Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia, sits at the geographical heart of the country, nestled among rolling hills at an elevation of 1,650 meters. This clean, orderly city of approximately 400,000 residents offers a fascinating blend of African and European influences, a legacy of its German colonial past. Unlike many African capitals, Windhoek presents a calm, unhurried atmosphere with wide, tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and distinctive German colonial architecture alongside modern buildings.

Though often viewed as merely a gateway to Namibia’s spectacular natural attractions, Windhoek deserves attention for its distinctive character, excellent museums, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant markets. The city provides a perfect introduction to Namibia’s unique cultural landscape and serves as an ideal base for planning adventures into the country’s vast wilderness areas.

When to Visit Windhoek

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant time to visit Windhoek is during the dry winter season from May to September. During this period, temperatures are mild during the day (typically 20-25°C/68-77°F) and cool at night (sometimes dropping to near freezing), the skies are clear blue, and there’s virtually no rainfall.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Winter Dry Season (May-September): Ideal conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures, cool nights, and clear skies. This coincides with Namibia’s high tourist season, especially July and August.
• Summer Rainy Season (November-April): Hot temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F), with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape around the city turns green, offering a different perspective. February and March typically see the most rainfall.
• Shoulder Seasons (October and April): These transitional months can offer good value with fewer tourists and generally pleasant weather, though October can be very hot.

How to Get to Windhoek

By Air

• Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH): Located about 45km east of the city center, this is Namibia’s main international gateway.
  • Direct flights connect from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Doha, Addis Ababa, and various Southern African cities.
  • Airlines serving Windhoek include Air Namibia, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Eurowings, and TAAG Angola.
• Eros Airport: A smaller airport handling domestic flights, located within the city.

By Land

• By Road: Excellent paved highways connect Windhoek to neighboring countries:
  • From South Africa: The Trans-Kalahari Highway via Upington and Keetmanshoop
  • From Botswana: The Trans-Kalahari Highway via Ghanzi and Gobabis
  • From Angola: Via Oshikango and Tsumeb
  • From Zambia: Via the Caprivi Strip
• By Bus: Intercape Mainliner operates services from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
• By Train: Limited passenger rail services connect from Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Getting Around Windhoek

• Taxis: Shared taxis (marked with an “S” for Sedan) run set routes and are the main form of public transport used by locals. Private taxis are also available.
• Car Rental: Numerous international and local agencies offer rentals; recommended for tourists planning to explore beyond the city.
• Walking: The city center is compact and walkable during daylight hours.
• Ride-Sharing: Uber and local services like LEFA operate in Windhoek.
• Guided Tours: Many operators offer city tours or transfers.

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Windhoek

Historical and Cultural Sites in Windhoek

1. Independence Memorial Museum: A striking modern building chronicling Namibia’s path to independence, offering panoramic views from the top floor.
2. Christuskirche (Christ Church): An iconic Lutheran church built in 1910, combining neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.
3. Tintenpalast: The historic parliament building set in manicured gardens.
4. Alte Feste (Old Fort): Windhoek’s oldest surviving building, now housing the National Museum.
5. Katutura Township: A vibrant residential area with rich cultural history, best visited on a guided tour.
6. Heroes’ Acre: A monument honoring those who fought for independence, located south of the city.

Museums and Galleries in Windhoek

1. National Museum of Namibia: Excellent exhibits on Namibian history and ethnology.
2. National Art Gallery of Namibia: Showcasing contemporary Namibian and African art.
3. Trans-Namib Transport Museum: Displaying the country’s railway history.
4. Owela Museum: Focusing on natural history and indigenous cultures.
5. Geological Survey Museum: Exhibiting Namibia’s remarkable mineral wealth and geological formations.

Markets and Shopping

1. Namibia Craft Centre: High-quality local handicrafts in a central location.
2. Post Street Mall: Pedestrian shopping area with the famous meteorite display.
3. Katutura Open Market: Vibrant local market offering food, crafts, and authentic atmosphere.
4. Farm Windhoek Stall: Local produce and food products.
5. The Grove Mall: Modern shopping center with international brands.
6. Old Breweries Craft Market: Local crafts in a historic building.

Parks and Nature in Windhoek

1. Zoo Park: Central green space with historic significance.
2. Parliament Gardens: Peaceful gardens surrounding the Tintenpalast.
3. National Botanical Garden of Namibia: Indigenous plant collections showcasing Namibian flora.
4. Daan Viljoen Game Park: Small wildlife reserve just outside the city.
5. Avis Dam Nature Reserve: Popular spot for bird watching and walking.

Day Experiences

1. Windhoek City Tour: Guided tours covering major historic and cultural sites.
2. Craft Beer Tasting: Sample local brews at Windhoek’s microbreweries.
3. Culinary Tours: Explore Namibian fusion cuisine.
4. Katutura Bicycle Tours: Community-led exploration of township life.
5. NamibRand Nature Reserve: Experience the night sky at Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

Where to Stay in Windhoek

Luxury hotels in Windhoek

• The Weinberg Hotel: Five-star boutique hotel in a historic building.
• Hilton Windhoek: Contemporary luxury in the city center.
• AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino: Modern high-rise with excellent amenities.
• Habitas Windhoek: Eco-luxury on the outskirts with panoramic views.
• Am Weinberg Estate: Elegant accommodation in a wine estate setting.

Mid-Range accommodation in Windhoek

• Hotel Thule: Perched on a hillside with stunning views.
• Windhoek Country Club Resort: Spacious grounds with golf course.
• Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel: Stylish hotel with personal service.
• Utopia Boutique Hotel: Intimate accommodation in a quiet suburb.
• Arebbusch Travel Lodge: Park-like setting on the outskirts.

Budget accommodation in Windhoek

• Urban Camp: Well-equipped campsite with affordable accommodations.
• Chameleon Backpackers: Popular hostel with social atmosphere.
• Cardboard Box Backpackers: Friendly budget option with pool.
• Rivendell Guest House: Homey budget accommodation.
• Roof of Africa: Basic rooms with good value.

Best Areas

• City Center: Convenient for sightseeing and business.
• Klein Windhoek: Upscale residential area with good restaurants.
• Windhoek East: Quiet suburbs with guesthouses.
• Ludwigsdorf: Exclusive area with luxury accommodations.
• Eros: Convenient mid-range location near Eros Airport.

Food and Dining

Local Specialties

• Game Meat: Oryx, kudu, springbok, ostrich, and other wild game.
• Kapana: Street food of grilled beef with spices, found in Katutura.
• Biltong: Dried, cured meat similar to jerky.
• German Cuisine: Influenced by colonial history, featuring sausages, breads, and pastries.
• Potjiekos: Traditional stew cooked in a cast-iron pot.
• Mopane Worms: Indigenous delicacy for the adventurous.

Top Restaurants in Windhoek

1. Joe’s Beerhouse: Iconic restaurant with game meat and safari ambiance.
2. The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro: Fine dining with excellent South African wines.
3. O Portuga: Outstanding Portuguese cuisine.
4. Garnish: Contemporary fusion restaurant.
5. The Olive Exclusive: Fine dining at a boutique hotel.
6. Pepata Restaurant: Local Namibian cuisine.
7. Restaurant Gathemann: German-Namibian cuisine in a historic building.
8. NICE Restaurant and Bar: Modern international cuisine.

Cafés and Bakeries in Windhoek

• Caffe Sempre: Popular meeting spot with excellent coffee.
• Slowtown Coffee Roasters: Artisanal coffee and light meals.
• Spar Bakery: Traditional German-style breads and pastries.
• Cafe Prestige: Cozy café with international menu.
• The Pantry: Healthy options and fresh ingredients.

Bars and Nightlife

• Chopsi’s Bar: Popular sports bar with local atmosphere.
• Warehouse Theatre: Performance venue with bar and cultural events.
• Wine Bar: Extensive selection of South African and international wines.
• Crafter’s Brew: Local microbrewery with tasting room.
• La Dee Da’s: Casual pub with regular events.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions in Windhoek

Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

Just 25km west of Windhoek, this small reserve offers wildlife viewing with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and excellent bird watching. Perfect for a half-day excursion with hiking trails and a restaurant.

Okapuka Ranch

Located 30km north of Windhoek, this private game reserve offers wildlife safaris, cheetah encounters, and an excellent restaurant serving game meat.

Gross Barmen Hot Springs

About 100km from Windhoek, these natural hot springs offer relaxing thermal pools, accommodation, and outdoor activities.

Gocheganas Nature Reserve & Wellness Village

A luxury nature reserve and spa about 29km southeast of Windhoek, combining wildlife viewing with wellness treatments.

Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

About 45 minutes from Windhoek, this conservation center offers ethical wildlife encounters, including cheetah and carnivore feeding.

Okahandja Wood Carvers Market

A town about 70km north of Windhoek, famous for its woodcarving market with traditional crafts.

Practical Information for first time visitors in Windhoek

Currency

• The Namibian Dollar (N$) is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR).
• South African Rand is also accepted everywhere in Namibia.
• ATMs are widely available in Windhoek.
• Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.

Language

• English is the official language.
• Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Herero, and Nama are also widely spoken.
• Basic English is understood in tourist areas.

Safety Tips

• Windhoek is relatively safe by African capital standards, but standard precautions apply.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in the city center.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use registered taxis, especially after dark.
• Vehicle break-ins can occur; never leave valuables visible in parked cars.

Health

• Windhoek has good medical facilities, including private hospitals.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink.
• UV radiation is intense due to the high altitude; use strong sunscreen.
• Malaria is not present in Windhoek but may be a concern when traveling to northern Namibia.

Business Hours

• Government offices: Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
• Banks: Monday-Friday 9:00-15:30, Saturday 8:30-11:00
• Shops: Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30, Saturday 9:00-13:00
• Restaurants: Generally open until late, many closed on Sundays

Tipping

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge not included
• Taxis: 10% of fare
• Hotel porters: N$5-10 per bag
• Gas station attendants: N$5-10
• Tour guides: N$50-100 per day

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

• Good mobile coverage in Windhoek from providers MTC and TN Mobile.
• Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
• Prepaid SIM cards are easily available with ID.

Cultural Customs and Etiquette

• Greetings are important; take time to say hello and shake hands.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities.
• Ask permission before photographing people.
• Respect elders; it’s customary to offer them seats on public transport.
• Punctuality is appreciated for business meetings but social events often start later than scheduled.
• When visiting rural communities, follow local customs and guidance from community leaders.
• Giving and receiving items with the right hand or both hands is a sign of respect.

Sustainable Tourism Tips

• Conserve water, as Namibia is an arid country with frequent droughts.
• Use refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic.
• Choose tour operators with sustainable practices.
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
• Support community tourism initiatives.
• Buy locally-made crafts directly from artisans when possible.
• Be mindful of waste disposal and avoid single-use plastics.

Events and Festivals in Windhoek

• Windhoek Carnival (WIKA) – April/May: German-influenced festival with parades and costumes.
• Windhoek Jazz Festival – November: International and local jazz performers.
• Windhoek Cultural Festival – September: Celebrating Namibia’s diverse cultures.
• Oktoberfest – October: German beer festival tradition.
• Bank Windhoek Arts Festival – Various dates: Theater, music, and visual arts.
• Namibian Independence Day Celebrations – March 21: Parades and events.
• Tourism Expo – June: Showcasing Namibia’s tourism industry.

Suggested Itineraries in Windhoek

One Day in Windhoek

• Morning: Independence Memorial Museum and Christ Church
• Lunch: Namibia Craft Centre cafe
• Afternoon: National Museum and Parliament Gardens
• Evening: Dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse

Two Days in Windhoek

• Day 1: City center attractions and Katutura tour
• Day 2: National Botanical Gardens and Daan Viljoen Game Park

Three Days in Windhoek

• Day 1: City center attractions
• Day 2: Katutura and local markets
• Day 3: Day trip to Okapuka Ranch or Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

Shopping Guide for first time visitors in Windhoek

Souvenirs

• Namibian Crafts: Wood carvings, baskets, pottery
• Gems and Minerals: Namibian diamonds, semi-precious stones
• San Art: Traditional paintings and prints
• Karakul Products: Wool items from Namibian sheep
• Herero Dolls: Colorful dolls in traditional dress

Where to Shop

• Namibia Craft Centre: Central location with quality control
• Katutura Open Market: Authentic local experience
• Post Street Mall: Central shopping area
• Old Breweries Craft Market: Curated local crafts
• Farm Windhoek Street Market: Local food products