Grootberg Lodge & Camp.

As Namibia's first community-run middle market establishment, Grootberg Lodge has received considerable attention in the past from both local and international travelers and the media crowd. But even without the added benefit of community involvement Grootberg Lodge is worth checking out. Perched among the rocks right at the edge of a large plateau, the main building and bungalows all look out into the valley below. Depending on the season, elephants and lions can be spotted close to the lodge. Now, the guys at Grootberg have also taken over management of Hoada, a beautiful campsite 20 kilometres to the East of the lodge. Complete with open-air bathroom and kitchen, each site is an outdoor home away from home. Plus, neighbouring sites are far away to guarantee complete privacy. A pool has recently been added and a bush bar overlooking the surrounding landscape is under construction.

http://www.grootberg.com/

Flowered Earth.

Get yourself a hint of summer this winter with some fresh and beautifully arranged flowers from Amanda at Flowered Earth, Windhoek's most charming florist. We love to pay the guys a visit every now and then to check out the wonderful yet simple and natural arrangements from unpretentious tulips to majestic Proteas. It's always an inspiration, because their small space at the Maerua Lifestyle Centre doubles as a gift and decor shop with a well-curated selection of pottery, pots and other paraphernalia for the design enthusiast. There are few places in Namibia where so much effort goes into creating a feel-good shopping experience like here at Flowered Earth. Wouldn't it be nice to see more dull offices and homes around town brighten up with some floral freshness? Even if it's only a bunch of sunflowers.

Camelthorn Garden.

The perfect foodie stop-over destination on the way North from Windhoek, Camelthorn Garden in Otjiwarongo invites to linger with lush greenery, lemon trees galore and quirky objects scattered all over the place. And what a nice a garden it is. No traffic sound enters here, so you feel like in a cosy lunchtime cocoon with the only concern being what to choose from the mouthwatering menu. Portions are very generous, so opt for one of their gourmet sarmies or the monstrous burger to share. Then finish off with a helping of one of their divine cakes freshly baked on site. Only problem is, you might not be able to move an inch after you are done with this epicurean feast. And even if you make it back to your car, chances are you fall asleep before you reach the B1 again.

Fish River Hike.

    

It's Fish River season again! Now, with water levels in the Fish getting lower by the day (unless NamWater decides to open the Hardap Dam), pack your outdoor equipment and head South for this iconic hike. It won't be long after the descent into the canyon and you feel lightyears away from the real world. As the river meanders through the breathtaking landscape, you get closer and closer to nature. Well, naturally you will, as you have to drink the water from the river, endure the elements and camp rough (unless you want to carry your tent all 90km down to Ai-Ais). But then, it is definitely manageable and worth every single blister. Just don't forget to bring a proper map along to find shortcuts and know your position, as it's not uncommon that the MET office in Hobas runs out of maps.

Opuwo Bracelets.

Now, here's an affordable, uniquely Namibian gift for loved ones back home. And a quintessential local fashion accessory for design-savvy Windhoekites, too. Testament to creativity and crafting skills of Opuwo-based artists, beautiful, ornate bracelets made from mundane plastic piping come in a variety of colours and patterns. They might have found their way into arts and crafts outlets around the country by now, but still the more intricate examples can only be purchased in Namibia's northwestern Kunene outpost. Head for the OK parking lot in the centre of Opuwo and simply wait for the sales ladies to approach you with their wares. Queen Elizabeth and her colleagues are so convincing, you will leave with no less than an entire kitchen plumbing system's worth of very special jewellery.

Slowtown Coffee Roasters.

Swakopmund is Namibia's laid-back weekend getaway. For days on end you can while away the time, doing nothing in particular. Come Sunday lunchtime and you wonder what you have been doing for the past 48 hours. Bliss. Now, Swakop has its very own and aptly named coffee roaster, Slowtown. The moment you enter the small workshop-cum-cafe, you know you have arrived in barista heaven. The air is filled with the delicate smell of freshly ground Ethiopian Yirgachefe and the espresso machine is humming in the background. Grab a hot cup of Americano, find yourself a seat on one of their cosy benches outside under the palm trees and, well, while the morning away with a good newspaper. Did you see the black cat dozing behind you on the window sill? We can't wait for cafes and restaurants in the capital to switch to one of Slowtown's great roasts made in Namibia.

www.slowtowncoffee.com