For those embarking on a Namibia tour, Windhoek is generally the tour’s starting point and ending point, and not an attraction in and of itself. But if you have some time to kill, you will find that the capital of Namibia is an exciting place with plenty to see and experience and can quite easily fit into your tour and become a memorable part of your trip.
The capital city of Windhoek is the nation’s business and cultural hub. It is full of people who are warm and welcoming, and who are always ready to show off their beautiful city. Windhoek is a lively African destination with a German twist, a legacy of its colonial past.
If you find yourself in Namibia, don’t be in such a hurry to hit the road. Instead, these are 5 reasons why you should take the time to explore this vast city.
- Katutara Township
Some of the best truly African vibes can be found in the close knit township communities. Forever on the move and filled with an eclectic culture that thrives on local music, food and friendly faces, guests who visit this township will be given a unique look at the beauty of Namibian city life.
In the Herero language, the name of the town means “the place where no-one wants to live” and it was given this name because it has a history of poverty and misery. Today, the township still struggles with poverty, but it is in a better place than it was during the Apartheid years.
It is best to visit the township in the company of a guide, to ensure your safety and to ensure that you don’t miss anything interesting.
- Daan Viljoen Game Park
A short 18km drive out of the city will take you to the Daan Viljoen Game Park where you can enjoy an authentic African safari. Here you can take a walk on one of three beautiful trails and along the way you can see giraffe, eland, gemsbok, zebra, warthog, and kudu, to name but a few. The game park is also a bird watchers paradise.
- The German Architecture
Since Namibia is a former German colony, a lot of the country’s architecture is influenced by the German style, including much of Windhoek’s buildings. A walking tour of the city will take you to some of the most famous buildings.
- The Old Complex Brewery
Craft beer has become popular the world over, and Namibia is no exception. If you are a keen beer drinker, and you’d like to get a taste of Namibian beer, you should pay a visit to the Old Complex Brewery. The brewery is the oldest in Windhoek and it not only sells a wide variety of beers but it also sells local crafts and a delicious selection of food.
- Museums
Much like South Africa, Namibia has a painful segregated past. If you are keen on getting a better understanding of the country’s most recent history, a visit to any one of the museums is a great starting point.