The Best Hotels in Windhoek

Windhoek Hotels

With its red-roofed townhouses and convivial taverns, Namibia’s capital still has a distinctive German air about it. But don’t be deceived: there’s no doubt that this is the Big Game heart of Africa. Nature reserves thrive just beyond the city limits, inviting exploration by safari tour. Signs of Namibian independence are everywhere, bombastic statements in bronze, contrasting against the Protestant German buildings. Yet somehow Windhoek pulls these influences together, creating a harmonious and successful capital city within modern Africa.

Things to see

Right at the centre of Windhoek, Christ Church is perhaps its most recognisable landmark. This Lutherian German church looks for all the world as though it’s been assembled from gingerbread and piped with icing – something straight out of a Grimms’ fairytale. Nearby, the commanding, white fortress of Alte Feste is another remnant of the colonial period, yet nowadays, it houses the National Museum of Namibia, which charts this young nation’s struggle for independence. Outside, the Independence Museum Memorial, shining triumphantly, dwarfs the fortress, and a huge bronze statue of the country’s founding father, Sam Nujoma, has ousted the Reiterdenkmal statue, which glorified German rule. Once you’ve got your head around the turbulent political history of the place, you’ll need some fresh air, so why not head out to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve? You’re able to wander through it freely, and it offers excellent opportunities to spot giraffes and zebras.

Hotels in Windhoek

With a choice of contemporary city hotels and rustic lodges, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re visiting on business or leisure. Even the luxury hotels in Windhoek come at very reasonable prices, so you can afford to be spoiled. These hotels feature sumptuous suites with every modern amenity, from minibars to MP3 docks. Onsite spas and casinos provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun, and 24-hour service will ensure your every need is catered for. Windhoek discount hotels offer a charming stay, often with an outdoor pool to splash about in. Free WiFi and breakfast are usually thrown in.

Where to stay

Central Windhoek is the best place to stay to soak up the atmosphere of this eclectic, cross-cultural city. The city centre, unlike many African capitals, is pedestrian-friendly and easily walkable, with most of the main sights packed into a small area. You’ll have a choice of luxury hotels to help you enjoy it all the more. If you’re whizzing around Namibia on business, or you’re on a brief stopover, opt for one of the hotels close to Eros airport, located a few kilometres south of the centre. For a romantic stay, head to one of the more rural resorts.

How to get to Windhoek

Windhoek’s main international airport, Hosea Kutako, is served by direct flights from major African cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as regular flights from Frankfurt in Germany. The airport is located about 45 kilometres east of the city centre. Eros airport, 5 kilometres south of central Windhoek, deals with domestic flights. You can either take a taxi or hire a car to get into the city; if you’re booking a safari holiday, you can often sort out all transport and transfers as part of the package in advance. Around Windhoek, shared taxis and minivans provide casual public transport.