Windhoek: City & Katutura Township Tour with Food Tasting

Summary

Windhoek’s layered history, local flavors in Katutura, real stories

You’ll meet locals who shape Windhoek today—from lively markets in Katutura township to quiet moments inside Christuskirche. Taste Kapana BBQ and mopane worms (if you’re brave), hear personal stories from your guide about independence struggles, and visit a women’s workshop—all with pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t know Windhoek if you don’t see Katutura,” our guide Jonas said right off the bat, grinning as he adjusted his cap in the morning sun. I’d barely finished my coffee before we were standing outside Christuskirche, that old sandstone church with its odd mix of German and African touches. Jonas waved at a woman selling newspapers nearby—everyone seemed to know him. Inside the church (it was open, lucky us), the cool air smelled faintly of wood polish and candles. I tried to picture what this place must have felt like a hundred years ago. Hard to imagine with traffic buzzing outside.

We wandered through Parliament Gardens next, past schoolkids giggling in uniforms and an older man quietly sweeping leaves into neat piles. Jonas pointed out the statues—Dr Sam Nujoma’s was hard to miss—and told us about Namibia’s fight for independence. He didn’t sugarcoat anything; there was pride but also a kind of heaviness when he talked about colonial times. The National Museum of Namibia was just up the road, and inside it felt like time slowed down—a lot of silent photos, old flags, even some battered typewriters. It’s weird how objects can hold so much weight.

The real shift came when we drove into Katutura township. The city center faded behind us and suddenly everything was louder—music from little shops, kids chasing each other between stalls, smells of grilled meat hanging thick in the air. Jonas explained that more than half of Windhoek lives here. We stopped at a market where I tried Kapana for the first time (salty, smoky beef straight off the grill) and then mopane worms—which I hesitated over but hey, when in Namibia… Li laughed when I made a face; apparently my technique needs work.

Penduka women’s project was our last stop—sunlight bouncing off bright batik fabrics drying on lines, women chatting while their hands stitched embroidery. There was something grounding about watching them work; maybe because it felt so steady compared to all the shifting history we’d heard about earlier. On the drive back to our hotel I kept thinking about how many versions of Windhoek exist at once—layers you only really notice if someone points them out to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Windhoek city and Katutura township tour

• Visit Christ Church landmark
• Explore Parliament Gardens
• Learn about Namibia's independence history
• Discover German and South African colonial history
• Travel to Katutura Township
• Explore local market and taste delicacies
• Visit Penduka women's project workshop

Top questions

How long is the Windhoek city & township tour?

The tour lasts around 3 hours total.

Does this day trip include food tasting?

Yes, you’ll try local delicacies like Kapana BBQ meat and mopane worms at a market in Katutura.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included.

What places do you visit during this Windhoek tour?

You’ll visit Christuskirche, Parliament Gardens, National Museum of Namibia, Katutura township (including its market), and Penduka women’s project.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 5 or older can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What languages does the guide speak?

The main language is English; check ahead for other options if needed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, guidance from a local expert throughout Windhoek and Katutura township, bottled water for the ride, plus food tastings at a local market before returning you safely back to your accommodation.