Standing at the rough geographic centre of the country, Windhoek couldn’t be the more perfect gateway to the land of which it is capital. At 1,700 metres above sea level, nestled amongst rolling hills with a mountainous backdrop, Namibia enjoys a comfortably cool climate and a wonderfully laidback vibe. On its streets the German colonial-ness of the Christuskirche’s gothic spire and the turrets of several early 19th-century castles jostle with the high-rise buildings that are becoming the symbol of modern Africa – it works really well, because this is a city that is a delight to explore. 

 

While many fly through Windhoek to get into the magnificent landscapes filled with extraordinary wildlife and sights that surround it, this compact city is worth a pause. It is the political, economic and cultural centre of Namibia so on its tidy, wide boulevards you’ll get a fascinating insight into the country as a whole, from the Himba tradespeople selling their wares, to immigrants from all over the continent and beyond who live in harmony here.