Some hours in Windhoek

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lindaandsuch
lindaandsuch

Hello all,

In December, I will have 5-6 hours in Windhoek. We will be coming into Windhoek on a chartered flight from the desert near Angola and will be catching a flight from the airport in the afternoon to Cape Town. I will have two kids in tow, aged 6 and 8.

Given we only have a few hours, is it realistic to even venture into Windhoek? And, if we do, is there anything interesting to do with kids? Even going to a nice hotel with a pool (can we pay for day use?) would be enticing after having been in the desert for a week...

Also, how far in advance must one be at the airport to take an Air Namibia flight. The airline says three hours. Is that correct or will two suffice?

Thanks, Linda

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nathalie2
nathalie2

the international airport of windhoek is about 50km out of the city center. with 5-6 hours, you have time to go into the city centre, but take a taxi to avoid wasting time. windhoek international airport is totally unbusy and very relaxed, with just a couple of flights in and out per day, and you definitely dont have to be there 3 hours before departure, 2 hours are enough.

in windhoek, no "must see" attractions. and also no place i can think of that is great for families.
the pool at the windhoek country club (a hotel outside of the city) is quite big and might be a nice place to spend a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing. i'm not sure it they welcome outside guests, but its worth asking for. http://www.windhoekcountryclub.co.za/

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boomslang
boomslang

You could do worse than try the Hotel Heinitzburg too. It's on a hil overlooking the city and has a nice pool and a great view. Google them for details and then contact them to see if they'll let you use the facilities for a small fee...

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jeroen
jeroen

There's the cool little railway museum with some old trains parked outside, the crafts market in the town centre and the museum in the old fortress.

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tempelton
tempelton

http://www.airportfarm-namibia.com/index.html you also could spend some hours here, they do have a pool and are only 10 mins from the airport, day rooms are available.

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getyoung
getyoung

Windhoek to the airport is an hour drive one way, and there isn't much of to see in the capital--it is like visiting London, Ontario.

The only thing that would get me to make use of that 5-6 hours layover is to go visit Joe's Beer House. I still remember its game meat steak dishes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157625578378522/

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lindaandsuch
lindaandsuch

Thanks, guys.

I have now written to the Windhoek Country Club and the Airport Farm. The Hotel Heinitzburg is closed over Christmas.

I might try and see one or two things in Windhoek or "just" go for the pools. It depends on when we get into Windhoek. But I like the sound of the National Museum, particularly the rock-art. I would also like to do a walking tour of the city...

Ciao, Linda

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