Cities, Towns and National Parks in Central Namibia

Information about places in central Namibia

This is a description of places to visit in central Namibia; there are separate pages for the other regions of Namibia. If you need accommodation anywhere in Namibia please visit our Namibian accommodation section as well as our sections covering tours in Namibia, fly-in safaris in Namibia and scheduled safaris in Namibia. For any questions regarding Namibia please do not hesitate to email us

The following places are described on this page:

• Africat Foundation
  
• Gobabis
  
• Karibib
  
• Khaudom Park
  
• Okahandja
  
• Rehoboth
  
• Waterberg Plateau Park
  
• Windhoek
  

AfriCat Foundation

The Africat Foundation is dedicated to conserving cheetahs, leopards, lions and other large carnivores of Namibia and is based at Okonjima to the south of the town of Otjiwarongo.

 

Gobabis

Gobabis is the main town situated on the route to and from Botswana, and is the stepping-off point for the Trans-Kalahari Highway. It is 110 kms from the Buitepos border post. In the heart of the cattle farming area, it is considered to be the capital of the east.

Karibib

The town of Karibib is situated on the main road between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Once the home of the railway workshops during the German colonial era, nowdays the town is best known for its gold mine and most tourists only stop for a drink, to refuel, and to visit the Henckert Curio Shop. However, take time to drive around the town, because there are interesting historical buildings to view.

Khaudom

This relatively modest-sized park is situated in the Kalahari Desert at the 'root' of the Caprivi Strip in the northeast of Namibia. It is accessible only with a convoy of at least two reliable 4WD vehicles, and then only if you can demonstrate that you are completely self-sufficient for 3 days, because the tracks are almost uniformly deep sand, and not easy to drive. Once you're in, brace yourself for some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters around - due to Khaudom's remoteness and inaccessibility, the contact is very intimate (expect your campsite to be visited at night), and it is well known for lion and hyaena.

Okahandja

The town of Okahandja is situated north of Windhoek and is well known for wood carving markets and the Herero festival which occurs every August. Okahandja is an important cultural and historical centre for the Herero people of Namibia.

Rehoboth

Rehoboth is about 90 kms south of Windhoek and is home to the Baster people. Attractions of the town include the Rehoboth Museum, Reho-Spa, the Acacia Forest, and the recreation resort at the Oanob Dam.

Waterberg Plateau Park

The Waterberg Plateau Park is perched atop a large sandstone inselberg plateau, and provides refuge to some of Namibia's rare and threatened wildlife species, notably white and black rhino, assorted antelopes, and hundreds of birds. There are walking trails (including a 4-day hike) and game drives. The bungalows are well situated for fine views across the savannah plains and the walk to the viewpoint atop the plateau rewards you with even better views.

Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia and is scenically located in a basin amongst the Khomas Highland and the Auas and Eros mountains. It features an idiosyncratic blend of European colonial and modern African architecture. Politicians, particularly those of Pan-Africanist persuasion, resent visitors remarking that Windhoek is so clean , orderly, and well managed that it doesn't look like a real African city - so be careful who you say it to, if you're so inclined!

View our self-drive tours of Namibia.