Surrounded by the stubble-covered Auas Mountains and the endless Khomas Hochland, Windhoek (pronounced VIN-took) lies in a long valley fed by ancient hot springs in the central highlands of Namibia. Neo-Gothic churches jostle with craft markets and shebeens as the German heritage of early years is led astray by Africa's more modern desires. The town itself is small as capitals go with around 230,000 inhabitants making up a little over 10% of the national population.



If you're the museum-visiting type, you’ll enjoy the Owela Museum, Alte Feste Museum, the Geology Museum and the Transport Museum. Interesting historical buildings to tick off your list are the Clock Tower, Elephant Column, the War Memorial, Christus Kirche, and the Ink Palace (Parliament). Galleries featuring Namibian art and craft include the Bushman Art Shop and Museum and the National Art Gallery of Namibia. There are also street markets where local artists sell their crafts, fabrics and art. Other items of interest are the National Botanical Garden, Meteorite Fountain, National Theatre of Namibia and the Warehouse Theatre.

Leaving Windhoek, you are immediately out in nature and you don’t have to drive very far to see game in the countryside. You’ll also find a selection of game parks within 50km of the city, while the Hosea Kutako International Airport is located approximately 45km to the east of the city.