Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and found roughly at the center of the country. The name Windhoek comes from Dutch-based Afrikaans and means “windy corner.” Located in an arid area, the city is protected against wind by nearby hills. Before the period of European colonization, the settlement was called Aigams, or “hot water” in reference to close-by hot springs.
Originally, the Khoekhoe and Herero peoples lived in the capital’s current region. In 1908 many of the Herero were killed under German rule in an often-ignored genocide. Now Windhoek is Namibia’s main cultural and commercial center. Government administration, tourism, education, and other enterprises all occur there. Connected to Walvis Bay and South Africa by railroad lines roads, and Windhoek’s airport, Windhoek can serve as good base for those who visit and for Namibians who want to connect beyond local ties.
As a city, Windhoek is often described as polarizing because it is considered “too Western for Africa” but also serves as a change of pace from harsh rural environments in other parts of Namibia. When we spend our start day for the program in Windhoek, we'll have to go and see for ourselves.
Hayden
https://www.britannica.com/place/Windhoek#ref101143
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/namibia/windhoek
That's a lovely introduction to our first destination. I suppose that when we get there, it won't be very representative of how the rest of Namibia will be.
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