About Namibia
ENVIRONMENT
PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA
CUISINE
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Environment
NAMIBIA’S MAIN TOPOGRAPHICAL REGIONS:
DISTINCTIVE MOUNTAINS
- Brandberg – highest, western Erongo
- Moltkeblick – second highest, Auas range, south of Windhoek
- Bismarckfelsen – third highest, south of Windhoek
- Gamsberg – fourth highest, table-topped, Khomas Hochland, southwest of Windhoek
- Mount Etjo – south of Otjiwarongo
- Spitzkoppe – most imposing peaks, Erongo Region
- Omatakos – twin-peaked, between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo
- Erongo Mountains – between Usakos and Omaruru
- Naukluft Mountains – massif, Namib-Naukluft Park
- Waterberg Plateau – east of Otjiwarongo
- Brukkaros Mountain – crater-like, halfway between Mariental and Keetmanshoop
- Dicker Willem – conspicuous inselberg, towards the west near Aus
RIVERS
Namibia is the most arid country in southern Africa, with water being a key resource.
Perennial rivers:
- Orange River, forms the southern border
- Kunene, in the northwest
- Okavango, Zambezi & Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe, in the northeast
Major ephemeral/seasonal rivers:
- Fish and Nossob, tributaries of the Orange Kuiseb, Swakop, Omaruru, Hoarusib, Hoanib, Ugab and Khumib, all west-flowing and draining into the Atlantic
- Tsauchab, landlocked, with floodwaters occasionally feeding Sossusvlei
- Marienfluss and Omatako, north-flowing
- Cuvelai, a drainage system of rivers originating in southern Angola, with floodwaters flowing into the Etosha Pan.
CLIMATE
- Typical of a semi-desert country, with droughts a regular occurrence.
- Namibia is the most arid country in southern Africa, with a humidity of less than 10% during the winter months and varying from 50% to 80% during the summer.
- Except for the south-western areas where winter rainfall occurs, rain usually falls during the southern-hemisphere summer.
Rainy season
- Short – October/November to December
- Main – January to March.
Average annual rainfall
- 50 mm and less, along the coast in the west
- 350 mm, central highlands
- 700 mm, far north-eastern areas
Temperatures
- Days – mostly warm to very hot, summer from 20–34°C, in winter average day temperatures vary from 18–22°C.
- Nights – generally cool, dropping to ± 18°C, average from 0–10°C, as low as -8°C.
- Interior – lower than in pre-Namib due to altitude.
- Coast and hinterland – moderate due to influence of the cold Benguela Current, causing the typical fog of the coast, reducing rainfall in the rest of the country.
FLORA
Namibia’s plant-life is categorised into 14 vegetation zones:
- Desert
- Semi-desert
- Mopane
- Mountain
- Thorn bush
- Highland
- Dwarf shrub
- Camel-thorn
- Mixed tree and shrub savannahs
- Forest savannahs and woodlands
- Golden expanses of African grasslands, dotted by solitary acacias, typified by stretches of silvery grass after rains
Fast facts on flora
- Namibia has 195 plant families, with over 4,300 species, subspecies and varieties. Areas of particularly high diversity include the Succulent Karoo, Kaokoveld, Otavi/Karstveld area, Okavango Basin and Khomas highlands.
- Over 1,000 species are endemic or near-endemic to Namibia or the Namib.
- The Namib hosts over 100 species of lichen, several endemic.
- Namibia’s most noteworthy plant, the Welwitschia mirabilis, is endemic to the Namib Desert and one of the oldest plants known to man.
FAUNA
Namibia’s abundant wildlife is arguably its greatest tourist asset.
Fast facts on fauna
- The country hosts eight endemic mammal species.
- Over 20 antelope species,
- A wealth of small mammals, including mongoose and jackal; the less common, solitary and nocturnal aardvark; and the honey badger.
- The Namib Desert is world-renowned for its large number of endemic dune-dwellers, especially lizards, including 30 endemic species.
- Large game species are elephant, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah.
- Endangered mammals are wild dog, cheetah, black rhino, lion, puku, oribi and waterbuck.
BIRDS
Of 887 bird species recorded for southern Africa, 676 occur in Namibia. About 500 breed locally, the rest migrate; 11 species are near-endemic, with over 75% of world populations found in Namibia.
Special near-endemics
- Herero Chat
- Rockrunner
- Monteiro’s Hornbill
- Damara Tern
Namibia’s only true endemic is the Dune Lark.
For detailed information, refer to Atlas of Namibia – A Portrait of the Land and its People by John Mendelsohn, Alice Jarvis, Carole Roberts & Tony Robertson.
CONSERVATION AND ECOTOURISM
Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment in its constitution. Today approximately 46.6% of its surface area is protected, either as a national park, game reserve, conservancy or other form of state protected area, exceeding the 10% prescribed by the IUCN.
- The protection of rare and endangered species was boosted in 1972, when Waterberg Plateau Park was proclaimed a sanctuary and breeding ground for animals such as white rhino, eland, buffalo, roan and sable antelope and tsessebe.
- Protection of the black rhino in the western arid regions gained momentum in the early eighties. Today Namibia is one of the few countries in Africa with growing populations of the highly endangered black rhino, within as well as outside national parks.
- The first Marine Protected Area – stretching 400 km along the coast and 30 km offshore, incorporating 10 islands – was established in 2009. This will be expanded to encompass the entire coastline (excluding towns), as the Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park, set to be the eighth largest park in the world and the largest in Africa.
- In the private sector several NGOs assist the Government with conservation and development. These include the Namibia Nature Foundation, Save the Rhino Trust, Cheetah Conservation Fund, AfriCat Foundation, and the Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Support Organisations, an association comprising 15 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the University of Namibia (UNAM).
- Certain game ranches and lodges focus especially on the conservation of certain species of wildlife on their farms. The largest private conservation area in Namibia is the NamibRand Nature Reserve, an area of over 180 000 ha situated south of Sesriem. Others are the Gondwana Canyon Park in the south, Erindi Private Game Reserve in the central plateau area, the Huab Private Nature Reserve in the northwest, and AfriCat North in the north. A total of 161 private game reserves are registered with the MEFT.
Venture Media, the publisher of Namibia Holiday & Travel, also publishes Conservation and the Environment in Namibia annually, containing the latest information on conservation efforts by the MEFT and NGOs in Namibia. www.conservationnamibia.com
CONSERVANCIES
The objective of a conservancy is to reinstate the area’s original biodiversity and share resources among all conservancy members.
Communal conservancies are managed by the local communities in each region. They provide employment and allow people to benefit directly from their wildlife and other natural resources.
Today there are 86 registered communal conservancies in Namibia, which add 20.2% to Namibia’s protected area network. There are also 43 community forests which cover 10.3% of Namibia’s land.
With the addition of communal conservancies and community forests to state-protected land, the total land available to wildlife is around 45.6% of Namibia.
Find out more here: www.nacso.org.na
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
After independence in 1990, a Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was established in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people.
- Namibia, as a signatory to several international environmental treaties, has introduced a number of groundbreaking programmes and policies aimed at tackling environmental challenges while implementing national development goals.
- Desertification is Namibia’s most pressing environmental concern.
- Other issues are deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, bush encroachment, climate change, loss of groundwater resources and decreasing crops.
- Threats related to mining and habitat and biodiversity loss have also been highlighted as areas of concern.
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT FUND
The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia provides economic opportunities and a stake in the use of natural resources to the impoverished sectors of Namibian society.
RECYCLE NAMIBIA FORUM
As a private-public sector partnership, the Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF) is aimed at promoting the 3 Rs (Recycle, Reuse and Reduce) for products through projects and networking.
NAMIBIAN CHAMBER OF ENVIRONMENT
The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) is an umbrella Association that provides a forum and mouthpiece for the broader environment sector, that can lobby with government and other parties, that can raise funds for its members and represent the sector. The Chamber aims to become a financial (and other) resource centre, sponsored by industry, but at the same time keeping industry at arm’s length and ensuring complete independence. Many environmental specialists work in remote areas, often alone or in small groups with little in the way of support structures. The Chamber aims to provide support to such individuals and organisations.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) is Namibia’s leading nongovernmental environmental organisation. Other NGOs that aim to support the environment are the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), which incorporates the Desert Ecological Research Unit (DERU); the Namibia Institute for Sustainable Development (NISD); the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET); Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC); and the Namibia Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO). One of Namibia’s longest-standing NGOs is Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), founded in 1982. Others worth mentioning are the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF); the AfriCat Foundation; N/a’an ku sê; Harnas; the Namibia Animal Rehabilitation, Research and Education Centre (NARREC); the Namibia Environmental and Wildlife Society (NEWS); the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN); the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA); the World Wildlife Fund (WWF); the Namibia Development Trust (NDT); and the Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAIEA).
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA)
SEAs in Namibia offer a well-developed methodology for improving strategic decision-making and integrating environmental issues into policies, plans and programmes. The country’s Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2007 stipulates mandatory environmental assessments for a number of policies, plans and programmes. An Environmental Commissioner’s office was established within the MEFT.
PRIVATE GAME RESERVES
Private landholders in Namibia have played a significant role in the conservation of wildlife by establishing conservation initiatives on their land.
- The NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of around 180 000 ha situated south of Sesriem, is a scenically beautiful conservation area created by the late Windhoek businessman, Albi Brückner.
- The Erongo Mountain Nature Sanctuary encompasses an area of almost 180 000 ha, protecting a unique wilderness reserve with the Erongo Mountains at its centre.
- In southern Namibia the Gondwana Collection has established four private nature reserves (about 197 000 ha combined).
- Also in the south is the Sandfontein Nature Game Reserve, which extends over 76 000 ha.
- The Erindi Private Game Reserve (79 000 ha) in central Namibia is home to over 20 000 animals.
- Situated in the upper reaches of the Huab River, the Huab Private Nature Reserve (8 060 ha) provides a sanctuary for the desert-dwelling elephants of the area.
- Fischer’s Pan Private Game Reserve (7 000 ha) lies east of Etosha National Park.
- The 34 000 ha Onguma Nature Reserve adjoining Etosha National Park, harbours many of the mammals and birds found in Etosha.
- Founded in 1999, Etosha Heights is one of the largest private reserves in Namibia, sharing a 65-kilometre boundary with the famous Etosha National Park. The reserve offers 60,000 hectares of unspoiled wildlife. This reserve has transitioned from an agricultural and hunting area to what is now a conservation success story. The result has been a significant increase in both variety and density of wildlife.
At present there are about 200 private game reserves registered in Namibia.
HUNTING AND HUNTING SAFARIS
Guided by strict ethical standards set and encouraged by the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA), hunting is intrinsically part of the Namibian culture. The country’s hunting activities have evolved into a highly specialised wildlife industry, with trophy hunting playing a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and contributing significantly to the GDP. www.napha.com.na
TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREAS
The concept of TFCAs (Transfrontier Conservation Areas) has rapidly gained momentum in SADC countries such as Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. TFCAs are transfrontier wildlife sanctuaries that embrace crossborder conservation areas and game parks. www.peaceparks.org
The Namibian Government is firmly committed to the transfrontier process and has achieved cross-border agreements with several countries. Namibia established its first TFCA, the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, in 2003, with South Africa as co-signee. About 70% of the 6 046 km² park is situated in Namibia, comprising the /Ai-/ Ais Hot Springs Game Park, the Hunsberg conservation area, the Huns Mountains, Fish River Canyon and /Ai/Ais Hot Springs.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Namibia and Angola was signed in 2003 to establish the Iona Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area, encompassing 31 540 km² of the northern Namib coastal desert.
Officially launched in 2012 and spanning over 444 000 km² (similar in size to Sweden), the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) is the world’s biggest conservation area, comprising national parks, game reserves, forest reserves, conservancies, game/ wildlife management areas and communal lands in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. www.kavangozambezi.org
LINK YOUR TRIP WITH A VISIT TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Visitors to Namibia travelling to neighbouring countries must ensure that they comply with the latest immigration, customs and other cross-border requirements.
SEE FOUR OF OUR FIVE NEIGHBOURS
Visit the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and see Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
TO BOTSWANA
Fly with FlyNamibia from Windhoek to Maun or Windhoek to Katima Mulilo (Mpacha Airport) for a safari in Chobe National Park or on to the Okavango Delta.
OR Travel from Windhoek to Maun and the Okavango Delta through the Muhembo border post.
OR Link a self-drive safari through the Kalahari in eastern Namibia with a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Botswana.
TO SOUTH AFRICA
Fly from Windhoek to Cape Town or Johannesburg on any of the frequent scheduled flights.
OR Link a self-drive safari to southern Namibia with a visit to the Richtersveld in South Africa.
OR Link a self-drive safari through the Kalahari in eastern Namibia with a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Botswana.
TO ZIMBABWE
Fly with FlyNamibia from Windhoek to Victoria Falls.Include Victoria Falls in a self-drive safari from Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region through Botswana’s Chobe National Park – a journey of about 220 km.
TO ZAMBIA
Include Livingstone and Mosi-oa- Tunya (Victoria Falls) in a self-drive safari that visits the Zambezi Region.
TO ANGOLA
Fly from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport to Luanda.
OR Include Iona National Park, Angola, in a self-drive itinerary to northern Namibia.
People of Namibia
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
- Respect the customs and traditions of your hosts.
- Support local people and their products by spending your money within the local economy.
- Bargain fairly.
- Don’t insult Namibians by turning them into beggars.
- Try to learn a new local word every day, and be open to friendship.
- Keep the realities of the economy in mind. Even though Namibia is a developing country, the hotels and lodges are graded according to international standards, hence prices will more or less tally with international prices.
- Namibians are very relaxed people, so please be patient with them!
Best-culture practice
- It is polite to begin conversations with a courteous greeting.
- If you wish to stay in a traditional village, request permission from the headman.
- If you want to draw water from a community well, permission must be sought.
- In a Himba village it is disrespectful to walk between the sacred fire and the kraal (animal enclosure) or the headman’s hut.
- Show respect when approaching a traditional Herero or Himba grave, often indicated by an array of cattle horns.
LOCAL LINGO
The following words are typical local vernacular, influenced by Afrikaans – still largely the lingua franca – and other indigenous languages. Using these words will do much to improve your communication with locals.
- aweh – said in excitement. The word has many meanings and uses, including hello, goodbye, and yes
- bakkie – a pickup truck
- biltong – dried and seasoned meat (like jerky), a popular snack
- braai – a barbecue.
- Braaing – a national pastime that traditionally entails turning the meat with one hand while holding a beer in the other – is taken very seriously
- brötchen – a bread roll, offered with different toppings, to be eaten as breakfast, lunch, supper or a snack
- dorp – small town
- droëwors – dried sausage, a snack often eaten with biltong
- efundja – periodic flood in the Owambo regions, northern Namibia
- eish! – an interjection expressing resignation
- jol – to have fun, to party
- just now / now-now – meaning anytime within the next 50 years other than right at this moment
- kapana – traditionally barbecued meat, usually sold in the townships and at the side of the road
- lekker – nice, good, great, tasty, awesome
- mémé – respectful form of address for an adult female
- iishana – shallow pools and watercourses in the Owambo regions, northern Namibia
- pap – traditional maize porridge
- plaas – farm
- potjie – a three-legged cast-iron pot used for cooking stews over the fire
- robot – a traffic light
- shebeen – an informal bar, open 24 hours
- sosatie – meat (traditionally lamb) and vegetable pieces on skewers, usually accompanying other meat on a braai
- táté – respectful form of address for a male
- vetkoek – deep-fried bread dough, often sold with kapana
- wors – spicy sausage for accompanying meat on a braai
- yoh – an expression of surprise
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
- Make friends with the locals. If you are planning on taking photos of them in their private surroundings, it is always best to have a local guide take you around to converse with them and overcome the barrier of photographer versus subject.
- Always ask before you photograph someone. Not everybody likes to have his or her picture taken, so avoid conflict by asking first.
- Some people will expect payment for having their picture taken. This includes the Himba and Herero people, who still dress traditionally and are thus interesting subjects. They spend considerable time and effort on their appearance and if you ‘steal’ their image without asking their permission and offering payment, it might make them angry and put you at a disadvantage. The best option is to ask them first and agree on a price before taking the photo.
- Young children are often fond of being photographed, but it is always best to ask a guardian or parent first.
- Older people might be more hesitant to have their picture taken. Once again, with friendliness you will achieve more.
- If you take a digital photograph of someone, show it to him or her afterwards. Many people don’t own cameras and are amazed by the possibilities of technology. This gesture will make them warm to you, and might result in you taking a great photograph.
- If possible, try to send a copy of the picture to the person you have photographed. Those living in rural areas will truly appreciate it. But don’t promise to do so and then not deliver. If you are not sure whether you will get round to sending the photo, rather not make the promise.
- Remember that it is illegal to take photos of men and women in uniform, except when they are performing in a public parade, or something similar. Taking a picture of a police officer on duty is therefore out of the question.
- When taking photos at a cultural village, at a cultural performance, or on a pre-arranged photographic tour, it is not necessary to ask permission. To be on the safe side, check with your guide or local companion first.
- When on an organised tour, many photo opportunities are pre-arranged, making it easy for you to just snap away, while leaving the formalities to your guide. Ask your guide about this if you are not sure.
KEY PHRASES IN SOME OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGES
Afrikaans
Setswana
Silozi
Kavango
Oshiwambo
Otjiherero
Nama/Damara
San
ART AND CRAFTS
The first artists of Namibia were the San, whose rock art can be viewed in shelters on mountains and hills throughout the country. Today, relative to its small population, Namibia has a surprisingly large and active community of artists and craftspeople.
- The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) and the Arts Association Heritage Trust (AAHT) have comprehensive permanent collections of Namibian art that can be viewed by the public.
- The Katutura Community Art Centre (KCAC) offers a wide range of training programmes for young artists and houses the John Muafangejo Art Centre, an NGO that also offers training programmes and exhibition space for young artists.
- Work by contemporary artists and craftspeople can be viewed and purchased in galleries, craft centres, at urban and rural street markets and along roadsides. The biggest of these is the Namibia Craft Centre (NCC) in Tal Street, Windhoek.
Traditional crafts include woodcraft from Kavango and Zambezi; Owambo, Kavango, Zambezian and Himba baskets; and San eggshell jewellery. Embroidery and appliqué work, wall hangings and carpets woven from karakul wool feature native designs of trees, animals and birds.
ARCHITECTURE
The German colonial architecture found in many of Namibia’s towns contrasts with the open expanses of African bush and savannah. Residences with wide, shady verandas reflect European architectural styles of the time, adapted to the local climate.
In Windhoek, Swakopmund and Lüderitz many of these earlier buildings have been renovated as government offices, libraries and research facilities. New developments follow the post-modern movement, echoing the German colonial style, but with the emphasis on shape and colour.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Cultural development is promoted by institutions such as the National & Mobile Museum, the Museum Association of Namibia, the National Art Gallery of Namibia, the National Theatre of Namibia, the College of the Arts, the Art Department at UNAM and the Bank Windhoek Namibia Theatre School.
Showcasing the traditions of the many different groups that coexist in the country are:
- Namibian cultural groups performing customary African dances to rhythmic drumbeats.
- The COTA Youth Choir and Voices of Namibia choir, with singers drawn from different cultural groups singing songs that originate from all over of the country.
- Multicultural events that include exhibitions, dance and music concerts featuring Namibian and foreign artists.
- The cultural activities of diplomatic missions have expanded the cultural dimensions of Namibians considerably, and helped promote rural art abroad. The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) has been particularly active by organising different cultural activities and supporting all art disciplines. It regularly presents film screenings and courses in French, English, art, photography and cooking.
- Annual events on the arts calendar: The Windhoek Jazz Festival stages an array of local and international artists.
- The /Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural Festival usually takes place during the first week of September at various venues throughout the city. The event showcases Namibia’s artistic and cultural diversity through music, cuisine, traditional attire, dance and song, contemporary visual arts, crafts, theatre and poetry.
Cuisine
DINING AND WINING WITH A NAMIBIAN FLAIR
Namibia’s cuisine is an eclectic mix of customs derived from Germany, South Africa and of course Namibian traditions and ingredients. At lodges, hotels, restaurants and eateries that cater for foreign tourists, visitors will be familiar with most of what is on the menus.
Since livestock are reared entirely on natural grazing, Namibian meat is free of artificial stimulants and of a high quality. It’s not an exaggeration to say, “Namibia is meat country,” with a choice between free-ranging game and succulent beef, especially steak.
Gemsbok (Oryx gazella), springbok and kudu are served smoked, as carpaccio, pâté, steaks or in casseroles. Zebra, eland and warthog feature less frequently on menus.
Seafood is a speciality in the coastal towns of Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay. Oysters and black mussels are popular starters, while rock lobster from Lüderitz and calamari feature on various menus. Cob, also known as kabeljou, has a firm texture and heads the list of line fish. Other fish dishes include steenbras, kingklip, hake and sole.
Namibian delicacies such as omajova and Kalahari truffels are seasonally available. Omajova is the Otjiherero name for a large edible mushroom which grows at the base of termite hills in the central parts of the country shortly after the first summer rains. Sautéed in butter it is an excellent accompaniment to steak. The Kalahari truffle, a fungus known as the !Naba by the Nama people, grows in the Kalahari sands after rains. These truffles can be cooked whole, sliced and fried in butter, or used in a delicious soup.
The German culinary tradition is still strongly represented in Namibia. Typical German dishes include Eisbein (smoked pork shank), Rouladen (beef roll) and Kassler (salted and smoked pork chops) usually served with Sauerkraut (sour cabbage). Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Rotkohl (red cabbage), Bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes) and Spätzle (egg noodles) are popular side dishes. Some restaurants serve a traditional German Tagesessen (a dish of the day) at lunchtime.
Then there’s the almost endless variety of German-style cold meats, hams, sausages, salami and snacks produced locally by Hartlief and Windhoek Schlachterei to the highest standards. Raith Gourmet also makes a wide variety of meat products. Typical German products include Leberwurst (a liver spread), Bratwurst made from pork or veal, Bierwurst, a Bavarian-style pork, beef and game sausage, which does not contain any beer despite its name. Jagdwurst, or hunter’s sausage, is made from pork and beef, to mention but a few.
The German baking tradition is also still alive and well in Windhoek and many small towns. Brötchen (the German equivalent of bread rolls, but more crusty) with a variety of fillings are popular as a breakfast or lunch snack. Brötchen with filling are known as belegte Brötchen and may come with the typical German Rohhack – raw mince, salt, black pepper, onion and gherkins.
The Willi Probst Bakery, Boulevard Café and Restaurant, which has been a landmark in Walvis Bay since it opened its doors in August 1957, offers what is undoubtedly the largest selection of Brötchen with a choice of more than 50 fillings.
There’s also a wide choice of German Brot (bread) made from top quality whole rye grain. Three different types of grain are used in Dreikorn, while Katenbrot is made from a mixture of wheat and rye flower with added sunflower seeds. Pumpernickel is a very dark, course wholemeal bread with a strong flavour. Bauernbrot (farmer’s bread) is made with sour dough.
For those with a sweet tooth there’s a wide selection of mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Indulge in a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake – a chocolate sponge cake with a cherry filling and cream) or Sachertorte (Austrian chocolate cake). Or tuck into Apfelstrudel (sliced apples wrapped in pastry) and Käsekuchen (cheese cake).
German Stollen, a rich fruit and nut loaf, is popular at Christmas. Lebkuchen (German gingerbread in different designs), Pfeffernüsse – which true to their name contain pepper, plus a mixture of honey, cinnamon, allspice and ground cloves) and Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) are among the wide variety of cookies that are available during the Christmas season.
THE EVER-POPULAR BRAAI
At social gatherings, the traditional braai (barbecue) is a popular way of entertaining. It usually includes a combination of meat cuts, chicken, sosaties (skewered meat) and sausage cooked over the coals and served with salads. Potjiekos, a stew of beef, lamb or chicken and vegetables cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire is another popular dish. Other delicacies include skilpadjies and pofadder which are made from cubes of lambs liver wrapped in caul fat and cooked over the coals. Skilpadjies (little tortoises) are named for the resemblance of the parcels to the shell of a tortoise when they are roasted, while pofadder, which is shaped like a sausage, resembles the puff adder snake.
NAMIBIAN FARE FOR THE ADVENTUROUS PALATE
If you are looking for Namibia’s national dish and true street food, you need to make your way to an open-air market in Windhoek or any of the towns in the north of the country to buy kapana. These strips of beef which are grilled over the coals are named after the chilli spice that is sprinkled over them. Kapana has become so popular that a local bank, Nedbank, has been sponsoring a national kapana cook-off, where vendors can showcase their cooking skills, since 2015. Another typical Namibian dish, the Smiley, is a goat’s head cooked over an open fire. It is ready when the flesh around the teeth becomes soft and tender. And if you are more adventurous you can try some mopane worms, which are named after the leaves of the tree that the caterpillars feed on. Typical Namibian dishes from the north of the country include omahangu (pearl millet), the staple dish in the north and ekaka, wild spinach harvested in the mahangu fields. Also popular is oxuxwa, a dish made from chicken fried in nutty- tasting marula oil. Restaurants in the north usually feature local dishes on their menus. In Windhoek you can feast your taste buds on traditional fare at Xwama Traditional Restaurant in Katutura. Also well worth a visit is Hafeni Traditional Restaurant in Swakopmund’s Mondesa township.
PROST!
Namibia’s beer drinking tradition dates back to the arrival of German soldiers and officials in the late 1880s. Four breweries, two in Windhoek, one in Omaruru and one in Swakopmund, amalgamated in 1920 to form the South West Africa Breweries – renamed Namibia Breweries after independence. NBL was recently aquired by Heineken.
The company’s beer is brewed in accordance with the German Reinheitsgebot (Purity Laws) issued by the Duke of Bavaria in 1516, and only the purest malted barley, hops, yeast and water are used. No grains or cereals and no chemical additives, stabilizers, sugar or preservatives may be used. The brewery’s extensive range includes the Windhoek and Tafel brands, Hansa draught, King Lager (the first beer brewed from home-grown Namibian barley), Heineken and Erdinger.
CRAFT BEERS
Beer lovers can also enjoy a wide range of craft beers. The Camelthorn Brewing Company, Namibia’s first independent brewery, produced its first range of craft beers in 2009. It was acquired by Namibia Breweries in 2014 and its range includes Urbock – a traditional ‘bock’ beer with a sweet taste and an alcohol content of 7%. It is traditionally brewed for the winter months to meet the demand for a stronger beer and is usually served at room temperature.
The Swakopmund Brewing Company in the Strand Hotel’s Brewer and Butcher restaurant has been producing a range of craft beer since the hotel opened in 2015. Also at the coast are the Namib Dunes Craft Brewery at Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast Brewery at Henties Bay.
In Windhoek craft beer is produced by two micro- breweries. Helles, Indian Pale Ale and a limited edition beer is brewed by Tholch Brewery. The on-site brewery at the Roof of Africa Hotel has a range for four beers – Helles, Indian Pale Ale and a limited edition Roof Reef Draught, Roof Unfiltered Draft, Roof Pilsner, Roof Dark Lager.
MARKETS
Locally produced cheese, meat products, organic vegetables and other Namibian delicacies are available at several markets in Windhoek and elsewhere. The Green Market, also known as the Bio-Markt, in Windhoek is the first organic market in the country. A variety of organically grown vegetables and meats, cheese and fresh farm produce is sold at the market held at Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda Street in Klein Windhoek every Saturday from 07:30 to 12:15.
The Village Sunday Market at 18 Liliencron Street in Windhoek is held on Sundays only. The market has evolved into a vibrant gathering that supports small businesses and offers a platform for recognition and growth for talented musicians. Diverse stalls showcase a myriad of artistic expressions. But it is the culinary delights that truly take centre stage with artisan bread, fresh organic produce and aromatic herbs and spices on offer.
Despite its hot and dry climate, conditions in Namibia are surprisingly ideal for growing olives. Ruheleben Estate and Shalom Farm, in the Swakop River valley, produce cold pressed virgin olive oil and olives. Noab Olive farm is further inland, in a valley along the Remhoogte Pass.
The Swakop River valley is famous for delicious asparagus from the Swakopmund Asparagus Farm. A wide variety of fresh vegetables are also grown on smallholdings along the valley.
LIFT YOUR SPIRITS
Namibian distilleries produce a variety of uniquely hand- crafted spirits made from indigenous plant products. How about trying some Eembe liqueur made from the fruit of the Jackalberry tree, or the Essence of Namibia (a liqueur made from a mixture of ginger and aniseed and Devil’s Claw) – both from the cellars of Erongo Mountain Winery at Omaruru. The winery also distils Grappa from the skins of red grapes.
Kristall Kellerei at Omaruru also produces grappa, Nappa, as well as Matisa, a prickly pear liqueur, and Lumela, a liqueur made from the corky monkey orange. Naute Kristall, situated on the C12 to Naute Dam, has been operating since 2014. It produces NamGin, NamGlint (a gin liqueur) and NamRum which is flavoured with Devil’s Claw. The Copper & Coal Distillery Company in Walvis Bay produces a range of four gins which contain a variety of herbs, spices and local plant products such as Devil’s Claw and Marula fruit.
Stillhouse Atlantic craft distillery at Swakopmund produces a range of local gin infused with a variety of herbs, spices and indigenous ingredients such as the !Nara and Devil’s Claw.
IN VINO VERITAS
It comes as a surprise to many visitors that Namibia with its arid and hot climate has wineries. As these wineries are small- scale, production is limited, but the wines are available in selected bottle stores and restaurants.
The country’s first wine was produced as far back as the early 1900s at the Catholic mission station in Klein Windhoek. The cellar initially produced communion wine because of the prohibitive cost of importing the wine from Germany. The range was later expanded to include a semi-sweet and a dry white wine, as well as brandy (locally nicknamed Katholischer), which was sold commercially. Production stopped in the 1980s.
The country’s first commercial winery, Kristall Kellerei, was established in Omaruru on the banks of the Omaruru River in 1990. The first harvest was five years later. It produces a red blend and two white Colombard wines.
Also in Omaruru is the Erongo Mountain Winery which produced its first vintage in 2014. Its range includes four red blends, three white wines and a sparkling wine made from the corky monkey orange.
Thonningii Wine Cellar in the Otavi valley produced its first wines in 2005. Its range consists of a white and a red blend as well as Shiraz, Tinta Barocca, Barbera and a Shiraz rosé.
What started off as a hobby for retired businessman Allen Walkden-Davies with the first planting of vines at Neuras in the foothills of the Naukluft mountains in 1998, has expanded over the years. The farm was bought by the N/a’an kus ê Foundation in 2012. The range consists of three red wines.
A wide range of wines from South Africa and other wine-producing countries is sold in retail stores and bottle stores and is available in restaurants.
Plan your trip
SEASONAL TIPS
- The best time to visit the capital and surroundings is between May and September, when it is cool and dry. In the rainy season from November to March it is hot and somewhat humid, sometimes with heavy rains. December to January is the main school holiday season in Namibia, when much of the population heads to the coast, and some of the smaller shops and restaurants in the interior might be closed.
- If you are visiting southern Namibia and the desert areas surrounding Sossusvlei it is best to avoid the summer months, as temperatures can be extreme. The period between May and September is generally better and more comfortable for visiting, but keep in mind that in winter, especially at night, it can be cold.
- The climate at Lüderitz and the southern coast is hospitable from February to May, but quite cool and misty year-round, and particularly windy in August.
- From October to March is the best time to go to the coastal areas of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay, as the weather is pleasant compared to the hot interior. When the dry easterly winds blow, however, it can also be very hot.
- The northern Skeleton Coast has much the same moderate weather, with mist, wind and very little or no rain all year round. For fishing enthusiasts, this area is best visited between November and March.
- In Kaokoland the best time to visit is from May to August, as it is dry and cool. The summer months bring extremely high temperatures and occasionally flash floods, as most rain falls between January and March.
- The best time to visit Etosha is from April to September when the temperatures are tolerably cool, especially at night. This is also the best time for game viewing, as many animals gather at the waterholes to drink. For bird-watching, on the other hand, summer is the best time to visit, as migratory birds flock into the park after the summer rains.
- The summer months are hot and humid in the northern regions of Kavango and Zambezi, but this is also the best time for birdwatching. Rains and seasonal flooding might make it difficult to travel there, as some of the tracks might be inaccessible. It is advisable to check the condition of the roads before embarking on a trip. The months from April to October are the best time to travel to the Zambezi Region for game viewing, as it is much cooler and drier then, with practically no rain.
- April and May are pleasant months in Namibia. This is usually when the last rains of the season fall, the air is fresh and free of dust, and the land is green, vibrant and full of new life.
- During the winter months from June to August the country cools down and nights can become quite cold. As it becomes drier, game migrates to the waterholes and is easier to spot.
- By September and October it warms up again and game viewing in most areas is at its best, although there is often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
- November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times it might be humid, the sky will fill with clouds, and the first thunderstorms and rains might occur.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Foreign nationals must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. A visa is required from all visitors except nationals of countries with which Namibia has the necessary visa abolition agreement.
- No visas are required by bona fide South African passport holders travelling as tourists.
- All other South African citizens, including business people, require visas.
- Business visas are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities.
- Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days.
The process for a UNIVISA (a common EU Schengen-style visa) by RETOSA (the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa) in conjunction with the relevant Southern African Development Community (SADC) documentation allowing the free movement of visitors from SADC countries within the SADC Region is still ongoing. www.mha.gov.na, www.retosa.co.za
Visas can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs and at Namibian embassies.
Please note:
- Immigration officials are authorised to grant duration of stay based on the information provided on the arrival form.
- Tourists are advised to check their passports and documentation to ensure that the visa granted matches the duration of stay intended.
- Tourist visas for visitors from 47 countries can be obtained on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
- Visas can be extended only by applying at a Home Affairs Office, with prescribed fees applying.
- If visitors to Namibia have tourist/holiday visas, they are not allowed to engage in any employment while in the country.
- Visitors wishing to work in the country should apply for an employment permit in their country of residence prior to entry.
- This also applies to study permits.
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
- Arrive at your destination in the early afternoon to give your children an opportunity to work off their surplus energy.
- Even in the middle of winter it is warm enough to swim in the middle of the day.
- Children too young to take malaria prophylactics should not visit northern Namibia.
- We recommend itineraries that include fewer destinations, with more time to spend on activities.
- If the family is interested in conservation, make sure to include places with an education centre, rehabilitation programme or other conservation activities.
- Visits to Living Museums are enjoyable for children, as guests are invited to join in the dancing and participate in everyday activities.
- Keep in mind that destinations can be quite far from each other and children might become bored or frustrated on the road, so make sure they have enough to keep them busy. It is also advisable to stop frequently to stretch your legs and admire the surroundings.
- Many accommodation facilities cater for children, but not all of them, so it is advisable to establish this when making a booking.
- Depending on the age of the children, adventure activities such as quad-biking, dune-boarding and dolphin-watching can be a lot of fun.
