town there are affordable meter cabs everywhere – all you do is hails and they’ll stop.
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Finally
What I absolutley loved
The people – the extreme sense of community and how calm you feel the moment you land. I literally belong in both the dessert and the beach which you get the best of – you can have your cake and eat it too. How available and affordable meter taxis are.
Biggest lesson
My biggest lesson on this solocation was to always embrace any and every situation I find myself in. I will never forget the relief I felt when I landed after my 2.5hr flight. Being a black woman in a dutch / german town isn’t the craziest thing ever. Be resourceful and talk to people.
Visa Information: No visa required for stays unto 90 days (as a South African). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages.
Capital City: Windhoek
Exchange Rate: R 1 / 1 N$
Return Flights: R3500+
Hotels / Guest Houses: R R350+ per night
Hostels: R 120+ per night
Best time to visit: Inland the best time is between April and November, and on the coast it’s between November and April.
Oshiwambo:
- I am from: Onda Za Ko __________
- Where are you from: Owa Za Peni
- My name is: Edhina Lyandje O ____________
- What is your name: Ongoye Lye ?
- Stop here: Thikama Mpaka
- Do you have change: Owu Na Oshendja
- I need a lift: Onda Pumbwa Olefa
- I’m Hungry: Onda Sa Ondjala
SWAKOPMUND
Where you go for adventure – sky diving, camel riding, cinema, beach, quad biking over the dessert. I would say it’s indeed the place the tourism board can be proud of with its German colonial architecture. 20-30minute drive from Walvis Bay.
XO
Cway.
