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
- Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the 1-million-acre private Palmwag Reserve in northwest Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast.
There are very few places on the planet that can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experiences; Damaraland is truly special.
- Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp within the Etosha National Park itself is positioned on the edge of the pan, all suites are built on elevated decks, with thatched roofs, canvas walls and wooden framed doors allowing spectacular panoramic views.
One of the few properties within the Etosha Park that offers a large selection of thatched chalets.
- Namib Dune Star Camp
Namib Dune Star Camp an intimate camp set high up on the red dunes of the Namib Desert with desert views out over plains and rugged mountains in the distance, offers the experience of sleeping out under the stars for a night.
A star dune suite within an international dark sky reserve, what could be better?
- Kwessi Dunes Camp
Kwessi Dunes Camp located deep in the heart of Namibia's private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a mere 75-minute drive from the famed Sossusvlei.
A camp with a swimming pool that is open to guest year-round and is specially designed for those wanting to explore and experience everything that the Namib desert has to offer.
- Doro Nawas Camp
Doro Nawas Camp is situated in the beautiful Damaraland on a small, rocky outcrop within the floodplain of a small tributary of the Huab River; guests are housed in 16 natural walled units that blend in with the surrounding scenery.
- Namutoni Rest Camp
Namutoni offers Accommodation in either comfortable double rooms or bush chalets and is located on the eastern side of Etosha National Park; it centres on an old German Fort, overlooking the famous King Nehale waterhole.
A viewing deck overlooking the watering hole is one of the highlights when staying here.