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Annual Events |
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Oktoberfest |
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Celebrated throughout the country, foaming pitchers
of beer, large sausages and the slapping of thighs
are the order of the day at Windhoek's annual
Oktoberfest. This is Namibia's version of the Munich
beer festival. Even though not on the same degree as
the events in Germany, Oktoberfest celebrations take
place in a variety of towns and cities in Namibia
with the largest taking place in the capital,
Windhoek.
Master sausage makers toil away to make the perfect
bratwurst and there is a competition to see which
waitress can carry the most beer. This is a
well-liked event that each year attracts a blend of
visitors and locals. |
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Amateur Golf Open |
The
Namibian Amateur Golf Open has been the main event
on the Namibian golfing calendar since 1935 and Bank
Windhoek has been the key sponsor of the prestigious
event for the past 19 consecutive years. “Bank
Windhoek endorses the development of golf across the
cultural spectrum, with specific emphasis at junior
level. It is interesting to note that the interest
in golf has grown tremendously since the Bank’s
involvement,”
Rossmund Golf Course, situated 7 kilometres outside
Swakopmund, is hailed as one of the most striking
desert courses in the world. The 18-hole, 72-par
course runs along the Swakop riverbed, north of the
coastal dune belt, and a lot of time and money has
been invested in recent years to upgrade the 6
kilometre long course to international standards.
New sand bunkers were laid, existing ones were
improved and the fairways and greens are maintained
devotedly and meticulously. Palm trees adorn the
area and golfers enjoy watching the small herds of
Springbok grazing lazily next to the fairways. A
fully equipped Pro Shop caters for every need
imaginable and golf carts as well as clubs can be
rented for the day. |
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Fish River Canyon
Trail |
Take on
the trial of Namibia's Fish River Canyon and hike
through Africa's second biggest natural gorge. You
will feel dwarfed by the very dated rocks of Fish
River Canyon. They owe much of their present form to
the work of glaciers millions of years ago. Numerous
hot mineral springs break through the crust of the
gorge allowing you to take advantage of their
supposed healing properties as you progress.
The hike takes 4-6 days and runs for 86km of the
161km-long canyon from Hobas to Ai Ais. It is only
open from 1 May to 31 August of each year. If you
want to have a go, you need to reserve your starting
date through the Namibian Ministry of Tourism, and
you also need to send in a medical certification of
fitness at least 40 days before you start.
If walking for several days in high temperatures doe
snot inspire you, you can still enjoy the rugged
splendour of the canyon from the road that runs
along its rim, or maybe attempt one of the lesser
hiking trails in the area. Alternatively spend some
time at Ai Ais the gateway to the canyon, which has
excellent overnight accommodation and facilities
such as swimming pools and tennis courts where you
can build your fitness before you enter the canyon,
or relax after you have finished. |
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KUSKA, WIKA,
Maharero Day |
Although
not comparable with the famous carnivals of Germany
or Rio de Janeiro, the most important cultural event
in the capital is undoubtedly WIKA - the Windhoek
Karneval. It usually takes place around the end of
April or early May, beginning with Prinzenball on
the Friday evening. Particularly popular are the
Büttenabende (performances of music and sketches),
one of which is held in English. Another of the
week's highlights is the Maskenball that takes place
on the Friday evening before the Kehraus, which
marks the end of the carnival. There is also a
ladies' night, a Jugend-Jarneval (youth carnival)
and a Kinder Darneval or kiddies' carnival.
Swakopmund has its annual carnival, KUSKA - Kuste
Karneval or Coast Carnival - in August/September,
while Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb also have an annual
carnival. An Oktoberfest is also held in Windhoek,
although on a far smaller scale than the one in
Munich. There are many activites for children,
insuring that the entire family can enjoy the party.
Festivities include street parades, all-night
parties, food stalls serving up local delights and
lots of drinking.
Maharero Day (Heroes’ Day) is one of Namibia's most
colourful and spectacular annual events. It is held
in celebration of the Red Flag Herero and takes
place in Okahandaja. Military processions are
accompanied by poems which are chanted in
remembrance of former war heroes. Women dress in
traditional costume and can be heard chanting
throughout the processions. |
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