Namibia Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Namibia

Namibia may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there's plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you'll find international brands and independent craft shops – the best of which are in Post Street Mall, Namibia Crafts Centre and Windhoek Street Market; the latter is held every second Saturday.

Popular souvenirs include local crafts such as leatherwork, jewellery, wood carvings, and hand-painted fabrics. Precious gems are another big draw for Namibian shoppers and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek.

In Rundu and other areas in the northeast, you'll find traditional San handicrafts including arrowheads and beads made from ostrich eggshells.

Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport.

Shopping Note

Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs and leopards are forbidden.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some shops also open on Sundays.

Nightlife in Namibia

With most visitors to Namibia heading into the wilderness, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar, which is a subdued affair.

Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund offer a more vibrant option after dark. Among the three, Windhoek has the most to offer as you'd expect from a capital, with a string of jazz bars, night clubs and theatres ready to welcome tourists and locals alike.

Joe's Beerhouse in Windhoek is very popular – fun and friendly, this place is best for a meat feast and boozing sessions extending into the small hours.