Windhoek

🌍Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek is at Namibia's centre in more ways than one: apart from being the country's main political hub by design, it also happens to sit in its very heart geographically, making the city an easy stop over on the way to Namibia's spectacular natural attractions. Some of those include the Namib-Naukluft National Park, with its striking Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, Etosha National Park with free-roaming indigenous animals, and the endless stretch of ghastly, striking Skeleton Coast.

Population:

325,858

Currency:

Namibian dollar is the official currency, but South African rand are also widely accepted.

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance +264 (61) 21-1111
Fire +264 (61) 21-1111
Police +264 (61) 1-0111

Opening Hours:

Newspapers:

The City

Windhoek is, in some ways, the least "African" of Sub-Saharan cities. The compact city centre, with its landmark Christuskirche, looks much like a transplant from the European mainland – its streets rarely overflow with people, traffic is orderly, and the closest continental restaurant – or even a full-on beer garden, for that matter – is never too far away.

Although many visitors limit their stay in Windhoek to its central district (Klein Windhoek), heavy on colonial heritage, there is more to discover further afield. The outlying neighbourhood of Katutura makes for an insightful day trip (although going it alone isn't recommended, try and join a guided tour or be accompanied by a local), while the Daan Viljoen Game Reserveis the place closest to town to get close and personal with some of Namibia's non-predatory indigenous animals: zebra, giraffe, impala, kudu, steenbok, oryx, and a multitude of bird species. One needn't go to a specially designated reserve, however - animals roam Namibian planes freely and can be spotted just off major highways.

Do & See

Few come to Namibia and limit their stay to Windhoek alone, but most who do travel to the country choose to spend a day or two in the easy-going capital. Although attractions are admittedly scarce, there is just enough for a good couple of days with sightseeing and shopping. If you happen to have time on your hands and do not mind venturing out of the city centre, check out the recently inaugurated Heroes Acre (south of Windhoek, down B1), an expansive war memorial commemorating those involved in the Namibian liberation struggle.

Dining

Namibian cuisine as a whole is an odd mix of African game dishes, using meats of animals like crocodile or kudu, and strong European (more specifically, German) influences. The food served at Windhoek's multiple restaurants differs greatly from the locals' staple diet: you'll have to dig to experience the latter, albeit not too far - the Katatura Township is where Namibian eats are more readily available, and nearly every guided tour includes a tasting of open-fire grilled Kapana beef.

Cafes