12 Tips for Living in Windhoek, Namibia

By odl

An expat talks about living in Windhoek, Namibia - where to meet people, the international school, healthcare and hospitals, cost of living and more.

Expat Life in Windhoek

Usually for work reasons

Cost of Living in Windhoek, Namibia

Very affordable for foreigners, the rand / Namibian dollar is weak and USD and euros buy a lot here. A nice 4 bed house with pool can be rented for under $2000/month.

Local Clubs and Organizations

IWAN for wives of posted diplomats and workers (http://iwan.com.na/) Running and biking clubs on whatsApp (check Harriers, Windhoek City Runners, IJG Trails, OTB)

International Schools in Windhoek

Only 1 international school: Windhoek International School which is very good and offers IB for primary years and grades 11 and 12, Cambridge evaluated IGCSE for middle school. Currently small class sizes due to struggling local economy but strong academics and diverse, open-minded community. Sports facilities could be stronger but a sports zone is planned for construction in 2021. Overall a great education compared to other local private schools. (wis.edu.na)

Shopping in Windhoek

Best store is Spar Lifestyle beyond the Maerua Mall. They carry a lot of imported products and have a great bakery. Best meats can be gotten at Food Lovers Market near the Grove Mall. Best bakery is in a Puma station on Nelson Mandela (Eros), called EAT. Very nice bio/organic market every Sunday in Klein Windhoek across from Wilde Ende on Uhland /Kenneth Kaunda street (8-12 am)

Public Transportation

Not much - lots of taxis but not for foreigners. Use Dial-A-Cab or a car service like MVP (Ask for Thomas (+264 813076924)

Climate

Very hot but dry!!! In June/July/August very cold in the nights and mornings but gets up to +20 during the day. In Dec/Jan/Feb is about +35 most days and hot at night. AC is not common

Restaurants and Nightlife

A few high quality restaurants: Stellenbosch, Isabelle's Table. El Barrio, Leo's Garden, Sardinia, Hotel Thule, Krisjans, Butcher's Block, Cape Town Fish Market, The Hilton (Indian on Thursday), Garnish (Indian food)

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

Lady Pohamba is top notch. Medi Clinic OK but not as good. Catholic Hospital 3rd best and then Rhino ... all are private. Eros Family Practice is a very good GP. if you have a special condition, you may struggle to find a specialist.

Recreational Activities in Windhoek

Hiking, biking, camping etc Great tourist destination.

Residency and Visa Requirements

no idea

Crime in Windhoek, Namibia

There is crime in Namibia but it's not that bad. I feel very safe here. Just practice common sense, do not walk around talking on your mobile, leave you handbag open, leave your phone on the table etc.... violent crime is low.