| Go shopping in Namibia with recommendations, reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and locals. Map |
 | Namibia Shopping | Tips 1 - 10 of 22 |  |
Everywhere you go in Namibia you’ll see carved Malakani nuts for sale. The carvings are usually of local wildlife and in the craft shops they’re often made into key rings, light pulls etc. Whenever we parked in a town and got out of the car, several men would approach and ask our names, or maybe our mothers’ names, and after a while we realised that this was so they could quickly carve the name on the surface of one of these nuts in order to persuade us to buy it as a souvenir or gift. Mostly we resisted, but at the Petrified Forest we succumbed. I’ve told this story on my tip about the Forest, but I’ll repeat it here as I think it’s a good story and will offer a sense of the lengths people will go to in order to sell you one of these nuts:
Our guide at the Petrified Forest told us about his life looking after elderly relatives on a farm a couple of miles away. He pointed out the farm and the rough walk he had to take to and from the house several times a day. As we walked and talked he carved a nut - this one was very well done, with a number of animals and my name, so we agreed to buy it in addition to giving him a good tip. When we returned to the car park he took us aside to pay for the nut, away from the view of the official souvenir stall. And the spot he chose to complete the transaction was ...
... beside his very good car. So much for the long daily walks in the hot sun! But it made a good story, and as I said, it was a beautifully carved nut, which was worth the price asked, and it still hangs in my kitchen to remind me of Namibia.
I did wonder whether to include this as a Tourist Trap tip – it can certainly feel a bit like that when you’re being pestered to buy the nuts. But if it was such a trap then it seems we fell into it, and with such a lovely little memento, I don’t regret that at all! Theme: Local Craft
|
 | |  |
Visiting Namibia?
Read reviews about Namibia Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
There is little people at Namibia but the have great supermarkets with all kind of things, belive me you will not miss nearly anything.
Spar is a chain of supermarkets I saw in every city I went, they are really big supermarkets where you can pay with credit card without problem.
Great varity of fruit, vegetables and meat, all kind of biscuits ... and everything for bath or camping Leave a Comment Theme: Other
|
There are plenty of shops in Swakopmund selling art and craft objects, both Namibian and from other parts of Africa. The price usually reflects the quality and if you want a special souvenir you’ll find something I’m sure in one of these shops.
However we found that there were plenty of reasonably priced items available at the craft market too, although you need to be aware (if it matters to you) that most of these are from Zimbabwe. We liked the wooden masks that we’d seen in quite a lot of places and bought this one from one of the stalls. It now hangs in our hallway, where we like to display pictures and other items from our travels – great reminders, and inspiration for future trips too!
In addition to the masks you'll find other wooden objects (bowls, carved figures, walking sticks etc) and textiles.
Prices at the market are very reasonable, and you're expected to haggle - but remember that these people rely on tourist dollars so don't push them too far for the sake of just a small saving to yourself. Theme: Local CraftDirections: Just back from the seafront near the Cafe Anton
|
| | |
I'm actually describing a book, not a shop. If you're traveling to southern Africa with younger family members, I'd suggest that you pick up a copy of
"When Hippo was Hairy" by Nick Greaves
ISBN# 1-86872-456-5
(Check with the publisher at
www.struik.co.za)
This book has approximately 30 tales and legends concerning the animals and lands of southern Africa, as passed down from the San, Damara, Herero, Ovambo and other peoples of the region. It's an entertaining way to learn about the animals, lands and cultures of the countries you visit. An example of the stories you will read is "Why the Lion does not eat fruit", a Hambakushu story. Very interesting and entertaining stuff, especially during long drives with your kids.
"When Hippo was Hairy", by Nick Greaves, illustrated by Rod Clement, ISBN# 1-86872-456-5
Approximately US$10. I'm pretty sure you can get this from Amazon.com online, too. Leave a Comment Theme: Books
|
| | |
This is really more of a local craft co-op shop. Numerous artisans and shop owners are located under one basic roof, offering all sorts of native carvings, weaved goods and polished stones.
Negotiations are the name of the game at this location. Sellers are active, but not threatening. As was the case in most Namibian local shops, service and attitudes were very friendly to visitors.
At this type of shop, you will find
wood carvings
polished stones
local (cheap) jewelry, rings and necklaces
musical instruments (flutes, etc.)
cloth
native and colorful items of clothing
Generally, these items are pretty cheap. I'd offer "50%" as a rule of negotiating. Make it your plan to get the seller down to 50% (or less) of his original offer. Leave a Comment Theme: Local CraftAddress: B1 highway, center of Okahandja. (n. of Windhoek)Directions: Drive into town on the B1, you can't miss it. It will be on the right side of the road if you're headed north.
|
| | |
Visiting Namibia?
Read reviews about Namibia Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Buy the Colman's Worcestershire Spinkle Spice from Holbrooks. Since I tasted it, it is one of my favourite spices. Make a salad of tomatoes and avocados and just put on this spice. It is EXCELLENT!!! Try it on a boiled egg or use into your salad dressing ...
Unfortunately I have no idea if it is available in Germany or somewhere else in Europe. Luckly I have collegues from Namibia and if they go home for holiday they always have to bring a few packages of this spice for me. Leave a Comment Theme: Food and Drink
|
This is a popular clothes shop, with good quality clothes at bargain prices compared to what we pay in England. Always a stop off to top up the wardrobe or buy gear for any male in your life.
Shirts, t-shirts, trousers, kids clothes as well as ladies too.
£3 for a round neck t-shirt, £6 for a short sleeved shirt and maybe £13 for chino style trousers. Leave a Comment Theme: Men's ClothesAddress: Windhoek shopping mallsDirections: Town Square
|
Just outside in the street. You can bargin with the sellers on the street.
Enjoy!!
African crafts are the best choices. Hereo dolls are among the most speical ones.
Both SA Rand and Namibian dollars are lagal tender. The rate is 1:1 but for international visitors, I think it's better to pay and get refund by Rand. Leave a Comment Theme: Local CraftDirections: Independence Ave.
|
Do visit the likes of curio shops, souvenier shops etc while in Africa and take home some local craft.
In Namibia one can find wooden masks and other carvings, as well as some nice jewelry, especially where gems, crystal and precious stones are concerned. Leave a Comment Theme: Local Craft
|
To have a real authentic African Braai you need a few things: Wood! Yes wood. You also need meat; preferably Texas steak which is a huge steak already marinated in tasty spices and feeds about 4 people. Also you will want some Boerwoers. This is a thick tasty sausage that has no comparison anywhere in the world. Preferably from the butchers counter. You also need some cheap firelighters and matches, and possibly some dishes and utensils. Finally you need 2 other key ingredients. Cold beer and friends. Shoprite here has EVERYTHING you need for a Braai except friends. A one-stop shop for the complete Braai experience!
Please note they also sell fresh prepared salads, pastas and canned mushrooms with sauces (pepper, cheese, mushroom). I recommend them all, especially mushrooms with pepper sauce for your boerwoers. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
|
|
on December 23, 2006
on October 27, 2004
on August 3, 2003
on November 7, 2004
on November 20, 2005
on September 11, 2004
on August 4, 2006
on January 19, 2008
