MoiYa Artisan Deli.

The Namibian culinary scene is developing rapidly! The latest addition to the foodie world is MoiYa Artisan Deli, which was launched with a fest of artisan bread, cheese and tapenades. Even Camelthorn Brewery was there to help the crowd wash down all delicacies with their refreshing sundowner beer until late after sunset. Now MoiYa's spanking new premises at the Village on Liliencron are open for daily business. They have a small and changing lunch menu every day for guests to enjoy in their beautiful garden setting. Food is well-priced and tasty and just the right portion for lunch. Being a true deli, however, they offer a large variety of hand-crafted chocolates, single-variety olives and olive oil, fresh produce from the Organic Box, and bread freshly baked on site. All is set for this intimate place to become Windhoek's new hotbed of epicurean delights. Let's only hope the team manages to find more Namibian suppliers; and that they start having second thoughts about the deli pricing structure, which doesn't seem to go down too well even with foodies prepared to fork out considerable amounts of money for their daily bread.

Sundowner.

Even in summer, evenings in Southern Africa are rather short, so the few hours between the end of the working day and dusk have to be celebrated thoroughly. A much-loved ritual for this time of day in Namibia and neighbouring countries is the so-called sundowner, which essentially is a drink enjoyed, well, during sunset. Typically, you would order a cold beer, Gin & Tonic (for the more British feel) or the ubiquitous Rock Shandy. Then all you have to do is sit back, maybe munch on some nibbles, and engage in trivial conversation. In Windhoek the best place for a sundowner with the whole family is the bar at Hotel Thule overlooking the hills of Klein Windhoek. If you like it more sophisticated, try the Wine Bar or the Hilton rooftop bar in the city centre. For the real bush experience, drive out to River Crossing Lodge on the fringes of the city towards the airport.

Gwaitalale Pottery.

Unfortunately, many gifted Namibian crafters are working away at their beautiful wares in small workshops far from the public and possible customers. One of our favourites is pottery expert Vistorina, who is operating her business Gwaitalale Pottery from a shack in Katutura. You'll probably never manage to find it, but be assured that Vistorina will find you. With her entrepreneurial spirit and bottomless energy she has managed to make her mark well beyond Goreangab Dam and now sends off her mugs, bowls and plates to businesses around Namibia. Que Tapas serve their delicious meals in Gwaitalale stoneware, as does traditional restaurant Xwama. Orders have recently even come in from as far as Ongwediva. And the best thing is, you can choose from her own signature range or simply order custom-designed pieces to match your particular style.

Otto's Antiques.

Tucked away in an alley in Southern Industrial you'll find the very unusual antiques and backyard junk dealer Otto's. The huge shop in a colonial era theatre building houses everything you can imagine from the fashionable and useful to the utterly useless and kitsch. An eclectic mix of furniture, china, books and other paraphernalia that spans more than a century of design waits to be discovered. You will surely find the odd polka dot teapot or cosy rocking chair to enhance your home with things that have a story to tell. And while Otto's is living proof that things were not necessarily better back in the days, it definitely shows that quality was much higher up on the agenda than today.

Because the guys at Otto's know that you will be quite exhausted after hours of browsing and shopping, they have set up a neat little cafe outside in the yard. Order a refreshing lemon and mint cooler and a crispy cheese and tomato sandwich and make plans for a more simple life with less frills, good quality, honest service and things that are re-used again and again instead of being discarded only weeks after purchase.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge.

The Namibian tourism sector manages to surprise time and again with absurdly luxurious accommodation in the most isolated and remote places. One of those spots certainly is the Kunene village of Purros, where a perennial river has created a most amazing riverine oasis. While you can also pitch your tent at the superb community camp or opt for the equally charming community lodge, it is Okahirongo Elephant Lodge that elevates the surreal Purros experience to a completely different level. From your spacious bedroom and equally large bathroom, including outdoor shower, you look out over the valley below where the greenery of the Hoarusib creates a stark contrast to the surrounding desert and mountains. The best spot though is your private daybed on a separate platform from where you can soak in the amazing scenery and fresh sea breeze coming in from the Skeleton Coast in peaceful slumber.
Ask manager Pieter for a discount when in Purros. Chances are Okahirongo is not fully booked and you can stay at a fraction of the rack rate.

www.okahirongolodge.com