The Fish Deli.

When we go to Swakop over the weekend, we make sure we arrive well before 13:00 on Saturday. Because that is when the Fish Deli closes. And that would mean to miss all the seafood goodness on offer at Namibia's most wonderful fishmonger. In fact, the Fish Deli has become one of the main reasons to go to Swakop. First, we would have a big portion of fish and chips, as well as joghurt with berries for dessert. Then, we stock up on angelfish scewers and marinated kingklip for the evening braai, plus a huge container of creamed herring to take back to Windhoek and get us through the week on the mainland. Fortunately, Katja and Martin (they guys behind the Fish Deli) were wise enough to broaden their reach to the capital in recent months. Some of their delicacies can now also be found at Seawork and Superspar. But for some reason we still make sure we are at the coast on time...

Free Map Collection of Namibia.

If there is one thing you should do in Namibia, it is obviously traveling.  From Orange River to Kunene, from coast to Kalahari, Namibia's landscapes are as diverse as its people. And roads, though not necessarily perfect in all places, extend into the most remote corners of the country. Fortunately, there is no need to buy expensive maps for orientation and route planning (unless you want to go off-road and need GPS coordinates). Just head for the nearest tourist info and get yourself a free »Map Collection of Namibia«, featuring separate maps for Northern and Southern Namibia, plus city maps of Windhoek, Swakop and Walvis. Oh, and they obviously make their money via advertising, which isn't a bad thing either, as some of your destinations, i.e., lodges, are indicated already. Which is how we made it into every single copy of the map collection ever since the 2010/11 edition. Yes, the guy in the canary yellow jersey in the passenger seat of the game drive vehicle at Erindi, that's me.

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.