Windhoek is the capital and the largest city of the African nation of Namibia. It is located in the central plateau region of the country, at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. It boasts a population of 325,000, making it the largest city in Namibia, and home to the nation’s government, major economic, and cultural center. Windhoek is celebrated for its delightful combination of modernity, ancient Namibian culture, and the unexpectedly adventure-filled natural surroundings. In the following text, you will learn more about the history, culture, top attractions and activities, and other useful facts related to Windhoek.
Getting to Know Windhoek
Windhoek is a vibrant city in Namibia, located in the central part of the country. The current population of Windhoek is around 318,000 people, making it the largest city in Namibia. It is a cosmopolitan city with a mix of African, German, and South African cultures.
The time zone of Windhoek is Central Africa Time (CAT). It is two hours ahead of GMT. Windhoek also observes daylight saving time (DST) during the summer months.
The official languages of Windhoek are English, Afrikaans, and German, and many locals also speak Oshiwambo and the Seto-Gozi languages. The country’s currency is the Namibian dollar, which is strongly linked to the South African rand. ATMs are available, and many stores accept card payments.
Climate and Weather
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and is located in the central part of the country, which makes it prone to an interesting climate. The climate is classified as semi-arid, with sunshine and cloud cover occurring almost all year round. Winters are quite cool and dry, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C during the coldest of months. Summer months are usually dry and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C on average. Despite the occasional downpour, Windhoek receives on average only 200 to 300mm of rain throughout the year. The climate is also a bit different depending on the part of the city; while the northern suburbs have more rainfall and milder temperatures, the southern and western suburbs tend to be drier and hotter. All in all, Windhoek has a pleasant year-round climate, making it a great city to explore all year round.
Touring Windhoek: Airport and Transportation
There are two international airports in Windhoek: Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and Eros Airport.
The most convenient way to get from the Hosea Kutako International Airport to downtown Windhoek is to take a shuttle or cab. The price of a shuttle or cab ride varies depending on time of day. It is usually around 150 NAD ($8.50 USD).
Yes, you can change money at the windhoek airport. It is recommended that you only exchange money at the foreign exchange kiosks at the airport. You can also use the ATMs to withdraw local currency.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Windhoek
- Windhoek is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Namibia and is home to a eclectic range of people and cultures.
- Windhoek has a rich history, it was founded in 1840 when the Nama chief of the Herero people, Maharero, settled around a permanently flowing spring, the source of which is today known as the Okahandja-Omatako.
- The city is home to many festivals and events that embrace the local culture. These include the Oktoberfest Namibia, which celebrates German heritage, and the Annual Flamingo Festival, which celebrates Namibian culture with music and dance