The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, is a pleasant city set at an altitude of just over 1,600m amongst rolling hills right in the centre of the country.
The climate is generally a little cooler than in most of the interior of Namibia, and outside of the January to March rainy season, clear blue skies and 10 hours of daily sunshine are the norm.
With a population of around 240,000, it is relatively small, but is still the largest city in Namibia - and also one of the most relaxed and cleanest cities on the whole continent.
There are several interesting things to do in and around Windhoek, however most visitors will only spend a couple of days in the city before moving on to Etosha, Sossusvlei or Swakopmund.
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Discovering Windhoek on foot
Windhoek is a very compact town, and all of the main places of interest in the town centre can be easily reached on foot.
There are several walking tour routes around the town covering the main places of interest, and a map can be picked up at the Tourist Information Office in the Post Street Mall.Gibeon Meteorite Fountain
Mounted on steel columns and adding special interest to the Mall is the Gibeon Meteorite Fountain, where 31 of the original 77 Gibeon meteorites are displayed. The Gibeon meteorite shower occurred south-east of Gibeon in southern Namibia, and is the largest known shower of its kind in the world.
The Alte Fest (Old Fort)
The Alte Fest, or Old Fort, is the oldest surviving building in Windhoek, and is set in a commanding position overlooking the city.Its whitewashed walls now house the National Museum of Namibia, which covers the history of Namibia from its early occupation by the San, through its colonisation by Germany, the discovery of diamonds, rule from South Africa, and finally independence.
It is an interesting story well told, and there is the added attraction of a very good restaurant next door which serves traditional foods, including omaungu caterpillars which are a Namibian favourite ... try them stir-fried with chillies, onions and soy sauce for an unforgettable starter.
The Rider
The bronze Equestrian Statue, or The Rider, is one of Windhoek's most photographed monuments, and stands in front of the Alte Fest.
A plaque records the deaths of 1,628 German soldiers, 4 women and a child in the Herero and Nama uprisings at the turn of the century.
The Tintenpalast
Now the Parliament building, the Tintenpalast (literally meaning 'palace of ink'), is set in large, peaceful gardens overlooking the city. Built in 1913, the name came about because Government officials were known for using a lot of ink!
State House
Situated near the Christuskirche and the Tintenpalast, the State House is the official residence of the Namibian president. However, it is closely guarded and it is not possible to get near the entrance.
Christuskirche
Almost next door to the Alte Fest, the Christuskirche now sits in the middle of a traffic island overlooking the town. Its almost fairytale-like appearance makes it one of Windhoek's most photographed buildings.
Built between 1907 and 1910 by the Germans, inside there are several plaques remembering the German soldiers who died during the many wars in the country.
Sundowners at Hotel Heinitzburg
Situated on the hillside with a splendid view over the city, the terrace at Heinitzburg Castle is a popular venue to enjoy a sundowner.
Originally commissioned in 1914 by Count von Schwerin for his fiance, Margarethe von Heinitz, this elegant castle is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel, and combines 19th century charm with some of the finest cuisine in Windhoek at 'Leo's at the Castle' restaurant.
Make sure that you arrive in plenty of time, because last orders are taken for sundowners an hour before the actual sunset ...
Heinitzburg Castle is one of 3 castles in Windhoek - Schwerinsburg Castle is today the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Namibia, and Sanderburg Castle is the smallest of the 3.
Joe's Beer House
Last but certainly not least, is a favourite with locals and tourist alike - the unique Joe's Beer House, on Nelson Mandela Avenue. This wonderful pub and restaurant is always busy, and has a great atmosphere! Open for lunches and dinners, the generous meals (specialising in Namibian and German style food) will make sure you don't go hungry for a very long time!
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Windhoek - the one of the best cities in Sub-saharan Africa
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