Windhoek is Namibia's capital and largest city (population 430,000 in 2020). It is in the geographic centre of the country at an elevation of 1,600 m. This is the city where most safaris travelling through Namibia begin, and also the first point of entry in Namibia should you arrive by airplane.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The city was spelled Windhuk during the German colonial time and is sometimes still referred to as such in German. The name is pronounced wind-hook, as "oe" in Dutch and Afrikaans is pronounced like "u" in German. Windhoek tourist information
Most hotels and hostels are close to the city centre, so you can easily walk to most shops, restaurants, clubs and sights. After dark it is not safe to walk, though. Traffic in Windhoek generally flows freely, and driving is generally well ordered. Parking garages are located in the shopping centres and some street parking is available too. There are a number of car rental agencies operating in Windhoek: Okavango Car hire, 124 Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo St, ☏ +264 61 306 553, info@windhoekcarhire.com. Adozu Car Hire, ☏ +264 61 23-6634, fax: +264 61 23-5453, adozu@mweb.com.na. African Car Hire, ☏ +264 61 22-3246, fax: +264 61 22-3264, africar@africancarhire.de.
1 Parliament of Namibia. It was the legislative assembly during the Apartheid days and is now the home of the National Assembly. There is also a new building next door for the National Council. And on the grounds is a garden with olive trees and bougainvilleas and bronze statues of independence freedom fighters. National Gallery of Namibia Independence Museum. M-F 08:00-17:00. The local history of resistance to colonialism is showcased over three floors of dramatic artwork. There is a restaurant at the top with must-see panoramic views of all of Windhoek and the surrounding mountains. Free entrance.
AJ du Plooy Sports Fields, Socrates Street, Academia (between Academia High School and Windhoek Technical High School; follow the way to the University of Namibia (UNAM), it is roughly opposite). Football and rugby fields, tennis courts, basketball court. Also suitable for a picnic. Not all amenities are in good shape but it is free to use for everyone. Not safe after dark. Archer's Land, on farm Monte Christo north of Windhoek (leave the town northwards on the National Road B1, direction Okahandja; after about 10 km turn left onto the D1499; drive through the farm gate after 2.5 km, Archer's Land is signposted from there; accessible with ordinary cars), contact@archersland.com.
1 Joe's Beer House, 160 Nelson Mandela Ave, ☏ +264 61 232-457. M-Th 16:00-late, F-Su 11:00-late. Windhoek's largest restaurant, seats several hundred people, and is packed essentially every day. You'll meet busloads of tourists, noisy families, local celebrities, all colours and all ages. Due to its size it can be a bit chaotic, as well as a tad impersonal. The place also features an amazing collection of odds and ends on display, from old bottles and farming equipment to a Mini Cooper that managed to cross Africa. Typical Namibian cuisine with a lot of tasty meat and not many vegetables. Huge portions; the average person will be full from a bar snack.
Bump Located in the Southern Industrial section of Windhoek, Bump features a spacious outdoor area, mid-sized dance floor and a large bar. Although the music is often limited to house and rave music, the service is friendly. Popular with the Afrikaner crowd. 1 Chez Ntemba, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Street (off Independence Avenue; all taxi drivers know it, too). open W-Su. Popular with locals and the only place to go out on Sundays because other places are closed or dead quiet. F-Su entrance is N$30. Small beer for N$20. 2 J&J Gambling House, Luther Street (off Independence Avenue; at the back of Chez Ntemba, walk halfway around the block). M-Sa till 02:00, Su till 22:00.
Windhoek is generally safe for tourists but the usual precautions should be taken. Do not walk around displaying jewellery or electronics. Take a radio taxi at night. Do not visit the townships unaccompanied, or after dark. The city centre is not very big and newly arriving tourists are quickly spotted by aggressive beggars who like to start conversions like "Kommen Sie aus Deutschland?", thereby targeting, and taking by surprise, the many German visitors. Just ignore them. Be careful with the traffic. Many drivers ignore red lights, zebra crossings, and a lot more.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Windhoek typically sees ~21°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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