The City
Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia, is located at the geographic center of the country and surrounded by mountains. German influence is still present in the language, architecture and restaurants all over the city. Windhoek is a very popular city to visit for South Africa because of the fact that it is so close to South Africa, the natural attractions and the use of the South African Rand and the Namibian Dollar.
Tourism
English is spoken throughout Namibia, but 95% of Namibians speak Afrikaans as well. German is widely used in tourism and in business. Windhoek has an European cafe culture feel, bustling shops and market stalls during the day.
Airport
Coordinates: 22° 29′ 12″ S, 17° 27′ 45″ E
The Hosea Kutako International Airport is situated about 40km out of Windhoek and is the only international airport in Namibia.
Airlines
Direct flights from South Africa offered by the following airlines:
What to see / do
Besides Windhoek’s cafes the city offers guided tours to their main attractions. Attractions in this city include the following:
- Namibia’s National Museum at Alte Feste (Old Fort)
- The Christuskirche (Christ Church)
- Katutura
- Craft market in Post Street Mall or in Okahanja
- Joes Beer Garden – unique beer garden, rereservations must be made in advance.
Events
March/April – A Traditional Namibian-German carnival which features cabaret evenings, an all-night masked ball, the crowning of a prince and princess and a street parade down Independence Avenue.
September – Cultural dances, traditional food, traditional costumes, games, story-telling, international gala, live Namibian bands, Mr and Ms UNAM competition, flea markets and food stalls.
September – Annual Arts and Culture Festival for the City of Windhoek. Traditional dance and music, live bands, choral and gospel events in various venues in central Windhoek, Katutura and Khomasdal.
October – Beer festival held at the Sports Club in Olympia (SKW).
Accommodation
Search for hotels in Windhoek, Namibia
General Information
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (N$) since 1993. The dollar replaced the South African Rand, but the rand is still legal tender and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis.
Weather
The city’s climate is moderate for Canada and they experience four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Winter maximum temperatures usually remain below -10 °C and snowstorms are common any time from November until mid-April. Summers in Toronto are known for humid weather causing thunderstorms, making this season the wettest time of the year. Daytime temperatures of between 23 °C to 31 °C can be expected, occasionally reaching 35 °C. Spring and Autumn are transitional season with mild or cool temperatures with alternating wet and dry periods.
