Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia, and our hometown, it is conveniently situated in the geographical middle of the country. Most tourists arrive via the Windhoek (Hosea Kutako) International Airport, and the city serves as the ideal place to arrange logistics before departing on your holiday.
If we’re honest, Windhoek is not the most exciting city in the world. It has its share of restaurants, shopping malls and a few historical buildings. But, although we love the laid back lifestyle living here affords us, we won’t feel offended if you use it as a base to collect your rental car, purchase provisions, catch up on some sleep and then head off on your Namibian adventure.
Windhoek skyline
Windhoek train station
Accommodation – Windhoek has a good variety of accommodation establishments encompassing large hotels, castles, older German Pensions (small hotels) & excellent guest houses. For those on a bit of a budget the city is a good location to save on accommodation which can be used to upgrade in a more spectacular location.
Food – The variety of cusines available has increased dramatically in recent years. Typically Namibians eat a LOT of meat and most restaurants cater accordingly. Several years ago we wrote that ‘Vegetables are not popular amongst the majority of Namibians, and are viewed as the poison of the cultural imperialists.’- on the face of it this view has mellowed slightly, but we like to beleive it is still largely valid.
Drink – More than we love our meat, Windhoekers love a drink. Beer is a perennial favourite as this is a hot, dry city surrounded by vast deserts. No visit is complete without downing a few cold Windhoek Lagers (or draughts – we’re not fussy!) For the wine lovers most restaurants (and bottle stores / off-licenses) have an excellent selection of South African wines. The usual spirits are available and nothing beats a Gin & Tonic after a long day of holidaying (or writing blog posts, please excuse me as I go and pour myself a G&T)
Transportation – Public transport is abysmal. Nearly everyone has a car and uses it. Windhoek is still a place where if you can’t park outside the location you want to visit; you drive around the block until a one becomes available. If you’re walking – then odds are you are a tourist! If you don’t have a car there is no bus or train service; your options are limited to taxis of which there are three varieties:
Mar 3, 2020