Windhoek Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Windhoek tours and things to do in Namibia’s capital and safari gateway: tour the colonial city and vibrant Katutura township, meet cheetahs at nearby sanctuaries, head out on game drives to spot African wildlife, and journey to the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Windhoek by interest
Whatever brings you to Windhoek — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Windhoek
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Game Drives
African wildlife.
Cheetahs
Sanctuary visits.
Sossusvlei
Red dunes.
Namib Desert
Golden sands.
Katutura
Township life.
Nature Reserves
Wild scenery.
Plains Game
Oryx & zebra.
City Centre
Colonial capital.
Multi-day awaySossusvlei
Red dunes.
30 min awayCheetah Sanctuary
Rescued cheetahs.
Reserve awayGame Drive
Plains game.
City awayKatutura
Township life.
30 min awayDaan Viljoen
Nature reserve.
City awayCity Tour
Colonial capital.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Windhoek visitor asks before booking.
Dry (May–Oct)
Cool, dry days — the best time for wildlife.
Peak safari (Jul–Sep)
Prime game viewing at waterholes.
Green (Nov–Apr)
Warmer with rains and green landscapes.
Winter nights
Dry-season nights can be cold — pack warm.
For photography
Dry season for clear desert light.
Best overall
May to October for safaris and deserts.
One day
The city, township and a cheetah visit.
Two days
Add a game drive and nature reserve.
Three+ days
Add a Sossusvlei desert safari.
For wildlife
Game drives and cheetah sanctuaries.
For the desert
A multi-day Sossusvlei safari.
For culture
A Katutura township tour.
On foot
The centre is small and walkable.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach reserves, sanctuaries and Sossusvlei.
By air
Hosea Kutako airport links Windhoek to the world.
By car
A hire car or safari vehicle for the deserts.
Where to stay
Stay near the centre or a guest lodge.
Namibian dollar
Namibia uses the dollar; the rand is also accepted.
Game drives
Go early morning for the best wildlife.
Cheetahs
Time your visit for the feeding sessions.
Sossusvlei
Allow two to three days for the desert.
Township tour
Go with a local guide for real insight.
Sun & water
Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
Warm layers
Desert and winter nights get cold.
Sossusvlei safaris
Multi-day trips fill up — book well ahead.
Game drives
Game drives fill up — reserve early.
Cheetah visits
Sanctuary visits fill up — book ahead.
Township tours
Small tours fill up — reserve early.
Lodges
The best lodges book out — reserve early.
Dry season
July to September is busiest — book well ahead.
City tour
Around $27–50 for a city and township tour.
Game drive
About $25–60 for a half-day game drive.
Cheetah visit
Roughly $35–70 for a cheetah sanctuary tour.
Sossusvlei safari
Around $130–400 for a multi-day desert safari.
Nature reserve
About $41–80 for a nature reserve tour.
How to save
Join group safaris to save over private ones.
Windhoek through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Wildlife & desert.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Game viewing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Waterholes.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot.
- Best for
- Green scenery.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rains.