Things you need to know about Windhoek, Namibia!
Windhoek is the largest city and capital of Namibia. Although it looks large in area, its central area is actually very small and there are hardly any people around once you walk a short distance. The locals are too enthusiastic and will talk to you proactively, but you have to figure out whether they are genuinely enthusiastic or have ulterior motives.
This place is more of a transfer and check-in point, there is not much to do here.
✅Must-check-in:
1. The most beautiful church in Dehoek
Christ Church is a Lutheran church affiliated to the German-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. The church was built after the Herero Wars between the Germans and the Khoikhoi, Herero and Ovambo peoples, and its foundation stone was laid on August 11, 1907, and was originally called the Church of Peace. Constructed of quartz sandstone quarried near Avis Dam, the style is influenced by Romanesque Revival, Art Nouveau, and Gothic Revival architectural styles. The portico is made of Carrara marble imported from Italy, and the clock and part of the roof were shipped from Germany.
2. St. Marien Kathedrale
This church is located next to a hospital. It has a yellow spire and a backyard. It is very beautiful and full of European charm. You can walk all the way from the Handicraft Center to the CBD area, which is bustling during the day and becomes deserted in the evening.
3. Joe’s Beer House
This restaurant is highly praised in the local area. I came here with my friends because of its reputation. As expected, friends who like shabby and nostalgic things will definitely like it. It is a restaurant made up of broken copper, iron, old antiques and bits and pieces, but it is messy and orderly.
The atmosphere created is very casual and holiday-like. The area is huge, and some houses have two floors, large courtyards, and thatched umbrellas. Especially at night, there is a lot of drinking.
It serves a variety of Western food, especially the pork knuckle eisbein. But you have to distinguish between pork elbow and pork shoulder. The latter is cooked in the same way as pork chops and is just so-so. There is also antelope meat. The smoothie is too sweet, remember to say half sugar.
🛍️Shopping:
1. The largest supermarkets in Namibia are SuperSpar, OK, Pick N Pay. There is Spar in the southeast of Windhoek. I recommend a 500ml yellow mixed fruit yogurt, which costs less than RMB 10. It is very delicious and thick.
2. To purchase souvenirs, we recommend going to the Namibia Craft Centre. It is three or four stories high and is filled with local African handicraft shops. The quality of the goods varies and the prices are relatively high. But you can really buy things there, such as silver + beast head bracelets, woolen knitting products, and ethnic-style fabrics, which are very cost-effective.
3. Remember to check the origin of things from other places, many of them are made in China.
🗺️Map:
You can search for place names on Google, it’s very accurate.
🆘Safety:
Don’t take photos of the locals in ethnic costumes on the road. If you take photos, they will ask you for money. If you don’t take photos, they will ask you for money, regardless of whether you are an adult or a child.
People get off work at 5 o'clock. There is a brief peak with heavy traffic, but half an hour later all the shops on the street are closed and there are very few pedestrians. Be sure not to go to places with few people, keep an eye on your belongings, hold your cell phone, and don't look around while walking.
🔌Plug:
It uses the South African standard three-round plug, but most hotels will have European standard plugs or universal plugs, so just bring a universal adapter. You can also ask the hotel for a converter.
💰Currency:
If you don’t buy food on the road, don’t park at the supermarket, and don’t stay in a hotel in Etosha, there are very few places on the road where you can use cash, so you don’t need to change it.
📱Network:
You can only buy local phone cards, no mobile roaming devices to rent or phones purchased domestically