Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
House of Gems
( 225202;
www.namrocks.com
;
131 Werner List St)
This is the most reputable shop in
Windhoek for buying both raw and polished minerals and gemstones.
GEMS
Penduka
( 257210;
www.penduka.com
)
Penduka, which means 'wake up', operates a nonprofit
women's needlework project at Goreangab Dam, 8km northwest of the city centre. You
can purchase needlework, baskets, carvings and fabric creations for fair prices and be as-
sured that all proceeds go to the producers. To get there, take the Western Bypass north
and turn left on Monte Cristo Rd, left on Otjomuise Rd, right on Eveline St and right
again on Green Mountain Dam Rd. Then follow the signs to Goreangab Dam/Penduka.
CRAFT
Cymot Greensport
( 234131; 60 Mandume Ndemufayo St)
This is the place to head for supplies before
you head off into the Namibian wilds - it's good for air compressors, a vital accessory. It
is also a supplier of quality camping, hiking, cycling and vehicle outfitting equipment, as
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
Information
Dangers & Annoyances
Central Windhoek is actually quite relaxed and hassle free. As long as you stay alert, walk
with confidence, keep a hand on your wallet and avoid wearing anything too flashy, you
should encounter nothing worse than a few persistent touts and the odd con artist.
However, you do need to be especially wary when walking with any kind of bag, espe-
cially on backstreets. Most importantly, don't use bumbags or carry swanky camera or
video totes - they're all prime targets.
During the research for this topic, a popular con was for would-be-thieves to play on
the conscience of tourists and get their attention by posing the question, 'why won't you
talk to a black man?' Ignore this and keep walking. As an extra precaution, always travel
by taxi at night, even in the wealthy suburbs. The streets in Windhoek are ominously quiet
