Great weather, friendly people, awe inspiring views, wildlife, deserts and mountains. It is possible to travel to Namibia throughout the year.
- Namibia's peak season runs from July to October. This has traditionally coincided with 'winter game viewing' in Etosha.
- Travelling outside of these times assures you of better availability, lower off season rates and fewer travellers
- Namibia is a hot country with very little rain, the rain that does fall in the summer takes the form of short sharp thundershowers.
Namibia is exceptionally busy and popular between July and October, this is winter, the temperatures are more moderate, the nights cool and the days warm and sunny. This is usually the most popular time to visit Namibia as the game viewing in Etosha, Damaraland and Caprivi Strip is at its best at this time of year. However, the lodges and hotels are full and availability is exceptionally limited. Booking well in advance is absolutely critical to the success of planning your trip at this time of year.
When you visit Namibia, you will find that the cuisine in Namibia is interesting and varied. Local specialities worth sampling are
Swakopmund green asparagus ( September to April ) , Luderitz
Oysters ( all year round ),
Kalahari Truffles ( May and June if they appear ) and Omajowa, the large fleshy mushrooms that appear for a brief period at the foot of termite hills north of Okahandja shortly after the rains in February.
A wide selection of
home made cheeses are made by Danis Kuche near Otjiwarongo. The production of
Namibian olives – the calamata ( black ) variety as well as the green – has taken off well.
Because Namibia’s cattle live entirely off savannah grasses and shrubs, Namibian beef is entirely free from harmful residues, hormones and antibiotics, as is
Namibian Lamb. Venison is becoming increasingly popular especially
ostrich,
springbok and
gemsbok, while game birds, crocodile and seafood such as
Kabeljou,
Rock Lobster and
Oysters are highly regarded. Outdoor cooking is part of the Namibian way of life. The traditional
Braaivlei ( meat barbeque ) is a tasty meal, as is potjiekos, a spicy stew of meat, chicken and fish cooked in a cast iron, three legged pot over an open fire. As you travel throughout the safari lodges in Namibia you will find that many of the lodges serve traditional Braaivleis and Potjiekos as a matter of course.
In
Swakopmund,
Luderitz and
Windhoek experience traditional German – style confectionery includes classic such as
Schwarzwälder,
Kirschtorte and
Apfelstrudel and the renowned
Springer chocolates produced in Windhoek. A favourite breakfast and light lunch are crisp bread rolls, referred to as
Brötchen, filled with cheese eggs, meat or salad. Snacks includes Southern Africa specialities such as biltong ( spiced dried meat ) and droewors ( spicy dried sausage ) and Landjäger, a smoked port and beef sausage, a traditional German snack.
Travel to Namibia and you will see that Namibia is well known for its local beer, brewed by Nambrew in accordance to the traditional purity law, the Reinheitsgebot issued in 1516 in Bavaria. The beers have won several international awards. From the much sought after draught beer which is light and refreshing , to various stronger brews, the beers are a good accompaniment to a meal. As a first time visitor to Namibia we challenge you to try it !
