Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Windhoek doesn’t look or act like your typical African capital. Not only is it quite safe, but it also lacks the architectural clutter and human chaos found in so many other major cities across the continent. But while the city feels almost provincial next to Johannesburg or Lagos, when compared with the rest of Namibia it stands as a strong testament to modernity in a still wild and mostly empty country.
Windhoek is also where most safari-goers heading towards adventure elsewhere in Namibia begin, as it’s the first point of entry to the country via plane. Which means you’ll find well-dressed locals and scruffy tourists rubbing elbows at the surprisingly posh bars and restaurants sprinkled across the eastern suburbs, amid a backdrop of both uncluttered colonial and traditional African architecture.
And before heading out on safari, it’s worth staying a day or two to explore. One of the city’s best places to discover is the Post St. Mall, an elevated pedestrian walkway that serves as Windhoek’s main shopping district. The area is filled with vendors selling everything from clothing to curios, to local art and jewelry.
The National Art Gallery is prominent in the city and is also worth a visit. It features work by local artists in various mediums, some of which is for sale. It also houses a permanent collection of works reflecting Namibia’s history and nature.
Travelers wanting to explore outside the city will want to go to Daan Viljoen Game Park that sits in the Khomas Hochland about 18km west of Windhoek. Because there are no dangerous animals, hikers can wander freely through desert-like hills and valleys.
For its size, Windhoek has quite a few nice restaurants worth popping into, along with several bars with great wine selections. There are numerous high-end hotels to stay at in Windhoek, along with several spas worth visiting.
SAFETY: Windhoek is a relatively safe city, but travelers should still exercise common precautions such as being aware of pickpockets and avoiding driving at night. Walking alone at night should also be avoided.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Namibia’s colonial German heritage is evident in the capital city, where neo-baroque cathedrals and castles sit next to steel and glass high rises. Color is everywhere. Windhoek doesn’t look like your …