Windhoek at a glance

Windhoek, the vibrant capital of Namibia, is an exceptional mixture of history and future-forward thinking - as evident in the incredible plethora of properties on offer in this bustling city.

From large residential properties to investment development - it is an exciting blend of modern architecture and Victorian-style buildings - making it impossible to resist and easy to fall in love with.

Traditionally, Windhoek was known as Ai-Gams (Hot Springs) in the Nama language and Otjomuise (Place of Steam) in the Herero language. It is not certain whether the name ‘Windhoek’ refers to the city’s sometimes windy weather or to the Winterhoek Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape province where her first settler, Jonker Afrikaner’s ancestors had lived.

It is about 1700m above sea level and sprawled across the foothills of the Auas, Eros, and Khomas Hochland Mountains. Windhoek is rapidly expanding, despite the difficulties and high costs caused by the region’s hilly topography. Since Jan Jonker Afrikaner’s first settlement in 1840 and the more official founding of Windhoek by Curt von Francois during Colonial German rule in 1890, the city has grown to cover about 600 plus square kilometres of built area, including more than 30 suburbs.

The whole range of Namibia’s cultures is represented in its capital city. A strong European element, especially German, co-exists with the country’s indigenous cultures, like Herero, Ovambo, Damara, Nama, Kavango, Caprivi, and San. This gives rise to an interesting variety of languages to be heard on the streets, despite the fact that English is the only official language and also the main language of education in the country.

For shoppers, Windhoek is a mecca of charming little craft and curio shops, as well as more commercial enterprises. Shopping malls like The Grove Mall in Kleine Kuppe, host a glamorous collection of retail stores, restaurants, and a vast parking area. At 45 000 square metres it is one of the larger shopping centres in Africa. Scattered throughout the city, is a variety of eateries that will satisfy the fussiest palate, representing Namibia’s culinary scene. German, Mediterranean, Chinese, and American cuisine can be enjoyed along with traditional African dishes in numerous restaurants, cafés, and bistros.

The property business is booming in Windhoek. With rapid urbanization and population growth, property values are on the rise, and numerous new housing developments still cannot fulfill the demand for accommodation in the city. Opportunities for real estate investors are exciting with a wide selection of properties on the market. In and around Windhoek vacant erven, farmland, and lifestyle estates compete with large and lovely mansions, charming smaller homes, tasteful apartments, and guest establishments to be purchased.

Windhoek – vibrant, yet peaceful; teaming with life and activity, yet one of the cleanest cities in the world; grand old dame and intoxicatingly attractive seductress!