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. 

The Little Red House.

Namibia's premier weekend resort Swakopmund, despite all its holiday homes of the country's moneyed elite, is an architectural nightmare. Apparently, wealth and good taste are mutually exclusive here, so most accommodation options in private flats or villas are strikingly tasteless. That's why we treasure the little red house right at the beach in central Swakopmund so much. It's the only really charming alternative that allows for relaxed seaside vacations as they should be. The small cottage is all wood, natural fabrics and patina, it has a hundred exciting stories to tell if you are ready to listen. Just sit by the window, your feet on the cosy Ibenstein rug, and enjoy a good read while the weekend companions are busy with dinner preps in the kitchen.

Only problem is, you can't just rent it from an estate agent. There is no website and no Tripadvisor account. You have to know someone who knows the owner and shares the relevant contact details with you...

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...

La.Uni

Nice. The guys at Landau University in Germany started featuring »Secretly Namibian« in their charming student mag La.Uni. Bringing Namibia to the world. Thanks, folks.

Check the latest issue of their weekly publication. »Secretly Namibian« on page 23: http://issuu.com/la.uninews/docs/125th.launi/23

Back issues here.

Leather Products.

If there is one thing available in abundance in Namibia it definitely is good-quality leather. It comes in a variety of textures and colours from ebony calf skin to bronze Kudu. Skilled crafters at workshops around the country transform this natural product into wonderful fashion accessories and luxurious cases for our beloved Mac Books and iPhones. Alas, well-designed items are a rare find in the capital's leather boutiques and for the most part kitsch still seems to prevail. But don't despair. Most shops are happy to assist with custom-made pieces tailored to your liking, a prohibitively expensive endeavour elsewhere in the world. Put your design ideas to paper and get yourself that leather weekender you've always wanted. And don't forget a set of simple folders for your creative projects. You'll see your colleagues green with envy. So be kind and bring some for them, too.