Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. With a population of less than 200,000 you would only call it a city by Namibian standards. It is quite a laidback, clean and easy going place. There are a few sights, good restaurants and lively bars. In short it is a great place to start exploring Namibia.

Set at the geographical heart of Namibia, Windhoek serves as the road and rail crossroads and the nerve center of the country's business and commerce.

At first glance, Windhoek looks clean and pretty but a little dull, and dry. The empty mountains surrounding it seem much more interesting. By Namibian standards it's a big town: about 170,000 people live here. But town is in the word, rather than city, for this clean, new-looking capital; even the old buildings look new, as there's almost no rainfall to make them decay. But, like most southern African cities, Windhoek has a distinct life and culture that becomes more fascinating the more time you spend there.

Two excellent backpackers' hostels will be willing to drive you free-of-charge from the main Intercape bus stop to their doorstep. All you need to do is to step off the bus and look for people holding signs for the Cardboard Box or Camellion.

Just outside of town, Namibia Wildlife Resorts operates the Daan Viljoen Resort.