Windhoek

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Windhoek's Zoo Park and Independence Avenue, the city's main street.
Windhoek's Zoo Park and Independence Avenue, the city's main street.

Windhoek [1] is Namibia's capital and largest city (population ~250,000). It is located in the geographic centre of the country at an elevation of 1,600m. This is the city where most safaris travelling through Namibia begin, and also the first point of entry in Namibia should you arrive by aeroplane.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

[edit] By car

The B1, which runs from the north to the south and the B2 (Trans-Kalahari) which runs from the east to the west through Namibia are the primary land routes into Windhoek. Northern towns served by the B1 include Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, and Okahanja. Southern towns include Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz. From the west the B2 connects Swakopmund and from the east it connects Gobabis.

[edit] By combie

This is the easiest way to get to Windhoek for people without a car. Combies run from everywhere in Namibia, and through some combination of different routes, one can always find their way to Windhoek. The Engen petrol station north of downtown is often the long-distance minibus rank.

[edit] By plane

If you're arriving in Namibia by airplane, this is most likely to be via Hosea Kutako International Airport. There are flights within Namibia connecting its towns, but this is not a very common way to get around the country.

Windhoek also has a municipal airport called Eros. This is quite close to the centre of the city and is practical for business travellers in particular. The only international flights arriving at Eros, are flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. There is currently a debate within the Government of Namibia, denying all airlines with the exception of Air Namibia landing rights at Eros Airport.

[edit] By train

Windhoek's train station is located in the city centre, just off Bahnhof Street.

TransNamib, via their StarLine passenger service, operates trains from Windhoek to destinations all over Namibia. Some routes are

  Windhoek-Otjiwarongo-Tsumeb
  Windhoek-Gobabis
  Windhoek-Swakopmund-Walvis Bay
  Windhoek-Keetmanshoop ; this train used to continue on to Upington in South Africa but no longer does so.

There are no dedicated passenger trains in Namibia, apart from the luxury Desert Express tourist train. The StarLine scheduled service described above conveys passengers via special coaches hooked on the back of freight trains. These passenger coaches offer comfortable airline-style seating with air-conditioning and (sometimes) video entertainment. Vending machines provide refreshments on long journeys. Note, however, that Namibian trains are considered a relatively slow method of transport.

The Desert Express is a luxury tourist train that traverses Namibia regularly, taking tourists to such destinations as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Etosha. Buses are used to transport visitors from train stations to the various sights.

[edit] By bus

Intercape runs a bus service to and from Cape Town in South Africa and Livingstone in Zambia. It's about 24 hours to either city. Book a few days in advance at least to be sure that you have a seat. As at July 2007 the cost was about R500 for either ticket.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By car

There are a number of car rental agencies operating in Windhoek:

  • Avis (Airport) (At Hosea Kutako International Airport), ☎ +264 (0)62 54-0271 (, fax: +264 (0)62 54-0254).  edit
  • Imperial (Airport) (At Hosea Kutako International Airport), ☎ +264 (0)62 54-0278 (, fax: +264 (0)62 54-0046).  edit

[edit] By taxi

There is no public transit in Windhoek but there is a system of shared taxis which are similar to combies in South African cities. Taxis primarily run between the townships and the main industrial/commercial areas of the city. Routes are not fixed like a bus route or the combie routes in South Africa. This gives some added flexibility, but also means that fares between given destinations may not always be the same. You can get in or get out wherever you want along the "route".

To catch a taxi just flag it down by holding your arm out and waving your hand down towards the ground. It's a casual gesture, so don't stick your arm straight out like a sign post, and don't wave your arm around like you're calling for help. The fare for destinations that are on the "route" or close to the route is N$6.50, destinations more "out of the way" are charged at N$13. Non standard destinations cost around N$30. Tell the driver where you want to go when you get in or before you get in. If the destination is too far off their route, they will tell you they're not going there so you'll just have to wait for another taxi. This can be common during rush hour. It will take some time to figure out what these informal routes are.

Most taxis cruise along Independence Avenue south of the intersection with Fidel Castro Street. The easiest place to catch them is in front of the Gustav Voigts Centre/Kalahari Sands Hotel.

If you feel uncomfortable taking shared taxis, there are on-demand taxis which allow you to hire the entire car to yourself. Most of these taxis have to be pre-booked via telephone; they'll come and get you wherever you are. In the city, they can be found behind the Tourist Information Office at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Fidel Castro Street (opposite Gustav Voigts Centre/Kalahari Sands Hotel) and on the northern-side of Wernhill Park shopping mall. They also tend to gather at popular restaurants and nightspots. Make sure you agree on the price before taking them; most will ask for at least N$50 to go anywhere around Windhoek. These taxis also can take you out of Windhoek, and especially to the airport; it's just a question of how much they are going to charge.

Here are some taxi company numbers:

  • Lima Transfers: +264-(0)81-127-3232 (Eduard)

[edit] On foot

Most hotels and hostels are centrally located close to the city centre, so you can easily walk to most shops, restaurants, clubs and sights.

[edit][add listing] See

Robert Mugabe Ave.
Robert Mugabe Ave.
  • Parliament of Namibia Formerly the legislative assembly during the apartheid days, this is now the home of the National Assembly. There is also a new building next door for the National Council. [2]
  • National Gallery of Namibia
  • Dictator street names Though Namibia isn't a dictatorship, there are a few dictators with whom Namibia's first President was quite friendly during the days of the struggle for independence (and still is). There are two in Windhoek, both downtown: Fidel Castro St. and Robert Mugabe Ave.
  • Christuskirche In the middle of a big traffic circle where Robert Mugabe Ave. and Fidel Castro St. meet, at the gates of the Parliamentary compound. The old Lutheran church.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Learn

The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) are located in Windhoek. There is also the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre where you can take classes in everything from French to photography.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There is a craft market in Post Street Mall in central Windhoek, though prices are quite high. For cheaper prices, go to the craft market in Okahanja, which is about an hour north of Windhoek. You can hitchhike to Okahanja or catch a combie.

There are a number of arcades and small shopping centres in the centre of Windhoek. Between them you can find pretty much anything you need. There is also a larger mall called Maerua Park in the south end of the city, easily accessible by taxi.

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Abyssinia Veld St. Excellent Ethiopian food, a choice to sit and eat in the traditional manner, or western-style. Somewhat expensive, but well worth it. The chef/owner often comes around to chat and ensure that everyone is satisfied.
  • Cattle Baron Maerua Mall, opposite cinema. South Afrian Steakhouse Chain. Enjoy the farely best meat in this place for a perfect price. Try to get a seat in the lounge and have a drink before and after the meal.
  • Pick'n Pay Wernhill Center. For those who want to cook on their own, this is a supermarket with everything you need, right in downtown.
  • Sardinia Follow Independence Ave. south from downtown for about five blocks and you will find this wonderful Itallian restaurant. Great pizzas, hot dishes and excellent ice cream.
  • King Pie Find one of the four King Pie franchizes in Windhoek to enjoy the African version of fast food: meat pies.
  • Joe's Beer House No visit to Windhoek is complete without visiting this amazing bar/restaurant. Get a Zebra steak or an ostrich cabob to round off that game drive.
  • Taal Indian Restaurant, 416 Independence Ave (Windhoek), ☎ 264 61 221958, [3]. has many vegetarian dishes. edit

  • Tim Sum (Wernhil Park Shopping Centre in the Post Street Mall Windhoek), ☎ 061 232312. until 18:30. offers a excellent range of Taiwanese vegetarian foods. N$25–35.  edit

  • Jenny's Place, Windhoek. is a delightful and popular cafe, in a shady courtyard, serving many types of coffee, fresh squeezed fruit juices, and sandwiches. edit

  • La Dolce Vita, Kaiserkrone Center Windhoek. has pizza and pasta dishes and salads served in another shaded courtyard. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Funky Lab (Hidas Centre, Klein Windhoek) Among locals very popular on Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays. Crowded on the weekends. Nice Drinks and Draft, mostly locals here. Go to Chez `n` Temba or La dee das afterwords.
  • Luigi and the fish (Klein Windhoek, on the way to the airport). An nice Restaurant and bar, many travellers here. Best place to warm-up for La Dee Das (Club).
  • Joes Beer Garden A trip to Windhoek is incomplete without visiting this unique beer garden!!! It is always packed with locals and travellers. It has an excellent menu and reservations must be made in advance.
  • The Wine Bar Located on a hill overlooking Windhoek with fantastic sunsets, perfect for that romantic occasion. The staff give excellent service and have good knowledge of the wines being served. You may also purchase wine here.
  • Blitzkrieg Bunker Bar A loud rock and metal bar. Despite the risqué name, a perfectly friendly place with laid-back staff and a good crowd. Writing anywhere on the walls with a marker pen is not discouraged.
  • Bump Located in the Southern Industrial section of Windhoek, Bump features a spacious outdoor area, mid-sized dance floor and a large bar. Although the music is often limited to house and rave music, the service is friendly. Popular with the Afrikaner crowd.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

  • Cardboard Box Backpackers Hostel, 15 John Albrecht St. (at the corner of John Meinart), phone: 264 (61) 228994, [4]. Has a bar and a swimming pool; close to downtown. Also the site of the Cardboard Box Travel Shop.
  • Chameleon City Backpackers 5 Voight St. phone: 264 (61) 244347, [5]. Has a bar, and swimming pool, and booking desk for Chameleon Safaris. Close to downtown. /
  • Chameleon Guest House B&B 22 Wagner St. phone: 264 (61) 247668.

[edit] Mid-range

  • Hotel Casa Blanca, 52 Fritsche Street, Pioneers Park, ☎ +264 (0)61 249623 (, fax: +264 (0)61 249622), [6].  edit

  • Galpinii Guest House (b&b), 45, Prinsloo Street, Pioneers Park, ☎ +264(61)242630 (fax: +264(61)247654), [7].  edit

  • Klein Windhoek Guest House, 2 Hofmeyer Street, Klein Windhoek, ☎ +264 (0)61 239 - 401 (fax: +264 (0)61 234 - 952).  edit

[edit] Splurge

  • Kalahari Sands 129 Independence Ave. Luxury hotel downtown with a casino and a small shopping centre.
  • Windhoek Country Club Luxury resort and conference centre in the south end of the city.
  • Heinitzburg Luxury resort looks like an old castle above the city

[edit] Telecommunications

The area code for Windhoek is (061). When calling Windhoek from outside Namibia do not put a '0' between the country code and the area code.

There are a number of well-equipped Internet cafés in Windhoek.

[edit] Cope

There is a laundry facility at the corner of Sam Nujoma Dr. and Hosea Kutako Dr. They charge by the weight of clothing and will usually have it done within two days. You can pay in advance for a fixed number of kilograms at a lower rate if you plan to be around for a while.

There is a grocery store in the Wernhill Centre. Grocery stores in Namibia have just about anything you might want from back home. There is also a small outdoor market on the north side of Wernill next to the taxi rank.

Keep in mind that many places - shops, restaurants, and internet cafés included - are closed on Sunday or stay open only until 1 PM.

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