Windhoek

The city of Windhoek is located in a semi-arid climate zone.

During the summer months, the days are mainly hot, with some very hot days, while the evenings are normally chilly.

The average annual temperature is 19.47 °C (67.05 °F), which is quite warm for a location at such a high altitude on the tropics’ edge.

During the summer months of June, July, and August, there is frequently little or no rain. In the winter, minimum temperatures vary from 5 to 18 °C (23 to 64 °F). The nights are normally chilly, while the mornings are very cold. It seldom ever snows here. Days are often warm to hot, with highs of 20 °C (68 °F) in July and lows of 31 °C (88 °F) in January.

It is located on a sloping plain on the northern side of the Khomas Hochland (Khomas Highlands) in the Windhoek Basin valley, which stretches for roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) north-south towards the city of Okahandja. Windhoek is 1,657 meters above sea level (5,436 ft).

Apart from budgetary constraints, expanding the town area has been difficult owing to its geographic position. Windhoek is bordered by rocky, mountainous terrain to the south, east, and west, making land development expensive. Because of the existence of subterranean aquifers, the southern side is not suited for industrial development. As a result, the large Brakwater region north of town is the only viable location for Windhoek’s growth.

Nonetheless, the City Council of Windhoek intends to drastically increase the city’s limits, resulting in a total size of 5,133.4 square kilometers (1,982.0 sq mi). Windhoek will be the world’s third-largest metropolis by size, behind Tianjin and Istanbul, but having a population density of just 63 people per square kilometer.

The city serves as Namibia’s administrative, commercial, and industrial hub. According to a 1992/93 survey, Windhoek employs almost half of Namibia’s non-agricultural workers, with a national share of 96 percent in utilities, 94 percent in transportation and communication, and 82 percent in banking and business services.

Windhoek is the country’s social, economic, and cultural center, much more than many other national capital cities, due to its size. Almost every major national corporation has its headquarters here. The University of Namibia, the country’s lone theatre, all government headquarters, and all major media and financial institutions are also located there.

The city of Windhoek’s governmental budget is approximately equivalent to that of all other Namibian local governments combined. Maerua Mall, Wernhil Park Mall, and The Grove Mall were among the retail malls established in the post-independence period.

Windhoek’s area code is (061). Do not use a ‘0’ between the country code and the area code when dialling Windhoek from outside Namibia.

Buying mobile phone starting packs is less expensive than relying on roaming. They will work in Namibia, with the exception of ‘Switch’ CDMA cards, which will only function in Windhoek.

In Windhoek, there are a lot of well-equipped Internet cafés.

If you’re flying into Namibia, you’ll most likely arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The airport is roughly 40 kilometers from town, so allow plenty time for transit to the city center. A taxi ride into the city center will cost around $250N per person.

Additionally, Windhoek has a municipal airport named Eros. This is the primary airport for domestic flights; hence, travelers connecting between international and domestic flights should allow at least an hour for travel time between the two airports.

The railway station in Windhoek is located in the city center, immediately off Bahnhof Street.

Apart from the luxurious Desert Express tourist train, Namibia has no dedicated passenger trains. The StarLine scheduled service mentioned above transports people on the backs of freight trains using dedicated carriages. These passenger coaches have airline-style seats, climate control, and (sometimes) audiovisual entertainment. On lengthy travels, vending machines give refreshments. However, it is worth noting that Namibian trains are regarded to be a somewhat sluggish mode of transit.

The Desert Express is a luxury tourist train that operates on a regular basis in Namibia, transporting visitors to sites such as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park. Visitors are transported from railway terminals to the different attractions by bus.

Intercape operates a bus service between Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Livingstone, Zambia.

Insight Luxury Coaches operates a bus service from Windhoek to Livingstone, Zambia, twice a week for N$450.

Baileys Reo Liner operates a bus service from Windhoek to Cape Town three times a week for a cost of N$500.

AT&T Monnakgotla Transport operates a bus service between Windhoek and Gaborone, Botswana, twice a week.

At the very least, reserve a few days in advance to ensure a seat.

The B1 (North-South) and the B2 (Trans-Kalahari) are the principal land routes into Windhoek. Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, and Okahanja are among the northern towns serviced by the B1. Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop, and Lüderitz are all located in the south. The B2 links Swakopmund to the west and Gobabis to the east.

This is the simplest method for anyone without a vehicle to go to Windhoek. Minibuses operate across Namibia, and one may always make their way to Windhoek by a mix of various routes. The Engen gas station north of downtown (Rhino Park) is the starting point for trips to southern and western Namibia, including Mariental, Swakopmund, and Keetmanshoop. To reach northern locations like as Otjiwarongo, Oshakati, and Rundu, make your way to Katutura’s Hakahana Service Station. It is, however, more convenient to arrange for a minibus to transport you (check opposite SAA in Independence Avenue).

The majority of hotels and hostels are located near to the city center, making it easy to stroll to the majority of shops, restaurants, clubs, and attractions.

Windhoek lacks public transportation, although it does have a shared taxi system akin to combis in South African cities. Taxis generally operate between townships and the city’s major industrial/commercial sectors. In contrast to a bus route or a combie route in South Africa, routes are not set. This provides some additional flexibility, but also implies that rates between certain locations are not always consistent. You may enter or exit at any point along the “journey.”

To hail a cab, just extend your arm and wave your palm downward toward the earth. As this is a casual gesture, avoid sticking your arm straight out in front of you like a sign post and avoid waving your arm about as if you’re shouting for assistance. The fare for places that are on or near the “route” is N$10; those that are further “off the beaten path” are charged N$20. After 12 a.m., each trip costs N$20. Aim your hand in the direction you want to go. If the vehicle stops for you, inform him of your destination as you enter or before you enter. If the location is too far off their route, they will inform you that they will be unable to make the trip and that you will have to wait for another taxi. This is a regular occurrence during rush hour. It will take time to ascertain the nature of these informal channels.

The majority of cabs go south on Independence Avenue, beyond the junction with Fidel Castro Street. The most convenient location to catch them is just across from the Gustav Voigts Centre/Kalahari Sands Hotel.

Shared taxis are notorious for their poor technical condition and aggressive driving. If you’re uncomfortable with it, radio taxis (on-demand) enable you to rent the whole vehicle to yourself. The majority of these cabs must be booked in advance through telephone; they will come and pick you up wherever you are. They are located in the city behind the Tourist Information Office on Independence Avenue and Fidel Castro Street (near the Gustav Voigts Centre/Kalahari Sands Hotel) and on the northern side of Wernhill Park retail mall. Additionally, they congregate in renowned restaurants and nightclubs. Before you take them, make sure you agree on a fee; most will charge at least N$80 to get anywhere in Windhoek. These cabs can also transport you outside of Windhoek, most notably to the airport; it’s simply a matter of how much they charge.

Windhoek is comprised of many suburbs:

Academia,

Auasblick,

Avis,

Cimbebasia,

Dorado Park,

Donkerhoek,

Eros,

Eros Park,

GreenwellMatongo,

Goreangab,

Hakahana,

Havanna,

Hochland Park,

Katutura,

Khomasdal,

Kleine Kuppe,

Klein-Windhoek,

Lafrenz Industrial Area,

Ludwigsdorf,

Luxury Hill,

NorthernIndustrial,

Okuryangava,

Olympia,

Otjomuise,

Pionierspark,

Prosperita,

Rocky Crest,

Southern Industrial,

Suiderhof, Wanaheda,

Windhoek Central,

Windhoek North,

Windhoek West

Tourist (Backpacker) – 70 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 146 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• Parliament of Namibia. Previously the legislative assembly under apartheid, this is currently the National Assembly’s residence. Additionally, the National Council has a new building adjacent.
• National Gallery of Namibia
• Dictator street names – While Namibia is not a dictatorship, there are a few dictators with whom Namibia’s first President was particularly friendly during the independence movement (and still is). In Windhoek, there are two: Fidel Castro St. and Robert Mugabe Ave.
• Christuskirche – At the entrance to the Parliamentary complex, in the center of a large traffic circle where Robert Mugabe Ave. and Fidel Castro St. intersect. The historic Lutheran congregation.

PepperCorn

Shop 59, Maerua Mall (opposite the cinema),  +264 61 254-154. 9AM-10PM. 

Before and after the dinner, try to secure a seat in the lounge and have a drink.

Joe’s Beer House

160 Nelson Mandela Ave,  +264 61 232-457. M-Th 4PM-late, F-Su 11AM-late. 

This is the spot to go if you want to go to where all the tourists go and the servers will inform you when the tip isn’t enough. However, the cuisine is excellent. To finish off your game drive, have a zebra steak or an ostrich kebab. Be careful that the portions are quite enormous and do not include a lot of veggies.

Luigi and the Fish

320 Sam Nujoma Dr (Klein Windhoek, on the way to the airport),  +264 61 256-399. 6PM-10PM. 

There’s a beautiful restaurant and bar here, and there are a lot of travelers. It claims to have Namibia’s largest menu, with a variety of game, beef, pig, seafood, pizza, and vegetarian meals. On Fridays and Saturdays, reservations are required.

NICE (Namibian Institute of Culinary Education)

Storch St.,  +264 61 370-710. Lunch M-F, Dinner M-Su. 

It’s a fantastic location to dine. There are a variety of cuisines to choose from, ranging in grandeur and ingenuity. Essentially, it’s a culinary school for great Namibian cuisine. 75-150N$.

Old Continental Cafe

Pedestrian passage between Lüderitz Street and Independence Avenue (Parking can be difficult here. Come on foot.),  +264 61 307 176. 9AM-5PM. 

Breakfast and lunch are served at this little downtown cafe. The foods prepared in the Lebanese tradition are spicy. Take a chance on the soup of the day. 30-80N$.

Sardinia

47 Independence Ave,  +264 61 225-600. 9AM-11PM. 

Great pizzas, spicy appetizers, and ice cream at this Italian eatery.

The Kebab House

143 Robert Mugabe Avenue (opposite the Islamic Centre). 

lunch and dinner, daily. Halaal Pakistani and Indian food. Huge portions and good value for money. From Potato Naan (30N$, big enough to make you full for the day). Most main courses below 100N$.

In downtown Windhoek, there is a craft market, however the prices are fairly exorbitant. Go to the Okahandja artisan market, approximately an hour north of Windhoek, for lower costs. You may take a combie or hitchhike to Okahanja.

In Windhoek’s downtown area, there are many arcades and small commercial malls. You can find almost whatever you need between them. In the city’s south end (Jan Jonker Road), there is a bigger mall named Maerua Mall, which is readily accessible by cab.

Jennys Place, 78 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek, is a good place to go if you’re looking for arts and crafts. It is Namibia’s most comprehensive arts and crafts store. Paints, face paints, canvases, beads, ribbons, costumes, scrapbooking materials, brushes, spraypaint, decoupage, wooden blanks, pewter, and the occasional oddity such as glow in the dark spraypaint, presents, and decorations are just a few of the items they offer. They also offer painting, card-making, and scrapbooking workshops. It provides a relaxing and peaceful ambiance and is a terrific location to meet other artisans.

• Shoprite. Shoprite operates a number of supermarkets in Windhoek and around Namibia.
• Spar. In Namibia, there are presently 27 Spar supermarkets.
• Pick N Pay (one in Wernhill center). Pick N Pay supermarkets may be found all around Namibia.
• Choppies Supermarkets.

Joes Beer House

A journey to Windhoek isn’t complete without a stop to this one-of-a-kind beer garden! It is usually bustling with residents and tourists. It offers a fantastic food, but you must make a reservation in advance.

The Wine Bar

Located on a hill overlooking Windhoek with spectacular sunsets, this is the ideal location for a romantic getaway. The staff provides outstanding service and is knowledgeable about the wines provided. You may also buy wine at this location.

Blitzkrieg Bunker Bar

A rock and metal bar with a lot of noise. Despite the risqué name, this is a perfectly pleasant establishment with a laid-back staff and a lively clientele. It is not forbidden to write on the walls using a marker pen.

Bump

Bump, located in Windhoek’s Southern Industrial district, has a huge outside space, a mid-sized dance floor, and a large bar. The service is courteous, despite the fact that the music is generally confined to house and party music. The Afrikaner community finds it appealing.

Sardinia

47 Independence Ave,  +264 61 225-600. 9AM-11PM. 

Great pizzas, spicy appetizers, and ice cream at this Italian eatery.

Warehouse

corner of Tal Street and Sam Nujoma Drive,  +264 61 40 2253. Closed on Sundays. 

Tourists and the local art scene flock here. Live music (Rock and Jazz) of various quality, but almost always terrific, always engaging, and always free. Karaoke on Tuesdays. Occasionally, a rock concert is held in a different auditorium for which there is a cost. Meals and snacks range from 40 to 80 N$ for a 0.5L drink.

Chez Ntemba

Locals’ nightclub, open Wednesday through Sunday. The admission fee is 30 Namibian dollars from Friday to Sunday. For 20 N$, you can get a small beer. Locals love it, and it’s the only place to go out on Sundays since everything else is closed or very silent. It’s on the intersection of Independence Avenue, and all cab drivers are aware of it.

J & J and Gamblers

The most popular gaming establishments in Windhoek. Cheztemba is owned by J & J, and Gamblers is situated on Independence Avenue near Angola House and the American Embassy. Big (750ml) beer 20 N$; to obtain it cheaper, you’d have to venture deep into the slums. J & J might be abrasive at times, but security is excellent.