Food and Shopping in Namibia
Namibian food draws on the traditions of its different cultural groups, as well as the country’s farming and fishing heritage. Mahangu, a type of pearl millet, is a staple in the north and is used to make oshifima, a thick porridge served with meat, vegetables or sauces. Beef is eaten throughout Namibia, including kapana, pieces of meat grilled over an open fire and sold at markets and roadside stalls. Restaurants and lodges also serve game such as kudu, oryx and springbok.
On the Atlantic coast, you will find locally caught fish, oysters and rock lobster. The cold, nutrient-rich Benguela Current supports Namibia’s fishing industry, and oysters are farmed around Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Lüderitz. Lüderitz is also known for rock lobster, locally called crayfish, and celebrates it with an annual festival.
Namibia’s German heritage is easy to spot in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Bakeries and cafés serve breads, pastries and cakes, and you will find sausages, schnitzel and other German-influenced dishes in restaurants. Contemporary Namibian chefs also use indigenous ingredients and recipes in modern dishes.
Windhoek is a good place to look for crafts from different parts of Namibia, but there is plenty to buy elsewhere. Kavango woodcarvers produce bowls, figures and decorative pieces, and basket weaving is an important craft in the northeast. Craft centers and community projects sell jewelry, pottery, textiles, embroidery and leatherwork.
You will also find galleries and specialist shops selling contemporary Namibian art and design. Buying directly from craftspeople and locally run craft centers supports the people who make the work and gives you the opportunity to learn where it was made and the techniques used.
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Opening Hours in Namibia
Shops in Namibia generally open Monday to Friday from around 8:00 or 9:00 AM until 5:00 or 5:30 PM, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Larger shopping centers and supermarkets stay open later and many trade on Sundays. Smaller independent shops may close earlier on Saturday afternoons. Opening hours are reduced on public holidays,
Dining Hours in Namibia
Breakfast is generally served from around 7:00 AM, with lunch between 12:00 and 2:00 PM and dinner from around 6:00 or 6:30 PM. Restaurants in Windhoek and Swakopmund commonly serve dinner into the evening. At safari lodges and camps, meal times are usually coordinated with game drives and other activities, with dinner served at a set time.
Paying in Namibia
The Namibian dollar (NAD) is the local currency and is linked to the South African rand at a 1:1 rate. South African rand notes and coins are accepted throughout Namibia, but Namibian dollars are not legal tender in South Africa. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, restaurants and larger shops. Carry some cash for smaller purchases and more remote areas.
Tax-Free Shopping in Namibia
Namibia charges 15% VAT on most goods and services. Foreign visitors can claim VAT back on qualifying goods purchased in Namibia and taken out of the country, provided the required tax invoices are kept and the goods are presented for inspection when leaving. Accommodation, meals and other services do not qualify for the tourist VAT refund. Allow extra time at your departure point to complete the refund procedure.
What to Buy in Namibia
Basketry is one of Namibia’s most distinctive crafts, particularly in the Zambezi and Kavango regions. Women weave baskets from locally gathered grasses and palm leaves, using natural dyes to create geometric patterns. You will find traditional storage and carrying baskets alongside smaller pieces made for visitors.
Wood carving is another established tradition in northern Namibia. Kavango craftspeople work with local woods to make bowls, animals, masks and decorative objects, with craft markets and centers in the north among the best places to see a wide selection.
Jewelry ranges from contemporary pieces by Namibian designers to handcrafted work using beads, seeds, leather and other natural materials. You will also find jewelry influenced by the designs and techniques of Namibia’s different cultural groups.
Namibian textiles and embroidery include bags, cushion covers, table linen and clothing, with designs inspired by local wildlife, plants and cultural traditions. You will also find leather goods and pottery.
For something edible, look for products made with indigenous ingredients such as !nara, the desert melon that grows in the Namib. Specialist shops also sell Namibian salt, preserves and locally produced food products. Craft centers, conservancy shops and cooperatives are good places to buy directly from local producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Namibia known for?
Namibia is known for its high-quality meat, including beef and game such as oryx, kudu and springbok. Kapana, mahangu pap and food cooked over a braai are among the dishes to look for. The coast is also known for oysters, fish and Lüderitz rock lobster.
Are there good options for vegetarians in Namibia?
Yes. Hotels, lodges and restaurants in the main tourist areas cater for vegetarian diets, although the choice is smaller in remote areas. Tell us about dietary requirements when you book so these can be passed to your accommodation and included dining experiences before you travel.
What should I buy in Namibia?
Look for handwoven baskets, carved wooden pieces, jewelry, textiles, leatherwork and contemporary Namibian art. Craft centers and community projects are good places to meet makers and learn more about the techniques and materials behind individual pieces.
Can I drink tap water in Namibia?
Tap water is safe to drink in many towns and lodges, but water quality varies by location. Your guide and accommodation will advise you locally, and drinking water is readily available during your tour.
Can I claim back VAT on purchases in Namibia?
Foreign visitors can claim a refund of the 15% VAT paid on qualifying goods that are taken out of Namibia. Keep your tax invoices and have the goods available for inspection when you leave the country. Accommodation, meals and other services do not qualify for the tourist VAT refund.
Our local expert in Namibia
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in Namibia
We include restaurants, markets and local food experiences as part of your luxury vacation in Namibia. Your guide can recommend regional dishes, explain unfamiliar ingredients and take you to trusted shops, craft centers and community projects. If there is something particular you would like to taste or buy, tell us and we can plan for it before you travel.