Recognised for its distinctly German design and feel, Windhoek, the capital and biggest city of Namibia, is much appreciated for its orderliness and wonderful European-style café culture. The German influence is also evident in the cuisine and beer, and the architecture of buildings like the Christus Kirche, Tintenpalast (the parliament buildings) and Heinitzburg Castle, all well worth a visit.

Windhoek at night. © Casper Erichsen

Windhoek’s natural setting is also noteworthy, located in the Khomas region in a gorgeous valley of the Central Highlands. This is squarely in the middle of the country, which makes Windhoek perfect as the administrative and commercial centre of the country, as well as the tourist hub from which to begin any Namibian tour or adventure.

Although its Namibia’s most populous metropolis, Windhoek is still relatively small, counting only about 250,000 residents. Within those ranks, however, is a remarkable diversity of ethnicities, such as Herero, Himba, Damara and Ovambo. More about Namibia’s cultural history is on display at Alte Feste, the Old Fortress that today houses a museum. Other excellent and active ways to gain insight into the lives of Namibians include participating in the Herero Day Parade, held in the last week of August to honour Herero ancestors, or taking a tour in Katutura, the suburban Windhoek township that was created during apartheid, when many indigenous people were removed from the capital. The name Katutura, when translated from Otjiherero, literally means ‘We will never settle here’, a stark reminder that many Namibians were unwillingly relocated. While in Katutura, for yet more insight into Namibian culture, visit the Oshetu Market, one of the city’s best places to sample local food specialties, like the meat treats so fundamental a part of the Namibian diet.

Of course, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options available, with choices covering everything from standard urban hotels in Windhoek to rural guest farms in the surrounding area.

A Herero woman. Photo courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

In a country of such great contrasts, where travel conditions can change rapidly, local knowledge is essential to trip planning. Your whl.travel local connection in Namibia is the Cardboard Box Travel Shop, a team of local experts with extensive knowledge of Windhoek and the Central Namibian region.

“We completely back the idea of more eco-friendly and socially aware travel,” said Rachael, on behalf of the Cardboard Box Travel Shop team. “We have always tried to involve ourselves in projects that help out smaller companies and establishments, particularly if they are being started up by Namibians and are from a previously disadvantaged background.”

The Windhoek and Central Namibia destination portal is the second for whl.travel in Namibia launched and operated by The Cardboard Box Travel Shop. Visit www.etosha.travel to learn more from them about the extraordinary Etosha National Park and Northern Namibia and stay tuned for their launch of sites in Sossusvlei and Southern Namibia, and the Caprivi Strip.

Tags: local food, Namibia, new local connections, WHL Group news, Windhoek

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 9th, 2009 at 7:15 pm and is filed under Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa, WHL Group news, architecture & landmarks, cities, festivals & events, food & drink, human interests, new local connections.