Namibia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Monthly living figures exclude rent. Windhoek is one of the pricier capitals in the region because so much is imported, but eating out and fuel stay cheap. Prices are set in Namibian dollars, which track the rand exactly.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Windhoek

1. ChristuskircheThe candy-coloured 1910 Lutheran church that is the postcard image of Windhoek.
2. Independence Memorial MuseumA bold gold and glass tower telling the story of the liberation struggle, with a rooftop cafe and city views.
3. Alte FesteThe whitewashed old German fort of 1890, the oldest surviving building in the city.
4. Namibia Craft CentreA former brewery packed with stalls of Herero dolls, baskets and San crafts from across the country.
5. Heroes' AcreA dramatic hillside war memorial and obelisk about ten kilometres south of town.
6. TintenpalastThe Ink Palace, seat of parliament, set in quiet public gardens dotted with statues.
7. National Botanical Garden of NamibiaA compact reserve showing off the country's aloes, succulents and hardy desert plants.
8. KatuturaThe historic township on the city edge, best seen on a guided cultural and food walk.
9. Zoo ParkA green strip along Independence Avenue with an elephant column marking a prehistoric hunting site.
10. Post Street MallA pedestrian shopping street displaying the Gibeon meteorites, one of the largest known meteorite groups.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. SossusvleiThe towering red dunes and cracked white pan of the Namib. A long but unforgettable drive south into Namib-Naukluft Park.
2. SwakopmundA quirky German seaside town on the cold Atlantic, about four hours west, good for dune boarding and fresh oysters.
3. Waterberg Plateau ParkA red sandstone table mountain rising from the bush, three hours north, with fine hiking and rare game.
4. Okonjima Nature ReserveHome to the AfriCat Foundation and some of the best leopard and cheetah tracking in the country.
5. Kalahari near MarientalRust-red dunes and dark night skies at desert lodges an easy three hours south of the city.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Slowtown Coffee RoastersNamibia's leading specialty roaster, with relaxed cafes serving proper flat whites and light bites.
2. Craft CafeA leafy courtyard cafe inside the Namibia Craft Centre, popular for coffee, cake and long lunches.
3. Sardinia Blue OliveA long-running Italian gelateria and coffee bar on Independence Avenue, a local institution for ice cream and espresso.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Joe's BeerhouseThe famous, wildly decorated beer garden serving game meats like oryx, kudu and springbok.
2. The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & BistroA smart Klein Windhoek spot with a deep South African wine list and good steaks.
3. Leo's at the CastleFine dining inside the turreted Heinitzburg Castle, the most romantic table in town.
4. Xwama Traditional RestaurantIn Katutura, the place to try authentic Namibian dishes like mahangu porridge and grilled meats.
5. NICE RestaurantThe training restaurant of the Namibian Institute of Culinary Education, polished and reliably excellent.
6. Gathemann RestaurantContinental cooking in a historic colonial building overlooking Independence Avenue.
7. The Butcher's GrillA carnivore's steakhouse near Grove Mall, known for generous cuts and biltong platters.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Slowtown Coffee RoastersThe go-to morning stop for a strong brew and a simple, well-made breakfast plate.
2. Craft CafeShady tables and unhurried breakfasts in the craft centre courtyard.