Senior travel: Windhoek
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 48 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Tintenpalast and Parliament GardensStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 35 minPaved paths with gentle slopes; interior access is by tour only.
- Namibian Craft CentreStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 55 minMostly level on the ground floor; check for steps and stairs to upper stalls.
- ChristuskircheThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 25 min
- Post Street Mall and craft stallsThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 45 min
- Alte Feste (old fort and museum)The guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 55 min
- Independence Memorial MuseumThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 60 min
- Soweto Market (Katutura)The guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 60 min
Getting around in Windhoek
The centre is mostly flat with paved pavements, but the heritage hill has slopes and steps between buildings. Taxis and hotel cars are the practical way to cover distances.
- Pavements:
- Generally paved in the centre; uneven in places and at crossings.
- Getting around:
- Taxis and hotel cars; wheelchair-accessible vehicles are limited, so ask ahead.
- Accommodation:
- Larger hotels have lifts and step-free rooms; ask for confirmation.
- Toilets:
- Hotels, malls and cafés; accessible toilets in malls (check).
Medicines and health on the ground
The Namibia guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Sun and altitude:
- Strong sun at 1,650 m: sunscreen, hat and water; take it easy on day one.
- Malaria:
- Low risk in Windhoek, higher in the north (Etosha, Caprivi): ask a travel clinic.
- Water:
- Tap water in the city is treated; carry bottled water on the road.
- Cold nights:
- Jun–Aug nights near freezing: bring a layer for evenings and early game drives.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.