You’ve decided to go to Windhoek, Namibia, now what? The city is the largest in the country, but only has about 325,000 residents, meaning that most of the region is uninhabited by humans. And maybe it’s just for a night or two before you head out on safari somewhere else in the country, but there’s ample things to keep you occupied before you go.  Here are some of the fun and exciting things to do in Windhoek, Namibia.

Scope out the area from above

See some of the isolated scenery in the Namibian desert by hopping on a plane in Windhoek through Scenic Air. Guests can see some of vast landscapes including the world-famous Skeleton Coast, Sea of Sand Dunes, and Epupa Falls. Other destinations where guests can get a bird’s-eye view are the crystal clear ocean off the coast and Kolmanskop, where the plane will make a brief visit for lunch before retreating back to Windhoek.

Visit the local hot spring

Did you know that Windhoek roughly translates to hot springs? Not far outside of the city is a state-owned hot springs called Gross Barmen. The spring is known for being rich in mineral water — it stays a comfortable temperature of 65 Celsius year-round. Adjacent to the spring is Gross Barman Hot Spring Resort where guests can take advantage of the spring by dipping into its pool and great hot tubs.

Eat and Drink at Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro

It’s quite possible to sample fresh wine from the region, since South Africa is right on the border. Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro makes it convenient for visitors to sample good vino brought in from Western Cape. Wine lovers will appreciate the lavish surroundings with a menu featuring Namibian meat including rib eyes, sirloin steaks, and burgers. Of course, you’ll have to get one of the high end bottles of vino to pair perfectly with your vittles.

Purchase a souvenir at the Namibia Craft Centre

Do you admire Namibian jewelry, pottery and textiles? Well, then you’ll want to swing by the Namibia Craft Centre right in the heart of Windhoek. There you’ll come across multiple vendors selling everything you’re looking for. Many of the local vendors hail from nearby villages selling one-of-a-kind and homemade goods, such as art pieces made out of tree roots, Himba bracelets, dyed silk scarves, painted ostrich eggshells, Makalani kernals and much more. Bring your appetite with you, the centre has food vendors as well where shoppers can sit down in between shopping to enjoy a good cheesecake and coffee.

National Botanic Garden of Namibia

You don’t have to leave the city’s center to get your dose of nature. National Botanical Garden of Namibia is a 12 hectare are full of fascinating plants native to the country. The garden has been around since 1969 and provides a much easier outlet to learn about the local foliage without having to delve deep into the wilderness. Keep in mind that Namibia is mainly desert so you’ll find many cactus-like plants and succulents throughout the garden.

Explore Katutura Township

Learn about the oppressive history Windhoek faced from the 1950s when white residents forced black residents to move to Katutura Township, a piece of land that wasn’t desirable to them. Thankfully the law was overturned, but today visitors can visit the township to sample meat from its markets, admire handmade potteries and meet locals who have made the area their permanent home. Vulkan Ruine Tours & Transfer offers guided tours on vehicles to the destination where guests will be shown to popular spots to learn about its local culture. The tour also offers safari rides to see the isolated deserts of Namibia.

More from AFKTravel:

Namibian Nibbles: Where To Eat In Windhoek

City Guide: Windhoek, Namibia

48 Hours in Windhoek, Namibia

 

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