Namibia brews beer under a German purity law from 1516 and grills meat over an open fire almost every evening. German heritage, South African braai and local street food add up to one of Africa's most meat-centric cuisines. Here's what to try.
Beer: German tradition in the desert
Namibian brewers choose to follow the Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law of 1516: only water, barley malt and hops. The tradition survived every change of government and became a national signature.
| Beer | What it is |
|---|---|
| Windhoek Lager | The country's best-known beer and main export brand; also Draught and Light versions |
| Tafel Lager | A local favourite, originally from Swakopmund, slightly darker |
| Hansa Pilsener | A classic pilsner, also from the coast |
| Urbock | A seasonal bock made from Munich barley malt; brewed only in May, richer and stronger |
| Camelthorn Weizen | An amber wheat beer; Camelthorn began as an independent brewery |
All of these are now produced by Namibia Breweries (NamBrew). Locals like to say their beer causes no hangover — treat that as a national joke rather than advice.
Where to drink: beer gardens and restaurants in Windhoek, the Brauhaus in Swakopmund, and Oktoberfest in autumn.
Meat: from kapana to game
Braai. Open-fire barbecue is the country's central ritual: beef, lamb, boerewors sausage and game.
Kapana. Street food: thinly sliced meat seasoned with kapana spice and grilled over coals, served with roasted bread, pap (maize porridge) or relish.
Game. Namibia is one of the few places where an antelope steak is a regular menu item:
- oryx (gemsbok) — lean with a mild flavour, the most popular game meat;
- kudu — tender meat from a large antelope;
- springbok — a small antelope and an icon of southern Africa;
- eland and ostrich — also common on menus.
Chefs prepare the "Namibian skewer": kudu, eland, oryx, ostrich and springbok steaks brushed with garlic-rosemary butter and grilled medium-rare over coals.
Biltong. Dried beef or game, the go-to road-trip snack, sold in supermarkets and at petrol stations.
Beef. Namibia's free-range beef sells to Europe and was the first African beef on the US market. More: Namibian beef.
Joe's Beerhouse
Windhoek's best-known spot for this theme: local beer and game dishes such as kudu, zebra and crocodile. Plan a dinner here on your first or last evening.
A food day on your tour
Our routes can include:
- a game dinner in Windhoek;
- a braai under the stars at a lodge;
- an evening at a Swakopmund brewery restaurant;
- a kapana market visit with a guide.
The programme is tailored to your group at the first free consultation.
This material is provided for reference. Data as of October 2026.
