Windhoek is the capital city of the Republic of Namibia, located in the centre of the country. It is renowned for its fascinating history, culture, and attractions. From its German settler past to its vibrant markets, Windhoek offers an exciting exploration of a unique African city. Whether you’re looking to explore the town's vibrant culture or find a quiet escape, Windhoek should be high on your list of places to visit. This article will explore the rich history and interesting attractions of Windhoek. Get ready for your trip to Windhoek – you won't be disappointed!
Getting to Know Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and is located in the central part of the country. As of 2019, the population of Windhoek is estimated to be 331,854.
Windhoek has a single time zone, being Central Africa Time (CAT), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The official language of Namibia is English, although Afrikaans and German are also widely spoken in Windhoek.
The currency of Windhoek is the Namibian Dollar (N$), which is linked to the South African Rand at a rate of 1:1.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Windhoek, which is located in Namibia, is a semi-arid climate with warm summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C during the summer months and 5°C to 17°C during winter. Windhoek experiences an average rainfall of approximately 383mm per year, with most of the rainfall occurring in the summer months between October and April.
Windhoek has a very pleasant climate with very little variability in average temperature throughout the year. Days are generally sunny and warm but there are occasional overcast and cooler days as well. Humidity is generally low and nights are generally fairly cool as well.
Windhoek experiences a low level of air pollution due to its low population density. Overall, Windhoek has a pleasant climate with pleasant temperatures year round and low humidity. Rainfall is relatively low and air pollution is low.
Touring Windhoek: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Windhoek, namely Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport.
You can get from the main airport to downtown in Windhoek by either taking a taxi or riding the Kalahari Express bus. The cost for a taxi is approximately $20 USD and the bus fare is about $3 USD.
Yes, you can change money at the Windhoek airport. There are 6 Banks, 15 ATM's and 6 Bureaux de Change located at the airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Windhoek
- Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is one of the oldest cities in Africa, with its origins dating back to the late 19th century
- Windhoek was founded by Jonker Afrikaner, a prominent leader of the Nama people, who named it after the ‘wind hole’ (the valley) where he and his people originally settled
- Rich in its Indigenous culture, Windhoek is home to an array of vibrant festivals, with the Wildebeest Kuiseb Festival being the most well-known, as a symbol of the local Herero community's culture and history