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Windhoek and the Central Highlands
Khomas Region: History & Culture
Khomas takes its name from the Khomas Hochland highlands around Windhoek, first settled in 1840 by the Orlam leader Jonker Afrikaner and refounded in 1890 when German officer Curt von François laid the foundation stone of a fort, the Alte Feste, that still stands as the city’s oldest building. Windhoek became capital of German South West Africa and, from 1990, of independent Namibia. Apartheid-era removals in the late 1950s forced Black residents from the Old Location into Katutura, whose name means ‘the place we do not want to settle’. At about 1,700 m above sea level, landlocked Khomas is now Namibia’s political and commercial heart.
Alte Feste, Tintenpalast, Heroes' Acre, Katutura, Christuskirche
Heritage & Landmarks
Windhoek's oldest surviving building, its foundation laid in 1890 as a German colonial fort — now the National Museum
Namibia's Parliament since 1913 — the neoclassical 'Ink Palace'
National memorial opened in 2002, 10 km south of Windhoek, honouring the independence struggle
Founded in 1961 after apartheid-era forced removals from the Old Location; the name means 'we do not want to settle here'
Where to Stay
Olive Grove Guesthouse, Klein Windhoek Excellent 8.9/10 guest house in Windhoek, Khomas Region. 11 rooms. Property Details Type: Guest House Guest Rating: 8.9/10 (Expert Africa, 433 reviews) Rooms: 11 Amenities Plunge pool, Garden, Restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Wellness room with massage, Air conditioning, Satellite TV, Minibar, In-room safe, Tea and coffee station, Wi-Fi, Laundry service,...
Hotel Heinitzburg, Windhoek Very good 4/5 boutique hotel in Windhoek, Khomas. 16 rooms. Property Details Type: Boutique Hotel Guest Rating: 4/5 (TripAdvisor, 498 reviews) Rooms: 16 Amenities Outdoor pool, Bar/lounge, Terrace, Restaurant, Wine cellar, Airport transfers, In-room massage, 24/7 secure parking, Multiple dining venues (Leo’s at the Castle, Garden Terrace, Wine Cellar, Knight’s Room), Breakfast...
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