Things to do in Windhoek

Top Things to Do in Windhoek

Things to Do in Windhoek


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Windhoek.


Top Attractions in Windhoek

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Daan Viljoen Game Park.Just 24 km west of Windhoek lies a sanctuary for a relatively large population of game species typical of Namibia's highlands. Proclaimed before Independence to preserve the ecosystem of the Khomas Hochland, the park was named after a former Administrator, Mr Daan Viljoen, who played a major part in establishing the park.The convenient location of the park makes Daan Viljoen an ideal venue for day visits and a perfect stopover for tourists seeking the tranquillity of the bush.FACT FILEPark size: 40 km2Year proclaimed: 1968Natural features: Khomas Hochland Plateau, scenic views of the Windhoek valleyVegetation: Highland shrubland, with various Acacia species, kudu bush (Combretum apiculatum) and buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata).Wildlife: Mammals are springbok, kudu, eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, Hartmann's mountain zebra, leopard and klipspringer. Of 200 bird species, endemics include Ruppell's parrot, white-tailed shrike and Monteiro's hornbill.Tourism: The newly renovate Sun Karros Daan Viljoen opened its doors in October 2011. This privately run establishment entered into Public Private Partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resort and Sun Karros Lifestyle Safaris now offers selection of services to the leisure, business and day visitor after three years of construction. The Main lodge comprises of 19 luxury contemporary chalets, 12 well-appointed campsites, three tech-fit conference rooms. The reception area holds a, lounge, kiosk and IT station for in house guests to connect. The Boma Restaurant and pool area is where leisure, business and day visitors can enjoy scrumptious daily meals and beverages.Conservation successesWith game drives and hiking trails, Daan Viljoen is easily accessible to residents of Windhoek and provides an ideal place for visiting school children to learn more about wildlife and conservation in Namibia.Key management issuesPoaching is problematic due to Daan Viljoen adjoining a high-density residential area. The Augeigas River, which runs through the park, is polluted.
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What travellers are saying

  • ddsiria
    Seoul, South Korea5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are various souvenirs such as magnets, pouches, and paintings, so it's good to look around and buy. You can use a credit card.
    Written 28 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AndrejaKo
    Maribor, Slovenia1 069 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was one of the most colorful part of our trip. If you are a photographer, I'd say take a whole day, because you'll be stopping a lot. The colors, the panorama. Delightful.
    We also came across 3 dudes on bicycles. Which is absolutely crazy. Especially due to the temperatures.
    Written 9 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dewald R
    Cape Town Central, South Africa2 629 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Christuskirche is a beautiful and iconic landmark in Windhoek. It is easy to find and has free and clean parking. The church is also very central to other tourist attractions, so you can easily walk to other places from here. However, be vigilant during your visit, as there were some persistent people, possibly scammers, trying to bother tourists in the vicinity. If you are polite and firm, they will usually leave you alone. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Christuskirche is definitely worth a visit.
    Written 27 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark4 068 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve is an expansive natural haven with wild (though not dangerous) animals, making it a safe destination for hiking.

    We embarked on the 9 km long, well-marked Rooibos Trail, weaving up and down gentle hills and small rocks in a savannah-like landscape. The trek takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, requiring ample water and perhaps a light snack. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended.

    Surprisingly, we encountered no fellow hikers along the way, and wildlife sightings were moderate. However, the 5 km drive from the park's entrance to the reception offered glimpses of giraffes, wildebeests, monkeys, and turtles.

    Rooibos Trail is suitable for anyone in reasonably good shape, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate. The entrance fee is remarkably affordable for both guests and vehicles.
    Written 22 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CDNMarmalade
    Edmonton, Canada140 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On one of the first days in Windhoek, we walked from our apartment to theses gardens. They are located on the hill behind the Hilton Hotel. They were interesting as much for the variety of indigenous plants as for the insect and birdlife. We were watching out for snakes as they like to bask in the early morning warmth of the footpaths, but none appeared. Saw bee-eaters, lovebirds, starlings, wagtails and Pririt Batis plus some enormous wasps! From the top of the Garden you can see all the way across the valley to the east.

    We were also fortunate to meet Gerhart, the Director of the Botanical Research facility attached to the gardens. He answered all our questions and explained the research they are working on.

    The walk to the gardens was eventful too as there were plenty of birds and there are Dassies in the rocks below the road too. Well worth the time spent!
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John H
    Bedford, UK32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our guide was Lawrence. This gentleman is exceptionally knowledgeable and well informed about his own country. A self drive tour would have meant we would have missed so much. Lawrence did an excellent job, showing flexibility when conditions changed, and kept a close eye on any stragglers when we were walking in isolated areas.The crew, who set up the camps, and prepared the meals were very efficient and part of the experience. The meals were excellent, and considering the desert conditions, just amazing.
    Written 3 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CDNMarmalade
    Edmonton, Canada140 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm a train nut and a history buff, so this was perfect for me. The museum has plenty of things to see and touch from the history of the railway, which still operates, and there are locomotives and other pieces outside to see too. Dixon was a fabulous guide and very informative about the railway's history and the items on display.

    The museum is located on the top floor of the original German station building, close to the centre of town
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • adgilcan
    United Kingdom32 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fine hotel in the centre of Windhoek but beware the chaotic administrative staff. I booked an extra night after my initial booking and had problems with the hotel from that point on. Firstly, the luxury car transfer from the airport didn't arrive (despite me checking before leaving home) and I was asked to share a standard Toyota saloon car with others. I was still billed for the limousine. Despite being asked to merge the two bookings, I still had to get my key revalidated for my second night as the two bookings were still separate and they hadn't checked me in for the second night. At least they didn't ask me to change rooms! On check out they, initially, only charged me for one night but when I queried it they then increased it to more than the total two nights payable. In the end, with a taxi waiting, I let it go and they gained an extra $200 NAD for reasons which are still unclear to me.

    Having said all that, the hotel is centrally located near a shopping mall, the rooms are a good size and to a very good business class standard. The rooftop bar/restaurant is probably the best in town with good food and excellent views of the city and surrounding hills.

    Would I stay there again? Certainly but I would be very much on my guard against the, seemingly, incompetent back office staff who don't do what they say they already have. I spoke to the hotel Duty Manager the night before checkout but whether she took any action not I don't know. What I do know is that they tried to charge me for a service I didn't receive (City Cabs is a 3rd party provider but operating under their umbrella and charged to the hotel account) and bumped up the agreed bill for no fathomable reason. They also won't let you charge any food or beverage to your room unless you have left a healthy deposit at reception but they don't tell you this until you try to sign to the room.

    All in all a good hotel but with some fundamental administrative flaws and staff training issues they need to address.
    Written 23 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EJM2005
    Lusaka238 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    In terms of shopping and food, the Grove has better options. That said, we loved the family entertainment options at this mall. Our kids loved the climbing wall, trampolining, glow in the dark golf and we all enjoyed the ten-pin bowling - great family activity. We found ourselves going back a couple of times during our holiday in Windhoek. Would highly recommend the entertainment area of Maerua Mall.
    Written 10 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dianedinky
    Dunfermline, UK791 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is certainly central as it is right beside the gingerbread church and you can get both in your photo if you so wish. I started by going to the top level and working my way down. There are superb views from the various viewing points at the top. There is also a very nice eatery that is more than a cafe but not quite a restaurant. I had the chicken mayo toastie with fries and it was absolutely delicious and ridiculously cheap.
    The museum itself is also a great place. It is only when you read or hear of the stories that you realise what a violent and sad history Namibia has. The information is very well presented both visually and audibly (with commentaries starting when you step on designated points).
    You could easily spend a few hours here going through all the different floors. I myself was a bit pushed for time but got a good idea of it in the hour I had by reading over the main exhibits. I don't think you need to visit any other museums if doing this one.
    Only downside was the erratic lift which refused to work on the 1st Floor. I couldn't get to Ground as the stairs only take you to a basement. I had to take the stairs all the way back to the top and then get a different lift down and out. Maybe designed this way so you take in a floor at a time and finish at the cafe but I was hungry so started there.
    Written 31 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Know_lizel
    Windhoek, Namibia23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I am glad we acted on the recommendation of a great wine connoisseur.
    We had a lovely birthday wine tasting in the lushes green Otavi valley, right next to the vineyard. Gilmar with his great knowledge of wine; telling us where Namibian wines all started. We had to buy bottles to take home. Diane took us through their brewery and cellar to show us where the magic happens. They even have cosy and well equipped self-catering cottages and campsites, if you want to stay overnight. Great Namibian hospitality and cannot wait to be back after the completion of the wine tasting room. Thank you again, until next time!
    Written 26 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jacqueline C
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The stores are never ending. Very neat and has food places to sit and eat. Lots of taxis. Near Avani, so you can walk there.
    Written 25 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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