Tips for visiting Fish River Canyon
November 11, 2024
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The best things to do in Windhoek? These are our tips! Your tour of Namibia will undoubtedly start in the capital Windhoek. It is a lively city with a number of interesting sights and tasty hotspots. It is the first place where you will get acquainted with the local culture. Because even though Windhoek is often skipped in an itinerary through Namibia, we think a stop here is definitely a nice addition to the round trip. We spent a few days in the capital both at the beginning and at the end of our trip through Namibia. Here are our tips and fun things to do in Windhoek!
Tips to do in Windhoek, Namibia
While Windhoek is not a city where you will linger for days, it is definitely worth spending at least a day or two there. Here are a few highlights:
1. Visit the Independence Museum
There's nothing like a rooftop with panoramic views of a great city, and that's why you should visit the Indepence Museum. You will find the museum in one of the most modern buildings in the city and you can enter for free. The museum is not very big, but it is fun to take a look and learn a little about Namibia's history. Topics such as colonialism, genocide and the struggle for independence are told through paintings and typical objects.
Tip: On the fourth floor you will find a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscapes, as well as a view of famous landmarks such as Alte Feste and Christuskirche.
2. Stroll past the Christuskirche and Alte Feste
Because of its typical construction and its striking red roofs and church tower, the Christuskirche is a real eye-catcher in Windhoek. From afar, you can already see the tower rising above the rooftops. An iconic little Lutheran church in neo-Romanesque style from 1907, built of sandstone. It is a building style you might not immediately expect in this African capital, but during your tour of Namibia you will encounter more German influences.
If you stand in front of the Christuskirche you will find the modern building of the Independence Museum on your right. Hxtended by it is the old German fortress and former headquarters of the Imperial German Schutztruppe: Alte Feste. Today it is a museum you can visit. From the time of German colonization you can still see a lot in Windhoek.
3. Take a look at Meteorites Gibeon
Right in the center of Windhoek, where you will find the shopping streets and the large Wernhil Park mall, there is also an interesting historical landmark: Gibeon Meteorites. The meteorites you see here came down millions of years ago, in prehistoric times, and landed in Namibia. The special thing about these meteorites is that they are part of the largest meteorite shower on Earth. So worth a visit!
4. Buy souvenirs at the Namibia Craft Centre
One of our favorite spots in Windhoek is the Namibia Craft Centre. Under one roof you will find several stores of local entrepreneurs selling handmade souvenirs. They are many typical African souvenirs such as animals made of wood, but also wooden bowls, colorful rugs, posters and much more. You can browse around here for hours and already get ideas for what to take home at the end of the trip. Bargaining is not a given here, by the way. On the second floor of the Namibia Craft Centre you will find Craft Bistro, this is a nice place for a nice cup of coffee or a tasty lunch.
5. Cozy dining out at Joe's Beer House
Ask a local where to eat at night and you'll get the best tips. That's how we ended up at the atmospheric hotspot Joe's Beer House. The large restaurant is divided into several rooms, all of which are cozy and stylishly decorated. The cuisine is Namibian, but with a German touch. Joe's Beer House is a popular restaurant in Windhoek, so if you want to eat here, make your reservations on time (you can do so online). Behind the restaurant is a large parking lot where you can park your car for free.
Where to stay in Windhoek?
The best place to stay in Windhoek depends on your budget, and whether you plan to unwind here or are you traveling straight through?
In the city center of Windhoek you will find the nicest sights, which is why a hotel here is always recommended. Especially if you plan to explore the city. This way you can easily discover everything on foot during the day. We stayed at Hotel Pension Casa Africana. A nice stay with a pool, large rooms, comfortable beds and private parking.
Practical tips for visiting Windhoek
Windhoek is located fairly centrally in Namibia, among hills at an altitude of about 1,700 meters. It is a relatively small capital, with a friendly atmosphere, wide avenues and a remarkably clean appearance. The center is great to explore on foot. For something further afield, a cab or rental car is handy. Incidentally, Windhoek is the city where many travelers pick up their 4×4 jeep (with rooftop tent) for their trip.
Also nice to know is that Windhoek is generally safe, but stay alert after dark and avoid quiet streets. Sounds obvious, but we want to emphasize.
The international airport (Hosea Kutako International Airport) is about 45 km outside the city. Keep that in mind in terms of travel time if you need to catch your flight and are staying in the city center.
Continuing your tour of Namibia
Now it's time to continue traveling through Namibia! Follow your our 3-week itinerary through Namibia, then the Kalahari Desert is your next destination. The south of Namibia is often skipped, but you will find other impressive landscapes here besides the desert. Such as the Quiver Tree Forest with its tube tree, found only in Namibia, and of course the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon on the continent of Africa!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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