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The city is traditionally known by two names, Ai-Gams from the Nama people and Otjomuise from the Herero people. Both names refer to the hot springs and it was because of these hot springs, that the early settlement of Windhoek came about. In the 1800's, Jan Afrikaner founded a small settlement and named it Windhoek - windy corner.
A stone church was built and missionaries also came out to work in the area and Windhoek gradually developed. A German protectorate was declared in 1884 over the whole area of Namibia and Windhoek gradually developed.
The German colonial era came to an end during the First World War when South African troops occupied Windhoek and it was only in 1990 that Namibia gained independence and Windhoek was chosen as the capital, with the city experiencing real growth and development. |
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Tintenpalast - Ink Palace - Built in the early 1900's, it was inaugurated in 1913 and is the seat of both chambers of the Namibian parliament: the National Assembly and National Council. The locals call it Tintenpalast in allusion to the numerous scribes and scribblers and their high ink consumption. The gardens have beautifully manicured lawns and shady trees, which are popular for office workers to spend their lunch times.
The Evangelio - Lutheran Christuskirche - The original sandstone for the church was laid in 1886 in the Neo-Romantic style with its colourful glass windows behind the altar, which were donated by Emperor Wilhelm 2. The church structure is highly visible on the main road and is a national monument and is open to visitors.
The Alte Feste ( Old Fort) - One of the oldest buildings in Namibia, it was erected in 1890 with unburnt clay bricks by the German Schutztruppe. It is now a museum with a large number of exhibits and documents the cultural history of Namibia. It is open during the week from 9am - 6pm and weekends from 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 6pm with free entrance.
Owela Museum - It has exhibits on natural history and ethnology, eg about the Bushmen. There is also interactive displays and a touch room for children. It is only open on weekdays, with free entrance. |
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Gathemann - 175 Independence Ave. A long established restaurant with a large menu, specialising in excellent game dishes. There is also outside seating on the balcony.
Gourmet's Inn - 195 Jan Jonker Str. Casual, relaxed atmosphere specialising in Namibian dishes, especially ostrich and game.
Restaurant Africa - Alte Feste, Robert Mugabe Ave. As the name suggests, it offers various traditional African dishes from various parts of Africa, with the emphasis on meat. |
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Zoo Park - This lush, green park comprises of a landscaped garden with a pond, children's playground and an open-air theatre. There are also picnic areas, informal playing areas and a Chinese pavilion.
Daan Viljoen Game Park - This 40sq.km. nature reserve lies on a dam just outside Windhoek. There are many different antelope species, giraffes and zebras to be found. There are a couple of hiking trails, a campground, restaurant and accomodation in bungalows. |
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