Seminars at Eagle Rock Lodge.

In a world where most seminars are being held at really drab, dark conference hotels with fluffy carpets and eyesore curtains, Eagle Rock Lodge makes its mark as the saviour of more innovation-minded organisations. It's located just a few kilometres outside Windhoek, but it feels like miles away from the city. From the training and meeting rooms you look out into the beautiful Khomas mountains, cattle grazing in the distance. The location is perfect if you want to get some work done without being distracted by the nitty-gritty of daily office life. The service team is very attentive without being obnoxiously omnipresent, coffee is in abundant supply, meals are decent and even wi-fi is included in the very affordable rate. Check them out at www.eaglerock.de

A Haunted House Tour At Dusk.

It seems strange that the wonderful Liebig House just a few kilometres outside Windhoek has been unoccupied for years now and reached a stage of irreversible decay. Why does nobody care? Once a stately colonial mansion, only the walls, wooden floors and roof are left. Still, the commanding views of the nearby valley are probably the same as back in the early 1900s. When the sun sets and the warm glow comes shining in through the window frames, myriad shadows appear on the walls as if the whole place once again comes to life. Kids playing on the front lawn, parents in their rocking chairs on the balcony, the maid in the kitchen preparing dinner. It's so eerie, it makes you shiver.

Die Muschel - Book & Art.

A sanctuary of tranquility, refined taste and contemporary literature, that's Namibia's premier bookshop »Die Muschel« in Swakopmund. The moment you enter the small space on the fringes of the Brauhaus Arcade, you know that you are as removed from anything brauhaus-ish as can be. Be enveloped by classical music and that very distinct smell of new books and browse the impressive array of English and German literature, including a whole section of art books from Cologne-based TASCHEN publishers. A real treat.

22° South.

It's hard to make your mark in the restaurant scene in Namibia's culinary capital, but the guys at 22° South have managed exactly that. Their Italian eatery is a welcome sign of diversity in a market mostly dominated by the omnipresent Lighthouse Group. Funny enough, they were able the secure the actual Swakopmund lighthouse, a beautiful white-and-red landmark, as their business location. You can decide if you want to dine inside (on those nasty, foggy days) or if you prefer to take a seat in their wonderful garden looking out over the sea. Meals are well priced, yummy and unpretentious. Just as you would expect from a true Italian restaurant.

A Sunday Hike Around Avis Dam.

For some weird reason all places one would normally go to on a Sunday afternoon in other cities are closed in Windhoek. No charming cafes, no museums, no galleries, nothing. But don't despair. Just pack your picknick basket, put on your hiking boots and head for Avis Dam just outside town, which thankfully is always open. With great viewpoints and countless rock formations to choose from, Avis Dam is the perfect destination for during-the-week sundowners and impromptu strolls, too.

100% Pure Beer.

While most countries in the world have to cope with beer that is flat and tasteless and comes with a whole list of nasty additives on top, Namibia is blessed with a number of great brews in accordance with the German Reinheitsgebot. Only water and barley and hops, period. So grab a chilled bottle of Windhoek or Tafel and welcome the weekend knowing that you have access to the best beer in Africa, produced right here at your doorstep.

Ruhleben Olive Oil.

We used to head for Tokara's Olive Shed in the Cape Winelands for yummy »local« olive oil. Until one fine day at the Fish Deli in Swakopmund where we discovered that we need not look that far at all for this mainstay of Mediterranean cuisine. Enter single-variety oil from Ruhleben Estate in the Swakop river. It comes in both bottles and metal containers for the heavy-duty olive oil addict. So, when you consider buying a bottle of imported stuff from the Med the next time, think twice and go for the local option instead. We love the fresh and mild Mission variety, which goes together well with salads and home-made pesto.

Camping Deluxe.

When Namibians go camping, they do so fully equipped. We'd never leave for the outdoors without our Italian espresso cooker and our Jaffle iron. Obviously, we are not talking camping as in shoulder-your-backpack-and-go here. Boxes of supplies, appliances, army-size tents, tables, chairs, an electric fridge - all find ample space in the back of our 4x4. And of course even the most remote campsite in the middle of nowhere comes with running water, ablution facilities and a hot shower. Add the usual kitsch sunsets and amazing vistas and you know why »Out of Africa« looks like a mediocre band camp when compared to modern-day camping holidays in the Namib.

Cramer Organic Box.

Finally, the organic box scheme has arrived in Windhoek. We received our first delivery today and are amazed by the freshness (and the affordability). From now on, we'll be looking forward to Thursdays even more, as that is the day the guys from Cramer Organics come to town. Uh, the name reminds me of a cosy bookstore in Washington D.C., adding an even more homey touch to this feel-good affair. Receive your order form by Saturday, order by Monday and wait for your supplies. Simple as that. Talk to the people behind the business at order@organic-box.com to add you to the mailing list.