Although Windhoek is a small city in terms of population, it is very spread out with over 30 neighborhoods. While there are public transportation buses, these do not have a set schedule and take a long time to navigate Windhoek. Most people have cars, and you drive on the left side of the road in Namibia. If someone cannot afford a car they use taxis to get around.
A new company called LEFA just started a taxi service here in Windhoek, where you use a smartphone app. to order a ride. The driver closest to you will agree to come pick you up. LEFA is how I get across Windhoek.
I was scared, because the internet can fail, which would make it impossible to use LEFA. This happened the first time I used LEFA my first week in Windhoek. I was at a restaurant across town and lost my internet connection. What is nice about LEFA, however, is that they give you the assigned driver’s number and their license plate. I was able to call the driver, find his car when he arrived and get a ride back where I was staying. Since then, I have been able to use LEFA successfully and safely for the p.ast four months.
