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?

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/

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.

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/

A Weekend in Omaruru.

Not many towns in Namibia qualify as destinations in their own right. One of the few exceptions to this rule is the quaint little artists enclave of Omaruru. And even if it wasn't, with an ideal location at the centre of the Windhoek-Swakop-Otjwarongo triangle, Omaruru is just a short detour en route between these other places of urban interest. So, if you want to get away from it all and are longing for some inspiration and change of scenery, Omaruru is your destination this weekend. Take a walk along the picturesque main road with its many colonial-era houses that have been turned into galleries and craft shops. Then find yourself a cosy chair under one of the huge trees at the Sanddragon café and watch people passing by while you slurp your super-creamy vanilla milkshake. Continue with a chocolate tasting at the Dögerloh Chocolate Factory, add some wine tasting at the Kristallkellerei, one of Namibia's very few wine estates, and call it a day with a decent dinner at Kashana. Let's just hope you will still make it to your lovely campsite next door at the Riverside Guesthouse. Can you see the shooting stars through the foliage of the giant trees that gently sway overhead at night?

Katutours.

Do something different today and book a bicycle tour of Katutura. Energetic entrepreneur Anna Mafwila and her colleagues at innovative tour operator Katutours will give you the complete lowdown on Windhoek's former township as you roll along buzzing markets and quiet corners. The social business takes tourists and locals out of their cars and onto the streets to experience the life of everyday Namibians up close. The guides make sure they visit plenty of community projects and other businesses where you can buy a fresh bread, local produce or other authentic items. After a three hour ride, you have had some proper exercise, done something for the environment, and supported local businesses. What a rewarding experience! Tours start and end at Penduka, so you can unwind afterwards and digest all the impressions and inputs with a cold beer overlooking beautiful Goreangab Dam.

www.katuturatours.com

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.

Ibenstein Weavers.

Not many people make the effort to venture off the beaten track all the way to the sleepy hamlet of Dordabis. However, Ibenstein Weavers, Namibia's oldest weavery, is definitely enough reason to embark on the short drive out into the veld, where skilled crafters produce the most beautiful, high-quality carpets you'll find in Namibia. Manager Wolfgang will gladly give you a tour of their premises and explain the entire process from raw Karakul wool, sourced from Southern Namibia, to finished carpet. All is done by hand right here at Ibenstein in an almost archaic, low-tech kind of way, including the old wooden looms that populate the workshop. So, bring your own design, choose your preferred colours from their huge palette (wool dyed on-site as well), and wait for delivery to your home a few weeks later.

www.ibenstein-weavers.com.na

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.

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/

Waterberg in Dry Season.

It's that time of year again. It's sunny and cold and bone dry in the capital and even the most persisting greenery has faded into pale shades of grey and beige. If you long for some lush vegetation and a hint of rainy season, look (drive!) no further than the Waterberg plateau. Well, chances of rain are just as low here than anywhere else in the country during the winter months, but when climbing the slopes up to the Waterberg lookout this beautiful destination still has an almost tropical feel. The good thing is, it's a short drive from Windhoek (by Namibian standards at least) and just the perfect distance for a relaxing weekend trip. Pack your camping gear and stock up on fire wood and mulled wine on the way. It will keep you warm when sharing stories around the fireplace after your descent from the mountain. But beware of the leopards...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Al Fresco Dining.

For all of us who like al fresco dining, Namibia undoubtedly is the place to be. It's open air season 365 days a year. Even during rainy season you can sit outside on most days, provided you have a covered porch. Get yourself some antipasti, listen to the birds/crickets/frogs/rain (depending on your location) and while the evening away. And for those chilly winter nights, just get yourself a decent amount of candles and a warm blanket. Just avoid moving to Swakopmund unless you are a particular fan of dampness.