A small, friendly capital, Windhoek is spread across a wide valley between bush-covered hills. As you stroll through the centre, the pavement cafés and picturesque old German architecture conspire to give a spacious, European feel, whilst street vendors remind you that this is Africa. The office blocks are tall, but not skyscrapers, and the pace is active, but not frantic. The shops are good, especially for leather, gems and African curios, and the few restaurants are great value.

Where to stay in Windhoek

On your arrival, we often suggest a night at one of Windhoek's high-quality guesthouses – to give you time and space to relax. Windhoek isn't a stand-alone destination, but it's often used for over-night stops in-between flights, and places to stay here include:

Heinitzburg Hotel

Very stylish yet traditional, the Heinitzburg Hotel is a converted castle with superb views of the city. It has 16 luxurious en-suite rooms, several dining sites, a great wine cellar and a pool. (Read more about Heinitzburg Hotel…)

Hilltop House

Hilltop House is a converted art studio in the pleasant district of Klein Windhoek. It has seven large, individually styled bedrooms and pretty gardens with a pool surrounded by a wooden sundeck. (Read more about Hilltop House…)

Olive Grove

With 11 stylish, Moroccan-themed rooms, all with verandas, the Olive Grove has plenty of space, a refreshing contemporary feel and cool, grey interiors. The welcome is warm, the food excellent and the bathrooms indulgent. (Read more about Olive Grove…)

Terra Africa

Terra Africa is great for those who love art; with its fine collection of Namibian and Ugandan art, and landscaped gardens, it makes a friendly base for a night or two. Its 10 guestrooms are individually decorated and comfortably furnished. (Read more about Terra Africa…)

Haus Sonneneck

Set in Eros Park, one of Windhoek's suburbs, Haus Sonneneck makes a very good base for families. It has eight spacious en-suite rooms, and every room comes with a small stretch of private garden. (Read more about Haus Sonneneck…)

Pension Palmquell

Pension Palmquell has 16 large en-suite rooms, equipped with extra-long beds, and decorated with unique Namibian artworks. Main facilities include lovely gardens with a large swimming pool, a comfortable lounge and a well-stocked bar. (Read more about Pension Palmquell…)

The Elegant Bed & Breakfast

Just a five minutes' drive from Windhoek's business district you'll find the Elegant B&B. It has five double guest rooms, as well as communal self-catering facilities. Landscaped gardens invite you to relax and unwind, and there's also a refreshing pool. (Read more about the Elegant B&B…)

The Elegant Guesthouse

Situated in Klein Windhoek, the Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly option for over-night stops near the busy city centre. Its six rooms are decorated in neutral colours, and feature en-suite bathrooms, TVs and air-conditioning. (Read more about the Elegant Guesthouse…)

Hotel Pension Thule

Set on a hill overlooking Windhoek, Hotel Pension Thule has 25 large and modern rooms, and a restaurant serving Namibian-flavoured international cuisine; there's also a sparkling pool and a bar. (Read more about Hotel Pension Thule…)

Kalahari Sands Hotel

Kalahari Sands Hotel is a large complex, with 173 rooms and suites, set in the heart of Windhoek's business district. It features a restaurant and a bar, as well as a rooftop pool, a gym and a casino. (Read more about Kalahari Sands Hotel…)

Rivendell Guesthouse

Rivendell Guesthouse is an affordable and family-friendly option for over-night stays in Windhoek. It has well-equipped self-catering facilities, though breakfast is also available on request. There's also a large patio with swimming pool, as well as a lounge with TV. (Read more about Rivendell Guest House…)

Villa Verde

Villa Verde stands close to Windhoek's centre, and has 16 individually decorated en-suite rooms. The room facilities vary a little, but all rooms have TVs, telephones and mini-bars/fridges. Outside, you'll find lush tropical gardens and a pool. (Read more about Villa Verde…)

Places to stay around Windhoek

Well outside the city of Windhoek, there are a couple of places to stay which we occasionally use when our travellers request them, and these include:

Gocheganas Wellness Village

29km southeast of Windhoek, within its own 60km² reserve lies Gocheganas Wellness Village. It has 16 individual guest chalets, and activities include games drives with a qualified guide, as well as pampering treatments in Gocheganas superb spa. (Read more about Gocheganas Wellness Village…)

Amani Lodge

Amani Lodge stands 28km southwest of Windhoek, in the heart of the Namibian veld. Here, activities focus on Africa's big cats; the lodge is home to a number of lion, leopard and cheetah. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the restaurant serves French-influenced cuisine. (Read more about Amani Lodge…)

Daan Vilijoen Resort

Daan Vilijoen Resort is not only a lodge, but also a small game park 20km west of Windhoek. Accommodation is in 22 chalets, with basic self-catering facilities and washbasins. There are no en-suite bathrooms, but separate shower-blocks. It's a great place for keen bird-watchers. (Read more about Daan Vilijoen Resort…)

Etango Ranch Guest Farm

The attraction of Etango Ranch Guest Farm is usually its proximity to Windhoek's international airport. It's a small, owner-run place with six simple African-style rooms, swimming pool, dining area, lounge and bar. (Read more about Etango Ranch Guest Farm…)

Township Tours

If you have some spare time whilst staying in Windhoek, we can arrange very interesting township tours for you. Local guides will take you to Katutura, an old apartheid township 10km from Windhoek, and explore the area's bustling markets, cafes and local life with you. Ask us for details, or click here to read more about Township Tours in Windhoek.

Desert Express between Windhoek to Swakopmund

The Desert Express is a luxury train service that runs overnight between Windhoek and Swakopmund, once every week in either direction. Dine in style as the sun sets and the moon rises above spectacular Namibian landscapes, then retire to your compact, comfortable cabin, with its en-suite shower and toilet. Click here to read more about the Desert Express, or ask our team for further details, and note that we will have to design your itinerary around the train's schedule.

Small group safaris including Windhoek with Wild about Africa

When going on a safari holiday to Namibia, Windhoek makes a convenient stop-over, as many travellers arrive here late in the evening, or depart early in the morning. Wild about Africa specialises in simple camping adventures, luxury camping safaris and exclusive safari holidays to Namibia and Botswana; most itineraries include a night or two in Windhoek. (Read more about Small group Namibia safaris visiting Windhoek…)


^ Top of page