tourist attractions in windhoek

19 Things To Do in Windhoek in 2024

Is Windhoek worth visiting? Yes, I love it. Give it a chance! There are a couple cool tourist attractions to see and some remarkable history to discover. Learning how Namibia became an independent country gives you some great background information for your Namibia trip and understanding its culture.

In this complete Windhoek travel guide I will first list the best places to visit and then come up with some really cool things to do. At the end I will also give you some sightseeing and other travel tips for Windhoek. With the help of this blog I am sure you will be making the most of your trip to Windhoek.

I have traveled to Namibia multiple times and saw most of tourist attractions around the country. I also organized  Traveltomtom Group Trips to Namibia . Read more about it in the link and find a vlog of all our Namibia travel adventures.

RELATED: 16 Best Things To Do in Namibia! - COMING SOON

When traveling to Namibia make sure to stay connected. Get yourself an e-sim card or a prepaid sim card. In my guide for  buying a sim card for Namibia in 2024  you find all my tips and info for staying connected.

If you are still looking for an itinerary for 7 days in Namibia then read my article and don't miss any of the highlights.

1. Christuskirche

The most iconic landmark of the city is also one of the main tourist attractions in Windhoek. This German Lutheran Church is located in the middle of a roundabout next to the Independence Memorial Museum, the Alte Feste and the North Korea building, as I name it… more about that later.

The church dates back to 1910, but construction started already in 1907. The Christuskirche is made from local sandstone. It is easy to find in the city center and tourist are welcome to visit.

2. Visit the Independence Memorial Museum

Opposite the German Lutheran Church you will see one of the most remarkable buildings in the city, a golden skyscraper with in front a statue of the first president of Namibia in 1990: Sam Nujoma. Yes that is correct, Namibia is a very young country and only gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Before the South Africans ruled in Namibia, it was a German colony.

Funny fact the Independence Memorial Museum building is completely funded and constructed by North Korea as a gift to Namibia.

Visiting the Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek is the best way to learn about the history of Namibia. Visiting the museum is free of charge and it is open from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.

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3. Alte Feste / Former National Museum of Namibia

Next to the Independence Memorial Museum you will find a white low-rise colonial building that once housed the National Museum of Namibia. It is the oldest still standing building in Windhoek and served as a German Fort in the time of the colonisation. Hence the name Alte Feste.

Unfortunately the Alte Feste is (temporarily) closed, however it still is a symbolic place to visit in Windhoek. There is a statue outside that reminds of the genocide of the Nama and Herero people back in the early 1900s.

In the courtyard of Alte Fest there is a controversial statue of a German Corporal on a horse reminding of the German oppression called: Reiterdenkmal. Because the National Museum and the Alte Feste are closed the statue can only be seen from the 'Balcony of Love' rooftop bar on top of the Independence Memorial Museum.

4. Free Walking Tour in Windhoek

One of the best things to do in Windhoek is to join a free walking tour. Local guides will take you around the city and tell you some really cool background information and interesting insights about Windhoek and Namibian history.

Sightseeing never was this easy and you will learn all about the connection between North Korea, Cuba, Zimbabwe and Namibia and why some of the busiest streets in Windhoek are called after Fidel Castro and Roberto Mugabe.

Free Walking Tours are tip based and a great way to support locals directly. Tours start mostly around 9am somewhere in central Windhoek. For more information check out Chameleon Safaris and send them a message on their social media.

5. Lunch with Giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse

My favorite thing to do in Windhoek by far is to visit the Voigtland Guesthouse where you can feed giraffes while having lunch, breakfast or even a high tea. Spaces are limited to 8 visitors daily, so book this amazing Windhoek activity in advanced.

The Voigtland Guesthouse is located about 30 kilometers East of Windhoek city center and you will need a taxi or a rental car to get there. Depending on your negotiation skills you can find a taxi for a return trip between $500 and $800 NAD ($30-$50 USD).

The best way to experience the giraffes is to stay overnight at Voigtland Guesthouse . There are 5 guest rooms on this 7,500 hectare farm. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, ATV riding and a big pool with views of the giraffes and the nearby mountains. Click on the link for more info and prices.

6. Katutura Township Tour

The best way to learn more about the Namibian people and how locals live in Windhoek is by visiting the Katutura Township. I wouldn't recommend to visit the township on your own, but signing up for one of the Katutura township tours is among one of the best things to do in Windhoek.

A tour guide will guide you through the township where more than 200,000 people live and you will get an inside into the though lives of living in a township. Check with Chameleon Safaris for tours to Katutura Township .

7. Try Kapana at Oshetu Market Single Quarters

Something I didn't find in any Windhoek travel guide but only got to know through the locals is the Oshetu Community Market in Single Quarters. This is a very local thing to do, but a great experience. Kapana is grilled meat and it is the most famous Namibian street food dish in Windhoek.

The Oshetu Community Market in Single Quarters is definitely one of the best places to visit in Windhoek and should be included in your sightseeing tour. At the market you find local delicacies like dried spinach, fish and the famous Mopane Worms. I did not try them in Windhoek, but somewhere in the desert. See the video below.

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The main tourist attraction at the market is the grilled meat (Kapana). Lots of stalls are lined up next to each other and red meat is grilled on an open wood fire, like barbecue. Every stall will offer you to grab some of their meat strips to try. Mostly beef and some liver. Find the one you like the most and order a bowl of meat strips for around $40 NAD. Then get a little fresh cut salad bowl with the typical Kapana spices and eat it the local way with some deep fried dough balls called 'vetkoek'. It actually tastes pretty damn good!

To get to the Open Market grab a taxi and tell them to drop you at Single Quarters for Kapana. They know where to go! Thank me later for this local experience in Windhoek.

8. Visit the Parliament Gardens

The parliament building is an old building from the German colonisation era and pretty nice to have a look at when walking around the city. It is located just behind the Christuskirche and the Independence Memorial Museum.

In front of the parliament building there are the presidential gardens with some large statues of some key figures that fought for the independence of Namibia. One of them is Hosea Kutako, a Namibia nationalist leader and national hero. The International Airport in Windhoek is named after him.

9. Have at drink at the Balcony of Love

On top of the Independence Memorial Museum there is a bar with 3 large balconies with amazing views over the city, each in a different direction.

Sorry to say, but I would not recommend you to have food up here, I didn't like it. Views are amazing though and the Balcony of Love gives you the best view of the German Lutheran Church, the most iconic landmark of Windhoek. Worth coming for a drink in the afternoon.

10. Carnivore Feeding Tour at Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

A 35 minute drive outside of Windhoek there is the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary. It became a famous tourist attraction in Namibia after Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie decided to become a partner of the Naankuse Foundation . You can also spend the night in the Naankuse lodge for about $250 per night. The carnivore feeding activity is included in that price.

There are a couple wildlife activities that can be take at Naankuse on a day trip like a Cheetah walk ($100 USD p.p.) as well as the carnivore feeding tour which is a little cheaper ($50 USD p.p.). Getting to Naankuse is a little complicated if you don't have a car. But transportation to go and come back from Windhoek can be arranged for around $60 USD. 

11. Am Weinberg - Hip Expat Area

Looking for a hip coffee shop, trendy barber shop, a bakery, a gallery, a nice restaurant or the Soulstice Day Spa wellness center then you must visit Am Weinberg. There is a tiny upscale mall with the most hipster coffee cafe in Windhoek: Olivia's Kitchen . They serve good coffee and fresh juices.

This place does NOT have any Africa vibes, it looks more like Dubai. However, if you want to escape the chaos of the city a little this is a great place to visit in Windhoek.

12. Eat Healthy at Plant D Restaurant

A former Vegan restaurant that now also serves meat. Regardless… the food is great! Try their vegan mushroom burger and their detox fresh juices. I am not even a vegetarian, but when you are looking for a restaurant in Windhoek that goes the extra mile this is your best bid.

Plant D is located in the Liliencron Street alongside a couple other popular restaurants in Windhoek like the Lemontree Restaurant, Isabel's Table and Francesco. When looking for good restaurants in Windhoek, the Liliencron Street is worth going.

The owners of Plant D are always around and will come for a little chat to welcome you, such nice people!

13. Sunset at the Hilton Sky Bar

One of the best places to watch the sunset over the city is at the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek . Non-guests are more than welcome and drinks are reasonable priced with $3,5 USD for a pint (0.5L) beer. Cocktails are around $7 each.

Watching the sunset from the Hilton Sky Bar is something I would highly recommend. It is a great place to start or end your trip to Namibia, views are incredible. There is also a rooftop pool and when ordering drinks you are allowed to use the pool as well.

14. Dinner at the Avani Stratos Restaurant

Another rooftop bar that I recommend visiting is on top of the Avani Windhoek Hotel . Although the Hilton Sky Bar also serves food, the dining experience at the Avani Hotel is much better. When looking for sunset drinks go to the Hilton Sky Bar, when having dinner I recommend the Avani Stratos Restaurant on the top floor.

My favorite rooftop bar in Windhoek is the much more laid-back Hilton, it also is much bigger than the Avani rooftop bar. But the food at the Hilton Windhoek isn't great.

15. Dining experience at Joe's Beerhouse

Looking for your last game steak before you go home? Joe's Brewhouse is an all time favorite. Especially if you are with a group of people this is a cool place to visit in Windhoek. This German orientated restaurant/bar/pub is partially outdoors and boasts a great vibe.

Joe's Brewhouse is not only a place where tourists go, you will also find many locals here. Also when looking for a place to watch football or other live sports events, Joe's Brewhouse is a great alternative to any sports bar in Windhoek.

16. Party at Brewer's Market

Those that are willing to party definitely have to go to the Brewers Market in the city center. This is the number one place in Windhoek to go out. There is a lot of nightlife in Windhoek, but Brewers Market is a place where tourists and locals mingle. There is often Live Music or a DJ and there is a sky deck bar, etc. 

When looking for things to do in Windhoek at night I can highly recommend visiting Brewers Market.

17. Get your hair braided

If you are just like me not someone who buys a lot of souvenirs and you still want to contribute to the local economy then get your hair braided. Why not? You are in Africa, no better place to try something new like that.

I got my hair braided twice and actually quite liked it. There are two places that I highly recommend and they are both located in the Fidel Castro Street opposite the Wernhil Park Mall, or 1,5 block down from the Zoo Park.

Braiding my hair takes the ladies around 1 hour and costs $100 NAD ($7 USD) excluding a nice tip.

18. Gamble at the Casino

For those who like gambling there is a casino located in the basement of the Hilton Hotel and also at the Avani hotel. The casinos are fairly small but there are a bunch of slot machines as well as roulette and poker tables.

19. Visit the Mall

If you are looking to get groceries for your self drive trip to Namibia or wanna do some shopping there is are 3 malls in Windhoek: Maerua Mall, The Grove Mall of Namibia and the Wernhil Park.

Some other things to do in Windhoek that are often recommend in travel guides are a stroll through Zoo Park or the Avis Dam Nature Reserve. Well, let's be honest these are nice places to visit for locals, but definitely NOT a Windhoek tourist attraction.

The Zoo Park is like the central park of Windhoek with a playground and a little pond, when there is even water in it. Within 2 minutes you have seen the Zoo Park, it is definitely not something special.

Avis Dam Nature Reserve is a much nicer area to go for a walk, but it is a little outside the city center and you will need a taxi to get there. It surely is a nice area but I wouldn't say it is a must see when visiting Windhoek.

Below also find my Windhoek Travel Guide vlog. All the things to do listed in this blog are shown in the Windhoek vlog below.

More Windhoek Travel Tips

When planning your trip to Namibia I totally understand that visiting Windhoek has not your priority. With so many cool things to do and places to visit in Namibia you rather spend your vacation days in Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park or even at the beach in Swakopmund.

Check out my complete list of the 16 best things to do in Namibia for more inspiration!

But that said, most people traveling to Namibia use Windhoek as their port of entry and port of exit and fly in and out from Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek. Therefore I bet the above listed things to do were helpful.

Here are some last tips for when visiting Windhoek.

How to get around

The best way to get around Windhoek is to take taxis. Don't get intimidated by all the taxis honking at you, they are just looking for clients.

Officially from door to door the price for a taxi in Windhoek is $24 NAD, a little over $1.5 USD, but taxis are shared. Along the route the driver will pick up more people. Don't panic, this is normal.

There are also taxi apps that you can use to get around Windhoek: LEFA and TaxiConnect are two recommend apps for taxis. There is NO Uber in Windhoek.

Want to see a funny video? Then check out my article about Hitchhiking in Namibia . It is from my first trip in Namibia and it definitely didn't go according to plan! LOL

Is Windhoek dangerous?

Answering the question if it is safe to travel to Windhoek, I can only speak for myself and for the other travelers I met on my multiple trips to Namibia. On top of that the fact speak for itself and Windhoek is regarded one of the safest capitals in Africa.

Simply trust your gut and use common sense to stay safe when visiting Windhoek and you will be fine. Don't walk alone at night, only visit townships with a guide, take taxi's to go around the city and don't flash valuables.

On all my trips to Windhoek I have never felt unsafe anywhere in the city. The people are very friendly and helpful and love seeing tourists in their country. 

How many days do you need in Windhoek?

As Namibia is such an amazing country to explore and fairly off the beaten path I would not recommend you to spend more than 2 days in Windhoek after you sat in an airplane for 10 hours or more. However, Windhoek is the travel hub for trips and tours in Namibia as it is where the international airport is located. Therefore most people spend their first and their last night of their Namibia holiday in Windhoek.

If you look at all the above mentioned things to do in Windhoek I am sure you understand that you can see most of the tourist attractions within 1 or 2 days.

Busses to and from Windhoek

Are you a solo traveler or an adventurous couple or group of friends and traveling to Namibia overland? There are multiple busses serving destinations in the nearby countries.

Depending on your next destination you can find busses to Cape Town in South Africa ( Intercape ) and Livingston in Zambia (Oasis).

Finding a bus to Botswana is much more complicated and you will have to use shared taxis and cross the border into Botswana on your own.

I hope all the above travel tips for Windhoek, places to visit and things to do were helpful. May you have any more questions please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out and make sure you make the most out of your trip to Windhoek.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

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Enjoy your trip to Windhoek!

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Top 8 Things to Do in Windhoek, Namibia

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If you’re planning a trip to Namibia , most likely your vacation will begin and end in the capital, Windhoek, home of Hosea Kutako International Airport. For many visitors, Windhoek is simply a point of entry—a place to meet up with your tour guide or pick up your rental car . However, it’s worth planning an extra night or two in this capital city, as it's home to some interesting sights, like a historical church and an artisan's marketplace. The surrounding region also provides an opportunity to take in the local flora and fauna, either at the Botanic Gardens or the local game reserve.

Feed the Giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse

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Situated between Windhoek and the airport, Voigtland Guesthouse is not your average vacation accommodation. The guesthouse was built in the 1900s and is set into a hillside, surrounded by gardens, trees, and expansive lawns. It's the activities here that make a stay at Voightland unique, however, as you can schedule a high tea enjoyed with giraffes sitting just feet away. You can also book a time to feed the on-site giraffes, tour the guesthouse's cattle farm, and hike and mountain bike the property's extensive trail system.

The luxurious rooms here offer en suite bathrooms, complete with modern African decor. There's an on-site wellness spa that offers a menu of massage options, game drives into the antelope range can be arranged, and you can rent a quad bike for a spin around the savanah.

Sip a Drink on the Balcony of Love

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At the top of the Independence Memorial Museum (which we'll discuss in detail later) sits the "Balcony of Love," offering magnificent views of the city. On this level of the museum, you can enjoy one of three balconies and visit the bar for a drink and the restaurant for a bite to eat (although it might not be the best food you'll have in Namibia). It's a great place to go for a bird's eye view of the city's iconic German Lutheran Church. From here, you can also see the oldest standing building in Windhoek, Alte Feste, which once served as a German Fort during the time of colonization, but is now closed to the public. In the courtyard of Alte Feste sits a controversial statue of a German corporal on a horse (reminiscent of German oppression), which can only be viewed from the Balcony of Love.

Admire the Architecture at Christuskirche (Christ Church)

Christuskirche (or Christ Church) is the focal point of the rotaries used to access Windhoek's parliament buildings on Robert Mugabe Avenue. Windhoek’s German Lutheran congregation began construction of the church in 1907 and completed and consecrated it three years later, making it the oldest Lutheran church in Namibia. Designed by German engineer Gottlieb Redecker, the church's unique blend of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture makes this national monument the city’s most recognizable landmark. Building plans necessitated the construction of a railway line to bring in local sandstone from the Avis Dam. Other materials came from much further away, like the Italian Carrara marble used for the portico. A German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm, also donated three of the church’s stained-glass windows.

The church opens for German-language services at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Otherwise, you can request a guided tour by emailing the church office.

Buy Local Art at Namibia Craft Center

Located near the center of town in the Old Breweries Complex, the Namibia Craft Center  is your one-stop shop for authentic souvenirs. Admittedly, the prices are higher than that of roadside stalls, however, the covered market is safe, clean, and community-minded. There are more than 40 independent shops, and, together, they provide around 4,000 jobs for artists living in the country’s most remote areas. Amidst a cornucopia of colorful stalls, you’ll find traditional Namibian crafts, like hand-carved tree roots, copper jewelry, and silk scarves. There’s a bookstore, and several leatherworks shops, as well as freshly prepared meals at the Craft Café. Specializing in locally-sourced Namibian produce, this restaurant is a favorite of visitors and residents alike who are looking for a vibrant breakfast or lunch spot.

Take a Bike Ride in Katutura Township

To the north of Windhoek city center lies Katutura township , a district with an unhappy history. The word katutura loosely translated in native Herero means “the place where people do not want to live.” This meaning dates back to the 1950s, when Black residents living in the Windhoek suburbs were forcibly relocated to Katutura under apartheid law. Once here, they paid high rent for barely habitable homes and commuted long distances to inner-city jobs. Today, 60 percent of Windhoek’s population still lives in Katutura.

Poverty is rife, but the township is a center of vibrant culture, and a visit to the area gives you a glimpse into the lives of Namibia’s urban people. One of the safest and least divisive ways to experience township life is on a bicycle tour with respected company Katu Tours . On the 3.5-hour excursion, you will meet Katutura’s residents, while purchasing local crafts and tasting traditional Kapana (grilled meat) at the township’s lively marketplace.

Learn About Apartheid at the Independence Memorial Museum

The Independence Memorial Museum houses an impressive range of paintings, artifacts, and informative displays telling the story of the struggle for racial freedom. In front of the museum, there are two important statues—one of the first President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, and the Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the atrocities carried out against native Namibians by German troops in the early twentieth century. Admission to the museum is free and it's open seven days a week.

Combine your visit with a tour of the National Museum of Namibia next door, which includes fascinating displays about Namibia’s San rock paintings. Debriefing yourself on the artwork is especially worthwhile if you’re planning a trip to sites like Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe, where you can see the paintings in situ . The building that houses the National Museum is also of interest, as it was originally an old German fort, dating back to 1890.

Go Birding at the National Botanic Garden of Namibia

Located off Sam Nujoma Avenue, the National Botanic Garden of Namibia spans 30 acres and gives you a good introduction to the country’s natural beauty. This isn’t your typical botanical garden, though. Instead of landscaped lawns and exotic flowerbeds, this garden exists largely in its natural state—both to conserve water, and also to also showcase Namibia’s incredible indigenous flora. As a result, the grounds may seem parched in the winter, even though there’s beauty to be found all year round. Keep an eye out for desert-adapted species, including aloe, succulents, acacias, and a beautiful quiver tree forest. Information boards can be found along the garden’s self-guided trails, and you can pick up bird and plant lists from the garden's reception.

This site is a worthwhile destination for birders , providing a home to 75 species, many of which are attracted by the garden’s dam. Indigenous wildlife also thrives here, including the charismatic rock hyrax, or dassie. The garden is open Monday to Friday, and admission is free.

Take a Tour of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

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Those with a full day to spare should pay a visit to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve . Located 15 miles from Windhoek's center, it can’t be beaten for its close-to-the-capital convenience. There are no large predators in this park, which means visitors can safely explore it on foot (via two well-marked hiking trails), on a mountain bike, or in a vehicle along the park’s off-road route.

The draw of this park is its ungulate species, including the desert-adapted oryx, steenbok, and klipspringer, as well as well-known African animals , like giraffe and zebra. The reserve is also a popular birding destination, with over 200 resident species. Scan the trees for endemics like the Rüppell’s parrot, and near-endemics, like the Monteiro’s hornbill. If you feel like extending your stay, check out the Sun Karros lodge with its chalets, restaurants, and swimming pools.

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11 Top Things to See and Do in Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and, although it is rather small when compared to capital cities elsewhere, it carries with it a particular charm and je ne sais quoi that can be lacking in larger metropoles. Its streets are some of the cleanest and most well kept in the country, and the city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German-style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia’s early colonial history. During the day, the city has a European café culture feel, as people from all walks of life move along the bustling streets, while come evening there is a good selection of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs to choose from.

Breathe in the flowery scent at the national botanical garden.

Botanical Garden

Admire the Christuskirche

Wander the flowing gardens of tintenpalast, stop for a sundowner.

There are countless fabulous places where travellers can pull up for a while and mull over the intense picturesque beauty of Windhoek. Grab a spot at the Sky Bar, Hotel Thule or Kleine Kuppe for gorgeous views over the city, or opt for outdoor splendour at Ludwigsdorf Hill or Lovers Hill.

Pick up handmade treasures at Penduka

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Go on a shopping spree

The colourful and vibey Post Street Mall is often considered the heart of Windhoek’s retail pleasure. It’s situated on an elevated pedestrian walkway and lined with vendors selling just about everything. The Old Breweries Craft Market is another tourist hotspot where a variety of African crafts can be admired and bought. The Namibia Craft Centre is an outlet for heaps of wonderful Namibian inspiration, from leatherwork and basketry to pottery, jewellery, needlework and handpainted textiles.

Post Street Mall, Windhoek

Old Breweries Craft Market, Independence Ave, Windhoek

Namibia Craft Centre, 40, Tal Street, Windhoek , +264 61242222

Get a taste of local life at Katutura

Find all that glitters at the house of gems, spot wildlife at daan viljoen game reserve, stop for a slice of history at alte feste.

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Best Things To Do in Windhoek, Namibia

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Windhoek.

Windhoek may not be as popular as other cities in Namibia, but don’t let that fool you. Windhoek is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Windhoek.

If you have plans to visit Namibia and are not sure if Windhoek should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Windhoek and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Things to do with Family & Kids in Windhoek
• Leisure Activities in Windhoek
• Museums in Windhoek
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Tourist Attractions in Windhoek

Here is the list of things to do in Windhoek and tourist attractions in city.

Eros Airport

Address: Eros Airport, Windhoek, Namibia.

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Address: Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek, Namibia PO Box 20 Windhoek, Namibia

Parliament Garden

Address: Love Street, Windhoek, Namibia

Owela Museum

Museum, Exhibition

Address: Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek, Namibia

Palm Tree Park

Address: Bahnhof St, Windhoek, Namibia

Kalahari Sands Casino

Protea hotel by marriott® windhoek furstenhof, christuskirche.

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• What to do in Windhoek in 1 day
• What to do in Windhoek in 2 days

11 of the best places to visit in Namibia

Oct 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience the best of Namibia with these unmissable places © maydays / Getty Images

Namibia is a land of superlatives and contrasts.

It's home to Africa’s largest canyon, its oldest desert and some of its highest dunes. It has a 1,500km (932mi) coastline and a network of languid waterways, yet it is one of Africa’s driest countries. Sun-baked tracts of desert are nourished by fog that rolls in from the icy Atlantic, enabling seemingly empty expanses to support a variety of mega- and microfauna.

Exploring Namibia is a delight, thanks to its good infrastructure and well-developed tourism industry. For a taste of the country's highlights, here are the best places to visit.

1. Etosha National Park

Best safari destination

Etosha is Namibia’s safari destination, famed for large herds of zebras, wildebeests, impalas and other wildlife that gather around its many water holes during the dry season , as well as the huge flocks of flamingoes that make their way to Etosha pan for breeding during the rainy season. Etosha is also notable for being home to one of Africa’s largest populations of the critically endangered black rhino. One of the best places to spot these is the floodlit water hole at Okakuejo.

Planning tip: Etosha is ideally set up for self-drive exploration , with a well-spaced network of camps and a good road network.

2. Skeleton Coast National Park

Best place for solitude and desolate, raw beauty

Stretching 500km (310mi) along Namibia’s northwestern shoreline is Skeleton Coast National Park , splendid in its desolation with barren, wave-pounded sands that were once littered with the bones of whales, seals and hapless humans.

Permits are required for exploring the park’s northern section, although you can get a good feel for the area in the lower portion between the Ugab River entrance and the fishing outpost of Terrace Bay. The exception to this is the December–January high season, when it is a favored destination for anglers.

3. Swakopmund

Best spot for adrenaline activities

Dune boarding, skydiving and surfing are just some of the many activities that are possible in Namibia’s adventure capital of Swakopmund . With its chill vibe, German-influenced architecture, array of adventure sport operators and good range of restaurants and accommodations, the town has become a favorite stop on the Namibian travel circuit.

Just 35km south is Walvis Bay , known for its flamingoes and wetlands, and the nearby 383m-high (1,256ft) Dune 7, Namibia’s highest. Further along, don’t miss Sandwich Harbour  with its bird-filled lagoon dramatically set against a backdrop of towering sand dunes.

Distances between attractions along the central coast aren’t too prohibitive. Even if you have time for just a week here, you’ll be able to get a good introduction to many of Namibia’s highlights.

Detour: Don’t miss at least a day excursion from Swakopmund north to Cape Cross seal reserve , where you can see, hear and smell thousands of Cape Fur seals as they lounge on the beach and frolic in the waves.

4. Damaraland

Best region for desert-adapted wildlife

Damaraland , nestled between Etosha National Park and the coast, is a hauntingly beautiful region where desert-adapted elephants and lions roam amidst craggy rock formations, along dry riverbeds and past gnarled welwitschia mirabilis. It’s also the site of one of Africa’s most extensive collections of rock art, at Twyfelfontein , with more than 2,500 engravings.

Detour: There’s also a wealth of rock art at Brandberg , or "fire mountain", several hours' drive to the south. Watch the sun set against the red rocks to see how it got its name.

5. Sossusvlei

Best place for photography

In the heart of the Namib Desert is the tiny enclave of Sesriem, gateway to the stunning dune panoramas around Sossusvlei and nearby Deadvlei . These pans are among Namibia’s most iconic sights and a photographer’s paradise with the sharp lines of the surrounding ochre dunes standing in stark contrast to the clear blue skies. Nearby are some lovely desert lodges, and not far away is NamibRand Nature Reserve , a designated dark sky reserve.

Planning tip: Overnighting at Sesriem campsite, inside the main park gate or at one of the lodges inside the park, allows you to get a jump start on your explorations and climb Big Daddy or the nearby Dune 45 while the sun is still relatively low in the sky. For another perspective on this otherworldly landscape, try a sunrise hot-air balloon safari.

6. Lüderitz

Best place for coastal birds and wildlife

Lüderitz , the largest population center in southwestern Namibia, has a completely incongruous setting, sandwiched between sea and desert. Its busy port and single paved-access road contrast with early 20th-century German-style architecture, giving the town a time-warped, end-of-the-road feeling.

About 20km (12.5 miles) west of Lüderitz around the bay is Diaz Point, a rocky, wind-buffeted outcrop known for its seabirds and seals. Southeast of Lüderitz is the old ghost town of Kolmanskop , a mining settlement that is slowly being taken over by the desert. 

Detour: Stretching south from Lüderitz are the empty expanses of Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park . This former diamond-mining zone is a biodiversity hot spot with a diverse array of succulents. Day excursions can be organized in Lüderitz. On the park’s eastern edge, near the small town of Aus, watch for survivors of the area’s once-large population of wild horses.

7. Southern Namibia

Best destination for a river adventure

The Orange River, which forms Namibia’s border with South Africa, is all about multi-day canoe adventures where you paddle by day, camp under the stars and spend languid afternoons relaxing on the riverbank. The vineyard-fringed border town of Noordoewer is a popular base.

Combine four or five days on the river with a visit to Fish River Canyon and |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park . A handful of viewpoints let you glimpse the canyon’s massive scale.

Planning tip:  Fancy a challenge? In the cooler months, put on your hiking boots for an unforgettable 85km (53mi) hike through the canyon’s interior, finishing at the relaxing |Ai-|Ais hot springs.

8. Kunene Region (Kaokoland)

Best place for remoteness

In Namibia’s far northwestern corner is the remote and seldom visited Kunene region, with its isolated valleys, empty scrublands, mountains and desert. It is home to the semi-nomadic Himba people, known for their traditional lifestyle and red ochre skin cream. You’ll have many opportunities here to get to know them and learn about their culture.

Kunene is fringed to the north by the sandbanks and waterways of the Kunene River delta. East of here, the winding Kunene River, which forms Namibia’s border with Angola , flows past pretty Epupa Falls and some lovely riverside lodges. 

Planning tip: Kunene is high adventure country. Fully equipped 4WD excursions and fly-in tours are the main ways of exploring the region’s remote expanses.

9. Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)

Best destination for water-based wildlife watching

Northeastern Namibia is miles away from Windhoek and much of the rest of the country, both in distance and in feel, its languid waterways offering a complete contrast to the arid desertscapes more prevalent in the south. Home to Bwabwata National Park , the far northeast is ideal for a detour if you’re combining travel in Namibia with visits to Zambia and Victoria Falls .

Enjoy the night-time symphonies of chirping and river noises and the area’s relaxed lodges and campgrounds while listening to hippos and watching elephants spraying water over themselves along the riverbanks.

10. Northern Namibia

Best place for getting to know local culture

Densely populated northern Namibia is the cultural heartland of the Owambo, Namibia’s largest ethnic group. Learn about local culture around Ondwangwa, visit the moving memorial marking the birthplace of Namibian independence at Omugulugwombashe, hunt up local festivals such as oshituti shomagongo (marula fruit festival) and sample some omagungu (mopane worms) and omboga (greens) at one of the region’s many small eateries.

11. Windhoek

Best place to delve into Namibia’s history

No visit to Namibia is complete without at least a brief stop in the country’s lively capital . Perched atop an inland plateau at about 1,700m (5,577ft), Windhoek is one of the world’s highest capital cities. It is also Namibia’s main urban hub and the best place in the country to buy crafts and to stock up before setting off to explore.

Detour: Surrounding Windhoek between 1,700m (5,577ft) and 2,000m (6,562ft) in altitude are the Khomas Highlands with cloud-free skies, open grasslands and rolling peaks. Check out the local wildlife at tiny Daan Viljoen park on Windhoek’s western edge or Na’ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary to the east.

This article was first published Sep 7, 2022 and updated Oct 23, 2023.

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