Travel tips

Leaving a tip of 5%-10%, when satisfied with the service in a restaurant is normal in Namibia – but by no means is it necessary. Many hotels and lodges will have a communal staff tip box – use this to leave one tip for your stay and experience in the hotel – but again don’t feel obliged to do so if the service isn’t what you expect.

Zambians take a relaxed but conservative approach to clothing – and as with much of Africa, aren’t used to seeing lots of exposed skin. Dress sense for business and formal occasions is most often trousers and shirt – but without a tie, and on rare occasions, traditional dress – which usually means that colourful, long, flowing African robes are worn by all.

Cuisine

Al fresco cooking is a way of life in Namibia – traditional barbecues or Braaivleis are incredibly popular, as well as meats introduced by both the German and British settlers, while Potjiekos is a spicy stew of meat that is cooked in a cast iron, three-legged pot over an open fire. Both of these are popular along the game trails in lodges and hotels.

Plenty of German food has survived here too – particularly in Swakopmund and Windhoek where traditional German-style desserts such as Kirschtorte and Apfelstrudel are available year-round. Landjäger, much like in Germany is a popular snack food. For something a little more Namibian try Luderitz Oysters, Kalahari Truffles or Omajowa – the large mushrooms that grow periodically at the foot of termite hills after the February rains.