Goreangab Dam at Penduka.

Inhabitants of the more affluent neighbourhoods of Windhoek tend to forget that the city doesn't end at the Western bypass and mostly ignore the treasures that lie beyond. One of them is the beautiful Goreangab Dam at the Western fringes of the city. With its largely pristine surroundings it is a haven for those seeking solitude and quiet, birds and humans alike. Head for Penduka, a crafts-for-development project right at the lake to get the most out of your trip. They have finally teared down fences and barbed wire along the shoreline and constructed a floating platform, complete with navy blue benches and picknick tables. It almost feels like being miles away from the city. But the distant music from the stereo of some more party-minded leisure seekers reminds you of how close this treasure is to he hubbub of town. Bring a good book and a cushion, order a cup of coffee from the restaurant, and have yourself a merry afternoon of reading, ornithological discoveries and chance encounters with fellow urban nature lovers.

Ohandje Baskets.

Now, here's some traditional arts and crafts that we'd really and without reservations recommend. Hand-woven from local material in Namibia's Northern regions, baskets of all sizes have long been a staple household item for rural communities. But they are just as useful and pretty in today's increasingly urban settings. If only more people would ditch plastic and turn to the beautifully simple baskets made by artisans for Artist Cooperative Ohandje in Ondangwa. They come with ornaments, too, but we prefer the plain types with no frills whatsoever. We use them as jewellery case, as bread basket, for supplies from our weekly Organic Box delivery, and even as laundry basket. You get them at some outlets in Windhoek, such as the Craft Centre, and around the country, but make sure you head for their flagship store up North for the widest selection.

More at http://www.ohandje.com/

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge.

With the stiffling cold in the capital these days, we envy all those who are on vacation, who can migrate to the much warmer North of the country. When heading for the Caprivi, make sure you schedule at least one night at the magnificient Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge. This intimate place with only 10 luxury tents is situated on the edge of the Nkasa Lupala National Park amidst the labyrinthine waterways of the Linyanti swamps. It's like being in Botswana's Okavango Delta, just as beautiful but much more affordable. And because the last few kilometres are small tracks and narrow bridges that can only be navigated in a 4x4, it feels more remote than most places in a country that isn't short of remote locations anyway. So when you finally arrive, lean back on their terrace overlooking the surrounding wetlands and savour the tranquility, which is only broken by a concert of frogs (in summer) or the occasional herd of elephants (in winter/spring). Then expect some home-made Italian goodness for dinner. The owners traded their Mediterranean home for life in Southern Africa, so you might be lucky and enjoy a Tiramisu in the middle of nowhere.

Visit their website at http://www.nkasalupalalodge.com/

Bojos.

It's Sunday morning in Swakopmund and you know that you'll have to return to Windhoek for the work week ahead. But not yet. First you head for a decent breakfast of scones with clotted cream, a hearty omelette and a bowl of muesli at Bojos. It's a charming little café with attentive staff, but you'll probably have to wait a bit for your breakfast, especially when it's crowded. Use the time to admire their quirky collection of quotes on posters, signs and plates that cover the walls. In case you favour a fresh sea breeze with your latte, make sure you get there early and secure one of the tables outside on the pavement to soak up some winter sun and indulge in serious people watching. It's the place to be at the coast on a Sunday morning, so you'll certainly meet someone you know (and who can give you a lift back home). And because you want to postpone the moment of departure for the capital as much as possible, you order another dish and another drink and another snack until breakfast extends well into lunchtime.