Windhoek: 13 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Windhoek is the biggest city in Namibia (one of the countries neighbouring South Africa). I’ve never been to Namibia, but I would like to visit this fascinating country.

Here are 13 Interesting facts about Windhoek you might not know

1. The first settlement of the area occurred in 1840 by Jonker Afrikaner who built his first house next to present South African High Commission (previously Berg hotel).

For a long time it was a small settlement abandoned from time to time during Nama-Herero wars. Windhoek was officially founded in 1890 when the Germans built a fort and started to occupy the area permanently.

2. Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and has an estimated population of about 300,000 people.

3. The German colonial era came to an end during World War I when South African troops occupied the city in May 1915 on behalf of the British Empire.

4. Alte Feste (German for “Old Fortress”) was built in 1890 and today houses the National Museum in the city.

5. Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, situated 45 kilometres outside the city, handles well over 400,000 passengers a year. It has 1 runway without capacity limitations.

6. Virtually every Namibian national enterprise has its headquarters in the city.

7. The city is one of the world’s major trade centers for Karakul sheep skins.

8. The first Jacaranda trees were planted in the city in 1917.

9. The dam near the city was constructed in 1930.

10. The city is traditionally known by two names: Ai-Gams, from the Nama people, which literally refers to the hot springs that were once part of Windhoek, while the second name, Otjomuise, meaning a place of steam, was given by the Herero people. Both traditional names reference the hot springs.

11. According to 2023 statistics, the city has a population of over 480,000.

12. Windhoek has a unique charm due to the harmonious blend of African and European cultures, reflected in its architecture, which includes German colonial-style buildings and modern high-rises.

13. One interesting and somewhat unique event that happens in Windhoek is the Windhoek Karneval (WIKA), a lively cultural festival with strong German influences, reflecting Namibia’s colonial past.

This event features colorful masked balls, musical performances, and parades including an Independence Avenue parade for kids. It is an exuberant celebration blending German carnival traditions with local Namibian culture, making it a distinctive and festive occasion in the city.

There you have it, 13 facts you might not have known about Windhoek. If I left anything out, feel free to comment below.

Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.