Heart of Namibia’s Towns and Cities

Windhoek

Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, stands out as one of Africa’s most pristine and secure urban environments. It stands as the largest in Namibia, boasting a population of around 250,000 inhabitants. Nestled in a valley embraced by the majestic Eros and Auas Mountains, with the Khomas Highland to the west, Windhoek showcases a captivating fusion of contemporary design and German colonial charm.

The German language and culture continue to shape our experiences in numerous ways. German restaurants offer classic dishes, refreshing beer, and hearty bread, with the added charm of the local language spoken alongside English. Local Township tours offer an exciting glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of everyday life.

The city is brimming with captivating sights, including the Ink Palace or Tintenpalast, the Christ Church or Christuskirche, the impressive Supreme Court Building, and the Reiterdenkmal. The Old Fort Alte Feste, now home to the National Museum and the National College of the Arts, stands as one of the oldest structures, inviting exploration and discovery.

Heroes Acre on the road to Rehoboth stands as a remarkable National symbol of modernity. The Botanical Gardens and Zoo Park are exciting destinations brimming with opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport is situated 45km (28 miles) to the north-east of the city.

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Swakopmund is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

Swakopmund is a vibrant Namibian seaside destination known for its delightful summer warmth. The water tends to be a touch brisk for swimming because of the cold Benguela current, and a mist lingers over the town until about midday. There are numerous captivating historic buildings and a lighthouse towering at 21 metres high.

One of the latest highlights is the aquarium showcasing the wonders of marine life along the Namibian coast; guests can encounter sharks and stingrays up close. The journeys along the dune-lined coastline, whether heading north or south, are truly breathtaking. Also noteworthy is the Welwitschia Drive, which leads to the Moon Landscape at the Swakop River and continues north into the Namib Naukluft Park.

This is the town where the arid sands embrace the vast sea. Vast dunes and shimmering waters beckon visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of exhilarating outdoor pursuits, such as quad biking, sand-boarding, or dolphin cruises.

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Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is a vibrant harbour town bustling with activity, featuring a lively fishing industry and a sea salt production plant. You will find an array of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, along with a range of affordable and cozy places to stay. One of the most captivating features is the expansive natural lagoon, a thriving haven for thousands of seabirds, both those that call it home and those that visit from afar. Flamingos and Pelicans are accompanied by a staggering array of at least 200,000 migratory species.

The Langstrand is a captivating 30km (19 miles) journey along the stunning Namibian coast to Swakopmund. This drive offers breathtaking views and is essential for anyone heading to a resort holiday in Namibia. The renowned Dune 7, located on the edge of town, stands as the tallest sand dune in the region; after ascending to its peak, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking vistas.

Sandwich Harbour awaits just a 45-minute drive for daring 4×4 enthusiasts; upon arrival, adventurers can indulge in fishing and explore the serene freshwater lagoon.

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Okahandja

This charming little town lies 70km (43 miles) north of Windhoek, nestled along the sandy riverbed of the Okavango River, serving as the vibrant commercial hub of the region. Every year, on the Sunday preceding 26 August, a vibrant local festival takes place, known as Maharero Day, where lively celebrations are held to pay tribute to the ancestors of Okahandja. In the town, there are two vibrant centres where creativity and imagination come to life through arts and crafts. Just a short 30-minute journey to the south-west lies the enchanting hot springs of Gross Barmen.
Karibib
This town lies along the highway connecting Windhoek and Swakopmund, and Karibib is renowned for its marble quarries and the unique Black Marble extracted here, the sole location where it can be found globally. Gold is discovered here as well. The Henckert Tourist Centre on Main Street is a must-see, showcasing an impressive array of jewellery, along with precious and semi-precious stones, all set against expansive grounds.
Omaruru
North of Karibib lies the quaint town of Omaruru, nestled along the banks of the Omaruru River. This town thrives with vibrant greenery, thanks to its remarkable groundwater supply, even though the river often runs dry. This town is a vibrant hub for artists and crafters, infusing it with a global essence. Karen Johnston, an American jewellery designer and artist, has created a one-of-a-kind art and craft centre along the Main Road, truly distinct from anything else. In the Erongo Mountains nearby, a variety of intriguing caves await exploration.
Gobabis
Gobabis lies approximately 200km (124 miles) east of Windhoek and serves as the hub for this area. Nearby lies an orphanage dedicated to big cats and other wild creatures, known as the Harnas Lion, Leopard and Cheetah Farm.

Gobabis serves as an excellent waypoint on the journey to Johannesburg, traversing Botswana through the Buitpos border post, located an additional 110km (68 miles) ahead. This route has become faster than before thanks to the Kalahari highway, yet amenities in Botswana remain sparse and the landscape is quite plain. More captivating paths can be found through Maun and Nata in the north-east of Namibia.

Exploring the Towns and Cities of Northern and Eastern Namibia

Khorixas

Khorixas serves as the heart of Damaraland, featuring a petrol station, a few shops, and various accommodation options, but it truly shines with its remarkable attractions nearby. A National Monument known as Twyfelfontein, or ‘Doubtful Spring,’ is located about 90km (56 miles) west of Khorixas.

It boasts an incredible collection of rock engravings, the largest found anywhere on the planet. The exact age of these engravings remains a mystery, but they are believed to be approximately 6000 years old. Just a short distance from Twyfelfontein, explorers can marvel at the stunning basalt columns known as the Organ Pipes and wander through a Petrified Forest, where ancient tree trunks stand tall at around 300 million years old.

In the South, approximately 150km (93 miles) from Khorixas, lies Namibia’s tallest mountain, the Brandberg Massif, featuring a peak that rises to 2573 metres, known as Knigstein.

Otjiwarongo

This town lies 250km (155 miles) from Windhoek and 50km (31 miles) to the west of the Waterberg Plateau. The little town is vibrant, thriving, and well-kept. This region boasts some of Namibia’s finest lodges, seamlessly connected with esteemed private game farms and reserves.

Here, you will find a crocodile farm, a Cheetah Conservation Trust and Information Centre, as well as the AfriCat Foundation dedicated to the protection of big cats in Africa.

Outjo

Located just 100km (62 miles) from Etosha, this charming town offers all the essentials, including major banks, delightful restaurants, a hospital, hotels, supermarkets, and petrol stations. Do not miss the fantastic German bakery, known for its Black Forest cake, fresh rolls, and light snacks.

Grootfontein

Gootfontein is situated on the main road connecting Windhoek and the Caprivi Strip, offering a perfect spot for an overnight stay. The town boasts vibrant greenery and stunning Jacaranda Trees that burst into bloom during the spring season. In town, you will find a fascinating museum nestled within an ancient fortress. Just half an hour away lies the remarkable site of the largest meteorite ever discovered, which fell 80,000 years ago. This extraordinary location is now known as Hoba.

Tsumeb

Another inviting accommodation stop, near Etosha and along the route to Caprivi and the far north, Tsumeb is renowned for its mining industry, boasting the highest variety of rare minerals in the world. The local museum offers a great opportunity to learn more about this fascinating aspect of the area. Visitors can observe artisans in action or embark on a journey to the north-west to explore the enigmatic Otjikoto Lake.

Katima Mulilo

This town lies at the heart of the eastern Caprivi, nestled along the banks of the Zambezi River, a fantastic spot for fishing, boating, kayaking, and birdwatching. There is an airport, and the road through here provides an excellent connection to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Here, you will discover a vibrant array of market goods alongside captivating art and craft creations.

Rundu

Rundu lies along the banks of the Okavango River and is often referred to as the entrance to the Caprivi. This place serves as the heart of the region, boasting stunning landscapes and breathtaking sunsets. Engaging pursuits available encompass canoeing and boating – though swimming is off the table because of crocodiles, hiking, and a variety of arts and crafts can also be discovered in the town. This is the perfect spot to refuel and grab some groceries. Travelers should prepare thoughtfully, as there’s truly nothing else between here and Katima

Mulilo.

Oshakati Oshakati serves as the administrative hub for this region in the far north of Namibia, characterized by its expansive and lush landscapes. It boasts contemporary shopping centres, hotels, banks, and several soccer stadiums. Along the main road, a vibrant market infused with African culture offers a wide array of goods, and delicious roadside food is readily available. The Tsandi Royal Homestead nearby offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal families in this region.

Southern Towns

Keetmanshoop

Located 500km (311 miles) south of Windhoek, Keetmanshoop serves as the vibrant economic hub for all of southern Namibia. It is a bustling crossroads and a delightful spot to pause for a moment. A range of lodging options awaits, along with a captivating museum to explore.

Near the town lies the renowned Kokerboom or Quiver Tree Forest, now a National Monument, alongside the Giants Playground, situated on the farm known as Gariganus. Just north of the town lies Brukarros, believed to be a volcano, while to the south-east is the Naute Recreation Resort.

Luderitz

A vibrant and unique town steeped in history, Luderitz is perched on stark rock at the fringe of the Namib Desert, facing the brisk Atlantic winds, thick sea fogs, and tumultuous weather. A major highlight of this place is the outstanding seafood on offer, featuring delights like crayfish and oysters.

The German Art Deco architectural style is prominent throughout the colonial era, with many vividly painted historic buildings on display. The local museum is definitely worth a visit, offering insights into diamond mining, desert life, fishing, marine life, and the indigenous people.

Experience a vibrant waterfront, a stylish yacht club, a rejuvenating wellness centre, and an array of scenic drives and walking paths waiting to be explored. One of the most renowned journeys is to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, which was once the pinnacle of diamond mining; it was eventually deserted when the industry moved to Oranjemund.

A boat trip around the lagoon offers an exciting experience, and those eager to discover a sand rose shaped by crystallised gypsum can reach out to the Nature Conservation Office for a guided adventure to unearth one from Agate Beach.

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Aus

Nestled along a breathtaking route in Namibia, Aus lies between Keetmanshoop and Luderitz. The main draws in this area are the wild horses of Garub; you will find a sign along the highway and a visitor station close to the waterhole. From Aus, it is roughly a one-hour drive to Luderitz. Just before you reach the town, the highway winds through shifting sand dunes, so it is wise to stay alert while navigating this part of the journey.

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Mariental

Located approximately 260km (162 miles) south of Windhoek, Mariental is home to the Hardap Dam and Game Park. The dam, the largest in Namibia, sits on the Fish River and serves as a popular holiday resort. Here, visitors can engage in thrilling watersports, embark on invigorating hikes, and enjoy game viewing, with the exciting chance of spotting a Black Rhino. There are a variety of breathtaking routes to explore as well.

Maltahohe

This town serves as a perfect starting point for those eager to discover the wonders of Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei (where a 4×4 is essential), as well as the breathtaking Sesriem and Kuisib Canyons. Maltahoehe boasts an array of guest farms that provide exciting tours into the vlei.

The hotel in the town exudes a charming German vibe, where delightful meals await. Guests can also witness the artistry of Nama crafters in the nearby area. Nearby attractions feature Duwisib Castle, steeped in fascinating history and now serving as a museum open every day, along with the expansive Namib Rand Reserve.