DESTINATION

Windhoek

The practical gateway to a carefully prepared Namibia journey.

WHY GO

Windhoek: what to know before you go.

Windhoek is Namibia's capital and the gateway for most journeys. It sits on the central highlands at roughly 1,700 m, about 40 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport, and is where most visitors collect a vehicle, stock up and start their route.

When to visit

Windhoek is pleasant most of the year. The dry season (roughly May to October) brings sunny days and cold nights; the wetter months (roughly November to April) are hotter, with afternoon storms. Because it is a base rather than a safari stop, season matters less here than for the rest of your route.

How to get there

Most international flights land at Hosea Kutako International Airport, around 40 minutes by road from the city. Windhoek is the natural start of a self-drive: every major route radiates from it on the B1, B2 and B6 highways.

Highlights

Christuskirche and the city centre

The 1910 Lutheran church and nearby colonial-era buildings give a compact walking introduction to the capital.

Independence Memorial Museum and Heroes' Acre

Good context on Namibia's history before you head into the landscapes.

Katutura and local markets

Guided visits show a different side of the city, including food markets and community enterprises.

First-day supplies

A day in Windhoek is the easiest time to buy groceries, water, a local SIM card and cash before the road.

Practical tips

Arrive with a buffer day if you can: it makes the vehicle handover, shopping and first-night rest much easier. Avoid driving long distances after dark in your first days. Distances and driving times are approximate and depend on route, season and road conditions. Tsawises confirms the route, vehicle and timings in your written proposal.