I am going to Namibia & will visit Windhook. Whhere do you stay and how do you spend the day there? Any favorite eateries or bars. Any places to shop for anything special? Is it easy to get around?

They have rental cars at Windhoek, just rent one and take off for the day, Lots to see and do. My only gripe was they drive on the wrong side of the road...

quote:

Originally posted by clayman216:
I am going to Namibia & will visit Windhook. Whhere do you stay and how do you spend the day there? Any favorite eateries or bars. Any places to shop for anything special? Is it easy to get around?

Joe's Beerhouse is not to be missed!

Windhoek is not the safest of cities. If you leave anything in an unattended vehicle it WILL be stolen. The thieves like to smash the window and run off with the goods.

Muggings have become popular also.

I have a ton of experience in African cities/capitals. Outside of South Africa, Windhoek is one of the few that really scares me.

Eat at Joes!!!

Joe's Beerhouse

I'm another big yes on Joe's, eat game meats & buy t-shirts for all your buds. Also try NICE - Namibian Institute of Culinary Education , gourmet food made by student chefs at great prices. If you stay at Roof of Africa (nice hotel) you can walk to Joe's, its about 500 meters down the road.

Might want to try Joe's Beerhouse.

You need to go to Joe´s

Joe's Beerhouse one more time. Catch a cab to Zoo Park and you are in walking distance to all kinds of shopping. Also Cafe Zoo is a good place to grab lunch, they usually have some type of special consisting of kudu or gemsboc steak.

Been to Windhoek several times and never felt unsafe or had anything stolen.Enjoy your trip.

At Joe's try the Bushmens Sosatie very good, but for the life of me I don't understand why chicken is part of it.

Another vote for Joe´s!

Whent there in 09 and besides great food at very low price (compared to Sweden) the place isn´t just another place to grab dinner!

I had a seafood coctail as a starter and a "Bushfire" as a main course! If my memory serve me right the "Bushfire" had ostrich, kudu and impala included. In the middle of the plate was a glass of "wite-blitz" (not sure on spelling), aka moonshine Perfect grilled meat and veggies, a great night in many ways!

The Zebra steak at Joe's is excellent.

I think you got the run down on Joe's. While I have not tried any, there are suppose to be some very good Portuguese restaurants in Windhoek as well.

I've kicked around a few times in Windhoek on my own including with my wife in 2009 when we did a self-drive tour of Namibia and other areas. While we utilized common sense, we never felt un-safe in Windhoek.

Concur with Jorge. A buddy of mine wandered around and did not have a problem. Also, on the meal prices at Joe's, check the latest rate of exchange. For what you get, you will be surprised at how reasonable it is.

There's an excellent little shop called SafariLand Holtz if you're in the market for bush-wear. They carry Courteney boots.

Also a few casinos around town.

What's the restaurant in the shopping mall?

Another resturaunt I enjoyed a great deal is Luigi and the Fish.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
What's the restaurant in the shopping mall?

I ate at a steak place at the mall but can't remenber the name. I wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

Joe's is OK, been there done that, twice. I think it is popular because most folks have heard of it prior to a Namibia trip and put it on their list. It's worth giving it a go. If you are into such things, the mineral museum is worth a couple of hours. I was always with my PH while walking/driving around Windhoek so always felt safe and didn't give it a second thought. Relax and enjoy that is the key!!

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Jorge400:

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
What's the restaurant in the shopping mall?

I ate at a steak place at the mall but can't remenber the name. I wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

I think you are referring to the Cattle Baron..it's now called the Peppercorn.
There has recently been a change of ownership at Joe's. Hopefully the service will get better now. Luigi just closed! How ever next door is the O'Portuga which is quite nice. Otherwise if you have a bit of time, there a couple of places outside of Windhoek which have a bit of Game and offer game drives at reasonable prices. (Okapuka, Gocheganas etc.) If you would like to have a tour around Windhoek, google for Bwana Tuke Tuke. Apart from that, Windhoek is reasonably safe. Enjoy your stay!

Have a late night toddy or two at the Sky Bar atop the new Hilton Hotel..Great view.

Depends on what you are looking for, CM216. I have been going to Windhoek annually since 1983 and find the place delightful.

For very good food (and Joe's is more for the atmosphere than the food), try Gathemann Restaurant on Independence Ave. Best to google for a phone number and reservations. Also delicious and less complicated a place is O Portuga on Sam Nujoma Ave. (some blocks before the left turn onto the highway to the airport).

For high-end shopping go to Katerina Karl that is three or four doors to the left as you exit the Kalahari Sands arcade. Serious leather and designer clothes for men and women. High end jewelry shops incolude Adriaan Meyer that has moved and, I believe, is on the corner just left out of the Kalahari Sands.

Where to stay gets complicated as the town as many, many Bed & Breakfast places and a few more than several decent hotels. I'm not fond of the Kalahari Sands (stayed there too many times on business).

Regards, Tim