When you go to travel, you arrive at and depart from an international airport. Now in Namibia, as your research may have shown you, only has one of those and it lies 45km from our capital city, Windhoek. Having said this, I can pretty much guarantee that you will be spending at least one full day in the capital, whether that be at the beginning or the end of your trip.
Now this realisation may lead to the all-important question that plagues all travellers…what is there to do? Well my dear travelling reader, do not fear because we have you covered. Windhoek may be slightly different to the other places you have visited before and as you should know every traveler has their own set of preferences regarding what they want to see when visiting a new and exciting destination. So coming up is a list of 6 different types of places to visit when you are in Windhoek.
- For the history-buffs, there is at least one on each trip... There’s quite a bit to see, ranging from Heroes’ Acre outside of Windhoek, to the Independence Museum of Namibia and the Christuskirche in town. These sights cover everything from German colonial influence to local cultural heritage.
- Nature-freaks do not fear you can get your outdoor-fix right in town. All you need to do is stop at the Tintenpalast gardens across from the old parliament buildings, head over to the Botanical Gardens that are right in town or to the Avis Dam Nature Reserve to familiarise yourself with the local flora and fauna, and of course to get the first or the last bit of dust on your hiking boots.
Tintenpalast. Photo: Michael Paur
- Our local flavour runs hot and you can get a sneak-peak right in town at the Namibia Craft Centre, which offers the opportunity to peruse uniquely Namibian products, all of which have been handmade by local craftsmen. Or if you would like to delve a little deeper, head over to KatuturaTownship for a guided tour that shows you exactly why this city is so unique.
Namibia Craft Centre. Photo: Informanté
- To eat, drink and enjoy…Windhoek offers a variety of interesting and different locations. Head straight over to Single Quarters in Katutura, to experience Kapana (meat grilled on an open flame) for yourself.The well-known Joe’s Beerhouse that has been delighting patrons for years with its unique style and décor and of course Andy’s pub, a local watering hole, both offer a great vibe and welcoming atmosphere where food and drink is in abundance.
Kapana at Single Quarters. Photo: Namiban Sun
- The local nightlife can be experienced all across town, with The Boiler room in city centre that offers a laid-back vibe and every variant of rock, 264 is closer to downtown and offers all round genres of music, and of course Club London in the southern industrial area which drifts more to commercial dance and straight-up electro music. Depending on your taste in sound, you will definitely find a place that suits your mood.
Club London. Photo: Club London
- Every now and again… well as we know everything in moderation, right? Well we agree, so when you find yourself in our little part of the world, be sure to check out what’s happening at the Warehouse Theatre, they offer poetry slams, open-mic nights and musical acts every few weeks. Once a month, you will also find the Windhoek City Market popping up somewhere in town and offers music, great food and something that can only be described as uniquely Namibian.
The Parlotones performing live at the Warehouse Theatre. Photo: Namlish Media cc
I could keep going but I wouldn’t want to rob you of the chance to discover the city’s secrets on your own. Windhoek, just like Namibia, is a diverse collaboration of people, sights and sounds and I am sure you will not be leaving here disappointed, maybe pleasantly surprised though… If you are still doubting a day in the capital, let me put your mind at ease: You will not be sorry.
If you know of any other places in Windhoek that you think are worth visiting, mention it in the comments!
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