Safety and Crime in Windhoek

Windhoek Warnings and Dangers

Is your next vacation or travel adventure to the beautiful area of Windhoek? Don’t leave before you read up on these warnings and dangers.

Altitude and Climate

Windhoek is a very high altitude area, which means lower oxygen levels and can swing between comfortable and very cold. If you are getting off the plane and feel sick or uncomfortable, it’s likely due to the elevated altitude and lowered oxygen levels. To prevent altitude sickness, make sure you get rest when you first arrive in Windhoek and drink plenty of water.

During the summer time, it is very warm with comfortable temperatures at night. However, if you are visiting during the winter season you can expect bitterly cold temperatures so make sure you pack accordingly and wear layers to keep warm. During the day it is in the mid teens and very dry so it doesn’t feel too cold, but you need to be prepared just in case.

Most people in the area live by “natural fabrics in the summer, with the ability to layer for cool nights and thermal underwear and fleece during the winter to keep warm around the clock.

Safety and Crime

When walking in the city, keep an extra eye out and be very careful especially after dark. Some places will even have signs that read “entry at your own risk”. While many visitors never see an issue while visiting Windhoek, it is still something to be vigilant about to protect yourself. Luckily, the government seems to take these criminal issues seriously and you can find signs that ask you to report crime to the local government and have a phone number to contact in case you need help or need to report crime.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Windhoek.