Windhoek is the capital, political, cultural, industrial and economical center of Namibia
BACKGROUND :
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and is an amusing little city with exciting markets hawking African drums and woodcarvings from the north, whereas graceful shops offer quality gemstones and leather goods. Windhoek is a multicultural city with exceptional hotels, shops, restaurants, banks and hospital facilities. Windhoek is a perfect centre from which to discover the neighbouring countryside. The city is generally the entry point into Namibia. Notably Windhoek is home to Namibia’s brewing industry and the Oktoberfest takes place in October every year. Attractions in Windhoek covers Alte Feste which accommodates the National Museum, the Christuskirche, which is a good-looking historical monument, initially built in 1910 to accommodate the German Lutheran Congregation and the Heinitzburg Castle.
The name Windhoek is stems from the Afrikaans meaning “windy corner “. The former spelling at the commencement of the German colonial time “Windhuk” is not in use any longer. The San (Bushmen) previously populated the area around Windhoek thousands of years ago. Due to the hot springs that are located around Windhoek, the Orlam (universal term for descendants of the white, Dutch Boers and Nama women during the 17th / 18th century) settled in the area around 1850. Afterwards the Boers, Dutch settlers from the Cape Colony (South Africa), built a stone church large enough to hold 500 people, which was also used as school. Shortly, a town developed, which however was totally demolished by the warlike clashes between Nama and Herero so that by 1873 nothing was left of the once ambitious town. In 1884, German South West Africa was proclaimed as German Protectorate. Although the English had seized the bay of Walvis Bay at the coast in 1878 and had allocated the area to the Cape Colony they were not at all fascinated by the hinterland, so that the German colonial powers were unrestricted to do as they pleased.
Originally Otjimbingwe was selected as administrative center of the German colony. In 1890 Curt von Francois, captain of the German troops proclaimed the much more centrally located Windhoek as new administrative center. Windhoek was established on 18 October 1890 when the foundation stone of the fort celebrated today as “Alte Feste” had been laid. The Curt von Francois statue honours this occasion.
WHY TOUR WINDHOEK
- Windhoek takes pride in its independence and cultural heritage, and that’s why the monuments that scatter the city in celebration of Namibia’s great heroes are so popular among tourists
- it’s historic buildings. It seems like everywhere you turn there’s another landmark that tells a story about the city’s past
- Von Francois Fort Built by the Schutztruppe to protect horses and cattle from the Witbooi-Namas, today it’s a nice spot to take in a bit of Windhoek history, and learn about its military past
- Windhoek is in fact located in the Kalahari Desert, and you can experience much of the splendour of the desert by taking a day tour
- Ten-man House, or Tienmannhaus as it is also known, was constructed in 1906 by orders of the German colonial government. There were 10 single bachelors who worked for the government at the time, and this house was built to be their living quarters
- Windhoek also is proud of its many beautiful churches.Cruising through the dunes on a guided tour to the roaring sound of your quadbike
- There are so many museums in Windhoek that one doesn’t know where to begin. Depending upon your tastes and interests, you may be drawn to the Geological Survey Museum, the Railway Museum, the Alte Feste Museum, and so much more.
WHEN TO TOUR?
You can visit Windhoek at any day of the year. All activities on offer are available throughout the year, however game viewing is best enjoyed during dry, winter months as animals forced to convene at riverbeds and watering holes as a result of dwindling water resources in the remainder of the park.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
By Air
Visitors travelling to Windhoek are met at OR Tambo International Airport, where they will be helped in check-in procedures for a brief flight to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia. If you are staying at a park or reserve in the area, a light aircraft may be of necessity. If you do not fancy small planes, then an overland transfer is readily available.
By Road
Windhoek is about 1400km from Johannesburg, and the drive from end to end on to the parched north-western landscape of Southern Africa, though tremendously striking, it takes practically 15 hours. tourAfrika visitors may select to fly directly to Windhoek or drive from alternative point.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Swakopmund varies from hotels and luxury guest houses to inexpensive lodges, plenty to flatter all sense of taste, trip types and budgets. If you’re in search for a safari pause on the coast or a cultural retreat, our choice of Swakopmund accommodation is certain to enthuse you.
MEDICAL
There are good medical facilities in Windhoek. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Windhoek boasts two public, and three private hospitals; approximately 80 percent of Namibia’s medical specialists are based in the city. Many doctors, hospitals and private clinics will expect up-front payment in cash, regardless of whether or not you possess health insurance covering Namibia.
SAFETY
Windhoek remains a relatively safe city. However, the incidence of violent crime appears to be increasing. The intensity and numbers of violent crimes against women and children is a concern. Luckily, the government seems to take these criminal issues seriously and you can find signs that ask you to report crime to the local government and have a phone number to contact in case you need help or need to report crime.
Windhoek is a very high-altitude area, which means lower oxygen levels and can swing between comfortable and very cold. If you are getting off the plane and feel sick or uncomfortable, it’s likely due to the elevated altitude and lowered oxygen levels. To prevent altitude sickness, make sure you get rest when you first arrive in Windhoek and drink plenty of water.
WILDLIFE
There are numerous game reserves where you may undertake game viewing in the surrounds of Windhoek. Animals you can expect to see in and around Windhoek are gemsbok, ground pangolin, plains zebra, elephants, wildebeest, Kirk’s dik-dik, springbok, rhinos, lions, Cape buffalo and kudus. It is common feature to see wildlife wandering freely, as animals are not confined to game reserves. Road signs prominently appear on highways to warn motorists on the need to exercise caution as the possibility running into wildlife is regularly occurrence.
Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary is positioned just a twenty-minute drive from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African veld. With a range of enjoyable activities, including exciting carnivore feeding tours, available you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable African holiday with.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which languages are spoken in Windhoek?
English has generally been the second language in Windhoek. Afrikaans acts as the common language between people of different languages. About 10% of Namibians, especially in the South of Windhoek speaks Afrikaans as the first language.
Do I need to take precautions against Malaria when visiting Windhoek?
Moderate precautions are advised against mosquito bites, which can carry malaria, though the risk in Windhoek is minimal.
How long should I visit Windhoek?
You will perhaps visit Windhoek for one or two nights before moving on to more exciting ventures found on the landscapes of Windhoek.
What is the national animal of Namibia?
The Oryx was chosen as Namibia’s national animal due to its courage, elegance and pride – with the national coat of arms bearing this unmistakable dweller of the desert.
What is population size of Windhoek?
The census of 2011 put the population size of Windhoek at 325 858
Blog Articles
- Introducing Africa’s Small Five
March 4, 2020 - A pangolin sighting in the wild after a 53-year search
January 31, 2020 - How the zebra got its stripes?
January 6, 2020 - Cruising Caprivi
November 30, 2019 - Why you need to go on an African safari at least once...
October 28, 2019 - 11 things you might not have known about the spotted...
September 28, 2019
Related Tours
CODE: NA60
From: 67 620 Rands Per Person Sharing
14 DAY FAR-REACHING NAMIBIA OVERLAND
Namibia’s quite modern public services makes it probable to revel in a exhilarating private overland safaris in this exceptional country. This Namibia safari offers the most far-reaching view of the country and its main attractions, …
14 days
CODE: NA54
From: 76 810 Rands Per Person Sharing
9 DAY PINNACLE OF NAMIBIA
Enjoy the best of Namibia on a nine-day jet-in escapade that covers Swakopmund, Windhoek, Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Your accommodation from end to end is sumptuous on this safari and typified by spectacular venues. …
9 days
CODE: AF34
From: 160 795 Rands Per Person Sharing
21 DAY SPECTRA OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
Our most extensive and far reaching African safari, this sumptuous three-week tour covers the whole enchilada from the deserted shores of the Namibia coastline to the opulent, luxuriant wilderness of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. …
21 days