Solitaire (Namibia)

Solitaire ( historically Areb ) is since 1848 a private small settlement on the same farm in central Namibia on the edge of the Namib -Naukluft Park. As of May 2013 Solitaire has 92 inhabitants.

Oldest Buildings are Built in 1849 and set up shop in 1851 Church since 1879 with its own organ.

Origin of the name

The origin of the place name is disputed, but probably refers to the seclusion and solitude (English solitude ) of the place. The widespread opinion, Solitaire would mean so because it consists of only one house, is probably incorrect because, although the settlement was originally only of very few buildings, including the chapel ( built in 1851 ) and the shop was, there were always more than one.

Infrastructure

Solitaire is located at the intersection of the main streets C14 ( Walvis Bay - Bethany ) and C24 ( Rehoboth Sossusvlei ), both touristy significant distances through the Namib -Naukluft Park. It also features an unpaved landing strip for small aircraft. It houses the only gas station and the only grocery store between the coastal town of Walvis Bay and Windhoek and Walvis Bay and between the dunes at Sossusvlei and is therefore an important resting and feeding point in this sparsely populated desert area.

Right next store and gas station are located Solitaire Country Lodge and the campground, as well as a café and restaurant. Since the mid- 1990s, there is a bakery next to the cake and breads, pies and rolls manufactures.

Trivia

  • The Dutch author Ton van der Lee wrote about his stay in Solitaire in 2001, an eponymous novella; the café / restaurant gets its name due to him.
  • The founder and owner of the bakery in Solitaire ( " Moose McGregor Desert Bakery " ), Percy "Moose" McGregor has made Solitaire famous with his apple pie; all important tourist guide, including the Lonely Planet, refer to the Apple Pie in Solitaire, many with the addition of " best apple pie in Africa ". His breads are considered some of the most delicious of Namibia. McGregor died unexpectedly on 18 January 2014.

Photo Gallery

Gas station

Exterior view of the store

Interior view of the store

Cafe and Restaurant

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