Update: 2021
Should you be interested, please have a look at this link for more information for 'Windhoek Oktoberfest' 2021 and onwards: https://www.oktoberfestnamibia.com/ (images on this page are copyrighted and belong to oktoberfestnamibia.com). Let us support all in the travel and hospitality industry in Africa; we all need it.
That being said;
The main event in Munich finished earlier this month on the 5th of October. The Windhoek Oktoberfest may not compete with over six million patrons and 7.5 million litres of beer drunk (enough to fill three Olympic swimming pools), but in its own way, it is flying the flag for the reputation of good beer and hospitality in this southwestern corner of Africa.
On the 25th and 26th of October, the Sports Klub Windhoek will host the 55th edition of the Oktoberfest. Over 5000 people are expected to attend (compared to 1000 in 2010). There are similarities to Munich, of course. The women waitresses wear traditional dirndl dresses, the men wear lederhosen, the beer is served in steins, and the Kirchdorfer band (the main band during the Munich festival) will be playing. Traditional German delicacies of Hendl (grilled chicken), Brezel (huge pretzels) and Shweinshaxe (pork knuckles) will be served.
Adding a certain local flavour will be the Namibian band Famaz Attak, and there will be long-established activities and games like archery and tree trunk sawing.
The main event is the beer, of course. Most beers will be provided by Namibian Breweries (NB) who adhere strictly to the age-old German rules of the Reinheitsgebot. This 'purity law' was enacted in 1516 to control beer quality standards and stipulates certain conditions such as the recipe can only include barley, malt, yeast, and hops. NB will be bringing out a special festival brew of Hansa beer. I am a big fan of the clean taste of the local Namibian brews, especially the flagship Windhoek lager.
It takes a certain suspension of belief and environment to be at an Oktoberfest in southern Africa with an average temperature of 22°c, but if any country can carry it off, it is Namibia. This former German colony is peppered with solid German architecture, and there are a significant number of locals who speak German and have maintained certain traditions and customs.
The Namibians are also a hospitable lot. No one is too stressed in this corner of Africa, and the locals are quick with a smile and a helping hand. This festival is growing fast, with visitors from all over the world testifying to its popularity. It promises to be a great weekend if you will be able to remember it!
Windhoek Oktoberfest by Uyaphi.com
- Hotel Eberwein
Hotel Eberwein in Swakopmund is within easy reach of sporting facilities like golf, tennis, parachuting, horse and camel riding, as well as the natural attractions of its dramatic desert environment.
A classic hotel in Swakopmund with all rooms are furnished in the Victorian style.
- Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge sits at the very foot of fossilised dunes of the protomorphic Namib, a very popular option and for good reason. A family-friendly swimming pool is one of the highlights.
There are 50 en-suite rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda at Namib Desert Lodge, allowing you to sit outside your room and enjoy a spectacular desert sunset.
- Ongava Lodge
The Ongava Lodge is situated on one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, covering 125 square miles and offers game drives into Etosha, with luxury accommodation in 14 en-suite suites made from rock and thatch.
Ongava Lodge in a private game reserve bordering the Etosha National Park.
- Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is close to Damaraland's more famous attractions, a fantastic option for those who are on a self-drive or guide safari through this stunning region of Namibia.
Perfect for those travelling with the family in tow.
- Atlantic Villa Guesthouse
Atlantic Villa Guesthouse is situated at Vogelstrand, Swakopmund, approximately 6 km from the town centre.
The magnificent Atlantic Villa has breathtaking sea views of Swakopmund and is only a short walk away from the Atlantic Ocean.
- 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.