Welcome to Windhoek! The city of Windhoek is the largest city and capital of the African nation of Namibia. The city was founded in 1840 as a German colony and retains its original German charm. Windhoek is located in the center of the country, with mountains and plains on the outskirts, creating a stunning landscape. Today, Windhoek is home to a diverse population and is a great mix of the traditional and the modern. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Windhoek has something for everyone. Here's a look at some of the highlights.
Getting to Know Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia. It is located in the central part of the country, and is the largest city in the country. As of 2020, Windhoek has an estimated population of 352,475 people.
Windhoek is in the Catima Time Zone, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+2).
The official language of Windhoek is English, while other languages spoken include Afrikaans, German and Oshiwambo.
The official currency of Windhoek is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). It is divided into 100 cents.
Climate and Weather
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and the country's largest city. It has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild, dry winters. Rainfall is very low year-round, with the majority of the rain falling between November and April. Summer temperatures typically range from 25-35°C (77-95°F), while Winters are mild and bring temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F), with the days usually staying in the low-20s Celsius (mid- to upper-70s Fahrenheit). Windhoek receives an average of 300mm (11.8 inches) of rain per year, with the highest rainfall in January and February. The dry season usually lasts from May to October. The city is blessed with a great deal of sunshine, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and no snow.
Touring Windhoek: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Windhoek: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) and Eros Airport (ERS).
You can get from the main airport (Hosea Kutako International Airport) to downtown Windhoek by taxi or shuttle for about N$50 (about US$4).
Yes, you can change money at Windhoek airport. There are currency exchange kiosks and bureaux de change located in both Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Windhoek
- Windhoek has an interesting history, being established as a colonial German outpost in the 19th century and surviving to become the diverse capital city it is today
- Windhoek has a strong cultural heritage, with a mix of several different cultures having an influence on the way of life
- Windhoek is home to a wide range of attractions and activities to appeal to tourists, from learning about the city’s past to experiencing the bustling nightlife
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