Overlooking the water while at Dursternbrook Game Drive.

Known for its amazing wildlife and diverse scenery, Namibia is a country located in south west Africa. The country is blessed with a west coast that borders the Atlantic ocean, vast desert and dunes in the south, and amazing wildlife and national parks in the north. Due to its vast history and breathtaking nature, Namibia is a destination I’ve always wanted to visit.

Are you planning a trip to Namibia, flying into Windhoek, and wondering what activities there are to do in the area? Curious about how to spend 24 hours in Windhoek? Read below for top activities to do in Windhoek and for insights on how to spend your day in the Namibian capital!

What are the top attractions to visit in Windhoek, Namibia?

Iconic landmark:

Christuskirche (Christ Church)

Museums:

Independence Museum
National Art Gallery of Namibia

Historical Attractions:

Alte Feste (Old Fortress)
Tintenpalast: Namibian Parliament Building and Parliamentary Gardens
Heroes Acre

Nature:

Avis Dam Nature Reserve
Visit a Game Reserve or Guest Farm

Insights for Visiting Windhoek

How many days should you spend in Windhoek?

Windhoek is usually a main point of entry into Namibia because of the international airport. Spending around 2 -3 days in Windhoek will provide you with adequate time to visit attractions in the city center, explore surrounding neighborhoods, and spend time at a game drive or guest house, before heading out to other parts of Namibia.

What’s the best way to get around?

If you’re within the city center, Windhoek is walk-able. However if you’re going long distances around the city and to surrounding neighborhoods outside the center, taking a taxi is a good way to move around.

3 different ways to Spend A day in Windhoek

1. Visit a Guest Farm and Go on a game drive

Namibia is home to amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. While in Windhoek, visit one of the guest farms that are located in the surrounding areas of Windhoek, right outside of the city center. Spend your day in nature and doing recreational activities unique to the guest farm you’re visiting, such going on nature walks and experiencing a game drive.

My experience visiting Dursternbrook Game Drive

In choosing a game drive, I did extensive research into options in Windhoek, taking into account travelers' experiences and reviews, distance from our accommodation, and availability (I visited during Christmas holidays). After considering all options, I booked a tour at Dursternbrook, a family owned guest farm, 45 minutes from Windhoek. Dursternbrook provided the guide, vehicle, and water, but visitors are responsible for transportation to and from the site. The game drive was 2 hours, spanning the property, and provided an unforgettable experience.

Imagine driving through vast and open beautiful greenery, fresh air blowing on your face and not a worry on your mind. The environment is calm and tranquil… next you spot a Giraffe, then a Kudu! Both are just casually going about their day (nothing to see here). The journey continues with more views and concludes with a stop by the lake for snacks and to see the Hippos. Such an unbelievable and breathtaking way to spend the day! For a first timer, what made the experience amazing was the scenery and people. Most of all the guide at Dursternbrook, did a great job of making everyone feel safe, welcomed, and at ease.

Statue of Sam Nujoma overlooking the city center and Christuskirche.

2. Visit Windhoek’s Top Attractions by taking a City Tour

Windhoek is home to a variety of top attractions and historical sites, which provide insight into Namibian History and culture. With a short amount in town, it’s very helpful that most of the sites in the city center are located close to each other. To use your time efficiently, take a guided city tour to visit all locations without worrying about transportation and to get insights into history and culture.

My experience taking a city tour

I signed up for a city tour through Chameleon Safari. The tour is a full day excursion, which brings together travelers from all over. Chameleon Safari provides the vehicle, tour guide, and transport to and from your accommodation. Similarly to most city tours, you’ll be moving to and from locations by car but walking to see the sights. Here are the locations visited on the tour:

Alte Feste (Old Fortress)

Christuskirche (Christ Church)
Independence Museum
Tintenpalast: Namibian Parliament Building and Parliamentary Gardens
Katatura Township

I enjoyed my experience and what made the tour memorable was learning about Namibia’s history and culture, and gaining insight into everyday life from a local.

Christuskirche

Sam Nujoma Statue and Independence Museum

3. Explore Downtown Windhoek

Another way to consider spending your day in Windhoek, is to dedicate some time to exploring the downtown area. Take a leisurely walk through the area. Apart from the city center being know for major attractions such as Alte Feste, Christuskirche, Independence Museum, etc, it’s also home to the Namibian Craft center (stop by for arts, jewelry, and other crafts produced by local artisans) and to malls such as Carl list Mall, Wernhil Mall, and Town Square Mall.

Additionally, while there stop by the the Hilton Windhoek, which is home to a beautiful rooftop, offering amazing views of the city, and to the EKIPA restaurant, which provided delicious breakfast and dinner options.

My experience

In walking downtown, what I enjoyed and gained from exploring the area is the perspective it provided into daily life. Although travelers visit Namibia for its wildlife and scenery, take some time to gain insight into culture and everyday life by walking around neighborhoods, visiting the craft center, and strolling through the local malls.

Takeaways.

My experience in Windhoek was amazing and unbelievable! If Namibia is on your list, go experience the breathtaking nature and welcoming culture the country has to offer, and also learn about its striking and painful history. As you arrive or depart through Namibia’s capital city, leverage this list for options on how to spend 24 hours (or longer) in Windhoek.

TIP: I was in Windhoek during the Christmas holiday period, which meant shops and activities were closed. If you’re considering traveling during this time period, keep that in mind. Alternatively my recommendation is to spend the Christmas holiday by the coast (Swakopmund, where the locals go) and New Years in Windhoek.