The centre of the gem (Windhoek)

Member Name: chris-afrika

Product:	Windhoek
Date:	23/04/03 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good starting point for tours, good food

Disadvantages: Airport building, criminality

While Namibia is often called the gem of Africa Windhoek must be the centre should be called the centre of the gem.
Most of the tourists will reach Namibia via Windhoek International Airport. These Airport is not only in size different from European airports also the buildings of the airport are something special. If you are unlucky enough to reach the airport around noon prepare to be cooked. The building has got a corrugated iron roof an no aircon and as you are in Africa you need a lot of passion because of the speed of the customs officers.
It is very funny to watch other tourist changing from one line to another just to get a bit earlier through customs. You will see them again waiting for there luggage.
Because of the airport being far outside of Windhoek the travel immediately got one problem. How to get to the city? First opportunity the bus which goes from the airport to the city centre. Second possibility a taxi. Everybody needs to go to the city so try to share one and very important bargain about the price before entering the taxi.
The third way, if you rent a car what you nearly have to to get around, make you renting station the airport or let the rental company pick you up at the airport. Every rental company I know does it.
Or if you lucky enough, like I have been the last time, you talk with your neighbour which is a local and he offers you a transport to your accommodation. Thereby it is probably very helpful to speak German as a lot of the white Namibians do (Namibia was former German south west Africa).
The accommodation is best booked in advance as it could happen that nearly every bed is occupied. Happened to me on my first Namibia Tour.
My personal favourite is pension Handke, a small very personal pension with a very good breakfast and in walking distance to the city centre. (Rossini Str. 3)
Windhoek is the perfect place to start a few weeks tour through Namibia. In the jobs you can by everything you need on y
our tour and if you want to go to the caprivi strip you can even by your malaria prophylaxis there much cheaper then in Europe.
Besides on a walk around Windhoek you take the chance to the Alte Feste the old headquarter of the so called Schutztruppe (protection troop), the Christus church and the train station a interesting first view of the country.
It is important that if you want to visit one of the state owned parks, what you really should, you have to make a reservation at the ministry of environment and tourism either from home via mail or directly in Windhoek.
Another thing you should do while in Windhoek is to visit the Tourism Office to get your free copies of the Namibia map and the accommodation guide. Both very helpful while travelling.
If you are looking for a good place for food “Jo’s Beerhouse” should be your place. It is a open-air pub with the really good local beer. If you like Bavarian beer (in my opinion the best beer in the world but I’m maybe prejudiced as a Bavarian), ask for a Tafel Lager. If it comes to food try the kudu a local antelope which tastes really good. I also liked this place because it is one of the few where black and white is sitting together still not to common in Africa.
For families “Spurs” in the city centre is a hit. It is a mixture from a steakhouse and a fast-food restaurant. So while your kids are enjoying there burger with chips mom and dad eat a perfectly done steak.
Otherwise I can just say stay a view days in Windhoek to acclimatise and get down to the speed of Africa (make a lunch break sleeping in the park like the locals) before you start your unforgettable Namibia tour.
Criminality is not such a big problem as in the big cities in south Africa but you should use your common sense. Don’t show up all your jewellery and expansive Rolex watches. Although it is not recommended to walk around after dark in most parts of the city. Better take a Taxi
every waiter or bartender will call you one and it is cheaper then ending up robbed in the streets of Windhoek.

Summary: