Namibia’s central region provides a variety of tourism activities and places of interest to visit before heading into the sunset to explore this African beauty further. Bound by the Auas Mountains to the south, Khomas Hochland in the west and the Eros Mountains in the East, Windhoek is a meeting place of old and new, modern, and old styles. A trip down the capital city’s main street will have you gasp in amazement at the assortment of architectural styles, people, modern facilities, and world-class infrastructure.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, people, cuisine, and religions, offering travellers insight into the Namibian way of life as executives dressed in the latest business attire walk alongside Herero women dressed in their beautiful traditional wear.
Its variety of restaurants, from international and continental cuisine right through to local delicacies, will appeal to a magnitude of tastes. At the same time, its accommodation options offer an assortment of options from camping and B&B’s to international chain hotels and homely pensions.
Regions: Khomas, Otjozondjupa
Major towns: Okahandja, Rehoboth, Windhoek, Dordabis
Major Tourism Attractions
Christuskirche, The Alte Feste (Old Fort), The Independence Memorial Museum, The Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), Oanob Dam, Craft Markets
A drive to the town of Okahandja, just 70km north of Windhoek, provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their work in the form of Kavango wood carvings at two craft markets. Southwest of Okahandja lies the small town of Gross Barmen, famous for its hot springs and one of Namibia’s smallest protected areas, measuring 1.1km².
Almost 90km south of Windhoek is the town of Rehoboth, also famous for its hot springs and Oanob Dam. Cool down with a quick dip or enjoy a picnic on the shores of this famous tourist attraction, whichever tickles your fancy as you relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Daan Viljoen Game Park, 24km west of Windhoek, offers visitors a variety of game and bird species that can be viewed and enjoyed, either on walks and hikes throughout the reserve or during a game drive.
West from Windhoek, one encounters the spectacular Gamsberg Mountain, which is transversed by several mountain passes linking the country’s interior to the Namib Desert. The lookout points from the summit of the Spreetshoogte, en route to both Solitaire and Sossusvlei, are amongst the most stunning landscape views of Namibia you will experience, bringing home to one how small you are set amongst the glory of God’s country.