Windhoek Flights

(work in progress)
Namibia is a long way from anywhere, and doesn't receive mass tourism, so it isn't necessarily the easiest or cheapest place to get to. Nevertheless, some options are quicker and easier than others, so here are a few ideas on how to secure a reasonable and flexible fare.

From Europe, the only direct flights are from Frankfurt on Air Namibia - not surprising as Namibia was a former German colony (South West Africa) and Germans still comprise the largest single group of tourists. However, because of the lack of competition on this route, this can be an expensive option (but check it anyway when you start your research in case there is a special on offer).

Many tourists find that the easiest way is to fly in via Johannesburg, as this is a heavily trafficked route on which there is considerable competition between carriers. From Jo'burg, it's only a two hour flight to Windhoek - the main port of entry for most tourists to Namibia. Air Namibia, SA Express (the regional service operated by SAA) and the low cost carrier Kulula (in partnership with British Airways) fly the Jo'burg - Windhoek route, so there are several flights a day and some welcome competition to drive down the price.

It's also possible to fly in to Windhoek via Cape Town - which also takes about two hours - although there are fewer flights (and thus, less flexibility) on this route.

One other option that you may not have considered is to fly into Walvis Bay, which is 30 minutes drive south of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast. There are a couple of flights from Johannesburg a day operated by Air Namibia and SA Express. If you are hiring a car, then it might well be worth investigating the possibility of flying into Windhoek and out of Walvis (or vice versa) to save yourself the extra driving time and additional hire car and fuel costs involved in driving a circular route.

Some nationalities require a tourist visa for Namibia, but there is a long list of exceptions (see the website below) including tourists from the UK, USA and Germany and neighbouring states, who do not require a visa.

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Hosea Kutako is the name for the International Airport in Whindhoek.
Round trip flights from Johannesburg could be purchased for about 350 euros.

The following airlines fly to Hosea Kutako Int'l Airport:

Air Berlin
Air Namibia
British Airways
South African Airways
South African Express
TAAG Angola Airlines

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Windhoek Hosea Kutako Intl. Airport (WDH) is the main international airport in the country. It's located 45 km east of the city. The main runway is one of the longest in the World, with 4673 meter.

The airport is one of the least busy capital airports in the world. A public bus connect the airport to downtown Windhoek. Tourists can also rent cars from the airport. There are very few shops in the terminals, selling food, refreshments, and souvenirs.

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Air Namibia is the national airline. It's a little airline with only one inter-continental route to Frankfurt, Germany (Airbus 340-300). The rest are routes to the bordering countries Angola, South-Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako International Airport) is about 40km outside the city. I am not sure as to what transport is available from the airport to the city (as friends came to fetch me at the airport).
You need to complete a form on arrival, as well as when you are departing.
There are different counters fro rsidents of Namibia, SADC residents and other Nationalities.

I flew with SAA from ORTIA (Johannesburg).
There are several daily flights. I know that Air Namibia also have flights between Johannesburg and Windhoek.
The flight takes only 2 hours.
It seems that cheap flights are not easy to find on this route.

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Windhoek’s International Airport lies about 45 kilometres from the city. It has the flowing Airlines and destinations
Air Namibia (Cape Town, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, London-Gatwick, Luanda, Maun, Victoria Falls)
Air Botswana (Gaborone)
British Airways
British Airways operated by Comair (Johannesburg)
Kulula.com (Johannesburg)
LTU International (Düsseldorf, Munich)
South African Airways (Johannesburg)
South African Airways operated by South African Express (Cape Town)
TAAG Angola Airlines (Luanda, Lubango)

The terminal has a few shops, 1 restaurant, tourist information and ATM’s that dispense Namibian Dollars.

Airside is a VIP and a Business Lounge, Duty Free shop, gift shop, jewellery shop, a cafe and VAT refund.

The following car rental companies can be found when you arrive:

Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Imperial

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Getting there

Most visitors passing through Windhoek are either driving themselves around or are members of a group trip. Relatively few will need to rely on the local bus, coach or train services detailed here, despite their efficiency.
By air

Windhoek has excellent international air links with the UK, Germany, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

From Windhoek there are regular flights to:
Katima Mulilo N$1,249
Lüderitz N$1,059
Mokuti Lodge N$830
Ondangwa N$819
Oranjemund N$1,179
Rosh Pinah N$1,129
Swakopmund N$489
Walvis Bay N$489
Travellers should note that Windhoek has two airports, and check which one is used for each of their flights. Hosea Kutako International Airport tends to be for larger aircraft and most international flights, while Eros, near the Safari Hotel, caters mostly for internal flights and light aircraft, and just a few international flights. Both are small by international standards and are modern and pleasant – at least as airports go.