It’s not an enormous city and is prominently easy to go around; but most travelers embark on their tour of Namibia on its capital city- Windhoek.
It is a blended populace with a busy downtown area, a relaxed and moderately bother free pace in an absolutely cosmopolitan standpoint.
Windhoek makes an incredible jump off point to start or break an excursion through Namibia.
The majestic hotels and lodging inns, variety of world class cuisine, shopping malls, recreational parks, and the hip urban African culture provide for it an edge not discovered anyplace else in Namibia.
Best time to visit Windhoek?
Despite the fact that Windhoek is placed on an immense desert plain, it really has an assortment of diverse atmospheres.
For example, in the mountains, it can be extremely cool.
But in the central part of Windhoek, it is mostly arid, with temperatures in the mid year arriving at 105°f and after that falling definitely to solidifying temperatures during the evening.
In this part of South Africa, there are two stormy seasons: the ‘light downpour season’ from October to December and the blustery and monsoon period from January to April.
In the capital city, it can get to be very steamy in the middle of December and February.
December is the most humid month (the peak of summer).
Then again, since the city is situated at a high elevation, by and large there is little moistness so it doesn’t feel as hot.
Furthermore, around evening time, there is regularly a charming breeze that blows through the avenues, cooling cafes at different restaurants and those who stroll along the boulevards around evening time.
Notwithstanding that in the winter time, it can get to be extremely cold, particularly in the lower areas of the city during the evening.
Be that as it may, amid the days in the winter, it is normally satisfying climate: warm, with sunny days and a small occurrence of rain.
Best things to do in Windhoek
These are my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Windhoek, Namibia…
Katutura Township
The Katutura Township is an improved community of Windhoek that is lively and pretty, well maintained and where you have the chance to meet Namibians who are friendly and accommodating.
The tour usually begins with a group of 13 people.
You can choose the car or bicycle tour option.
Upon arrival you will be amused by the locals’ short welcome presentation.
With them it is very easy to take pictures and you will not feel any animosity because they are always smiling and happy enough to live in their humble village.
They prepare lots of meat for the BBQ party where everyone eats and have their share and pieces of grilled meat.
You can also have a lively interaction with the local women of Windhoek (Penduka Women’s Project)and observe how they make beads, ornaments, trinkets, pottery, embroidery, manual textile weaving, and decorative handicrafts and also have the chance to buy their finished product right there in their small shop.
There is also a restaurant-cafeteria at low prices with local – typical atmosphere.
This Eco-tourism adventure is not to be missed while in Windhoek, Namibia.
This is the true face of the nation where you will learn valuable information, unforgettable impressions, meet with the community leaders, and have interesting conversations and develop good camaraderie with the locals.
My favorite stuff to do in Windhoek
Christuskirche
The overall architecture of the Christuskirche church corresponds to the designs most commonly found in German churches in Europe.
The stained glass windows were donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, and his wife Augusta donated the Bible.
The church is just a few minutes away from Independence Street (main street) of Windhoek.
The European-style church raises native feelings.
The interior side should not be expecting too much because it is seldom open to the public except during a holy service.
But outside you can take great photos of the city and the church itself which has a very interesting architecture.
As a general “landmark”, it serves as a good site to remember for the Windhoek explorer (pedestrian or motorist).
The Christuskirche is one of the stunning postcards of the city of Windhoek.
This famous Lutheran church is built on top of a hill, near the city of Windhoek and visible from various points of the downtown.
Built with architecture of German influence, the church is surmounted by a Gothic tower and was proclaimed a national monument in 1974.
However, it is not possible to visit the interior of the Church for having pre-defined schedules.
It is worth a visit for the architecture and offering excellent views of the city.
Fun things to do in Windhoek
NamibRand Nature Reserve
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is the desert region of Namibia that brings unique experiences and memorable photos for your collection.
Surely, it is one of the highlights of the visit to Windhoek.
If you come during the summer season stay tuned for the roads that are not recommended for night driving and also always carry extra amount of water (although it rapidly becomes hot on this humid desert).
For desert lovers, the dunes are beautiful red ocher and looks splendid.
You should see them at all hours of the day and do not hesitate to make the hike to reach the highs and lows of the desert dunes.
It’s a natural marvel!
The vast desert, marvelous sunsets, wildlife and the idyllic landscape are bordered by its awesome surroundings, plus the silence.
It is a pristine environment where time stops or where a quick moment for reflection is needed.
Popular Windhoek tourist attractions
Bitterwasser Lodge & Flying Centre
The Bitterwasser Lodge & Flying Centre can be best visited in the months of November to January, to see how it becomes a paradise for glider pilots.
The fine soaring weather around this time attracts many world-class pilots and pilots of bitter water to fly there and make records every year.
But even the non-record flyer or an ordinary traveler can still enjoy this site.
In the Lodge the guest is provided with everything they need.
This lodge and cultural center in Windhoek has well trained staff, excellent food, and good accommodation in different price ranges.
All these is reason enough for visitors to come again and again when in Namibia.
The Bitter Water Lodge is situated on the edge of the Kalahari and requires a half-day tour of Windhoek and the airport.
The Lodge is a known target for gliding, which start from November and held on the adjacent salt pan runway and land.
The thatched bungalows are scattered loosely in a landscaped garden, and most are spacious and have fan and air conditioning.
There is a shady pool situated in the area.
The meals are served in the restaurant in buffet style.
In addition to seeing stunning images of colorful gliders in the sky, the cultivated area invites you to relax.
The staff is very friendly and the food is simply delicious.
The pool area surrounded by palm trees and greenery in the midst of the Kalahari looks like a small oasis where nothing is heard as the palm leaves rustle and gently whispers every time the wind blows.
The accommodation in individual, beautiful spacious bungalows is in compliance with German standards.
Bitter water offers evening trips to the game drive and sundowners in the dunes, and there is probably nowhere else in the world to see a beautiful sunset.
If you want to know the people on the ground, the auxiliary projects, and social events throughout the year, it is here where you will be given the opportunity to do so.
Let’s have a look at some more
What else to do in Windhoek?
Equitrails Namibia
The Equitrails Namibia is good fun for those who enjoy horseback riding.
Samantha the owner and trainer of the horses is extremely friendly and helpful.
The area is beautiful and quiet.
The outdoor lunch prepared by the staff is plentiful and very good.
If you want to do trail riding in Windhoek’s proximity then this is the place you should go to.
The owner Sam (Samantha) has a good eye for the horse that you fit in and do their utmost to help you / you’ll get the best horse/ride as possible.
Sam is flexible and put together a package that suits her clients and the allotted time to ride.
The package that is particularly recommended is the Sundowner Ride with food.
This tour is like a scene out of the famous movie “Out of Africa”.
The Equitrails is a must for horse lovers and those who want to be there.
Anyone who loves horses and is in Windhoek must necessarily take a ride with Sam from Equitrails.
The horses are all in great condition, the saddle is safe and secured and the scenery made for the rides are filled with breathtaking views.
Sam will find the right horse for each rider, to make the ride an unforgettable experience.
For those who live in Windhoek; Sam’s riding lessons are also a good way to spend the weekend with family and friends.
Is Windhoek worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Windhoek is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve
The Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve is a conserved area located a few miles from the capital where you can admire the fantastic natural beauty of Namibia’s wildlife with the chance to see the giraffes, zebras, warthogs, gazelles and so on.
It also has a beautiful location of a resort accommodation where you can enjoy all the services.
It is a beautiful park where you can see different kinds of wild animals.
The restaurant area is really lovely with its green park, swimming pool and a nice restaurant.
The food here is great and the service is fast, but if you go to this place it is advisable to take things easily and not hurry and just enjoy the nature and comfort.
On the other hand the staff here are all kind and friendly.
The park is small, and can be visited by car in just 1 hour.
Take note however, that in the absence of predators it is possible to walk in the park just make sure you go with a knowledgeable tour guide.
However, you can see a family of giraffes in the middle of the road, as well as blue wildebeest, warthog, kudu, springbok, Oryx, hartebeest, and ostriches.
If the park is quite limited in terms of mammals, it is in perfect contrast to birds (the guide there can easily identify fifty species of birds).
In short, it is a great spot for an early travel, wildlife observation, and the perfect place for bird lovers.
Things to do in Windhoek on a budget
National Museum of Namibia
The contents of the National Museum of Namibia is certainly interesting, there are vintage photos, documents and materials on colonialism, the local population and independence.
However, the rooms are old and dilapidated and the exhibition criterion is not certainly inviting.
Fortunately, it is going to be transferred in the new palace-monument to be built by the city government near the Christuskirche.
It may seem a bit nostalgic but a visit to the Museum of Namibia in the capital city is part of something that will make you think a lot about the painful history of this people who had to fight hard to earn their long lost freedom.
It’s something to do when you are in Namibia, Windhoek, and if you have time to spare.
This museum is a self-adulation of SWAPO and Sam Nujoma.
It is worked with commemorative elements and the diplomatic relationship between Namibia and Germany in the past.
In particular, the large-scale wall paintings are covered.
The museum is interesting and tells some of the settlers and the German colonial force in the early 20th century.
The main focus, however, is directed to the freedom struggle which lasted until the independence of South Africa.
With all the names and faces and parties, it leaves an impression that Namibia encountered so much hardship and struggle for power, and indeed it was.
On display were photos and documents of the independence movement, furnishings of the German settlers and explanations of prehistoric rock drawings.
The building from the outside is really beautiful and attracts attention from passersby.
What else to see in Windhoek?
National Botanic Garden of Namibia
The National Botanic Garden of Namibia is like a cinematic experience.
This is what tourists expect from any classes that explore Windhoek because, it not only explores the wildlife but also the rich flora of the country.
That deserves a very special attention, especially the Acacia trees with its beautiful green fluorescent change, the really giant Baobabs (similar to the plants seen in Bedrock, the city of the Flintstones), and the wonderful sugar bush “fire flowers ” called the Proteas.
The gardens are very well maintained and the catalog of information is easily available.
Above all, the National Botanical Garden of Namibia is extremely well maintained by its hard working and organized people.
It is truly worth knowing if you’re in Windhoek!
Popular places to visit in Windhoek
Owela Museum
The Owela Museum contains a lot of information about the Native Bushmen, local tribes, and all immigrant people and ethnic villages of Windhoek.
It gives accurate information about the lifestyle, clothing, food, cabins, livelihood, and the current status of its economy.
In addition, the animal and plant world is vividly illustrated.
It is one of the impressive and informative places to see in Windhoek.
Don’t fail to check out the reconstruction of each village and the exhibits about the birds and stuffed animals.
Things to do in Windhoek with kids
Kalahari Sands
The Kalahari Sands is one of the best ways to unwind while in Windhoek.
It has an excessive luxury complete.
Luxurious bedrooms with two king-size beds, huge double beds to sleep lounging.
At about 200 meters from Post Street, the casino is located along the Main Street where you can also see the display of meteorites that fell in the nearby desert millions of years ago.
It is also near the typical Lutheran church of Christuskirche, the market along Castro Street, the central shopping street in Post Street Mall, and the few colonial-style buildings along Independence Avenue.
Things to do around Windhoek
Wild Dog Safaris
The safari and package tour experience of Windhoek could not have been better if it is not from the Wild Dog Safaris.
Surely, the great service from Wild Dog staff will make your trip perfect starting from the first meeting up to the end of the tour because they are all professional and helpful.
The guides are responsible and very well trained; with their top quality equipment and they are always concerned with the welfare and security of the tourists.
If you go on a safari tour of Windhoek, the service of the Wild Dog Safaris is highly recommended.
Windhoek of Namibia is a fascinating city that you have to discover and see.
You will admire the sea, desert and mountains and also a large variety of animals.
The size of this majestic city and the colors are incredible.
All you need is your adventurous spirit, a sturdy hiking shoes to go, a pair of binoculars, a good brand of camera to capture the best scenic views, love and care for animals and a lot of time to see all of its wonderful sites, enjoy its features, and things to do.
Windhoek City is a must in the list of your travel destinations to discover when you’re in Africa.
It is a city with a rich fauna and fantastic stories that is well worth checking out.
You will be charmed by the country and plan to return as soon as possible.
