Uncovering Windhoek: Discover the hidden gem of Namibia

The capital and largest metropolis of the Republic of Namibia is Windhoek. If Namibia is an introduction to Africa, then Windhoek is more than just its nominal capital. It is the type of destination that divides travelers, those who adore it for the respite it provides from the rigors of life on the African road versus those who find it a bit too 'Western' for their African tastes. And they are both correct: Windhoek is a modern, well-kept city where office employees relax in Zoo Park at lunch, tourists peruse Post St. Mall admiring African curios, and taxis honk to attract customers. Neo-Baroque cathedral spires and a few seemingly misplaced German castles complement the steel-and-glass high-rises and punctuate the horizon. Windhoek's population in 2011 was 325,858, and it was steadily increasing due to immigration from all over Namibia.

The Namibian capital, Windhoek, is situated in a basin between the Khomas Highland, the Auas Mountains, and the Eros Mountains. It is 1,680 meters above sea level, 650 kilometers north of the Orange River, and 360 kilometers west of the Atlantic coast. Whether by sheer luck or a brilliant stroke of Germanic planning, the city is situated near the geographical center of the nation. This location has obvious advantages when it comes to governing a country of Namibia's size, and it is also the ideal site to begin and plan travel in Namibia.

The majority of tourists embarking on a fly-drive safari in Namibia begin their journey in the nation's capital, as it is the principal port of entry. Windhoek International Airport is home to a number of significant international car rental agencies, while the city of Windhoek is home to a large number of smaller agencies.

The city center is characterized by an abundance of German-style structures, a reminder of Namibia's colonial past. Among the most historically significant structures are the Alte Feste, Christuskirche, and Tintenpalast (the parliament buildings). In a stunning display of irony, the former stronghold of German colonialism, the Alte Feste Fort, now contains the National Museum, which focuses on the freedom struggle and Namibian independence. In front of the fort is the renowned Reiterdenkmal (horse memorial). St. Mary's Cathedral and the Turnhalle Building are also notable structures in Windhoek.

The city center has a European cafe culture during the day; German cuisine predominates, but Namibian influence can be seen in the quantity and quality of flesh available (vegetarians beware, Namibia is a carnivorous country!). Consequently, the streets are teeming with people of all ages and cultures, all of whom exude a tremendous sense of pride, optimism, and ambition. With the increase in population, the number of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs in the city's central district have increased. Outside the city center, in the suburbs and townships, there is still a significant quantity of nightlife.

Windhoek is home to Namibia's brewing industry, and for the less active, it's a great location to pass the time sipping (or gulping) a cold beer. In addition, there are private hospitals, a public hospital, doctor's offices, banks (with 24-hour ATMs), pharmacies, supermarkets, bakeries, and clothing stores. There is a large (ish) shopping mall at Maerua Mall, replete with an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, as well as smaller ones at Post Street Mall (Town Square) and Wernhill Park, all of which are worth a visit if you're tired of looking at curios. There are also two industrial areas, one in the north and one in the south, which are convenient for purchasing in quantity or repairing automobiles.

In and around the city, there are numerous places to remain, ranging from backpacker hostels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses to luxury hotels and lodges. Windhoek is an excellent location to begin, break, or end a journey through Namibia, despite its apparent contradictions. Its accommodation options, culinary variety, cultural attractions, shopping, and African urban buzz are unrivaled in Namibia. Windhoek is a great location to begin, break, or end a journey through Namibia, despite these apparent contradictions. Its accommodation options, culinary variety, cultural attractions, shopping, and African urban buzz are unrivaled in Namibia.

Information Courtesy of www.sahistory.org.za/place/windhoek-capital-city-namibia