Safari Game Meat

Namibia incorporates sustainable wildlife use into its regulations, and restaurants legally serve both farmed and quota-regulated game meats: oryx steak is lean yet tender, pan-seared to resemble high-quality beef—it’s a must-try; springbok has a slightly grassy flavor and is often served as thin carpaccio slices; zebra and ostrich steaks are also common, with very low fat content. Main dishes range from 180–350 Namibian dollars, and are available at Joe Beerhouse in Windhoek and at the restaurants of most lodges.

Legacy of German Colonial Cuisine

• German Sausages and Sauerkraut: German-style restaurants in Swakopmund and Windhoek serve blood sausage, Thuringian sausages with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, paired with locally brewed Windhoek Lager beer—transporting you straight to Bavaria.
• Bakery Culture: The apple tart at Solitaire Fuel Stop is a favorite among road-trippers nationwide; the rye bread and traditional German cakes from the old bakery in Swakopmund are worth lining up for early in the morning.
• Octoberfest: Windhoek hosts an annual German-style beer festival in late October, featuring roast pork knuckle and live folk bands.

Local BBQ and Street Eats

• Braai: A core part of southern African social life, it involves grilling steaks and sausages over charcoal. If you’re staying overnight at a campsite, join in the local tradition by buying some meat and grilling it yourself.
• Kapana: A street food found in Katutura Market in Windhoek, these small skewers of grilled meat are served fresh with chili, peanut powder, and chapati. It’s a local lunch favorite and offers one of the best grassroots dining experiences.
• Biltong and Droëwors: South African-style dried meat strips and sausages, perfect for road trip snacks or as souvenirs.

Seafood and Where to Eat

The cold Benguela Current nourishes coastal fishing grounds, making Walvis Bay and Swakopmund oyster havens: local oysters are plump and juicy, with half a dozen costing around 80–120 Namibian dollars, best paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc; Nile perch and Kingklip (a type of codfish) steaks are also staples on harbor restaurant menus. Independence Avenue in Windhoek features restaurants ranging from German to contemporary South African cuisine, while most of Swakopmund’s top eateries are within walking distance of the main street. Food safety is generally good, but those with seafood allergies should still check labels as usual.

Self-Catering Tips for Road Trips

• Supermarket shopping list: bottled water, biltong, biscuits, canned goods, and fruit. Cooking a meal for two at a campsite costs about 120–200 Namibian dollars, much cheaper than eating out at restaurants.
• Campsites such as Sesriem and Okaukuejo have communal kitchens and fridges—you can plan shopping trips every other day; meat is fresher in coastal towns like Walvis Bay.
• Alcoholic beverages are limited for sale on Sundays in supermarkets—if you plan to have drinks with dinner while camping, buy alcohol in advance. Always take all trash back to town for proper disposal.