Best Souvenirs from Namibia - What can you buy in Namibia
Best souvenirs from Namibia offers unique keepsakes. One popular item is Herero dolls, which are handmade and dressed in traditional clothing. You can also find beautiful hand-carved wooden animals. Ostrich eggshell jewelry is a special gift made by local artisans. Finally, don’t miss out on buying Himba butter, used for skin care.
Check out some of suggestions for the best souvenirs to get in Namibia:
They wear traditional Herero clothing, which is a long dress and a headscarf. These dolls show the culture and history of the Herero people. Many people buy them as souvenirs from Namibia.
The coffee beans are often sourced from small farms, ensuring a high-quality product. Namibian coffee has a rich and bold flavor, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. You can find it in local markets, coffee shops, and as a popular souvenir.
Swakara furs come from the Karakul sheep, a breed native to Namibia. These furs are known for their soft, glossy texture and unique curly patterns. Swakara fur is often used to make luxurious coats, hats, and other fashion items.
These rugs are known for their durability, warmth, and distinctive texture, featuring thick, curly wool that adds a unique aesthetic to any space. The natural colors of the wool, ranging from deep black to various shades of brown and gray, give these rugs a rustic and elegant look.
Mahangu flour is a traditional Namibian flour made from the mahangu (or pearl millet) grain, which is a staple food in the country. This flour is known for its nutritional value, being rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Namibian Marula oil is a natural oil extracted from the nuts of the Marula tree, which grows abundantly in Namibia. This oil is highly prized for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
These chocolates are often crafted using high-quality cocoa, sometimes infused with local flavors like marula, rooibos, or Kalahari salt, giving them a distinctive taste. Namibian chocolates are known for their rich, smooth texture and are made by small, artisanal producers who focus on quality.
Other popular Namibian beers include Tafel Lager and Namibian Draught, both of which are loved for their crisp and clean flavors. Namibian beers are a significant part of the local culture and are widely enjoyed at social gatherings and celebrations. These beers make excellent souvenirs for those who want to take home a taste of Namibia.
These knives typically feature high-quality steel blades and handles made from materials like wood, bone, or horn, giving each knife a unique and rustic appearance. Namibian handmade knives are valued for their durability, sharpness, and the personal touch that goes into each piece.
These dolls are crafted to reflect the traditional attire and hairstyles of Himba women, who are known for their distinctive red ochre-covered skin and intricate hairstyles made from braided hair and animal skins. Himba dolls are made using natural materials like wood, fabric, and beads, and they are used not only as toys but also as teaching tools to pass down cultural practices to younger generations.
These nuts are known for their hard, smooth surface, making them ideal for carving and engraving. The nuts are sometimes used to make jewelry, keychains, or small decorative items. Each carved nut is a small work of art, making it a meaningful and personalized souvenir.
The wines are often made from grape varieties such as Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they reflect the unique terroir of Namibia with distinctive flavors and aromas.
Namibian spice blends are often used in local dishes like stews, grilled meats, and game, adding a distinct and exotic flavor to the cuisine. These spices make for great souvenirs, allowing you to bring home a taste of Namibia's rich culinary traditions.
These arrows are handmade, typically featuring a wooden shaft, a sharp metal or bone tip, and fletching made from feathers. The arrowheads are often coated with natural poisons derived from plants or insects, which the San use to ensure a successful hunt.
The incense is typically made from a mixture of aromatic herbs, roots, and resins, which are gathered from the local environment. The Himba women use this incense in a process called "otjize," where they burn the incense and allow the smoke to cleanse and perfume their bodies.
Namibian honey is prized for its purity and is usually collected using sustainable and traditional beekeeping methods. It's often sold in local markets and is considered a healthy and natural sweetener, as well as a soothing remedy for various ailments.
Travel Advice in Namibia - Exercise normal safety precautions
Namibia is a country in southern Africa known for its vast deserts, wildlife, and diverse cultures. The Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, stretches along the Atlantic coast, offering stunning landscapes like the famous Sossusvlei dunes. Namibia is also home to Etosha National Park, where you can see a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The country gained independence from South Africa in 1990 and has since been known for its political stability. Namibia’s people are a mix of different ethnic groups, each with its own traditions and languages, contributing to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Here are some travel advice and Tips in Namibia:
Namibia is generally safe for travelers. Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in cities, so stay alert and secure your belongings. When exploring wildlife areas, always follow park guidelines and ranger instructions. It’s wise to have travel insurance for emergencies. Driving requires caution due to long distances and varying road conditions, so ensure your vehicle is well-prepared.
Driving in Namibia requires caution due to long, often remote roads. Be prepared for varied road conditions, including gravel and sand. Always carry essential supplies like water, a spare tire, and a first aid kit. Watch out for wildlife, especially in rural areas and national parks. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and ready for the journey.
Public transportation in Namibia is limited, especially outside major cities. In Windhoek, the capital, you can use taxis and minibuses for local travel. Long-distance travel is usually done by bus, with several companies operating routes between cities and towns. There are also shuttle services available for specific routes, like to tourist destinations. However, renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the country, given the vast distances and sparse public transport options.
In Namibia, drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Avoid ice in drinks, as it may be made from unsafe water. Eat at reputable restaurants with good hygiene practices to minimize foodborne risks. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water or peel them before eating. Make sure meat and seafood are well-cooked to ensure they are safe to consume.
Namibia’s currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas, but it's wise to carry cash for rural areas. ATMs are available in towns and cities, but may be scarce in remote locations. Currency exchange services are offered at banks and exchange bureaus. It's a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure your cards work abroad.
NAMIBIAN uses different size markings. You can use the size converter when purchasing clothing and shoes while traveling in Namibia.