Windhoek Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Windhoek is compact and easy to explore, with a good mix of history, culture and nature.

• Christuskirche — Windhoek’s landmark Lutheran church, built in the early twentieth century, with a distinctive tower and stained glass.
• Independence Memorial Museum — A striking modern building telling the story of Namibia’s path to independence, with city views from the top.
• Parliament Gardens and Tintenpalast — The seat of Namibia’s parliament, surrounded by pleasant gardens.
• Katutura — A vibrant township with markets selling grilled meat and local produce; guided tours offer insight into daily life.
• Namibia Craft Centre — Browse baskets, textiles, jewellery and art from across the country.
• Heroes’ Acre — A national memorial on the city’s southern outskirts with sweeping views.
• Daan Viljoen Game Reserve — Hiking trails and wildlife in the hills just west of the city.

Windhoek has a semi-arid highland climate with plenty of sunshine. Summer, from about November to March, is hot, with most of the year’s rain falling in afternoon thunderstorms. Winter, from May to August, is dry and sunny with mild days and cold nights that can approach freezing.

May to October is the best time to visit, particularly for combining Windhoek with safaris and desert trips, as wildlife gathers at waterholes and roads are dry. Pack warm layers for winter evenings and early-morning departures.

Hosea Kutako International Airport lies about 40 kilometres east of Windhoek, typically a 40 to 45-minute drive along a scenic road through the highlands. Windhoek also has Eros Airport closer to the city, used mainly for light aircraft and some domestic flights.

There is no train link, so most travellers use pre-booked shuttle services, taxis or hotel transfers. Many visitors pick up a hire car at the airport, as self-driving is the most popular way to explore Namibia.

Windhoek’s accommodation ranges from city hotels to guesthouses in quiet suburbs.

• City centre — Close to Independence Avenue, museums and restaurants; ideal for short stays.
• Klein Windhoek — A leafy area east of the centre with guesthouses and good restaurants.
• Ludwigsdorf — An upmarket residential area with quiet lodges and hillside views.
• Eros — Near Eros Airport, with guesthouses convenient for light-aircraft departures.

• Money: Cards are widely accepted; the Namibian dollar and South African rand are interchangeable in Namibia.
• Getting around: Use registered taxis or arrange transport through your hotel; driving is on the left.
• Safety: Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night and use secure parking.
• Sun and altitude: At around 1,700 metres the sun is strong, so wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
• Road trips: Distances are long and many roads are gravel; plan fuel stops and drive slowly.