Windhoek

When to go: Dry winter

The dry season (May-October) is the best time for wildlife viewing in the rest of the country, making Windhoek a busy hub. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool.

The wet season (November-April) brings green landscapes and occasional thunderstorms. It’s hotter, but fewer tourists.

• May-Oct: Best for safari connections.
• Dec-Feb: Very hot.
• Shoulder season: April/November offer a mix.

Getting there: Hosea Kutako

Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is about 45km (40 mins) east of the city. It’s a small airport. There is no public bus, so you need to arrange a shuttle or rent a car.

Eros Airport (ERS) is in the city but mostly for small charter planes.

• WDH: The main international gateway.
• Shuttle: Must be booked in advance.
• Car rental: Essential for Namibia trips.

Where to stay: Hills and views

Windhoek is spread out over hills. Luxury hotels like the Hilton and Avani are in the city center. Guesthouses in the suburbs (like Klein Windhoek or Eros) offer a more relaxed, garden-like atmosphere.

Staying in a guesthouse is often better value and more personal.

• City Center: Convenient for business.
• Klein Windhoek: Upscale, quiet, good restaurants.
• Eros: Residential and safe.

What to see: History and meteorites

The Christuskirche is a mix of neo-Romanesque, Art Nouveau, and Gothic styles—very unique. Nearby is the Independence Memorial Museum, which offers a great view from the top (and it's free).

In the Post Street Mall, you can see the Gibeon Meteorites on display in the open air.

• Christuskirche: Iconic German church.
• Independence Museum: History and views.
• Alte Feste: The oldest building in the city.
• Tintenpalast: The 'Ink Palace', seat of parliament.

Food: Game meat and beer

Namibian beef is world-class. But the real treat is game meat: oryx, kudu, zebra, and springbok. Joe's Beerhouse serves all of these in a quirky, junk-yard chic setting.

German bakeries are everywhere, so you can get excellent pretzels and apfelstrudel.

• Joe's Beerhouse: An institution.
• Kapana: Street food grilled beef (try it in Katutura with a guide).
• Windhoek Lager: The national beer, brewed according to German purity laws.

Nature & Relax: Botanical gardens

The National Botanical Garden is a gem right in the city, showcasing Namibia's unique flora (like quiver trees). It’s a great place for a walk.

Daan Viljoen Game Park is just 24km out of town. It has no predators, so you can hike among giraffes and wildebeest.

• Botanical Garden: Desert plants in the city.
• Daan Viljoen: Walking safari close by.
• Avis Dam: Great for birdwatching and sunsets.

Getting around: Taxi or car

Public transport is limited to shared taxis that follow specific routes. They are cheap but confusing for visitors. It’s best to call a private taxi or use a dial-a-cab service.

Walking is safe in the city center during the day, but avoid walking at night.

• Taxi: Call one, don't hail on street at night.
• Car: Necessary for exploring outside the city.
• Walking: Fine in daylight in the center.

Budget: Affordable luxury

Windhoek is generally affordable compared to Europe or North America. Food and beer are excellent value.

Accommodation ranges from backpackers to 5-star, but even high-end places are often reasonably priced.

• Food: Great value for meat lovers.
• Beer: Very cheap and good.
• Tours: Can be pricey.

2 Days in Windhoek

Most people use Windhoek as a stopover. One day is enough to see the sights.

Spend the day exploring the German architecture and the evening feasting on game meat.

• Day 1: Christuskirche, Museum, and dinner at Joe's.
• Day 2: Morning at the Craft Centre for souvenirs, then head out on safari.

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