The travel schedule for my July/Aug hunt has me in Windhoek for one entire day plus half of the next. Any suggestions as to must-see/must-do things in and around the city? Gunshops, gift shops, tours, etc.?

This will be after my hunt, on the way home. The only suggestion I've received so far, from a family friend who's gone several times, is to find a local doctor "to wipe the shit-eating grin off your face".

I'm hoping for something a little more constructive here.

Thanks,

John

Probably a number of hunters will respond that know this place, but there is a place called Joe's something. It is one of the neatest bars and restaurants that I have ever seen. I was there two years ago...three of ate and drink the most expensive items and the bill was $82.00..bottle after bottle of South Africa's finest.

Joe's Beer House. The large church is worth a visit- it has a list of battles and soldiers that were killed during the early 20th century. You can buy trinkets on a side street in town.

There is a restaurant called Paulo's or something like that. It has incredible tiger prawns. You must try it.

mrfudd...that is it: Joe's Beer House.

The Geology Musem is really good, another vote for Joe's Beer House, some of the rug and arts and craft markets are also worthwhile. Ask your PH for details, as locals usually have more insight to the really cool things to see and do. Have a great trip.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

EAT AT JOE'S!

Best resturaunt in all of Africa! (Well, at least the best of the four or five where I've eaten.)

There's a gun shop called Rosenthal's that also has an indoor range if you simply must shoot a pistol. I bought some Rhino bullets there a couple of weeks ago since they aren't imported into France.

if you like fish go to Luigi's restaurant and eat fishh. it is not expensive, visit Safariland at Voigt center the first day you could fins something absolutely necessary as the electrical conversions or any othe gadget you want, a visit to the various shops near the Voigt Center, a visit to the Fort, and a tour at a gun shop, that is quite near to the center.

I was forgorren a suggestion!!! book for a dinner at Joe's Beer House. otherwise it can be a problem.

See if a someone with close proximity to hunting can take you out for a day hunt, then come back eat at Joe's, go to the hotel and catch your flight the next day.

Joe's Beer House really is a special place.

Gemsbok, kudu and zebra steaks, good beer, good wine and spirits - especially Jägermeister!

Dining al fresco near an open fire.

Nothing else like it anywhere on earth.

Joe's for dinner, definitely. The fort is interesting and there's a museum near the fort that while a bit rough around the edges, has a lot of historical stuff. Johann Viljoen has a very nice jewelry store. Check out the Tanzanite and ekipas (sp?) -- it pays to keep the lady of the house wishing you'd go back. I don't have Johann's card here at the office, but can get the address if you are interested.

I'll be in Windhoek for a couple of days before Safari 7-17 June. (Nice break from here in Iraq.) My PH also recommended Joe's. Thanks for the other recommendations. My hunting partner would like to golf (I know, I know) while there. Any comments?

Another +1 million for Joe's - I ate there 3 times - get the zebra steak! I couldn't get enough of it. Also the Bushman's Sossatie was incredible - make sure you skipe the meal before this one as it is HUGE!

If you get a moment, stop just down the road from Joe's at Casa Piccolo - Claudia Horne runs it and is just the nicest, hunter-friendly lady you could meet. I'm sure she'd love a visit plus she has tons of locally crafted items, jewelry, inexpensive little items and gifts that you can buy for friends, co-workers, etc. - it makes it really easy, and she takes credit cards. I found it easier and less of a hassle than going to the outdoor markets in downtown Windhoek.

OH, almost forgot - Windhoek Brewery has tours and samplings, I think - check out their website:
http://www.nambrew.com/

Namibia Craft Centre - order the egg breakfast and milch coffe... awesome. Some interesting crafts there.

Joe's as suggested here.

O'Portuga is just down the street from Joe's is a great Portugese resturant. Portugese steak or Kabobs are great.

30 minutes north of town is the Okapuka Lodge... great food and a green area just off the resturant where animals feed. Lion feeding is fun too.

Turmoline Jewelry store for jewelry. They have their own design and we thought they were the best.

Okahanja 70 K north of Windhoek has the largest selection of wood, stone carvings... albiet not the best in Africa by a long shot. Closwa biltong is also there and about the best commercial biltong you will find anywhere.

Mug and bean was a good place to get coffee as well as the Brazilian... Brazilian is a little starbucks style.

Cattle Baron at Marua Mall as well as Cape Outfitters were also some of my favorites.

Hotz as mentioned here is good.

I lived there three years but have been back for about 7 years now... so things have changed some.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Joe's for dinner, definitely. The fort is interesting and there's a museum near the fort that while a bit rough around the edges, has a lot of historical stuff. Johann Viljoen has a very nice jewelry store. Check out the Tanzanite and ekipas (sp?) -- it pays to keep the lady of the house wishing you'd go back. I don't have Johann's card here at the office, but can get the address if you are interested.

lavaca - not sure if you heard: Johann from World of Gems passed away beginning of April this year, cancer. His daughter Nerina still runs the shop and factory well worth a visit when in Windhoek.

Joe's Beerhouse

Joe's Beerhouse is really a license to print money........and the crowd is ahhh eclectic. One night I was there, there must of been 20 Italian girls all looking gorgeous.........the eye candy can be great

And if you have seen the worms that come out of a Zebra, you'd never touch the stuff!!!

One other tip, eat off a plate, not their wooden platters.........the locals avoid them, unless they have a GI tract like a hyena

Nampom,

I'm truly saddened to hear of Johann's passing. We used to sit for an extended time drinking coffee before even beginning to talk about why I was there. I heard a myriad of great stories about Namibia in the days before I had been there. I've dined with Johann at Joe's and he insisted on picking up the check and driving me back to my hostel. Johann was quite a fine gentleman and great company. He will be missed.

I met his daughter on my last trip to Namibia in '07. Quite a fine lady. She appears an accomplished gymnologist and businesswoman in all respects and I'm sure the business will continue in good stead. I'll be back to the shop, but will miss the coffee with Johann.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you for telling me.

Guys,

There is a ton of stuff to do in Windhoek. In addition to Joe's and the shopping on Independence, it's worth walking around over by the Supreme Court, the Lutheran Church, and the big park there.

There are also a couple of good bookstores worth visiting. One in particular, was right around the corner from the Kalahari Sands if I remember correctly. I think the street changed names to "Fidel Castro" street. It was a german-owned bookstore, but had lots of great books (in English) on Namibian history, geology, economy, wildlife, hunting, etc.

Enjoy your time there. I miss it terribly.

- Joel

I don't know the name, but I ate at the greatest little seafood resturant.
Maybe the tiger prawn place mentioned above.
Small, with several unusual items on the menu.
inexpensive.
I also toured the taxidermy studios, interesting to me.