The Good Holiday.

 

So, you still want more? Here you go. Together with a host of other contributors, I now share responsible tourism stories from around the world on THE GOOD HOLIDAY. Here's how Daréll Lourens, the passionate film-maker behind the blog, describes the project:

TGH produces films in places that make an extra effort to involve and empower local communities. Our photographers take pictures in parts around the world that amaze with natural beauty and our writers string together sentences about destinations that inspire an inner knowledge that living well creates more abundance than living rich.

Do I need to say more?

Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Erongo Wilderness Lodge has always been a special place but after a recent face-lift it's pure magic. Situated just outside the quaint little artist town of Omaruru, the lodge is nestled in the picturesque boulder landscape of the Omaruru Mountains. From your luxury safari tent built on stilts into the rocks the view goes out to lush greenery that contrasts the ochre hillocks with their rounded edges and steep, dramatic cliffs that plunge into nowhere. The tents, all with open air bathrooms, are tastefully decorated in contemporary safari style with only a hint of Afro-chic here and there. Each room features a large wooden patio for morning coffees or lazy afternoons. Before dinner, make sure you join one of the guides for the sundowner walk that leads you to a splendid lookout with jaw-dropping vistas of the plains below and the Omaruru river bed winding its way through the bush. Then, retreat to the new dinner deck overlooking a waterhole and enjoy whatever yummy goodness the chef whips up for you and some other lucky few (the lodge only has 10 rooms) in the gourmet kitchen. Staff are super-relaxed and super-friendly, yet very professional, which isn't something you can say about many establishments in Namibia. You will enjoy every minute, be it in the solitude of your tent tucked away in the hills or on a guided tour with one of the expert guides.

http://bigsky-namibia.com/index.php/erongo-wilderness-lodge/about-erongo-wilderness-lodge

Hiking at Rostock Ritz.

For some of the best hiking in Namibia look no further than the grounds of Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge. The lodge itself is a nice-enough (though far from special) place to stay the night, but what Rostock Ritz really excels at is yaw-dropping natural beauty aplenty. Numerous hikes take you from grassy plains to bizarre rock formations and from red dunes to rolling hills, all within a couple of hours, sometimes even minutes. It's a giant's playground that you can easily get lost in for some days with only wildlife keeping you company. Large herds of mountain zebra roam the area, a particularly spectacular sight at sunset when they come close to the water hole at the foot of the lodge. You can just sit and sit and let hour after hour pass while you marvel at the beauty of the world, well Namibia. And if that sounds a bit corny, wait until you've seen it yourself. Sigh!

http://www.rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com/

Cuppa.

Hidden behind the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, beyond a nondescript approach road and a car park lies a charming cluster of shops and restaurants that make up the leisure (epi-)centre of what can safely be described as an ugly industrial town of sorts. And although you can still see the working harbour with its container ships and rows of 20ft units stacked high into the sky, this makes for quite a pleasant panorama when admired from one of the cosy wicker chairs at Café Cuppa. With the bar next door, a curio shop just across and the celebrated Lyon des Sables (which claims to be Namibia's best restaurant) on the first floor this is as holiday as it gets in Walvis Bay. Boats and catamarans with tourist groups zip in and out of the harbour, the sea is dotted with small sailing boats and the odd posh yacht, gulls scream overhead. You might even spot the occasional cruise ship spitting out immense numbers of middle-aged or retired travellers in beige attire that will most definitely make their way to where you are right now in a matter of minutes. So, order yourself a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake to go with it and enjoy the general brouhaha.

https://www.facebook.com/CuppaMusselcracker

Shearwater Oyster Bar.

Lüderitz, despite its tourism appeal, is not normally known for its culinary delights and your best bet most of the time is home-cooking in your self-catering apartment. Fortunately, at least on Friday nights (and daily for lunch) the Shearwater Oyster Bar in the town's old quay area on the way to Shark Island makes for a pleasant alternative. Housed in the same building as the aquaculture company of the same name this low-key but charming affair welcomes guests with an eclectic mix of re-purposed fishing paraphernalia. Lobster cages double as tables, old fenders have been turned into lamps, and the industrial ceiling is camouflaged with fishing nets and little flags. The menu is rather short with a focus on - surprise, surprise - oysters, which come in fresh and au gratin versions. But then, oysters is maybe what you want from an oyster bar. Order a cold bottle of white wine from the bar and as many oysters as you like because they are most likely the most affordable quality oysters you'll get anywhere in the world. Sit back and enjoy the maritime atmosphere while strong, cold winds from the Atlantic batter the ships out at sea. Cosy!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g316112-d3438678-Reviews-Shearwater_Oyster_Bar-Luderitz_Karas_Region.html

Flaunt - The Deli.

Flaunt, the eatery, has been around for a while now as one of the more pleasant (as in outdoor) breakfast and lunch options at Maerua Mall. A couple of months ago the people behind the project expanded into the shop next door to open a takeaway deli for all of us too hungry to travel to other parts of town but not willing to put up with the not-so-cosy parking lot location of the café. I guess you can still call it alfresco if you like, yet with an industrial twist. So, if that's not for you, head for the deli instead to browse through the shelves of artisan muesli, picnic bars, cheese, charcuterie and cake, to name but a few, and fill your basket with whatever you feel like. We can highly recommend the fresh farm bread as well as irresistible cupcakes that come in various favourite flavours from carrot to choc. Then, make off for greener pastures and enjoy!

http://www.flauntnam.com/#!the-deli/cuye

River Crossing Lodge.

The good thing about coming to Namibia for vacation is that you can try out some of the wonderful lodges just outside town that are conveniently located to explore Africa's most orderly capital while at the same time offering an alluring bush experience. Our pick is definitely River Crossing Lodge on the way to Windhoek airport with your room overlooking either the city below or the green hills of the Khomas highlands. Even from your breakfast table you can either pretend you're in for a day of shopping and sightseeing in the city or for serious hiking out in nature. In any case, make sure you fill your tummy with a generous portion of their homemade cereal mix topped with fresh fruit and yoghurt. You'll definitely want more, we gurantee! When back from your adventures in the evening, River Crossing is also the perfect spot for sundowners, much loved by Windhoekites for that special weekend feel on a normal working day. On top of it all, staff are super-friendly and helpful so you might as well stay for dinner. All in all, it's a great value-for-money destination.

http://www.rivercrossing.com.na

More Namibia.

Back from a wonderful road trip through Southern Namibia with stories to tell, pictures to show and places to recommend. Stay tuned for a number of updates over the coming weeks!

Arabesque.

We've made a move for Egypt. The story continues:

Follow our discoveries at http://arabesquegypt.blogspot.com/

This was Secretly Namibian.

It's been three wonderful years in Namibia and when reading my own blog, I am actually not sure if it's such a great idea to leave this beautiful country. After all, there's new cafés and small little shops popping up everywhere and it saddens me a bit not being able to follow these developments any more. I hope to have the opportunity to continue Secretly Namibian in future. There's always a reason to return, be it a slice of chocolate cake at the W&V Kaffeebar in Windhoek, a sundowner at Walvis Bay harbour, or camping in Kunene.

For now, the blog will remain online as a repository of all the great things about Namibia. If you are a visitor, I hope the entries help you discover a very special country that will surely attract more global attention in future. Don't be surprised to find it on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List soon. If you are lucky enough to call Namibia home, may Secretly Namibian inspire you to explore the country afresh every single day.

Ahoy.
Bernhard.

FNCC & Blue Frog.

Imagine life without the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, FNCC. The undisputed leaders in all things related to arts and culture in Namibia churn out an impressive array of events every month that see locals and expats alike flock to their vibey downtown premises in Robert Mugabe Avenue. They have their own indoor art gallery, a well-stocked library, and even a boutique cinema with plush chairs and surround sound. It is here that the indie enthusiast finds culture and arts gems that provide the perfect antidote to mainstream pop junk so painfully prevalent elsewhere in the city. The mix of exciting artists from around the world and local newcomers never fails to impress. FNCC is at its best once a month when it’s time for the wonderful Friday Acoustic Concert series. Against the backdrop of an eclectic urban fabric of construction sites and colonial-era buildings, Windhoek’s artsy in-crowd comes together for a glass of wine and a good dose of vocals and guitars.

During the day, the on-site bistro and brasserie Blue Frog is THE place to see and be seen for office, embassy and ministry folks working in the vicinity. So, bring your sunglasses, sit back and relax in the small garden, and order a light snack or salad to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Katutura Soap.

The Katutura Soap project provides handmade olive oil guest soaps to the likes of Wilderness Safaris and Gondwana collection. Still, not many people know this very special project, let alone where to find it. When we make our way to their small workshop in a welcoming red-brick complex in Assuit St, the ladies behind the project are immediately excited and pose for a picture with their unique wares. The small kitchen is brimming with activity, soap bubbling on the stove, soap bars being wrapped and labelled, the seamstress and the bead artist operating from the same premises come by for a chat. All is made by hand here with only the finest ingredients! The olive oil is provided by Ruhleben farm from Swakopmund and the sea salt has its origin at the Namibian coast, too. So far, there are not many outlets for the soaps, which come in different shapes and sizes from regular bars to flowers, but that might be changing with the Katutura Soap Project improving on the marketing front and trying out new recipes for their products. Wanna become a stockist or order custom-made soaps for your lodge or business? The ladies will surely be delighted to assist.

http://www.katuturaproject.blogspot.com/

Kristall Kellerei.

Just outside the the quaint little town of Omaruru lies a special destination for the Namibian foodie. Here, where the city fades into the bush, the passionate winemakers at Kristall Kellerei produce some of the country's few wines, both red and white. Because production is limited, Colombard and other fine beverages, such as prickly pear schnaps, are only available in small bottles. It's probably more a gift for special occasions rather than an everyday drink, but if you have friends over from overseas, why not treat them to something unique. Kristall Kellerei wines are available at Embassy Liquor Store in Klein Windhoek and a few other outlets in the capital. When in Omaruru, make sure you book a winetasting, complemented by local cheeses, in the garden of this picturesque boutique winery, to get the full Namibian wine experience.

http://kristallkellerei.wordpress.com/

Fish River Lodge.

For all of us who are sick and tired of so-called African-themed lodges with their thatched roofs and animal hides, here's the ultimate stylish, contemporary getaway. Set right at the edge of the Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia, the aptly named Fish River Lodge occupies probably the most superb location of them all. Just where your private patio ends, the dramatic stone cliffs plummet down into the canyon. All here is glass and wood and concrete and decoration is kept to a minimum. It's the landscape that sets the scene, and any additional frills would just be a distraction from the spectacle outside your window. Whether it's from your cosy bed or the outdoor shower, there's always this grand panorama that makes you feel utterly content immediately. Just sit and stare. On top of it all, the people at the lodge are extremely friendly and food is definitely way above the Namibian average, especially if you consider the remote location.

http://www.fishriverlodge-namibia.com

Seawork.

Summer is the time for fish and a good bottle of chilled white, enjoyed with family and friends in a no-frills setting. Alas, Windhoek is far from the sea and the number of recommendable seafood eateries is minuscule. Enter the guys from Seawork who supply the capital with the ocean's frozen goodness for delicious home-cooked feasts. At their small shop in Southern Industrial you get everything from from green-lipped mussels to hake fillets and from tiger prawns to calamari tubes. Seawork also stocks a selection of ready-to-cook and expertly seasoned fish from the wonderful Fish Deli, bringing the flavours of our favourite Swakopmund seafood restaurant to your doorstep. They even have fresh fish straight from Walvis Bay every Friday, but make sure you order well in advance as supplies are limited and in high demand.

Mossi Nets.

Namibia might be a dry country, but come summer and rain we are eaten alive by millions and millions of mosquitoes, even here in Windhoek. Thank goodness a very clever entrepreneur from Otavi had the very simple yet splendid idea to provide Namibians with mosquito nets in all sorts of shapes. We were lucky enough to get the luxury version as a wedding gift and it has moved house with us ever since. It makes you feel like a king in a four-poster bed and keeps the little beasts at bay while still allowing you plenty of space. You can get your custom-made mossie protection directly from the company's Otavi headquarters or simply place an order via your local post office. Isn't it incredible how a rather boring, everyday product can have such a profound and positive impact on your quality of life? We are big fans!

Cicada Café.

Lemon Meringue Pie lovers, this is for you! Find yourself a neat table in the shade, order your favourite epicurean delight and a mug of coffee, and treat yourself to some serious summer indulgence. Here at Cicada, hidden in the Wilde Eend nursery in Klein Windhoek, Namibia pretends to be a tropical paradise, complete with birds chirping and bees humming in the distance. Add the clinking of glasses and the cheerful chattering of your fellow patrons for the perfect symphony of extended lunch breaks that we cherish so much during this time of year. After all, you deserve some compensation for still manning the ship here in Windhoek, while half the city has already departed for their seaside playgrounds. So lean back and order another slice. They also do incredibly fresh salads, moreish wraps and yummy sandwiches in case you like it savoury.

Onjowewe - House in the Rocks.

Don't we all want that perfect, charming holiday home with plenty of outdoor areas, space to roam and explore for the kids, and a comfy lounge for leisurely sundowners? Plus, a secluded reading nook, a spacious kitchen, a decent braai, beds to sleep in, a pool to cool off, uninterrupted views, tranquility, bliss? Well, we've found it. And no, it's not in Swakopmund. Head to Kamanjab this festive season and book your retreat at Onjowewe, the House in the Rocks. Chances are it's booked already, but then you might want to explore this exqusite place later next year. The house (with all the above amenities) was built a couple of year ago as the set for French movie La Piste. The owners of the farm luckily decided to keep it and maintain it's rustic splendour, complete with swaying curtains and plenty of romantic candlelight. There's no electricity, but staff will make a turn in time for your evening shower to light the donkey (and the fire and the lanterns and the candles).

The house easily sleeps eight and can be booked via Namibia JJ Tours: http://www.namibiajjtours.com/onjowewe.php

Windhoek City Guide.

Based on the Secretly Namibian blog, the Namibia Business Innovation Centre NBIC has created an awesome City Guide for Windhoek. Other than your usual Windhoek guides, this small booklet is free of ads and only features selected businesses, innovative entrepreneurs and recommended eat-out options. The focus is on well-curated content rather than paid-for advertorials. For locals and tourists alike the Windhoek City Guide provides to complete lowdown on arts, crafts, culture and design, as well as the capitals burgeoning culinary scene. It's a celebration of one of Africa's most liveable cities, a hidden gem on a human scale that waits to be explored.

The booklet is available for N$20 from NBIC, but more outlets in Windhoek will follow soon. You can also check it out online at http://issuu.com/nbicnamibia/docs/windhoek

Pure & Simple.

In the Namibian retail landscape, dominated by big players from South Africa, it's hard to find shops that make an effort to stock beautiful things made in Namibia. Enter Pure & Simple. The airy shop-cum-café in Garten St just around the corner from Sardinia Restaurant awaits with a whole range of household and beauty products, most of them sourced locally. The space is divided into four colour sections to make it easy for customers to find things in their favourite shades. They also serve and stock Slowtown coffee beans and will treat you to a yummy muffin to go with it if you ask nicely. A changing exhibition by Namibian artists rounds off the Pure & Simple experience, so make sure you bring some time to exlore everything on offer.

www.pureandsimpleshop.net