Self-driving Namibia travellers should take extra care on Namibia's highways today and on Monday. Heroes' Day on Monday makes for a long weekend. Many Namibians use it for a short holiday at the coast or on the farm.
The B1 motorway from Windhoek to the north is also likely to be very busy this afternoon and on Monday. More than half of Namibia's population lives in the northern regions. For this reason, many people who work in Windhoek and have families in the north are travelling on the roads.
There is also the main Heroes' Day ceremony. This year it will take place in Omuthiya, the capital of the Oshikoto region. A total of 15,000 visitors are expected (see report in the Windhoek Observer). Omuthiya is a good 10 kilometres northwest of the King Nehale Gate to Etosha National Park.
The police have warned road users to drive carefully this weekend and to strictly follow the traffic rules. More speed traps are likely to be set up on the main traffic arteries.
Travellers should also note that many shops will be closed on Monday. Supermarkets and restaurants, on the other hand, are usually open.
Heroes' Day on 26 August is a public holiday in Namibia. It commemorates the beginning of the armed struggle for independence from South Africa. On 26 August 1966, the first battle took place in Omugulugwombashe in northern Namibia.
In Windhoek, the heroes of the liberation struggle are honoured with their own cemetery. Travellers can visit the memorial. Access to the Heroes' Acre on the southern outskirts of Windhoek costs N$ 70 (EUR 3.50; current value, N$ 1 = 1 South African Rand) and N$ 80 with a guided tour.
26 August is also a day of remembrance for OvaHerero. On that day in 1923, they buried the mortal remains of Chief Samuel Maharero in Okahandja. Last year, the 100-year commemoration took place. This year, however, as in previous years, OvaHerero cancelled the commemoration due to internal disputes.
The OvaMbanderu, on the other hand, are gathering this weekend in Okeseta near Gobabis. They are commemorating their traditional leaders, including Kahimemua Nguvauva and Nicodemus Kavikunua, who were killed in 1896. The background to this was a conflict with the German colonial power and the Herero Chief Samuel Maharero.
The next official public holiday in Namibia is on 10 December. It is Human Rights Day and Namibian Women's Day. In its Travel Advice section, Namibian.org provides an overview of all public holidays of the year.
Sven-Eric Stender