Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, dominates the central region of the country. It’s a small, bustling city situated in an airy basin that is flanked by the Auas Mountains to the South-East and the Eros Mountains to the North-East.
Originally inhabited by the Herero, Windhoek became the base of the Nama chief who defeated the Herero in the 19th century. Germany occupied the region in 1885 and so the city became the seat of colonial rule in 1892 as the capital of the colony of Deutsch-Südwestafrika.
During World War I Windhoek was captured by South African troops and became a South African mandate under the League of Nations. Until the independence of Namibia was inaugurated in 1990, Windhoek was recognised as the capital city of South West Africa, as administered by the South African government. It remains the capital city of the Republic of Namibia.
This is the city where most travelling safaris’ through Namibia begin, and also the first point of entry in Namibia should you arrive by aeroplane.
A safe, clean and welcoming city with a rich colonial past makes Windhoek an ideal venue to rest up after a long flight and begin any holiday in Namibia.
