Windhoek

At the geographic heart of Namibia lies its picturesque capital, a German settlement with a bustling cafe culture and a melting pot of European and African cultures to be envied by other cities. Surrounded on all sides by rolling hills, Namibia's beautiful capital is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world.

It is in Windhoek that visitors to Namibia most often arrive, and they'll find this very European city a welcoming sight at the end of a long journey. Away from the city's cafes and boutiques, the region's colonial past can be explored through visits to sites such as Old Fort and the Christuskirche.

A day tour of the city might include a stroll through the National Botanical Gardens, a visit to the futuristic Independence Monument, a number of galleries and markets, and a doubtlessly delicious meal.

Nearby Katatura is a fascinating example of racial reintegration, as the former apartheid township has been converted from slums to a vibrant part of the greater Windhoek community, a powerful example of the nation's progressive government and people.