Southern Africa’s Great Capital Cities
SOUTHERN AFRICA’S GREAT CAPITAL CITIES
If you’re travelling in Africa and your time is limited, here is what you have to see when you find yourself in one of these five Southern African capital cities. We take a closer look at the best that the capital cities of Gaborone, Windhoek, Lusaka, Maputo and Harare have to offer.
Gaborone, Botswana
Although Gaborone is a bustling, modern metropolis, there are many reasons why the Gaborone Game Reserve is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Known for its picnic areas, visitor centres, and the abundance of wildlife within its borders, the reserve is also home to a wide variety of bird species.
Gaborone is also ideal for meeting royalty. The Three Dikgosi Monument is a bronze sculpture that celebrates the country’s rich royal heritage. The people of Botswana are not afraid to celebrate their own, and this monument, erected to inform both current and future generations about their traditional leaders, is a shining example of the people of Botswana’s national pride.
Meaning “kings”, the Dikgosi statues showcase three kings: Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse. They stand as proud symbols of the rich traditional culture of this mighty nation. It is common for events to be held at the monument – and what better location to add gravitas than one that is associated with royalty?
For an intricate understanding and representation of this nation’s cultural artefacts, Botswana Crafts is your go-to destination. It is one of the largest crafts centres in Gaborone. Here, you can learn about traditional beads, and find out about how and why some traditional crafts are made. The market is a one-stop destination for locally inspired African souvenirs.
While at the market, be sure to visit The Courtyard Restaurant for delicious traditional food and delectable desserts. The restaurant offers a sensory experience of Botswana’s culturally significant dishes.
Windhoek, Namibia
True to the spirit of Africa, to understand a place and its essence, you need first to uncover its past. While the past is by no means an indication of one’s destiny, it is intricately interwoven into the beliefs and ideologies of many who call Namibia home.
Inaugurated in 2002 by former state president Sam Nujoma, the Heroes’ Acre – a memorial for Namibian war heroes – commemorates Namibia’s independence. Here one can drift away from the hustleand-bustle of everyday city life, drawing nearer to nature in a space that commands your attention.
The Heroes’ Acre is home to both occupied and unoccupied tombs. Some of those commemorated in this sanctuary are not buried here, but their spirits are recognised in this grand place that is absolutely worth seeing when visiting Windhoek.
Lusaka, Zambia
In Zambia, nothing is ever named coincidentally, as Zambians believe that there should always be more to a name than merely the way it sounds. It is said