- Home
- >Windhoek
The gateway to Namibia's wonders
Windhoek Vacation
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is the perfect starting point for any adventure with its central location in this land of natural wonders. Vast desert fields, surreal landscapes, and incredible biodiversity make a Namibia vacation an unforgettable experience. Windhoek is a destination worth exploring, featuring palaces, museums, and parks that provide a window into Namibia's rich history and cultural heritage.
Cheapest flight
starts at NaN
Round trip
Flight time (ca.)
10:25 hrs.
from Frankfurt
Airport
WDH
Hosea Kutako
Current time
UTC: + 1 hrs.
Why Windhoek
Central hub: As a centrally located capital, Windhoek is the rightful focal point of a Namibia trip and the starting point for expeditions into the desert or deep into the savannas of the Big Five.
Nature spectacles: Around the capital, numerous natural spectacles await, making Namibia trip planning dizzyingly exciting.
Colonial history: Namibia's story is not just about nature and wildlife but also about its people and their significant colonial past.
Oldest desert in the world: Namib DesertAbout 250 kilometers from Windhoek lies the world's oldest desert with some of the most captivating and unique landscapes: the Namib Desert. The vast dunes glow in red and orange hues depending on the time of day, offering a view you’ll remember forever. A must-see!
Inside Namib: Sossusvlei RegionSossusvlei, technically part of the Namib Desert, is renowned for its striking salt and clay pan, impressive sand dunes, quiver trees, and expansive clay fields. Nearby lies Big Daddy Dune, one of the world's highest dunes.
Largest sand desert in the world: Kalahari DesertSouth of Windhoek, the Kalahari Desert is a region of superlatives. This vast desert is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Despite frequent rains, the Kalahari is technically a thornbush savanna, ideal for spotting lions, giraffes, or elephants.1/3
The rugged beauty of Skeleton BayThe Skeleton Coast stretches 500 km along the Atlantic and gets its name from the many shipwrecks and whale skeletons found here. Spooky? No, spectacular! The rugged desert dunes meet the wild Atlantic, creating a stunning and unique view. Not far from Sossusvlei lies Walvis Bay, renowned for its picturesque lagoon, which is a paradise for bird watchers and water sports enthusiasts. This area is home to vibrant wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and seals, making it an essential destination for nature lovers.
Safari tours through Etosha National ParkEtosha National Park, located on the northwestern edge of the Kalahari Basin, is a wildlife reserve. Different parts of the park are home to all sorts of animals like elephants, black rhinos, and rare birds. You ’re almost guaranteed to see wildlife in Etosha. Book your Namibia vacation now and step into a wildlife paradise!
Second largest canyon in the worldDid you know that the world’s second-largest canyon is in Namibia? The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is up to 550 meters deep. Looking down is truly inspiring, and tours through the gorge promise an intense experience.1/3
Ink Palace Amidst Green OasisThe Ink Palace stands amidst a green oasis of palms and flowers. Now home to Namibia’s National Assembly, the building is a prime example of typical German colonial architecture. Guided tours of the building give you a glimpse into the county’s turbulent history.
Christ Church as a monumentAnother testament to Namibia's German heritage is Christ Church, built in 1907 as a symbol of peace between colonial Germany and Namibia. The church is now a city monument, reflective of the largely Christian population.
Alte Feste with historical National MuseumAlte Feste Fort, built in 1890 by the German colonial power, is the oldest building in Windhoek and houses the National Museum. A must-visit!1/3
Flights to Windhoek
Search flights
Bucket List for your Windhoek vacation
“Endless desert and a pretty clear sky–flying into Windhoek is always special. During our stays, you can see that the landscapes look just as breathtaking as they do from above. Namibia is a real natural paradise. My personal highlight in Windhoek: the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.”
Emilia, Cabin Manager
1. Traditional Namibian cuisine
Namibian cuisine is a blend of tradition and European influence, resulting in delicious dishes. Potjiekos, originally a Dutch meat stew, is now considered a national dish in Namibia. Give it a try!
2. Meeting locals
Despite its small population of about 2.5 million, Namibia is culturally diverse. Interacting with locals gives a deeper understanding of Namibian life and hospitality. Traditional festivals like Windhoek Carnival or Africa Day present ideal opportunities for such cultural exchanges.
3. The perfect swell
Namibia offers great waves for surfers of all levels, especially between the Skeleton Coast and Swakopmund. The small surfing community means the waves won’t be crowded, all against an incredible natural backdrop.
4. Sunset paradise
Have you ever seen a sunrise or sunset in the desert or from a canyon edge? In Namibia, you can witness this colorful spectacle— it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
5. Visiting traditional tribes
Namibia, with around 1.8 million inhabitants, has numerous tribes and ethnic groups. Some tribes still live traditionally, and visiting a traditional village is an exciting and educational experience.
Weather & best travel time
Namibia’s seasons are opposite to ours as they are located in the southern hemisphere. From December to February, during the Namibian summer, it’s very hot. Their winter is June to July where it’s mild during the day but can be very cold at night. The best travel time depends on your requirements. For safaris with abundant wildlife sightings, the dry season from August to September is perfect. Overall, Namibia is worth visiting year-round.
Best time to travel
December
Most pleasant temperatures
June & July
Most sunshine hours
June - August
High season
June - August & December - January
Getting around
Windhoek and Namibia lack a state public transport system. While there are public buses, the network and schedules are unclear. More common are mini buses and shared taxis, which can stop anywhere along the way—just ask the driver if your destination is on the route. Private taxis or rental cars are the most convenient options.
Airport transfers or taxis can take you from Windhoek’s international airport to the city, where you can rent a car or camper for your travels. There are non-stop flights to Windhoek from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines.
Airport transfers or taxis can take you from Windhoek’s international airport to the city, where you can rent a car or camper for your travels. There are non-stop flights to Windhoek from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines.
Do's and Dont's in Windhoek
Plan your trip well:
If heading out from Windhoek, plan ahead, especially if traveling solo. Know where you’ll stay, what you want to see, and the best weather conditions.
Try to see too much:
Namibia has so many incredible spots that seeing everything in one trip is impossible. Spend more time at fewer spots and plan to return.
Stock up on snacks in Windhoek:
Ensure you have enough water and snacks, as Namibia’s roads are long, and supermarkets can be far apart.
Explore Windhoek’s pedestrian zone:
It’s adorned with small artworks and fountains, worth a look as you anticipate your desert or canyon adventure.
Leave valuables in the car:
Never leave valuables in your car, especially at night, as break-ins are common.
Skip Windhoek:
Though it may not be as thrilling as desert expeditions or surfing adventures, Windhoek is a great starting point to familiarize yourself with the country.
Visit the Namibia Craft Centre:
Located in a former brewery, this market offers Namibian crafts and good coffee—perfect for souvenirs.
Questions & answers about your Windhoek vacation
Did you know?
Namibia abolished the switch between winter and summer time in 2018. However, it might still be listed in some hotels or systems. Double-check the time!