During my holiday in Namibia, I spent a few days in Windhoek, the capital city. Windhoek is a beautiful, calm, green city, which is a 40 minutes’ drive from the international airport. I headed to this lovely city after a spectacular road trip to the Namib Desert, so it was my last stop before leaving the country.
Before visiting Windhoek I had no clue what to see, so it could be useful to have this short guide during your Namibian trip!
Here are a few things to see in and around Windhoek:
If you have the opportunity to spend at least half a day in Windhoek, I really recommend visiting a few museums. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Namibia.
The Independence Memorial Museum is a historical museum, which focuses on the anti-colonial resistance and the national liberation struggle of Namibia. The museum was inaugurated on 21st March 2014, in the 24th year of the country’s independence by former President, Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba.
A statue of founding father, Dr Sam Nujoma graces the entrance to the museum. It stands on the site where the Reiterdenkmal equestrian statue stood for 102 years.
The Genocide Memorial statue is situated south of the Nujoma Memorial. The statue depicts a man and woman embracing, symbolising freedom.
Overall, it is a very well organised museum, where you have the chance to learn so much due to the great narrative linings of each floor, that are tied together with various photographs and unique descriptions.
One of my favourite things within the museum is this piece in the photo below. It is simultaneously overwhelming and meaningful.
This is a cool little gallery full of Namibian contemporary art, which is very interesting! It’s not possible to take pictures inside, however I really enjoyed the unique artwork on display.
Christuskirche was built in the early 1900s in the heart of Windhoek and has become very iconic. It is also referred to as ‘Christ Church’, and is beautiful inside and outside. It is based on a basilica notion, which is a rectangular church containing a rounded end, and has two aisles. The walls of the church are built with sandstone from Windhoek, the portal from Italian Carrarian marble and these structures compliment the neo-Romanic style that are combined with an art nouveau effect. The Christuskirche became a National Monument in 1974.
Following a long and tiring road trip, I was really looking forward to some rest! And I could not find anything better than Gocheganas Lodge, 45 minutes from Windhoek city centre. This lodge is located on a hilltop, overlooking a spectacular landscape. It offers a luxurious and unique combination of wildlife, nature and wellness experiences. Click here for the spa menu.
Furthermore, this beautiful lodge offers outstanding accommodation for an unforgettable weekend getaway. A perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or to end your Namibian trip in the best way possible.
I hope this article helped you to organise your time in Windhoek!
Writer: Carlotta Conca - Passionate traveller and art advisor who loves sharing her stylish adventures around the world! Follow her journey and please do enjoy the complete blog by clicking here: Lust For The Sublime
What else can you do or see in and around Windhoek? If you have visited before, share some of the favourite things that you have seen or done in the comment section below.
