Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is a vibrant city situated more or less in the centre of the country. It is surrounded by the hills of the Khomas Highlands and the climate is semi-arid.

The city is named after Winterhoek, a farm in the Western Cape, where the family of the founder of the city lived. But if you are lost and mention the word “Otjomuise” (Herero for “place of steam”) or “ǀAiǁGams” (Khoekhoe for “hot springs”), you will also be pointed to Windhoek.

Both these traditional names refer to the hot springs near the centre of Windhoek. The city boasts a large number of accommodation establishments. The Windhoek Country Club is a 5-star hotel, while the Safari Hotel is a 3- and 4-star establishment. Arebbush Lodge and Monteiro Lodge offer self-catering (self-contained) accommodation in the south of Windhoek, while the Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve is 25 km west of Windhoek.