Alte Feste

The Old Fortress or ‘Alte Feste', as it is locally known, was completed in 1890 by the German colonial military or the Schutztruppe. Today it is the capital's best museum, concentrating on Namibia's history over the last few centuries, and stands testimony to the cultural history of Namibia with its numerous documents and exhibits. The Botanical Gardens are located behind the Alte Feste, and you can get a glimpse of Namibia's lush flora.

Located on Robert Mugabe Avenue, Alte Feste is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm and weekends from 10 am to 12 pm and again from 2 pm to 6 pm. Admission is free.

Christus Kirche

Probably Windhoek's most well known historical attraction, the German Lutheran Christus Kirche stands in the historic centre of Windhoek near the Parliament Gardens and Tintenpalast. This church is made of quartz sandstone and was designed by architect Gottlieb Redecker in conflicting Gothic revival and Art Nouveau styles. The altar is made of marble and the altarpiece is a reproduction of a celebrated work by Rubens. The foundation was laid in 1907. Originally it commemorated the peace after wars between the German colonists and the indigenous Namibian people. There are plaques inside for the German soldiers who lost their lives, but sadly no mention of the losses of the indigenous people. The church is normally open 07.30-14.30 during the week, but if closed, visit 12 Fidel Castro Street to get the keys.

Parliament (formerly Tintenpalast)

Situated north of Robert Mugabe Avenue, Tintenpalast literally translates to the Ink Palace, named so in honour of the ink spent on governmental paperwork it generated! Built in 1913 and designed by Gottlieb Redecker, it was the executive headquarters of the German government, which had colonised southwest Africa. It continued to be the centre of operations for the consecutive governments. Visit it to see where both chambers of the Namibian Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council convene to make important decisions. You could also stroll around its well-maintained gardens and lawns, which are quite popular with Windhoek's office-goers who like to spend their lunch-break here.

Heinitzburg Castle

Once you have visited the Tintenpalast, walk uphill from Robert Mugabe Avenue to the three Windhoek castles - Heinitzburg, Schwerinsburg and Sanderburg. There is a hotel and a restaurant within the Heinitzburg castle, while the Schwerinsburg castle is home to the Italian Ambassador to Namibia. Sanderburg is the smallest among the three.

Zoo Park

Originally a zoo that was converted into a park, the greatest significance of the Zoo Park is the hunting of two Stone Age elephants that took place here about 5,000 to 20,000 years ago. In 1961, the remnants of two elephants and several quartz tools used in the hunt were discovered here. To see the fossils and tools, you will have to go to the Alte Feste or the National Museum. However, there is a column that commemorates this event, known as the Elephant Column that was designed by Namibian sculptor Dörthe Berner. The War Memorial can also be found here.

Gibeon Meteorite Fountain

Located in the middle of Post Street Mall, this unique sculpture contains actual meteors from the famous meteor shower at Gibeon which occurred about 600 million years ago.

Train Station

Evoking memories of the initial settlers of the Cape who were primarily Dutch, this old world Cape Dutch style train station stands impressive even today. It was built in 1912 and expanded in 1929 by the South African government. A striking feature of the train station is the gleaming German steam locomotive "Poor Old Joe", which occupies centre stage across the main entrance. It was shipped to Swakopmund in 1899 in parts and assembled to run to Windhoek.

The Trans-Namib Transport Museum is located above the first floor and gives you a fair idea of Namibia's transport history with a focus on the railway.

State House

Built in 1958 on the site of the old German govenor's residence, this is the president's official residence and is found on Robert Mugabe Avenue.

The Owela Museum

Also on Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Owela Museum, which holds exhibitions on natural history and ethnology. If you'd like to know more about the origins of various ethnic groups like the Bushmen, this museum may be worth a visit. There is a ‘Touch Room' for children to play and learn with interactive displays. It is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm. Entrance is free of charge.

National Theatre of Namibia

Adjacent to the Owela Museum is the National Theatre of Namibia, built in 1960 by the Arts Association of Namibia. Concerts, musicals and ballet performances produced in Windhoek and neighbouring countries in South Africa are staged here and has earned it the reputation of a major cultural centre. If you are lucky, you' may catch a performance at the National Theatre on the weekend you are there.

National Art Gallery of Namibia

Also located on Robert Mugabe Avenue, Namibia's small National Gallery is well worth a visit for its permanent exhibition of historical and contemporary Namibian art, as well as its range of temporary exhibitions.

Daan Viljoen Game Park

About 18 km west of Windhoek, by the dam in the Khomas Hochland, is the picturesque Daan Viljoen Game Park. Spread across an area of 40 sq km, it is an animal lover's paradise. Take a walk through the desert hills and spot gemsboks, kudus, warthogs, elands, springboks and mountain zebras. If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, there are about 200 species of bird to keep you occupied. You could also take a hike down scenic trails that are clearly marked out, be it the 9 km long Bushwillow Trail or the 3 km long Buffalo Thorn Trail.

The rest-camp consists of well-appointed bungalows, restaurants and a camping ground. Weekends bring in quite a few locals to the Daan Viljoen Game Park.

To get there take Sam Nujoma Drive out of Windhoek, then follow the signs on to the C28 towards Swakopmund until you see signs for the park. If you don't have a car, you can take a local tour as a number of companies offer day trips here. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but day visitors must leave by 18.00.

Heroes Acre

As you approach Windhoek from the south, you will notice a memorial site dedicated to Namibia's struggle for liberty and commemorating its valiant heroes, called the ‘Heroes Acre.' It has a restaurant, pavilion and platform for dignitaries. Visitors here receive a brief leaflet detailing the struggles of some of the country's courageous heroes who battled against injustice.

Wildlife Impressions

Located outside Windhoek on the road to the airport, Wildlife Impressions is a zoo that provides an opportunity to see many of Namibia's smaller wildlife up close. Birds fly overhead, whilst snakes, suricats and other small creatures are viewed in enclosures at ground level. There is also a resident crocodile, a display of African wood carvings, and an exhibition of stuffed animals displaying all Namibia's indigenous mammals. Whilst there is no accommodation here, a restaurant provides good African and game dishes at reasonable prices.

Avis Dam

Located on the airport road, Avis Dam is a nice spot for a picnic on the way to or from the airport, but if you have more time a better option is Daan Viljoen Game Park. You'll find a man-made lake here and it's popular with locals for picnics, biking, canoeing and fishing.

Arnhem Cave

Arnhem Cave, 120 km southeast of Windhoek is a good place to visit for adventure lovers. It is possible to explore a portion of the 4.5 km long cave system in three hours. You will not find stalactites or stalagmites formations but will definitely spot a variety of bats!

Katutura

The rural African township of Katutura was created when the indigenous population in Windhoek was forcefully expelled. Today, you can find local tour guides who will show you around the township with their ingenious building material, handicrafts, cafes and delicacies. And if on a particular day you feel brave enough to savour Mopane worms, head to Soweto Market in Katutura. Watch intricate African hair braiding at a salon or tailor's shops producing elaborate traditional dresses. Wrap up the tour with a visit to a ‘shebeen' or bar with interesting names like Manhattan, Love Bar or African Dream. Ask for a Katutura-by-Night tour booking which includes dinner at the Otjikaendu restaurant.

Okahandja

Located about an hour and a half from Windhoek, Okahandja makes for a good excursion with its woodcarvers' markets and nearby ostrich farm.

Omaruru

Omaruru is another great place to visit in the north-central Namibia region. Located at the foot of the Erongo mountains it is known for its annual Herero festival, winery, museum and the dinosaur footprints at nearby Otjihenamaparero.

Stargazing

With the least light-polluted and clearest skies in the world, it is no wonder that stargazing is a popular pursuit in Namibia. Visit Capella observatory, near Windhoek, and gaze through one of the largest amateur telescopes, with a 24-inch reflector, in Africa. The guest farm, Hakos is maintained by the International Amateur Observatory and has a remarkable array of telescopes and other equipment to help you in your interest.

Thermal Spas

For a relaxing therapeutic bath fed by natural hot springs try Gross Barmen, about 80 km north of Windhoek and 10 km southwest of Okahandja. This spa contains an indoor and outdoor pool. Another popular thermal bath is the Reho-Spa located in the centre of Rehoboth. There is also a small museum dedicated to ethnology called Rehoboth Museum here.

Gamsberg Mountain

One of Namibia's prominent mountains rises from the Khomas Hochland called Gamsberg. Situated about 120 km to the west, it is the third highest plateau in the country. Needless to say, the view is fantastic. As far as the eye can go, you will see Namib spreading itself out to the west and to the east across Khomas Hochland up to the Auas Mountains near Windhoek.

Game Lodges and Guest Farms

Within easy reach of Windhoek is Heja Game Lodge, Midgard, Auas Game Lodge and Hohewarte Guest Farm which are a good place to visit on a day trip from Windhoek.