Things you can do within Windhoek

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and largest city (population around 250,000). It is in the geographic centre of the country at an height of 1,600m. Here is the city where a good number of safaris travelling through Namibia begin, and also first point of entry in Namibia should you arrive by plane.

Should you be arriving in Namibia by airplane, this is most likely to be via Hosea Kutako International Airport. The airport is approximately 40km out of town, so have sufficient time to travel to the city centre. Windhoek has a municipal airport named Eros. This is the main airport for all domestic flights – so holidaymakers making a connection between international and domestic aircraft should also allow for a minumum of one hour for journey time between the two airports.

There isn’t any public transit in Windhoek but there’s a system of shared taxis which you’ll find much like combies in South African towns. Taxis generally run between the townships also, the main industrial/commercial areas of the city.

The Desert Express is a luxury tourist train that traverses Namibia frequently, taking travellers to such destinations as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park. Buses are utilized to transport visitors from train stations to the many sights.

English is used all over Namibia (it is the country’s official language which is the medium of instruction for most schools), though in all regions Afrikaans (similar to Dutch) is used like a lingua franca, as 95% of the Namibian population speaks Afrikaans. German is commonly used in tourism and business.

Activities to do throughout Windhoek :

Equitrails Namibia – Horseback Riding Stables:

Very nice horses provide lots of fun for knowledgeable riders as well as for the inexperienced galloping up the mountains with horses on superb condition. The owner is extremely nice and relaxed.

Namib Sy Balloon Safaris:

Some unforgettable and most gorgeous experience, a Balloon Safari above the Sossusvlei area is the ultimate treat to yourself. Lift off and float across this awesome landscape at Sunrise towards a mystery destination.

Namibrand Nature Reserve:

Spend 3 days/ 2 nights at the Wolwedans Dune Lodge in July and be thrilled. The location is extraordinary, accommodation great (cold in winter!!), good service and impressive food. The place is attractive with natural wild life.

Namibia Craft Centre:

Situated in the center of Windhoek within the historic Old Breweries building, the Namibia Crafts Centre is the buzzing market place and design hub for modern day crafts in Namibia. You will be sure to discover the right gift here for yourself or good friends and loved ones back home. The Centre continues to be a good launching pad for contemporary craft ideas, just like the Pambili Association’s karakul wool and organza scarves and vibrant textile ranges adding contemporary San/Bushman artwork. Pick from studio jewellery by Ekipa Gold and Design, Inspirations or Pambili, showcasing distinctive Namibian materials like ‘watermelon’ tourmaline, petersite, natural garnet crystals and ostrich eggshell. Functional and decor accessories are plentiful from studio ceramics to lino prints, from wire and wooden sculpture to decorated ostrich eggs. One of Namibia’s respected hand-woven carpet retailers, Ibenstein weavers, is housed here. They produce gorgeous but robust rugs from locally farmed karakul sheep’s wool, with original native motifs or abstract designs, and also will create to customer specs.