Top 10 Things to do in Windhoek, Namibia

This reserve represents all facets of diverse desert landscapes.

This is near Susselvlei in Namibia . No pictures can do this justice. It is a huge salt pan created about 900 - 1000 years ago. It takes a 30 minute trek into the desert - and on arrival, it would take about another 30 minutes to walk across it. The trees that existed in the river bed have fossilised and stand like stark skeletons dark silhouettes against the white of the salt and the red of the surrounding dunes which rise 300 metres around it. A visit to this gives one the feeling of a visit to the beginning of time.

Approximately 38 craft stalls from rural communities, ethnic groups and projects sell Namibian handicraft here, which range from jewellery to carved tree roots. We have the freshest Namibian food and best cheesecake and apple crumble in town! Our Craft Cafe is known all over the world for its stylish and excellent food. We support Namibian micro and small enterprises, and contribute to increase income through the sale of Namibian craft. Over 4,000 producers and their families derive an income from sales of their craft. We support Namibian design and product development, which is reflected in our large range of unique and quality products. We encourage the use of environmentally friendly products and sustainable utilization of Namibian natural resources. Vendors inside the Namibia Craft Centre may stock up to 5% of non-Namibian, but African handi-craft. No goods from outside the continent may be sold inside the Craft Centre. Some handi-craft and materials are hard to come by in Namibia, which is why we have made this concession. Staff should be able to tell you exactly the origin of most goods.

Daan Viljoen Game Park.Just 24 km west of Windhoek lies a sanctuary for a relatively large population of game species typical of Namibia's highlands. Proclaimed before Independence to preserve the ecosystem of the Khomas Hochland, the park was named after a former Administrator, Mr Daan Viljoen, who played a major part in establishing the park.The convenient location of the park makes Daan Viljoen an ideal venue for day visits and a perfect stopover for tourists seeking the tranquillity of the bush.FACT FILEPark size: 40 km2Year proclaimed: 1968Natural features: Khomas Hochland Plateau, scenic views of the Windhoek valleyVegetation: Highland shrubland, with various Acacia species, kudu bush (Combretum apiculatum) and buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata).Wildlife: Mammals are Springbok, kudu, eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, Hartmann's mountain zebra, leopard and klipspringer. Of 200 bird species, endemics include Ruppell's parrot, white-tailed shrike and Monteiro's hornbill.Tourism: The newly renovate Sun Karros Daan Viljoen opened its doors in October 2011. This privately run establishment entered into Public Private Partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resort and Sun Karros Lifestyle Safaris now offers selection of services to the leisure, business and day visitor after three years of construction. The Main lodge comprises of 19 luxury contemporary chalets, 12 well-appointed campsites, three tech-fit conference rooms. The reception area holds a, lounge, kiosk and IT station for in house guests to connect. The Boma Restaurant and pool area is where leisure, business and day visitors can enjoy scrumptious daily meals and beverages.Conservation successesWith game drives and hiking trails, Daan Viljoen is easily accessible to residents of Windhoek and provides an ideal place for visiting school children to learn more about wildlife and conservation in Namibia.Key management issuesPoaching is problematic due to Daan Viljoen adjoining a high-density residential area. The Augeigas River, which runs through the park, is polluted.