Continuing our series of dining in Africa, we look at the Namibian capital, Windhoek. More and more visitors are becoming aware of the unique attractions of Namibia as a safari destination. Coupled (as with many other African cities) with an increase in economic activity due to mining exploration and direct flights from Europe, Windhoek is prospering.
This increased prosperity brings more choice. Nowhere is too far to travel in this small (and clean) city of 330,000 but be warned when you go out to eat, vegetarianism is not common! Meat and seafood are the principal dishes.
In no particular order our top 5 restaurants are:
JOE'S BEER HOUSE
160 Nelson Mandela Avenue. Vegetarians stay away! Like Carnivore in Nairobi and elsewhere, meat and especially game meat is the menu. Kudu, springbok, zebra are the specialities. Popular with tourists and locals alike. The decor is best described as an African bush lodge transported to the city.
Information link: Joe's Beerhouse Windhoek
RESTAURANT GATHEMANN
175 Independence Avenue. A long-established German restaurant in an old, colonial-era building in the centre of town. One of Namibia's top chefs Urs Gamma has been presiding over Gathemann's for the last twenty years and cooks local ingredients in the German tradition.
Information link: Restaurant Gathemann
NICE
2 Mozart Street. Or the Namibian Institute for Culinary Excellence. Do not be put off by the staid title. Situated in rather hip and contemporary surroundings which hold a selection of private dining rooms, lounges, and courtyards, aspiring Namibian chefs cook contemporary Namibian dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences.
Information link: Nice
AM WEINBERG RESTAURANT
13 Jan Jonker Road. Formerly a vineyard with one of Namibia's oldest colonial buildings (1901), the restaurant was opened in 2004. It enjoys from its terrace, magnificent views over the Klein Windhoek Valley. The style of food is again; German derived but utilizing the freshest local ingredients. Highly recommended.
Information link: Am Weinberg Restaurant
O PORTUGA
321 Sam Nujoma Drive. As the name suggests, the food is Portuguese inspired combining with local influences, especially from Angola. Probably one of the best restaurants in town for fish dishes as well as vegetarian options. The decor is pure Portuguese. Situated on the airport road not far from Am Weinberg. Popular with locals which are always a good sign.
Information link: O'Portuga Restaurant
Top 5 restaurants in Windhoek by Uyaphi.com
Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel is a tribute to these metaphors and is a stepping stone to Namibia and the gateway to Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert.
The Avani Windhoek Hotel Casino, 173 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, sky lounge and all this located in the city centre of Windhoek, Namibia.
Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Zambezi Mubala Lodge is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets with a Zambezi Riverfront setting, 450 species of bird and good fishing all on the doorstep.
The perfect base from which to explore all that surrounds or simply sit back and relax in the lap of luxury.
Little Kulala
Little Kulala the flagship of Namibia's extraordinary Sossusvlei area, has for several years been attracting informed travellers, who enjoy the first-rate facilities, charming hospitality and nearby proximity to the towering dunes.
Kalahari Farmhouse
With only 11 chalets, the Kalahari Farmhouse is small and intimate and ideally suited for those self-driving in this region of Namibia.
Kalahari Farmhouse is the perfect safari destination for those self-driving and exploring the Kalahari region of this fantastic country, Namibia.
Visits to a nearby Kalahari Game Lodge for game drives and nature walks can be arranged.
Büllsport Guestfarm
Büllsport Guestfarm is the perfect option for those who want a bit more of a private experience but without sacrificing location and activities. A small swimming pool is available.
Büllsport is located 155 kilometres drive from Sossusvlei and offers up farm-style accommodation with hiking, horse riding and 4x4 safari activities. Highly recommended.
Little Ongava Camp
Little Ongava Camp, in the private Ongava game reserve, shares a common boundary with Etosha National Park, a warm welcome awaits at this exclusive lodge, with unrivalled privacy in only three private and luxurious suites each with its own plunge pool.
An Etosha safari lodge that ranks up there with the best in Southern Africa.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib Valley Camp, situated in Kaokoland / Damaraland, is surrounded by a multitude of desert-adapted wildlife surrounds the camp including free-roaming desert lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, and hyena, oryx and mountain zebra.
Hoanib River Valley in Namibia's Damaraland is utterly spectacular, with mountains surrounding the valley floor all with desert wildlife.
The Desert Grace
The Desert Grace offers guests a more intimate and luxurious affair with the surrounding desert, making it the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding attractions, including the Namib Nauklauft, Sossusvlei dune, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon.
A lodge that offers guests stylish and comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities, passionate guides and a variety of safari activities to enjoy. The Desert Grace will provide an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Namibian desert.