The Starting Point
Windhoek is the entry and exit point for almost all international visitors. Situated in a basin surrounded by the Auas and Eros mountains, it sits at a high altitude, keeping the humidity low. While not a bustling metropolis by global standards, it offers a gentle introduction to Africa. The city centre is clean and relatively small, anchored by the iconic Christuskirche, a Lutheran church that looks like a gingerbread house. Families can visit the National Museum of Namibia (located in the old fort or the modern Independence Memorial Museum) to learn about the country's history and geology.
Nature on the Doorstep
You don't have to drive far to see animals. Just 24 kilometres west of the city is Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. Because there are no large predators (like lions) here, families can walk along the trails or cycle safely. It is home to giraffes, zebras, baboons, and various antelope. It’s a perfect spot for a first or last picnic. To the north, the town of Okahandja is famous for its large woodcarver markets, where children can spend pocket money on small carved animals while parents browse for souvenirs.
Dining and Culture
Windhoek has a cosmopolitan food scene. Joe's Beerhouse is a legendary stop for tourists; it’s an eclectic, sprawling restaurant filled with memorabilia, old junk, and campfires. It serves game meat like oryx and zebra, giving adventurous eaters a taste of the land, but also offers standard kid-friendly meals. The Namibia Craft Centre in the city is a safe, enclosed environment to see high-quality local arts and crafts.
Logistics
Most families spend one night here upon arrival to pick up their rental vehicle and supplies. There are several large malls (like Maerua Mall and The Grove) where you can stock up on nappies, formula, snacks, and camping gear before heading into the remote regions. Driving in the city is orderly, but be aware of taxis that can stop unexpectedly.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to elite private reserves and world-class carnivore conservation programs like AfriCat, offering sophisticated encounters with leopards and cheetahs. The dry winter (May-Sep) is peak for wildlife viewing as animals gather at waterholes; the rainy summer (Nov-Mar) creates dense bush and high heat, making tracking difficult.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The region serves as the hub for Namibia's legendary self-drive circuits, featuring dramatic mountain passes like the Gamsberg and well-maintained gravel infrastructure. Winter months offer crystal-clear visibility and safe road conditions, while the summer rainy season carries risks of flash floods and washed-out river crossings.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Windhoek offers a sophisticated blend of German colonial architecture and modern African governance, with high-quality museums and a safe, walkable city center. The mild daytime temperatures of the dry season are perfect for exploring historic landmarks, while the peak summer heat and afternoon downpours limit urban exploration.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The region provides exceptional educational value regarding wildlife conservation and colonial history, with many reserves offering specialized 'Junior Ranger' programs for children. Peak educational experiences align with the dry season when field research and conservation activities are most accessible.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Windhoek region has zero editorial attractions. Describing an 'emerging portfolio of ultra-luxury lodges' as 'very_good' for wellness is aspirational rather than evidence-based. Windhoek is primarily a transit hub. 'Good' is appropriate for the lodge-based relaxation available around the capital.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland offer world-class mountain biking and hiking trails for active families. The dry, cooler months provide optimal conditions for physical exertion, while the mid-summer months (Nov-Feb) see temperatures frequently exceeding 32°C, making strenuous outdoor activity hazardous.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Host to the Windhoek Oktoberfest, one of the most authentic celebrations of German culture outside of Europe, and the Enjando Street Festival. These events offer a unique cultural window but are highly localized, with the main festivities occurring in the warmer shoulder months.
Attractions (34 total)
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Christuskirche
Windhoek
A historic landmark church made of local sandstone, blending neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture in the heart of the capital.
Visit website →Independence Memorial Museum
Windhoek
A striking modern museum detailing Namibia's struggle for independence, offering educational exhibits and panoramic city views.
Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market
Okahandja
A vibrant cultural market where local artisans showcase traditional Namibian hand-carved wooden figures, masks, and household items.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Gamsberg Pass Scenic Drive (C26)
Windhoek
Approximately 130km from Windhoek to the summit. 2-3 hours. Well-maintained gravel road (4WD recommended but often doable in high-clearance 2WD). Highlights include the dramatic descent from the Khomas Hochland plateau and views of the flat-topped Gamsberg Mountain.
Visit website →Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275)
Windhoek
Approx 180km from Windhoek via the C24. 3-4 hours total. Steep gravel road with cobblestone sections for traction. Features a 1,000-meter vertical drop from the Central Plateau to the desert floor, offering the most spectacular viewpoint in central Namibia.
Visit website →Daan Viljoen Game Drive Loop
Windhoek
6.5km circular route within the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. Well-maintained gravel/paved surface suitable for all vehicles. 1 hour. Highlights include sightings of Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, and wildebeest against the backdrop of the Khomas Hochland mountains.
Visit website →Remhoogte Pass (C24)
Windhoek
Alternative route to Sossusvlei via the C24 road. Approx 200km from Windhoek. 3.5 hours. Well-maintained gravel road. A gentler but highly scenic alternative to Spreetshoogte, winding through the rugged mountains of the Central Plateau.
Visit website →C28 Khomas Hochland Route
Windhoek
320km gravel route connecting Windhoek to the coast. 5-6 hours. Highlights include the Bosua Pass, the rugged mountain scenery of the Khomas Hochland, and extreme isolation through one of Namibia's least traveled but most scenic corridors.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Gross Barmen Hot Springs
Okahandja
Naturally heated mineral pools with water sourced from a 65°C sulfur spring, cooled to comfortable bathing temperatures. Facilities include a large modern indoor thermal hall, outdoor pools, and the historic ruins of an 1844 Rhenish mission station.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
IJG Trails (Farm Windhoek)
Windhoek
Extensive 50km+ network of mountain biking and hiking trails ranging from easy to expert difficulty. Elevation gain varies by route (up to 600m on peak loops). Popular for international MTB enthusiasts. Bike rental: Cycletec (cycletec.com.na).
Visit website →Rooibos Trail
Windhoek
9km moderate loop trail through the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve with an elevation gain of approximately 350m. Typically takes 3-4 hours to complete. Offers sightings of zebra, wildebeest, and kudu. Trail access via Daan Viljoen Game Reserve entrance.
Visit website →Moltkeblick Summit Hike
Windhoek
12km challenging out-and-back hike to the highest peak in the Auas Mountains (2,484m). Total elevation gain of roughly 800m. Typically takes 5-7 hours. The trail offers the best 360-degree view of the Windhoek basin and the surrounding plateau.
Visit website →Sweet Thorn Trail
Windhoek
3.5km easy loop trail within the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, ideal for families and birdwatching. Flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours. Focuses on the flora and fauna of the dam and riverine area.
Visit website →Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail
Windhoek
91km challenging multi-day trek typically completed in 6 days. The route traverses the rugged Khomas Hochland mountains with significant elevation gains exceeding 3,000m total. Requires booking through the trail association. Known for its 'Otjiseva' and 'Düsternbrook' sections.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Na'ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
Windhoek
A world-renowned wildlife sanctuary offering guided carnivore feedings and ancient San bushman walks in a scenic rural setting.
Visit website →Ombo Rest Camp
Okahandja
A family-friendly farm experience featuring guided tours of ostrich and crocodile enclosures alongside a variety of local farm animals.
Visit website →Daan Viljoen Game Reserve
Windhoek
A peaceful mountain reserve where families can walk freely among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests without the presence of large predators.
Visit website →Düsternbrook Safari Guest Farm
Windhoek
The oldest guest farm in Namibia, providing a classic rural experience with cheetah and leopard sightings and mountain hiking trails.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
Windhoek
A world-renowned sanctuary where families can take guided tours to see rehabilitated cheetahs, lions, and wild dogs.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
National Art Gallery of Namibia
Windhoek
The country's premier art institution showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary and historical Namibian and African artworks in a modern space.
Visit website →Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Gallery
Windhoek
A dynamic cultural hub that frequently hosts public exhibitions focusing on contemporary photography, mixed media, and cross-cultural artistic collaborations.
Visit website →Omba Gallery
Windhoek
Situated within the historic Old Breweries building, this gallery features rotating exhibitions of high-quality Namibian fine arts, photography, and traditional crafts.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Action Arena
Windhoek
A high-energy adventure park featuring a variety of outdoor activities including paintball, laser tag, and team-building games for active travelers.
Visit website →Farm Windhoek (IJG Trails)
Windhoek
A premier outdoor recreation hub offering over 70 kilometers of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running through the Khomas Hochland foothills.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Avis Dam Nature Reserve
Windhoek
A scenic nature retreat on the edge of the city providing tranquil walking trails around a reservoir, popular for birdwatching and sunsets.
Von Bach Dam Nature Reserve
Okahandja
A serene water-based nature reserve near Okahandja, ideal for peaceful birding and enjoying the rugged arid landscape scenery.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Parliament Gardens
Windhoek
A perfectly manicured formal park providing a lush green escape with colorful flower beds between Namibia's historic government buildings.
National Botanical Garden of Namibia
Windhoek
A hilltop conservation area showcasing Namibia's unique desert-adapted flora and indigenous succulents through well-maintained walking trails.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Gibeon Meteorite Display
Windhoek
The world's largest public display of meteorites, featuring 33 extraterrestrial iron masses mounted in a pedestrian mall.
National Earth Science Museum
Windhoek
A fascinating museum showcasing Namibia's geological treasures, including prehistoric fossils, rare minerals, and meteorites.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Gross Barmen Resort
Okahandja
A premier state-run thermal spring resort featuring large indoor and outdoor mineral-rich pools, a water slide, and family recreation areas.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Heroes' Acre
Windhoek
An expansive national war memorial and burial site located south of the city, featuring a massive obelisk and a heroic bronze statue of an unknown soldier.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Tintenpalast
Windhoek
The historic 'Ink Palace' houses the Namibian Parliament and is surrounded by the beautiful, public-access Parliament Gardens.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Von Bach Game Park
Okahandja
A tranquil nature reserve centered on a large dam, offering opportunities for bird watching, water sports, and viewing kudu and waterbuck.
Visit website →